Model–Based Testing Essentials – Guide to the ISTQB Certified Model–Based Tester

Foreword by Gualtiero Bazzana xi
Foreword by Robert V. Binder xiii
Preface xv

1 Introduction to model–based testing 1
1.1 Why do we need new approaches to testing?, 1
1.2 What is model–based testing?, 2
1.3 Benefits of MBT, 5
1.4 Pitfalls of MBT, 13
1.5 What can you realistically expect?, 19

2 What you should know about MBT before starting 21
2.1 ISTQB MBT glossary terms used in this book, 21
2.2 Other terms to know, 23
2.3 The modeling languages used in this book, 28

3 Process aspects of MBT 35
3.1 MBT and the fundamental test process, 35
3.2 The typical MBT process, 38
3.3 MBT and software development lifecycles, 49
3.4 How MBT supports requirement engineering, 55

4 Aspects to consider before you start writing an MBT model 59
4.1 Preliminary considerations on MBT modeling, 59
4.2 Subject and focus of your MBT model, 65
4.3 The influence of test objectives on MBT models, 70

5 Modeling languages the agony of choice 75
5.1 Main categories of modeling languages, 76
5.2 UML and BPMN, 82
5.3 Other graphical modeling languages used for MBT, 85
5.4 Textual modeling languages used for MBT, 90
5.5 How to select the appropriate modeling language, 91

6 Good MBT modeling practices 97
6.1 Quality characteristics for MBT models, 97
6.2 Typical mistakes and pitfalls in MBT model design, 101
6.3 Linking requirements and process–related information to the MBT model, 103
6.4 The significance of modeling guidelines for MBT, 107
6.5 The question of reusing models from other development activities, 108
6.6 Tool support for MBT modeling activities, 112
6.7 Iterative MBT model development, 114
6.8 Other recommendations, 115

7 How MBT relates to test design techniques? 119
7.1 Equivalence partitioning and boundary value analysis, 119
7.2 Decision tables, 122
7.3 State transition testing, 123
7.4 Use case testing, 124

8 Deriving tests from an MBT model 127
8.1 Taxonomy of selection criteria, 127
8.2 Test case selection in practice, 138
8.3 Examples of coverage criteria, 140
8.4 Pros and cons of specific test selection criteria, 149
8.5 Some recommendations regarding test case selection, 152
8.6 Degree of automation in test generation, 154

9 Executing model–based tests 155
9.1 Understanding the concepts, 155
9.2 Adapting test cases for automated execution, 168
9.3 Adapting MBT artifacts due to changes, 173

10 Introducing MBT in your company 179
10.1 Five steps to MBT adoption, 179
10.2 Return–on–invest considerations, 182
10.3 Prioritize your organizational objectives, 186
10.4 How to measure progress and success?, 189
10.5 Deploying MBT, 191
10.6 Initial and running costs of MBT, 193
10.7 Integrating the tools, 196

11 Case studies 201
11.1 Enterprise IT model–based testing OrangeHRM case study, 201
11.2 MBT for process–supporting SW Tool validation case study, 212
11.3 MBT for security components PKCS#11 case study, 226

12 Conclusions 241
Appendix A Solutions of exercises 245
Appendix B Test yourself 253
Appendix C Taxonomy of MBT approaches 261

Abbreviations 263
Terms and definitions 265
ISTQB terms, 265
Other terms, 267
References 269
Index 273