X-Machine Based Testing for Cloud Services

Abstract

Abstract. In this article we present a tool designed for cloud service testing, able to generate test cases from a formal specification of the service, in form of a deterministic stream X-machine (DSXM) model. The paper summarizes the theoretical foundations of X-machine based testing and illustrates the usage of the developed tool on some examples. It shows in detail how the specification should be written, which are the design for test conditions it should satisfy, in order to assure the generation of high quality test suites for the cloud service.

Towards an Integrated Approach to Verification and Model-Based Testing in System Engineering

“…The validation aspects are covered by a model-based testing approach, directly derived from the X-machine model [18,19]. This testing methodology allows to check that every component is implemented according to the model provided based on certain input and internal values associated with it and generates a test sequence that reveals implementation errors, exemplified by using a tool [23] generating JUnit test cases.…”

“…This X-machine based testing approach is supported by tools verifying the design for testing conditions and generating test sets. Some of them [21,23] use a high level specification of the X-machine in the form of an XML file, describing the functions, memory, input domains for the functions etc. For the e-Bike case study we have specified the X-machine model from Section III using the Broker@Cloud Verification, Validation and Testing Tool Suite [23].…”

Advanced service brokerage capabilities as the catalyst for future cloud service ecosystems

“…A service specification language based on EFSM models and expressed in XML has been constructed; and tools have been created that interpret this language [16,17]. Verification and validation tools ensure that the service workflow, expressed as a finite state machine, is consistent with the individual function specifications, and that the latter are consistent, complete and deterministic.…”

“…One precursor to our approach [31] showed how EFSMs could be reverse-engineered from protocol specifications with IOPE descriptions (inputs, outputs, preconditions and effects). The resulting EFSM was amenable to the Stream X-Machine method for complete functional testing [32,33], on which our approach is based [16,17].…”

A verified and optimized Stream X‐Machine testing method, with application to cloud service certification

“…Enhancing the role of the cloud broker as guarantor of quality assurance was the premise behind the EU FP7 BrokerCloud project , which investigated methods and mechanisms for continuous quality assurance and optimization of brokered software services in the cloud. The project demonstrated a brokerage platform which could validate and test software services prior to uploading ( certification at onboarding ) , manage the service lifecycle from creation to decommissioning ( lifecycle governance ) , regulate the performance and availability of services ( monitoring and adaptation ) and recommend alternative service bundles, according to customer preferences ( preference‐based arbitrage ) . The current article describes the novel verification and testing approach that was developed to assure functional quality and substitutability, as part of a service certification strategy.…”