Most C++ unit testing tools make you choose: write tests the way you want, or get the compliance features your program requires. VectorCAST Coded Tests removes that trade-off. It combines xUnit-style test authoring in C++ with built-in structural coverage, requirements traceability, fault injection, and tool qualification support – all in a single, certified environment.
Whether your team writes tests in code and manages them through a GUI, or works entirely from the command line, Coded Tests fits the workflow. The same test cases that run on your host also run on embedded hardware, with certified runtime analysis at every step.
Key Capabilities
Native C++ test authoring
Write unit tests using a clean syntax similar to GoogleTest, directly in your C++ source. Full support for modern language constructs.
Structural code coverage
Statement, branch, and MC/DC coverage is measured automatically. No external tools required.
Requirements traceability
Link test cases to requirements and generate audit-ready traceability reports as part of the standard workflow.
Certified fault injection
Built-in mocking and stubbing supports safety tests and fault tolerance validation without third-party mocking frameworks.
Target execution
Run tests on real embedded hardware or simulators with certified runtime analysis. Test cases developed on host transfer to target without rewriting.
Tool qualification
TÜV-certified qualification kits are available for DO-178C and other applicable standards.
VS Code integration
The VectorCAST Test Explorer extension for VS Code enables one-click test execution, inline coverage view, and report export without leaving the IDE.
How It Works
VectorCAST Coded Tests follows a four-step workflow.
Step 1: Write
Write unit tests in C++ using a familiar xUnit-style syntax. Full support for modern C++ constructs means no artificial restrictions on how you structure your test code.
Step 2: Import and Organize
Import test cases into VectorCAST and organize them into test suites. The GUI provides a point-and-click interface for configuration – no scripting required.
Step 3: Execute
Run tests through VectorCAST, on host or on embedded hardware and simulators. The VectorCAST Test Explorer extension also lets you trigger and monitor test execution directly inside VS Code without leaving the development environment.
Step 4: Review Results
View structural coverage results, requirements traceability reports, and runtime data. Reports are generated in formats suitable for certification review, with no additional integration or tooling required.
Visual Studio Code Integration
The VectorCAST Test Explorer plugin brings Coded Tests directly into VS Code. Run and manage unit tests from inside the IDE, view coverage line by line in your C++ source, and export full test results, coverage metrics, and requirements traceability reports – all without switching tools or context.
- One-click test execution via the VS Code Test Explorer panel
- Inline coverage highlighting in C++ source files
- Full report export with no additional integration required
VectorCAST Coded Tests vs. GoogleTest
Open-source tools like GoogleTest are widely used for C++ unit testing. They lack built-in support for the requirements of safety-critical development. VectorCAST Coded Tests delivers all required capabilities in a single, integrated, certified solution.
| Capability | GoogleTest Alone | VectorCAST Coded Tests |
| Safety Compliance | Requires DIY toolchain | Certified and audit-ready |
| Code Coverage | External tools needed | Included (MC/DC and more) |
| Requirements Traceability | Manual setup via code tags | Built in with full reporting |
Tool Qualification | Must be created in-house | Certification kits available |
Mocking and Stubbing | Limited by Google Mock | Automatic stubbing, easily create and use stub code |
Point-and-Click Interface | None | Included for test management |
Frequently Asked Questions
