A Framework for systematic testing techniques evaluation applied to concurrent programming

Author(s)

Silvana Morita Melo

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Carlos.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Matemáticas e de Computação (ICMC/SB)
• Defense date: 2018-04-04

Examining board members

Simone do Rocio Senger de Souza; Tayana Uchôa Conte; André Takeshi Endo; José Carlos Maldonado; Reginaldo Ré

• Advisor: Simone do Rocio Senger de Souza

Abstract

Background: Although a variety of concurrent software testing techniques have been proposed for the concurrent programming context, the information about them are scattered in the literature, not offering an appropriate characterization and relevant data that can aid the understanding and consequently the effective application of these techniques, hindering the process of knowledge transfer between the academia and the interested community. Objective: In this context, the main objective of this work is to provide subsidies in form of a framework which will be able to support the characterization and systematic selection of concurrent software testing techniques. Methodology: In order to meet this objective, a body of knowledge has been built that brings together, in an integrated way, information relevant for the decision-making process about what testing technique should be applied in a specific software project. A design of experiments is defined as a guide for conducting empirical studies that can be used for feedback, updating, and evolution of the body of knowledge. With the objective of systematizing the process of testing techniques selection is defined a characterization scheme that considers the main characteristics of the concurrent programming that influence the testing activity and calculates the adequacy for these attributes in comparison with the software project in development. Results and Conclusions: In order to allow the community interaction with the proposed framework was provided a computational infrastructure that allows access to the body of knowledge and the automation of the selection process. The empirical study conducted to evaluate the proposal showed that the approach effectively contributes to characterize, compare and quantify the adequacy based on the attributes, improving the selection process of concurrent software testing techniques according to the users expectations. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/05046-9 - Definition of a Framework for Systematic Testing Techniques Evaluation Applied to Concurrent Programming
• Grantee: Silvana Morita Melo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate