12.1 Automake support for test suites

Automake can generate code to handle two kinds of test suites. One is based on integration with the dejagnu framework. The other (and most used) form is based on the use of generic test scripts, and its activation is triggered by the definition of the special TESTS variable. This second form allows for various degrees of sophistication and customization; in particular, it allows for concurrent execution of test scripts, use of established test protocols such as TAP, and definition of custom test drivers and test runners.

In either case, the testsuite is invoked via ‘make check’.