Testing as Abstraction

The PROST-Objects project has developed a method for formally specifying tests. The method is based on systematic abstraction from a ‘state-plusoperation’ style specification. It is explained here, and illustrated with a small example. Test developers can use this method, along with their own skills for choosing good tests, to produce a suite of formal test specifications. The project has also developed a prototype tool, which provides organisational support for the (potentially large) collection of test specifications as they are generated.