Testing as abstraction

Abstract. The PROST-Objects project has developed a method for formally specifying tests. The method is based on systematic abstraction from a `state-plus-operation ' style specication. It is explained here, and illustrated with a small example. Test developers can use this method, along with their own skills for choosing good tests, to produce a suite of formal test specications. The project has also developed a prototype tool, which provides organisational support for the (potentially large) collection of test specications as they are generated.