Microsoft offers free software test tool

Spec Explorer 2010 to streamline development

  • Email to a friend
  • Print this article
  • Bookmark this page
  • RSS feed

By Paul Krill | InfoWorld
Published: 14:06 GMT, 28 October 09

Tackling the issue of software testing, Microsoft this week is offering a tool that leverages model based testing techniques.

The tool, Spec Explorer 2010, also referred to simply as Spec Explorer, is available on the Microsoft DevLabs site, said S. Somasegar, senior vice president of the Microsoft developer division, in a Monday evening blog post.

"Thorough, consistent, and extensible testing of systems remains one of the biggest challenges in creating and maintaining software systems," Somasegar said. "The Spec Explorer tool released today on DevLabs tackles that problem using model based testing techniques."

Microsoft opens Windows 7 and Azure to open source apps | Microsoft talks ISO 27001 security for cloud | Microsoft breaks Communication Server with patch

Spec Explorer models software behavior and generates test suites from those models. Models can be viewed as graphical renderings to understand expected system behavior. Test suites can run standalone or in the Visual Studio test framework or other unit test frameworks. Engineers with no modeling background can build models with Spec Explorer, Somasegar said.

Models are written in C# and accompanied by configuration files in a scripting language called Cord, for "Coordination Language," the Spec Explorer team blog reported.

"Several Microsoft projects of various sizes have already used Spec Explorer as part of their development process.  Using Spec Explorer has helped those teams create test cases more quickly, ensure predictability of requirement coverage, and support the projects' lifecycle management and software updates," Somasegar said.

The company is seeking feedback on Spec Explorer. A commercial version may or may not be released.

Microsoft previously has built a predecessor tool, Spec Explorer 2004, used by Microsoft product groups.

Contact Us

For editorial queries:
Max Cooter max_cooter@techworld.com

For website issues:
Email webmaster@techworld.com

For commercial queries
Russell Kearney russell_kearney@idg.co.uk

For more contact details click here.

What are your views on this subject? Use the form below to post a comment on this article up to 500 characters.

Characters remaining: 500

Related Applications news

Internet Explorer 9 puts Microsoft back on top, says analyst

Support for HTML 5 shows Microsoft is serious

17 March 2010

Microsoft pledges HTML 5 web standard support in Internet Explorer 9

MIX10 conference sees preview of next generation browser

Microsoft launches Internet Explorer 9 Platform Preview

Unfinished build aimed at web developers

Microsoft bans native code on Windows Phone

Apps only run in Silverlight or XNA

Related Applications reviews

Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 review

Symantec Norton 360 Version 4.0 review

Corel VideoStudio Pro X3 review

Email this article to a friend or colleague:

PLEASE NOTE: Your name is used only to let the recipient know who sent the story, and in case of transmission error. Both your name and the recipient's name and address will not be used for any other purpose.

Techworld White Papers

Email archiving: Top 10 myths and challenges

This survey looks at a number of challenges and myths around email archiving that may also slow adoption of full archiving.

Download Whitepaper

Strategic mobile deployments

Deploying mobile applications? Supporting multiple devices? See why mobile platforms should be part of your IT strategy.

Download Whitepaper

Creating an AUP: Common myths & mistakes

Avoid the common myths & mistakes when implementing your AUP

Download Whitepaper

Legal risks of uncontrolled email and web use

Exploring the challenges facing IT Mangers today and vital steps to ensure safe internet an email use by employees.

Download Whitepaper

Techworld UK - Technology - Business

COLT White Paper

Virtualisation 2.0
Driving to higher ground beyond the basics

Virtualisation can deliver unparalleled efficiency and cost reductions to your business, allowing direct access to servers and guaranteeing a dependable, rapid response in times of crisis. Read this e-book to learn more about consolidation, discover the latest technologies and find out how to reduce the TCO of virtualisation.

Download E-Book
COLT White Paper

IT Misuse Survey

Complete this survey and you could win a Nexus One

Techworld are running a short survey to discover how UK businesses are managing Internet and email misuse in the Enterprise.

Complete Survey

Webcast: IT Financial Management: Cost Optimisation for Efficiency and Agility.
On Demand Webcast
Join this webcast to learn about the techniques and technologies that can help you prove the value of IT to the business by understanding the true cost of today's IT services and those that will be necessary to deliver future success.

Register Today

Site Map

IDG Network

* *