Automated testing tool development challenges (for embedded software)
- by Karthi prime
My boss want to come up with the proposal for the following tool:
An IDE: Able to build, compile, debug, via JTAG programming for the micro-controller.
A Test Suite, reads the code in the IDE, auto generates the test cases, and it gives the in-target unit testing results(which is done by controlling code execution in the micro-controller via IDE).
A no-overhead code coverage tool which interacts with the test suite and IDE.
My work is to obtain the high level architecture of this tool, so as to proceed further.
My current knowledge:
There are tool-chains available from the chip manufacturer for the micro-controllers which can be utilized along with an open-source IDE like Eclipse, and along with an open-source burner, a complete IDE for a micro-controller can be done.
Test cases can be auto-generated by reading the source file through the process of parsing, scripting, based on keywords.
Test suite must be able to command the IDE to control, through breakpoints, and read the register contents from the microcontroller - This enables the in-target unit testing.
An no-overhead code coverage should be done by no-overhead code instrumentation so as to execute those in the resource constraint environment of the micro-controller.
I have the following questions:
Any advice on the validity of my understanding?
What are the challenges I will have during the development?
What are the helpful open-source tools regarding this?
What is the development time for this software?
Thanks
