Fault-Based Testing

Abstract

In this chapter, we review the state of the art and practice in fault-based testing. Based on the analysis and the reviews, we propose a comprehensive method for testing and present its main elements. Traditional fault-based testing is concerned with syntactic errors. These errors represent only a small portion of possible errors. Our testing approach is not restricted to these errors. We propose to use fault-tree analysis to determine how certain undesirable states can occur in a system. The results of the analysis expressed in terms of duration calculus formulas are integrated with state chart-based specifications. As a result, we obtain a testing model that provides a representation of the way the system behavior can be compromised by failures or abnormal conditions or interactions. In this way, we can automatically derive fault-based test cases. The example presented in this work illustrates the kinds of problems that arise in Web applications.