Model Testing

Definition

Model testing is the small component testing of a model to identify defects before the model is implemented. Model testing involves the execution of the model using the "wetware" computer (i.e., human brain), which for example may occur on either a whiteboard or using an upperCASE tool.

Objectives

The typical objectives of model testing are to:

• Ensure that use case models and object models are consistent (e.g., that class diagrams are consistent with relevant sequence diagrams).
• Save effort and time by identifying and correcting defects before the model is implemented.

Preconditions

Model testing can typically begin when the following preconditions hold:

• Use Case Model Testing:
  • Use case paths have been specified.
  • Domain model class diagrams exist.
• Design Object Model Testing:
  • Use case paths have been specified.
  • Design model class diagrams exist.
  • State transition diagrams exist.

Completion Criteria

Model testing is typically complete when the following postconditions hold:

• Use Case Model Testing:
  • Every normal path through a use case has been checked against the relevant domain model class diagrams (e.g., the necessary domain model types exist, and they are connected by associations that allow them to collaborate to provide the behavior of the use case path).
  • At least one exceptional path (if any) through each use case has also been checked against the relevant domain model class diagrams).
• Design Object Model Testing:
  • Every normal path through a use case has been checked against the relevant design model class diagrams (e.g., the necessary design model classes or software components exist, and they are connected by associations that allow them to collaborate to provide the behavior of the use case path).
  • At least one exceptional path (if any) through each use case has also been checked against the relevant design model class diagrams).
  • Class interfaces have been checked against the associated state transition diagrams.

Tasks

Model testing typically involves the following producers performing the following testing tasks:

• Requirements Team, which performs model testing of the use case model and domain object model:
  • Test Reuse
  • Test Design
  • Test Execution
• Software Development Team, which performs model testing of the design object model:
  • Test Reuse
  • Test Design
  • Test Execution

Environments

Model testing is performed on the following environments using the following tools:

• Modeling Room:
  • Whiteboards
• Development Environment:
  • UpperCASE modeling tools

Phases

Model testing typically consists of the following tasks being performed during the following phases:

Guidelines

• Model testing can find some defects earlier and easier than other forms of testing.