Proposal for a solution for testing smart contracts under the blockchain Tezos

Abstract

[eng] This research focuses on testing smart contracts under the Tezos blockchain. Tezos is a distributed ledger technology known for its self-amendment feature, allowing protocol upgrades without network division. However, smart contracts can contain bugs and vulnerabilities, necessitating software testing for quality assurance. The objectives of this work are to conduct a state-of-the-art review of testing tools and approaches for Tezos smart contracts, develop and deploy test smart contracts using the Michelson language, and perform different levels of testing. This includes both white-box and black-box testing. White-box testing focuses on internal verification, evaluating logic and behavior using tools like Truffle and SmartPy. Black-box testing examines external interactions using frameworks such as Selenium and Robot Framework. The goal is to ensure the quality and reliability of Tezos smart contracts, detecting bugs and vulnerabilities before deployment on the blockchain. In Chapter II, we delved into the realm of decentralized application testing and focused on the utilization of Selenium and the unitest framework for test automation. Furthermore, we conducted a comprehensive comparison between Selenium and the Robot framework, emphasizing the superior capabilities of Selenium. In Chapter III, we redirected our attention to the initial testing and onboarding process of Tezos smart contracts. Within this context, we undertook a thorough examination of various white-box testing tools and specifically highlighted the advantages of Tezos in comparison to SmartPy. In summary, this research has highlighted the superiority of Selenium over the Robot Framework in test automation, particularly for black box testing. Selenium’s specialization in web application testing, extensive language support, precise control over actions, vibrant community support, and customizable test reporting features make it the preferred choice for efficient test automation. Additionally, the analysis confirms that Truffle outperforms SmartPy when it comes to testing and developing smart contracts on the Tezos blockchain. Truffle’s comprehensive tools and functionalities cater specifically to the needs of Tezos smart contract testing, ensuring a seamless and efficient process. These findings provide valuable insights for practitioners seeking optimal solutions in the domains of test automation and smart contract development.