Model Combinatorial Data with Combinatorial Action

Modeling of combinatorial data with combinatorial modeling constructs is an advanced modeling concept which allows select different input data (i.e. alternative values from input constraints) to be combined in a combinatorial action within activity diagrams. In version prior to Creator 2.4, the “Data Coverage” option in input action constraints was used for that purpose.

Even though it may be possible and tempting to specify a combination of all alternative values in all input constraints against each other with one, single combinatorial action, we advise against such modeling. This approach usually also combines alternative values which are not intended to be combined, e.g., inputs to the same form in different control flow branches. Exclusions of certain pairs or combinations cannot be specified in the model but must be done in Test Target view. The “single combinatorial action” approach leads to generate (a lot of) test targets that by model construction cannot be reached and need to be manually set to “DON’T_CARE”.

The recommendation of one combinatorial action per control flow branch reduces the need to modify test target settings but does not necessarily eliminate it completely. Test target setting modifications are required in cases where some pairs or combinations involve conditional input actions (i.e., actions with an action pre-condition) which may prevent (by construction) covering some of the pairs or combinations. Note that after adding or modifying a combinatorial action always all new combinatorial test targets in the Test Target view are set to “TARGET” – no matter  if that is possible by model construction or not.