From MC/DC to RC/DC: formalization and analysis of control-flow testing criteria

  • Authors:

  • Sergiy A. Vilkomir;Jonathan P. Bowen

  • Affiliations:

  • Software Quality Research Laboratory, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN;Centre for Research on Evolution, Search and Testing, Department of Computer Science, Kings College London, London, UK

  • Venue:
  • Formal methods and testing
  • Year:
  • 2008

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Abstract

This chapter describes an approach to the formalization of existing criteria used in computer systems software testing and proposes a Reinforced Condition/Decision Coverage (RC/DC) criterion. This criterion has been developed from the well-known Modified Condition/Decision Coverage (MC/DC) criterion and is more suitable for the testing of safety-critical software where MC/DC may not provide adequate assurance. As a formal language for describing the criteria, the Z notation has been selected. Formal definitions in the Z notation for RC/DC, as well as MC/DC and other criteria, are presented. Specific examples of using these criteria for specification-based testing are considered and some features are formally proved. This characterization is helpful in the understanding of different types of testing and also the correct application of a desired testing regime.