Using Constraint Solvers to Support Metamorphic Testing

Abstract

One of the current challenges in the context of Metamorphic Testing (MT) is the formalization and validation of metamorphic relations (MRs), as there is no single method or homogeneous way of doing it. It is a part of this software testing technique that, unlike others, is not yet developed. On one hand, the fact of having an artifact that formally validates these main elements in MT, facilitates the task for developers and testers and ensures that the technique applied fulfills its function with guarantees. On the other hand, nowadays, there are numerous accessible tools based on highly consolidated and mature constraint solvers that can help in this process of validation. Interpreting MRs as a set of constraints, their validation with these tools is directly applicable. This paper presents a proposal based on a use case, in which MRs are implemented as a set of restrictions. The experiments and the results are described and future lines of research are outlined.