Tool supported test frameworks in TTCN-3

This paper presents the concept of test frameworks and the specification and implementation of test frameworks in TTCN-3 being the Testing and Test Control Notation for black-box and grey-box tests of reactive systems. Test frameworks enable an easy reuse, extension and customization of predefined test patterns for test data, configuration, behavior and control. Test patterns can be combined and customized to yield additional tests for further system features, changed system characteristics as well as for additional test requirements. The implementation of test frameworks and the execution of resulting tests are supported by a TTCN-3 tool chain providing means for graphical test specification, compilation, management and execution. A GPRS example demonstrates the practical application of test frameworks using a set of TTCN-3-based tools.