Module 1: Introduction to Model-Based Testing
Objective: Understand the concept, purpose, and benefits of MBT.
Topics Covered:
- What MBT is: testing approach where models representing system behavior are used to generate test cases.
- Why use MBT: ensures systematic coverage, reduces manual test design effort, and improves test quality.
- Key components: models, test generation, execution, and coverage analysis.
Example:
Imagine a login system. A model could represent all possible user actions: entering correct credentials, entering wrong password, leaving fields empty, etc. From this model, test cases can be automatically generated to cover all scenarios.
Exercise:
List three systems you interact with daily (e.g., a banking app, a traffic light system, an online shop) and brainstorm what a model of their behavior might look like.
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Module 2: Understanding Models
Objective: Learn the types of models used in MBT and how to represent system behavior.
Topics Covered:
- Finite State Machines (FSM): states, transitions, events, and actions.
- Decision tables: logical representation of inputs and expected outputs.
- Flowcharts and activity diagrams: visualizing sequences of actions.
- Formal methods: precise mathematical models (optional for complex systems).
Example:
For a vending machine:
- States: idle, waiting for selection, dispensing, returning change.
- Transitions: insert coin, select product, dispense product, refund.
Exercise:
Draw a simple state diagram for an elevator system with states like idle, moving up, moving down, and doors open/closed.
Module 3: Test Case Generation from Models
Objective: Learn how to derive test cases from models systematically.
Topics Covered:
- Coverage criteria: state coverage, transition coverage, path coverage.
- Algorithms for test generation: depth-first search, breadth-first search, random walk, combinatorial coverage.
- Prioritizing test cases based on risk or critical paths.
Example:
Using the vending machine FSM, a transition coverage approach would generate test cases to ensure each action (insert coin, select product, dispense) is tested at least once.
Exercise:
Take your elevator FSM from Module 2 and generate test cases that cover all possible transitions.
Module 4: Implementing MBT in Practice
Objective: Understand the workflow of MBT in real projects.
Topics Covered:
- Creating models in tools or code.
- Automating test case generation.
- Mapping generated test cases to executable test scripts.
- Integrating MBT with continuous integration pipelines.
Example:
A web login form: the model is created in a tool like GraphWalker or Spec Explorer, test cases are generated automatically and executed using Selenium.
Exercise:
Identify a small feature in an application you use and outline how you would model it for MBT.
Module 5: Verification and Validation of MBT Models
Objective: Ensure models accurately represent the system and that generated tests are effective.
Topics Covered:
- Model validation: checking that the model correctly represents requirements.
- Test coverage analysis: ensuring generated tests cover the model.
- Detecting redundancy and gaps in test cases.
Example:
A state in your model might be unreachable due to incorrect transitions. MBT tools can highlight this so you can fix the model before generating test cases.
Exercise:
Review your elevator or login system model and identify if any states or transitions are missing or redundant.
Module 6: Advanced Topics in MBT
Objective: Explore complex scenarios and enhancements in MBT.
Topics Covered:
- Data-driven MBT: combining models with variable input data.
- Stochastic and probabilistic models: for systems with random or probabilistic behavior.
- Model learning: generating models automatically from system observations.
- Integrating MBT with other testing strategies like regression testing or performance testing.
Exercise:
Think about how a traffic light system could use probabilistic transitions (e.g., sensor failures or pedestrian delays) in an MBT model.
Module 7: MBT Tooling and Automation
Objective: Get familiar with tools and frameworks used for MBT.
Topics Covered:
- Open-source and commercial MBT tools.
- How tools generate test cases, execute them, and report coverage.
- Selecting the right tool based on system complexity and team expertise.
Exercise:
Research one MBT tool and outline how you would use it to model and test a simple system, such as a digital calculator.
Module 8: MBT Best Practices
Objective: Learn strategies for effectively applying MBT in projects.
Topics Covered:
- Start simple: model critical paths first.
- Keep models maintainable and modular.
- Combine MBT with manual exploratory testing for completeness.
- Review models regularly as requirements evolve.
Exercise:
Draft a checklist for applying MBT to a new feature in a software project, including modeling, test generation, execution, and validation.
Want to learn more? Tonex offers Model Based Testing (MBT), Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), a 2-day course where participants learn what MBSE is as well as learn to describe how MBSE supports systems engineering test processes including unit testing, subsystem testing, system integration, verification and validation and System of Systems (SoSE) testing.
Attendees also:
- Recognize the various types of model-based testing methodologies
- Apply MBSE knowledge in your day-to-day testing work
- Discover the benefits of a SysML-based model-based test approach
- Learn how SysML is used to model verification and validation
- Learn the benefits of implementing MBSE and SysML in a modeling test and verification environment
- Learn SysML fundamental verification and validation constructs
- Create a plan to deploy MBSE and SysML technologies in your organization to support all test and evaluation (T&E) tasks and processes
- Use Model Based Testing (MBT) along with MBSE approach for specifying, developing and testing complex systems
- Create Model Based Testing (MBT) plans with requirements and V&V Domains
- Learn about Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) key testing artifacts
Who Should Attend?
Model Based Testing/MBSE Training Course is designed for test engineers, analysts, project managers and anyone else involved in test and evaluation, systems engineering and acquisition, modeling, simulation, DoE, and O&M.
For more information, contact us.
