Model Based Testing

Software testing is an integral part of the software development life cycle (SDLC). Model based testing is a testing methodology used to generate various test cases from a model. In this approach, the test cases are derived from both the online and offline test case models.

Importance of Software Model Based Testing

The importance of the software model based testing are listed below −

• The model based testing detects defects from the early phases of the software development life cycle(SDLC) at the time of finalizing the requirements, and design of the software by validating the models.
• As the test cases are generated from the models, any updates which are introduced in the software are also made in the test cases. Thus the maintenance of the test cases is easier for large, and complicated software.
• The models and the test cases generated once can be reused for building the regression tests. Thus a consistent approach is followed in the entire testing process, thereby making it more efficient, and optimal.
• The software model based testing provides quicker feedback and supports the continuous testing process. Thus it fits well in the agile and devops techniques of software development. In the CI/CD set up, the test cases are generated and executed without manual intervention, thereby providing faster feedback and ensuring quality software.
• Since the test cases are derived from the models, they cover almost all the features of the software. As a result, it helps to achieve greater test coverage, and early detection of defects during the time of software development.

Types of Software Model Based Testing

The different types of the software model based testing are listed below −

• Statecharts − These are used to simulate the characteristics of the reactive systems such as embedded, and user interfaces.
• Markov Models − They are used to describe the probabilistic characteristics along with the state changes which take place as per the probabilistic rules. They are helpful in evaluating the performance, reliability, and stochastic methods.
• Decision Tables − They are compact, and tabular procedures of describing complex decision reasoning. They are used for rule based software, and verification of business rules, and conditional behavior.
• Entity Relationship Diagrams − They describe how the various entities in the database schemas are connected to each other in a pictorial way. They are useful in designing the database for describing the various entities, their relationships, and data structures.
• Control Flow Graphs − They explain the sequence in which the code is executed, thereby describing the control flow of the program source code. They are helpful in creating the test cases, and evaluation of program characteristics and coverage.
• Data Flow Diagrams − They depict how the data flows through the software with the focus on the entry, processing, and output data. They deal with the dependencies that exist in the data, and to ensure there are correct data conversions
• Unified Modelling Language Diagrams − They provide a consistent notation to describe the various modules of the software. The use case diagrams are used to demonstrate how the users interact with software, and the activity diagrams are helpful to illustrate the control shifts within the software.

Advantages of Software Model Based Testing

The advantages of the software model based testing are listed below −

• The software model based testing gives a higher efficiency at the time of automation.
• End to end testing is possible in software model based testing.
• Various kinds of techniques such as state machines, unified model diagrams, state charts etc are used in the software model based testing.
• The software model based testing detects defects from the early phases of the software development life cycle(SDLC).

Disadvantages of Software Model Based Testing

The disadvantages of the software model based testing are listed below −

• The software model based testing can be done in the absence of formal specifications or requirements.
• The learning curve for the software model based testing is on a higher side.
• The models used at this time of testing should be trained.

Conclusion

This concludes our comprehensive take on the tutorial on Software Model Based Testing. Weve started with describing what is the importance of the software model based testing, what are the different types of the software model based testing, what are the advantages of software model based testing, and what are the disadvantages of software model based testing. This equips you with in-depth knowledge of Software Model Based Testing. It is wise to keep practicing what youve learned and exploring others relevant to Software Testing to deepen your understanding and expand your horizons.