What is an oracle in software testing

As a result, our evaluation of the test results that we look at in terms of the test inputs that we set intentionally is based on incomplete data, and may be incorrect. Any of the oracle capabilities may be automated. For example, we might generate predictions for a test from previous test results on this program, from the behavior of a previous release of this program or a competitor's program, from a standard function or from a custom model. We might generate these by hand, by a tool that feeds input to the reference program and captures output or by something that combines automated and manual testing.

Testing oracles are required for testing. Ideally, we want an automated oracle, which always gives the correct answer. However, often oracles are human beings, who mostly calculate by hand what the output of the program should be. Consequently, when there is a discrequently, between the program and the result, we must verify the result produced by the oracle before declaring that there is a defect in the result.

To help oracle determine the correct behavior, it is important that the behavior of the system or component is explicitly specified and the specification itself be error-free. In other words actually specify the true and correct behavior. There are some systems where oracles are automatically generated from the specifications of programs or modules. With such oracles, we are assured that the output of the oracle conforms to the specifications. However, even this approach does not solve all our problems, as there is a possibility of errors in specifications.

As a result, a divine generated from the the specifications will correct the result if the specifications are correct, and this specification will not be reliable in case of errors.

In addition, systems that generate oracles from specifications require formal specifications, which are often not generated during design. Create a free Team What is Teams? Collectives on Stack Overflow. Learn more. What is a test oracle and what is it used for? Ask Question. Asked 7 years, 8 months ago. Active 2 years, 10 months ago.

Viewed 20k times. It says: An oracle is a mechanism for determining whether the program has passed or failed a test. How exactly can an oracle help me here? Is an oracle involved in this example? Improve this question. Evgenij Reznik. Evgenij Reznik Evgenij Reznik I'm interested in hearing about this, as well, since the concept of a test oracle has always struck me as a vague concept.

My understanding which may be wrong, hence my interest is that a test runner is an example of a test oracle. In your case, the tester object. Add a comment. Active Oldest Votes.