Challenges in Testing Large Language Model Based Software: A Faceted Taxonomy

Abstract: LLMs and Multi-Agent LLMs (MALLMs) introduce non-determinism unlike traditional or machine learning software, requiring new approaches to verifying correctness beyond simple output comparisons or statistical accuracy over test datasets. This paper presents a taxonomy for LLM test case design, informed by both the research literature, our experience, and open-source tools that represent the state of practice. We identify key variation points that impact test correctness and highlight open challenges that the research, industry, and open-source communities must address as LLMs become integral to software systems. Our taxonomy defines four facets of LLM test case design, addressing ambiguity in both inputs and outputs while establishing best practices. It distinguishes variability in goals, the system under test, and inputs, and introduces two key oracle types: atomic and aggregated. Our mapping indicates that current tools insufficiently account for these variability points, highlighting the need for closer collaboration between academia and practitioners to improve the reliability and reproducibility of LLM testing.