spurl would it be possible for you to clarify your question a bit? Are you asking about:

ATPG?
Which I still think is a hardware only term (pattern - referring to pattern of voltages to pins AFAIK). If you're come across it used as a term to describe software testing any references would be appreciated
Generating tests algorithmically?
Which is a well accepted technique. Take a look at the number tests in Regexp::Common for some examples. You need a way of generating possible values and a mechanism (sometimes called an "oracle") that lets you know whether the test should pass or not.
Having automatic rather than manual tests?
In which case you should take a look at Test::Tutorial, Test::More and friends in the Perl world.

If you want to learn more about software testing in general I'd recommend Kent Beck's Test Driven Development and Cem Kaner & James Bach's Lessons Learned in Software Testing: a Context-driven Approach.

In reply to Re: Automatic Test Pattern Generation in Perl by adrianh
in thread Automatic Test Pattern Generation in Perl by spurperl

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