A Methodology of Component Integration Testing

Summary

Integration testing plays a crucial role in component-based software development. It is also very difficult due to the common problem of lack of information about the design of the components and the unavailability of source code of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components. Addressing this problem, we investigate how to observe system’s dynamic behavior in component integration testing. Based on a theory of behavioral observation developed in our previous work, this chapter proposes a formal model of component integration testing methods and a hierarchy of behavioral observation schemes suitable for component integration testing. Their properties and interrelations are studied. Incremental integration testing strategies are also investigated. The requirements for proper uses of test drivers and component stubs in incremental integration are analyzed.