Domain-specific test languages

The development of test code for embedded systems involves a multiplicity of in-house test languages, with no standard emerging. We have proposed a model-driven approach to tackle these problems: test models would be developed and maintained in place of code, with model-to-code transformations towards target test implementation languages. The proposal is driven by the perception that test software is indeed software and that its development can benefit from advanced software engineering methodologies and technologies. Our work started by the analysis of four proprietary test languages currently deployed in the avionic domain. It allowed us to identify the domain-specific concepts, best practices, as well as pitfalls to avoid. We then defined a meta-model in EMF Ecore that formalizes and integrates all identified concepts and their relations [GWWDFS13a]. The meta-model was the basis for demonstrating the use of model-driven technologies in the development of tests. Our demonstrator includes customizable graphical and textual editors for test models, checkers, and finally template-based transformations towards code executable on top of a real industrial test platform [GWWDFS13b].

Publications

[GWWDFS13a] A. Guduvan, H. Waeselynck, V. Wiels, G. Durrieu, Y. Fusero, M. Schieber: A meta-model for tests of avionic embedded systems, Proc. Int. Conf. on Model-Driven Engineering and Software Development (MODELSWARD), Barcelona (Spain), February 2013.

[GWWDFS13b] A. Guduvan, H. Waeselynck, V. Wiels, G. Durrieu, Y. Fusero, M. Schieber: STELAE - A model driven test development environment for avionics systems, Proc. IEEE Int. Symp. on Object/component/service-oriented/Real-time distributed Computing (ISORC), Paderborn (Germany), June 2013.

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