Component-based integration testing from UML interaction diagrams

An integration testing method for component- based software is presented. The method, based on the widely used UML (Unified Modelling Language) notation, covers a complete integration testing process at a contractual component level and it is supported by the use of tools. Components and their interfaces are specified by using UML diagrams and OCL (Object Constraint Language) constraints. Software under test is built from composition of components in a standard component-based software development process. A case study that is implemented in the Java language is presented to illustrate the application of the method.