18175662. METHOD FOR EFFICIENTLY IMPROVING TEST CASE COVERAGE AND ROBUSTNESS simplified abstract (Dell Products L.P.)
Contents
METHOD FOR EFFICIENTLY IMPROVING TEST CASE COVERAGE AND ROBUSTNESS
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Celine Ling Xu of Shanghai (CN)
METHOD FOR EFFICIENTLY IMPROVING TEST CASE COVERAGE AND ROBUSTNESS - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18175662 titled 'METHOD FOR EFFICIENTLY IMPROVING TEST CASE COVERAGE AND ROBUSTNESS
The patent application describes methods for selecting test cases to identify differences between two versions of firmware, with the second version being an update to the first version.
- The first version of firmware is compared to the second version to determine differences, such as bug fixes or additional features.
- Functions most likely to be impacted by the update are identified based on the differences between the two versions.
- The binary code for the second firmware version is modified to cause the impacted functions to return a predetermined error value when called.
- A plurality of test cases are executed, and any failing test cases with the error value are selected for regression testing of the second version.
Potential Applications: - Software development and testing processes - Quality assurance in firmware updates - Regression testing in software engineering
Problems Solved: - Efficient identification of test cases impacted by firmware updates - Streamlining regression testing processes - Ensuring the reliability of firmware updates
Benefits: - Improved software quality and reliability - Faster identification of potential issues in firmware updates - Enhanced testing efficiency and accuracy
Commercial Applications: Title: "Enhanced Firmware Testing and Quality Assurance Technology" This technology can be utilized by software development companies, firmware developers, and quality assurance teams to streamline testing processes, improve software reliability, and ensure the successful deployment of firmware updates in various electronic devices.
Questions about the technology: 1. How does this technology improve the efficiency of regression testing in firmware updates? 2. What are the key benefits of using this method for selecting test cases in software development and quality assurance processes?
Original Abstract Submitted
Disclosed methods for selecting test cases determine differences between first and second versions of firmware. The first version may correspond to a version currently in use while the second version represent an update to the first version, including one or more bug fixes and/or additional features. Based at least in part on the differences between the two versions, one or more functions most likely to be impacted by the update are identified. Disclosed methods and system may then modify binary code for the second firmware version to cause the one or more impacted functions, when called, to return unconditionally a predetermined error value. With the firmware thus modified, a plurality of test cases are executed one time. Any test cases failing with the appropriate error value are identified as selected test cases and included within a group of target test cases for performing regression testing of the second version.
