Test Bench - An Example of A Software Test Bench

An Example of A Software Test Bench

The tools used to automate the testing process in a test bench perform the following functions:

Test manager

Manages the running of program tests; keeps track of test data, expected results and program facilities tested.

Test data generator

Generates test data for the program to be tested.

Oracle

Generates predictions of the expected test results; the oracle may be either previous program versions or prototype systems. Note that this is not Oracle Corporation, the database company.

File comparator

Compares the results of the program tests with previous test results and records any differences in a document.

Report generator

Provides report definition and generation facilities for the test results.

Dynamic analyzer

Adds code to a program to count the number of times each statement has been executed. It generates an execution profile for the statements to show the number of times they are executed in the program run.

Simulator

Simulates the testing environment where the software product is to be used.