Unit Testing with TBrun®

Benefits of TBrun


  • Saves time
  • Test scripting not required
  • Additional coding not required
  • Frees up highly qualified staff
  • Increases test efficiency
  • Is less error-prone, highly repeatable
  • Improved motivation to test

Why use TBrun?

TBrun has been designed not only for automating the traditional unit code and test role, but also to enable the previously unrealistic task of unit testing both large and legacy systems. This process has previously been time-consuming and expensive. Issues such as creating extra code to declare unresolved global variables has dogged the process. TBrun detects which global variables will be required to compile and link the units under test, and automatically creates declaration statements in the wrapper code. This is just one example of how TBrun takes a great burden from the test process, making the task much more cost-effective.

TBrun provides a fully automated unit test solution that enables developers and testers to apply the powerful source code analysis facilities of the LDRA tool suite at the unit level.

TBrun makes use of the comprehensive control/data flow analysis provided by LDRA Testbed. The information extracted includes details concerning the unit interface, parameters, globals (input and output), return values, variable types and usage and procedure calls.

Traditionally this level of information could only have been specified by a developer with an expert knowledge of the unit under test. Hence, in automating this process, TBrun frees up highly qualified staff who may then be re-assigned to other development tasks.

Features of TBrun

  • Automatically generates test drivers and harnesses (wrapper code)
  • Runs tests on code units - No coding required
  • Detects changes in source code
  • Documents changes required in tests
  • Performs regression tests
  • Automatically generates stubs
  • Maintains test data and results-streamlining maintenance
  • Runs in a host/target environment
  • Gathers code coverage metrics
  • Advanced graphical user interface
  • Full Command line interface

Unit Testing Embedded Systems

Complex embedded systems, as seen in the aerospace, nuclear and defence markets, are generally considered to be the types of systems to benefit most from the application of unit testing techniques. Such systems have long development cycles and requirements for strict quality and safety standards. However, the complex nature of these systems coupled with the constraints of target development environments means that it is often extremely difficult and expensive to implement effective unit test processes.

With this in mind LDRA have implemented specific facilities within TBrun that are designed to support the unit test process for complex embedded systems. These facilities provide for the seamless integration of unit test processes in host/host and host/target environments where the target may take the form of a simulator or embedded hardware solution.

TBrun also provides facilities to switch between Black Box (original source code) and White Box (instrumented source code) modes in either a host/host or host/target environment. In addition, macros may be configured and utilised to determine code location and environment specific build/execute commands. Such features help to ensure that tests may be moved from one test platform to another, providing high degrees of portability and the ability to implement repeatable, platform independent, processes.

Obtaining Further Information

For further information on TBrun complete the LDRA reply form or email .