Automation of Model-Based Testing through Model Transformations

Traditionally, model transformations are done for purposes such as code generation, refinement, refactoring, etc.During these processes, either the model of a system or the actual code is used. In this study, we perform model transformation for testing purposes and the artifact used in this process is the test case model. To explain our approach better,we present a multi-platform model-based testing technique where the operations to be tested are modelled in alloy,and the complete system to be tested is specified in Z formal language. The model transformation is used within this context to transform test cases in XML format generated by alloy analyzer to ZLive commands that animate the Z specification of the system. The study not only presents a show case on how to model the test cases in a standard form, but also defines the rules for transformations from one test case model to another. The study also demonstrate show the use of model transformation can increase the level of automation in model-based testing process.