From: Nat P. <np...@us...> - 2002-11-07 13:25:51
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Update of /cvsroot/mockobjects/no-stone-unturned/doc/xdocs In directory usw-pr-cvs1:/tmp/cvs-serv26779 Modified Files: random.xml Log Message: Extended introductory paragraph. Index: random.xml =================================================================== RCS file: /cvsroot/mockobjects/no-stone-unturned/doc/xdocs/random.xml,v retrieving revision 1.6 retrieving revision 1.7 diff -u -r1.6 -r1.7 --- random.xml 14 Aug 2002 13:54:58 -0000 1.6 +++ random.xml 7 Nov 2002 13:25:48 -0000 1.7 @@ -10,20 +10,25 @@ <title>Introduction</title> <para> -Pseudo-random behaviour is used in many applications. -For example, in video games pseudo-randomness is used to portray +Many applications exhibit random or pseudo-random behaviour. +For example, in video games use pseudo-randomness to portray natural behaviours that are too complex to simulate accurately, or to add variety to behaviours that are too predictable when -simulated algorithmically. +calculated algorithmically. Cryptographic algorithms +use random number generators extensively, as do optimisation +algorithms such as genetic programming and simulated annealing. +But how can one test behaviour that is, by its very nature, +unpredictable? </para> <para> -Testing random behaviour is not complex. You will not need to use -statistical analysis, unless you are actually writing a new random -number generator. Instead, as in many test driven designs, you -will end up separating the objects that direct activity from -those that effect activity so that you can mock one to test -the other. In the case of random behaviour, the object directing +In this chapter, I hope to show that testing random behaviour is not +complex. You will not need to use statistical analysis, unless +you are actually writing a new random number generator. +Instead, as in many test driven designs, you will end up +separating the objects that direct activity from those that effect +activity so that you can mock one to test the other. +In the case of random behaviour, the object directing the activity is a random number generator. You can use a mock generator to feed deterministic values into the objects under test. So far, soo good, but it turns out that testing random behaviour |