Model-based testing, MBT, is a system that some of the largest software companies in the world utilize for testing purposes. Microsoft has been using this form of testing for years, and now we’re seeing it be implemented into mobile apps and other forms of development in today’s modern world.
These tests are performed outside of the manual mobile app testing services a lot of teams use.
A model allows developers and their team to understand the system’s behavior during a test. This is considered a lightweight form of validation, and it can be used in both software and hardware testing. It is very much important for the organization to be clear about the benefits of the online mobile testing systems so that there is no chance of any kind of issue in the whole process.
Model-Based Testing Overview
When testing is implemented in an app or software, there are multiple different ways that a developer can approach the process. Generating efficient test cases can help make the model stronger and allow for better results for a team.
A general outline of model-based testing includes:
- Develop a model that works for your software
- Determine which forms of input will be added into this model
- Determine what you expect based on each test
- Execute the different tests
- Compare the results of the test with your expected outcome to make decisions on what steps to follow next based off of these model tests
You’ll have to choose a modeling language. A lot of different developers choose the unified modeling language, also known as UML. This is a general-purpose modeling language that allows for visual models to be created.
Pros of Testing
Every form of testing has both its advantages and disadvantages. When you conduct model-based testing, the advantages include:
- The initial implementation of different test cases is tedious, but once they are in place, it is much easier to maintain this test.
- The costs of running multiple tests are greatly decreased when automated testing is in place.
- Tests can be run on multiple different machines or servers to be able to test how the underlying system reacts to the different tests being performed.
- Defects in a system or in a product can be quickly determined.
- Projects can run more smoothly and efficiently.
- Time is saved, and the quality testing approach allows for better customer experience.
- Testers that are testing different approaches will find that job satisfaction is much higher when MBT testing is in place.
When incorporating any form of testing, it is important to realize that the initial resources that are put into the testing can be immense. These resources can be time intensive, but the initial upfront time spent on model-based testing will be greatly overshadowed by the ease of testing automation.
Issues will be corrected quickly in the development cycle so that there isn’t a concern that the product is reaching the market with continual issues that dampen the customer experience
Cons of Testing
Testing can be a very valuable tool as application or software starts to expand in terms of size. When more lines of code are added to the source code, this will create a major concern if tests are not performed in-house. As more lines of code are added, there’s a higher risk of bugs or potential security flaws entering the application.
Cons of model-based testing include:
- Teams of skilled testers are required to create the model-based testing needed.
- Overall testing cost for the project will increase, although these costs are usually offset as the product continues to grow.
- There is a high learning curve when implementing any form of testing, but especially when adding MBT testing.
- MBT testing can be quite complex to understand them initially, so there is a learning curve that needs to be addressed.
Teams that are just starting out may want to work with testing specialists who will be able to explain the model-based testing system to developers and help implement a system that will work best for you.
While it may cost a little bit more money to hire these professionals upfront, it will save you money in the long-term.
High coverage and low maintenance costs offer a great opportunity for organizations that want to have the highest level of testing coverage possible. There will need to be skilled testers within the organization that can make this form of testing optimal.
Of course, other forms of automated testing can be put in place to allow for a robust testing system that allows for the highest level of validation.