Mobile agent‐based regression test case generation using model and formal specifications

Abstract

Regression testing ensures that the functionality of previous code is not affected by the updates in the modified code. The focus of regression test case generation is to generate test cases for changed functionality. The authors' research advocates the use of mobile agent-based technology for regression test case generation using syntax and semantics analysis based on model and formal specifications. In this study, the authors presented a tool for adopting multi-agent systems for regression test case generation on distributed environment using standard unified modelling language (UML) models and formal specifications. Different agents are designed to perform model comparison, behaviour comparison, specifications comparison, impact analysis, and regression test case generation. Agents designed in JADE framework perform these tasks by using XML files of UML class diagram, sequence diagram and formal specifications based on Object-Z and OCL. To the best of the authors' knowledge, no research has reported regression test case generation using mobile agent-based technology along with model and formal specifications. It is found that the use of mobile agents will significantly reduce time and effort for regression test case generation in distributed systems.

Framework for Flexible, Adaptive Support of Test Management by Means of Software Agents

“…Approaches distributing different tasks, e.g. the execution or the analysis of test cases, among agents are proposed in [6]. The drawbacks of functional decomposition are the high amount of shared state variables leading to unintended interactions and inconsistencies [5].…”

Distributed System Computation Model Based on Mobile Agent Development Platform

“…Different structures have different functions and different processing tasks. Users input computing tasks into CMs, and output computing results under the interaction of various functional structures [4]. Although the DC system is widely used, in order to realize the task of CM or the function of dividing and scheduling, it is necessary to rely on the Agent to provide reliable technical support for it.…”