Smart Contract Test Case Generation via Structured Parameter Mutation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Generating test cases for smart contracts in blockchain systems is inefficient due to the difficulty in parsing data through interfaces, leading to incomplete coverage of program paths and reduced testing effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for generating smart contract test cases by selecting and mutating structured parameters based on their parameter structures, ensuring the mutated parameters can be identified and executed by the smart contract, thereby covering deeper program paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional test case generation methods are used, then test cases can be generated, but the test cases cannot be parsed through smart contract interfaces due to format requirements, leading to inefficient testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by mutating structured parameters (such as changing data types, modifying parameter structures, altering null values, etc.) to generate diverse test cases that conform to smart contract interface requirements. This allows the generation of valid test cases that can be successfully parsed and executed by the smart contract interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-defining parameter structures and validation rules before test case generation. The system establishes the expected parameter formats and structures in advance, then uses these pre-defined structures to guide the mutation and generation process, ensuring that generated test cases meet interface requirements from the outset.
2Productivity
If test cases are generated without considering parameter structures, then generation speed may be faster, but the test cases cannot cover deeper program paths due to parsing failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs structured parameter mutations including changing data types (e.g., from string to integer), modifying parameter structures (adding/removing fields), altering null values, and changing array structures. These parameter changes are applied systematically to generate test cases that both maintain generation speed and achieve deep program path coverage by exploring different execution branches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic test case generation where the mutation operations are applied adaptively based on the parameter structure analysis. The system dynamically adjusts which mutation operations to apply and in what sequence, allowing flexible exploration of program paths while maintaining efficient generation throughput.
3Reliability
If comprehensive parameter mutation is performed to cover all program paths, then testing coverage improves, but the complexity of the generation process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the test case generation process into distinct modular steps: parameter structure analysis, identification of mutable parameters, application of specific mutation operations, and validation. This segmentation allows each step to be independently implemented and optimized, reducing overall process complexity while achieving comprehensive coverage through systematic exploration of parameter variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a comprehensive set of parameter change operations including type mutation, structure mutation, null value insertion, and array manipulation. By categorizing and systematically applying these different types of parameter changes, the system achieves thorough program path coverage without requiring an overly complex monolithic generation process.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present specification provide a method and an apparatus for generating a smart contract test case. A test case that can be parsed by the smart contract includes one or more structured parameters, and the structured parameters are used to invoke interfaces of the smart contract. If a structured parameter can be identified by an interface of the smart contract, a mutated structured parameter obtained by mutating the structured parameter based on a parameter structure of the structured parameter can also be identified by the interface of the smart contract, a test case including the mutated structured parameter can be generated, which ensures that the test case generated can be executed by the smart contract and can cover a deeper program path in the smart contract, thereby improving the efficiency of testing the smart contract.