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Kernel Korner: The Linux Test Project

Issue 129

From Issue #129
January 2005

Dec 01, 2004  By Nigel Hinds
 in
Finding 500 bugs in 50 different kernel versions is the fruit of this thorough Linux testing and code coverage project.
Conclusion

As Linux plays an increasing role in the enterprise computing space, robustness and reliability requirements have led to more formal testing methods. The LTP is a functional regression testing suite used to help improve Linux reliability. For any kernel development project, running the LTP test suite gives you a method to help ensure your changes don't break the kernel. As you test your kernel modifications, a GCOV-enabled kernel and accompanying LTP tools will help you visualize the effectiveness of your testing and help focus the test team on areas with low coverage.

In addition to test results that show kernel regressions and code coverage gaps, the LTP and coverage analysis potentially provide a method for measuring kernel improvement over time. Consider the simple argument: combined with higher coverage of the kernel code, fewer kernel failures suggest that Linux kernel reliability is improving. A study of how well LTP tracks improvement in Linux is part of our future work.

Finally, we would like to encourage developers to submit their tests to be included in the LTP suite. As always, suggestions and comments are welcome, and should be sent to the mailing lists found on the LTP Web site.

Resources for this article: /article/7809.

Nigel Hinds is a member of the technical staff at IBM T. J. Watson Research Center. He develops testing tools and maintains the kernel coverage system for the Linux Testing Project. His other interests include networking and distributed systems. He can be reached at nhinds@us.ibm.com.

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