The role of design components in test plan generation

Abstract

In this paper, we focus on the integration of a test plan generation technique in the context of a use case design methodology. The foundation for this approach lies in partitioning the design schemata into a layered architecture of functional components called design units together with action matrices that tabularly represent each use case scenario as a unique sequence of design units. Based on these two concepts, we demonstrate how test plan generation and software test metrics are developed. The action matrix with design unit boundaries provides the test engineer with a constructive framework to follow a bottom-up test process that proceeds from unit to integration and user acceptance testing. The proposed software testing metrics are employed to improve the productivity of the testing process through scenario prioritization. This approach supports effective test plan generation based on sound and systematic design procedures.