Test Coverage Mapping for Overlapping Code Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of computer and software systems leads to challenges in efficient and comprehensive testing, with numerous test cases consuming resources and potentially overlooking important scenarios, and as systems evolve, test cases become outdated or irrelevant.
Innovation Solution
A method to identify explicit and implicit test coverage by analyzing code segments driven by each test case, allowing for the identification of related test cases through the detection of overlapping code paths, and optimizing test strategies to reduce redundancy and ensure thorough testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of test cases is increased to ensure comprehensive coverage, then testing thoroughness is improved, but resource consumption and time requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual model of code execution by instrumenting the code base with tracking mechanisms that record which code sections are executed during test case execution. This virtual execution model allows the system to determine implicit test coverage without actually executing additional test cases, thereby copying the essential information needed for coverage analysis without the full resource cost of actual execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (code instrumentation and tracking system) that mediates between test case execution and coverage analysis. This intermediary captures execution traces and uses them to infer implicit coverage, acting as a bridge that provides comprehensive coverage information without requiring direct execution of all possible test scenarios.
2Reliability
If more test cases are executed to cover all scenarios, then coverage completeness is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual representation of code execution paths by instrumenting the code base. This virtual model allows the determination of implicit coverage without physically executing additional test cases, thereby copying the necessary execution information at a fraction of the resource cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary code instrumentation before test execution, embedding tracking mechanisms into the code base. This preliminary action prepares the system to automatically capture execution traces during normal test runs, eliminating the need for resource-intensive post-execution analysis or additional test runs.
3Reliability
If test cases are increased to maintain coverage as systems evolve, then testing completeness is improved, but test maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically tracking which code sections are executed during test runs through code instrumentation. This automatic tracking eliminates the need for manual updates to coverage information when code or tests change, allowing the system to self-maintain accurate coverage data without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where execution traces are continuously captured and analyzed to update coverage information. This feedback loop automatically detects when code sections become uncovered due to system evolution and identifies which test cases need to be added or modified, reducing maintenance complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If code sections are modified to add new functionality, then system capabilities are improved, but risk of introducing uncovered code increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides immediate feedback when code sections are modified by comparing the modified code against the execution traces from existing test cases. This feedback mechanism automatically identifies newly added or modified code sections that are not covered by current tests, alerting developers to potential coverage gaps before deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of code modifications by comparing changed sections against the instrumented code base and existing execution traces. This preliminary action identifies uncovered code sections before actual testing occurs, allowing developers to proactively add or modify test cases to maintain coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for system testing. A code base is accessed. A first section of the code base that is explicitly covered by a first test case is identified. A second section of the code base is modified, where the second section is not explicitly covered by the first test case. The first test case is executed on the code base with the modification of the second section of the code base. Based on determining that the execution of the first test case fails, the second section of the code base is determined to be implicitly covered by the first test case.