Generating test data for functions with pointer inputs

TL;DR: This paper develops a novel approach that allows the generation of the shape of an input data structure to be done independently of thegeneration of its data values so as to force the control flow of a function along a given path.

Abstract: Generating test inputs for a path in a function with integer and real parameters is an important but difficult problem. The problem becomes more difficult when pointers are passed as inputs to a function. In this case, the shape of the input data structure as well as the data values in the fields of this data structure need to be determined for traversal of the given path. The existing techniques to address this problem are inefficient since they use backtracking to simultaneously satisfy the constraints on the pointer variables and the data values used along the path. In this paper, we develop a novel approach that allows the generation of the shape of an input data structure to be done independently of the generation of its data values so as to force the control flow of a function along a given path. We also present a new technique that generates the shape of the input data structure by solving a set of pointer constraints derived in a single pass of the statements along the path. Although simple, our approach is powerful in handling pointer aliasing. It is efficient and provides a practical solution to generating test data for functions with pointer inputs.