Software Test Selection Patterns and Elusive Bugs

Traditional white and black box testing methods are effective in revealing many kinds of defects, but the more elusive bugs slip past them. Model-based testing incorporates additional application concepts in the selection of tests, which may provide more refined bug detection, but does not go far enough. Test selection patterns identify defect-oriented contexts in a program. They also identify suggested tests for risks associated with a specified context. A context and its risks is a kind of conceptual trap designed to corner a bug. The suggested tests will find the bug if it has been caught in the trap.