US 5,629,878 AGranted

Test planning and execution models for generating non-redundant test modules for testing a computer system

AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation

InventorWalid M. Kobrosly

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Abstract

A knowledge base having non-redundant test modules is developed for the purpose of testing a computer system. The uniqueness of the test modules is insured by comparing all new modules considered for inclusion with the existing knowledge base. As a result of this comparison, a cluster of modules, with properties similar to those of the module being considered for inclusion, is generated. The cluster of modules is then analyzed and a determination is made whether or not the cluster collectively, or a module within the cluster, is sufficient for testing a particular component/unit within a system. If the cluster is deemed sufficient, the candidate module is discarded. Otherwise, the candidate module is added to the knowledge base to enhance the effectiveness of the cluster, or to start a new testing cluster. After the knowledge base is developed, it is applied to generate non-redundant tests based on given criteria. The test is then executed and the results are recorded in the knowledge base.

Claims4

Dependent claims

A method for executing a non-redundant test case needed to test a component or a unit within a given computer system, the non-redundant test case having a set of n non-redundant test modules associated therewith, wherein n is any positive integer, said n non-redundant test modules being included as entries in a knowledge base wherein each non-redundant test module defines, in terms of a set of user specified parameters, the steps needed to test the component or unit within the given computer system, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) executing each of said n non-redundant test modules;
wherein said step of executing includes the steps of:
(1) inputting a user specified test module parameter data set;
(2) comparing said user specified test module parameter data set to a knowledge base specified test module parameter data set;
(3) generating a non-redundant test module parameter data set from said comparison, wherein said step of generating includes the step of generating a first non-redundant test module parameter data set from said comparison if said user specified test module parameter data set is different from said knowledge base specified test module parameter data set;
(4) applying said non-redundant test module parameter data set to said component;
and
(5) sampling said component undergoing said application of non-redundant test module parameter data for collecting result data;
(b) recording the result data of each executed non-redundant test module in said knowledge base in order to maintain the knowledge base specified test module parameter data set integrity of the non-redundant test modules stored therein and to provide information for subsequent test cases using the same knowledge base.

6 more elements

A method for executing a non-redundant test ease needed to test a component or a unit within a given computer system, the non-redundant test case having a set of n non-redundant test modules associated therewith, wherein n is any positive integer, said n non-redundant test modules being included as entries in a knowledge base wherein each non-redundant test module defines, in terms of a set of user specified parameters, the steps needed to test the component or unit within the given computer system, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) executing each of said n non-redundant test modules;
wherein said step of executing includes the steps of:
(1) inputting a user specified test module parameter data set;
(2) comparing said user specified test module parameter data set to a knowledge base specified test module parameter data set;
(3) generating a non-redundant test module parameter data set from said comparison, wherein said step of generating includes the step of generating a first non-redundant test module parameter data set from said comparison if said user specified test module parameter data set is identical to said knowledge base specified test module parameter data set;
said first non-redundant test module parameter data set being identical to said knowledge base specified test module parameter data set;
(4) applying said non-redundant test module parameter data set to said component;
and
(5) sampling said component undergoing said application of non-redundant test module parameter data for collecting result data;
(b) recording the result data of each executed non-redundant test module in said knowledge base in order to maintain the knowledge base specified test module parameter data set integrity of the non-redundant test modules stored therein and to provide information for subsequent test cases using the same knowledge base.

7 more elements

(a) executing each of said n non-redundant test modules;
wherein said step of executing includes the steps of:
(1) inputting a user specified test module parameter data set;
(2) comparing said user specified test module parameter data set to a knowledge base specified test module parameter data set;
(3) generating a non-redundant test module parameter data set from said comparison, wherein said step of generating includes the steps of:
(i) generating a first non-redundant test module parameter data set from said comparison if said user specified test module parameter data set is different from said knowledge base specified test module parameter data set;
and
(ii) generating a second non-redundant test module parameter data set from said comparison if said user specified test module parameter data set is identical to said knowledge base specified test module parameter data set;
said second non-redundant test module parameter data set being identical to said knowledge base specified test module parameter data set;
(4) applying said non-redundant test module parameter data set to said component;
and
(5) sampling said component undergoing said application of non-redundant test module parameter data for collecting result data;
(b) recording the result data of each executed non-redundant test module in said knowledge base in order to maintain the knowledge base specified test module parameter data set integrity of the non-redundant test modules stored therein and to provide information for subsequent test cases using the same knowledge base.

10 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.