Comparing Requirements-Based Testing Approaches

There are numerous tools available for designing test cases from the requirements. They all use just one of two approaches: combinatorics techniques (i.e., pair-wise testing) or model-based testing. Within model-based testing there is a refined approach which sensitizes the path to ensure that defects are propagated to an observable point—requirements-based testing.

In this paper, SQE Training instructor Richard Bender defines what requirements-based testing is and the comparison criteria used to determine which approach is the most effective and most efficient. Each of the approaches are then measured against the criteria. Bender has more than forty-five years experience in software with a primary focus on quality assurance and testing. Bender RBT Inc. is the recognized authority on cause-effect modeling and test generation.