Towards self-testing of component-based software

It is widely accepted that conventional test methods are not necessarily adequate for testing of component-based software (CBS). As a consequence, also conventional test tools cause similar problems for the test automation of CBS based on their graphical user interfaces (GUI), because for any level of user-focused testing domain knowledge and knowledge about the implementation of the CBS are essential to run the tests. The component manufacturer, on the other side, is usually not willing to deliver the code to protect his, or her, commercial interest. For solving this conflict, this paper introduces a framework for the automation of user-oriented component testing that significantly reduces the test costs. The concept is based on black-box testing techniques and utilizes the common features of commercial capture/replay test tools.