Microsoft Corporation
AUTOMATIC GENERATION OF ASSERT STATEMENTS FOR UNIT TEST CASES

Abstract:

An assert statement generator employs a neural transformer model with attention to generate candidate assert statements for a unit test method that tests a focal method. The neural transformer model is pre-trained with source code programs and natural language text and fine-tuned with test-assert triplets. A test-assert triplet includes a source code snippet that includes: (1) a unit test method with an assert placeholder; (2) the focal method; and (3) a corresponding assert statement. In this manner, the neural transformer model is trained to learn the semantics and statistical properties of a natural language, the syntax of a programming language, and the relationships between the code elements of the programming language and the syntax of an assert statement.