API Testing Method with Markov Models

[article]
Summary:

This paper presents a technique to test APIs that combines aspects of two published software testing methods, namely Markov modeling and category partitioning. Markov modeling provides a basis for model based testing and establishes the context for generating API calls and call sequences within a single test case.

This paper presents a technique to test APIs that combines aspects of two published software testing methods, namely Markov modeling and category partitioning. Markov modeling provides a basis for model based testing and establishes the context for generating API calls and call sequences within a single test case.

For modeling purposes, each combination of parameter values for each function call is a unique "input." Category partitioning helps select parameter values and effective combinations of multiple parameters for individual API calls.

Small examples demonstrate these techniques and two case study summaries illustrateits effectiveness. One case under laboratory conditions established proof-of-concept and the other applicability to a large commercial API. Some aspects of these techniques are manually intensive and suggest a need for automation.

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