Rigorous and Efficient Library Compatibility Verification Method based on Runtime Information Analysis of Used Functions

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K21279
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 1001:Information science, computer engineering, and related fields
• Research Institution: Nara Institute of Science and Technology
• Principal Investigator: Shimari Kazumasa 奈良先端科学技術大学院大学, 先端科学技術研究科, 助教 (50964376)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-08-31 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: ソフトウェアテスト / 動的解析 / 依存関係 / ソフトウェア保守

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this research, we developed a rigorous and efficient compatibility verification method using run-time information from tests for rapid application of library version updates.
Specifically, (1) the detection of incompatibility by rigorous execution trace comparison based on execution traces, including the path and value of execution within library methods, and (2) test case generation for the functions of the library used by the library clients using automatic test case generation techniques based on execution traces.
These two techniques enabled the generation of test cases for the functions used by library clients when the library version was updated and compatibility verification based on execution traces.

Free Research Field

ソフトウェア工学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

ライブラリは近年のソフトウェア開発において必要不可欠であり，バグや脆弱性の修正機能追加のために更新作業を迅速に行う必要がある．本研究で達成した厳密かつ効率的なライブラリの互換性検証手法により，ユーザの利用機能に特化して非互換性を迅速に発見してライブラリの更新を支援することができ，高品質なソフトウェア開発につながる．また利用機能に特化することで，ライブラリの非互換性の影響も受けにくく，互換性検証やそれに伴うライブラリ更新作業コストの減少も期待できる．