A general test data generator for cobol

Abstract

This article discusses the effort being made by the Mr Force Logistics Command in developing a method of generating effective program test data. This "Test Data Generator" is designed to operate in conjunction with the COBOL compiler implemented by AFLC. As such, the system not only builds data conforming to descriptions given in the Data Division of a COBOL program but also places in these items necessary data relationships to test the logic of the COBOL program. Both the utilization and the method of operation of the system are discussed in this paper.