Evaluation of a predicate-based software testing strategy

In this paper, we report the results of four empirical studies for evaluating a predicate-based software testing strategy, called BOR (Boolean operator) testing. The BOR testing strategy focuses on the detection of Boolean operator faults in a predicate, including incorrect AND/OR operators and missing or extra NOT operators. Our empirical studies involved comparisons of BOR testing with several other predicate-based testing strategies, using Boolean expressions, a real-time control system, and a set of N-version programs. For program-based test generation, BOR testing was applied to predicates in a program. For specification-based test generation, BOR testing was applied to cause-effect graphs representing software specification. The results of our studies indicate that BOR testing is practical and effective for both specification- and program-based test generation.