From MC/DC to RC/DC: Formalization and Analysis of Control-Flow Testing Criteria

This paper describes an approach to the formalization of existing criteria used in computer systems software testing and proposes a new Reinforced Condition/Decision Coverage (RC/DC) criterion. This new 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.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2008
• Where: FORTEST
• Authors: Sergiy A. Vilkomir, Jonathan P. Bowen
• Keywords: Condition/Decision Coverage, Formal Methods, FORTEST 2008, Reinforced Condition/Decision Coverage, Systems Software Testing