Lessons learned from making the transition to model-based GUI testing

Abstract

Model-based testing (MBT) has been proposed as an effective and versatile approach for testing graphical user interfaces (GUIs) by automatically generating executable test cases from a model of the GUI. Model-based GUI testing has received increasing attention in research, but it is still rarely applied in practice. In this paper, we present our experiences and share the lessons we learned from successfully introducing MBT for GUI testing in three industry projects. We describe the underlying modeling approach, the development of tests models in joint workshops, the implementation of the test model in form of model programs, and the integration of MBT in the test automation architecture. The findings distilled from the three cases are summarized as lessons learned to support the adoption of a model-based approach for GUI testing in practice.