Observations for Assertion-based Scenarios in the context of Model Validation

Abstract

Certain approaches to Model-Based Testing focus on test case generation
from assertions and invariants, e.g., written in the Object Constraint Language. In
such a setting, assertions and invariants must be validated. Validation can be carried
out via executing scenarios wherein system operations are applied to detect unsatisfied
invariants or failed assertions. This paper aims to improve our understanding of
how to write useful validation scenarios for assertions in OCL. To do so, we report
on our experiences during the creation and execution of 237 scenarios for validating
assertions for the Mondex Smart Card application. We also describe key factors that
must be considered in transforming scenarios into test cases.