On checking executable conceptual schema validity by testing

Abstract

Ensuring the semantic quality of a conceptual schema is a fundamental goal in conceptual modeling. Conceptual schema testing is an emerging approach that helps to achieve this goal. In this paper, we focus on “what to test” and, more specifically, on the properties that test sets of conceptual schemas should have. We propose and formally define a set of four adequacy criteria which can be automatically checked in order to ensure, by testing, the necessary conditions for schema validity (correctness and relevance). The proposed criteria are independent from the languages of the schema and of the testing program. The criteria have been implemented in a prototype of a test processor able to execute test sets. The criteria have been applied to the test sets of large conceptual schemas.