US 5,692,122 AGranted

Generation of random conversation testcases

AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation

InventorDavid L. Bird

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Abstract

A method of generating pairs of random interprogram conversation testcases is provided in which conversation statements are selected with which to construct the testcases in dependence on what statements are permitted for the predicted current conversation states of the testcases. The effect of each statement that is added to the testcases on the states of the testcases at eventual execution is predicted from predefined state tables for particular conversation protocols. As each conversation-type statement is added to a testcase, it is determined whether matching statements must be added to the other testcase and, if so, these matching statements are randomly generated in the same way. Self-checking code is added to the testcases to check correct execution. The method is particularly suitable for testing the support of asynchronous conversations between transaction processing programs running in different CICS systems.

Claims6

Dependent claims

A method of generating testcase programs for a distributed computer system in which a conversation between partners in remote processors or regions at respective ends of said conversation employs interprogram conversation statements according to a predetermined protocol which also defines conversation states of said partners, each of said partners having a current conversation state, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) randomly generating an example of an interprogram conversation statement for one of said partners which is valid for the current conversation state of that partner;
(b) adding the randomly generated example of an interprogram conversation statement to a first testcase program for that partner;
(c) if any randomly generated statement for the first testcase program requires a matching statement at the other end of the conversation according to said protocol, randomly generating an example of an interprogram conversation statement for the other partner which is valid for the current conversation state of that partner;
(d) adding the matching statement to a second testcase program for the other partner;
and
(e) predicting for each generated interprogram conversation statement any changes of state to said partners that will occur on execution of the respective randomly generated examples of interprogram statements prior to generation of each such subsequent statement, whereby the validity of subsequent statements under said protocol can be predetermined.

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Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.