A tool for testing hypermedia systems

In testing hypermedia systems, testers need to check the hyperlink structure and the temporal relation among the multimedia items for correct behavior. They need to be alerted and note the occurrence of different events. Some kind of automated help during test execution would greatly improve the efficiency and accuracy of the checking. The paper first describes an alternative representation of temporal relations using timing events. We then propose a new test completion criteria, hyperlink coverage, for testing hypermedia systems. Two graphical representations of the link coverage are introduced. The THtester tool is then presented. This tool can notify the tester when certain multimedia item is about to start or end during test execution. This would enhance the checking of the temporal relations of the multimedia items. Another key function of the tool keeps track of the hyperlinks exercised during testing. This provides a coverage measurement and assists in monitoring the progress of testing. The tool also automatically checks the validity of the hyperlinks.