Abstract: A system and apparatus for generating an extended finite state machine (EFSM) from a specification expressed as a set of data relationships. The specification is written in a specification language designed for the purpose, and is parsed in a conventional fashion. The parsed specification is used as input to the method of the invention, which comprises routines for transforming it into an EFSM including states and transitions. The EFSM thus generated is used as input to a traversal procedure, for ultimately generating validation tests to verify the operation of an implementation of the specification, with one such test being generated for each path traversed through the EFSM. The traversal of the EFSM may be carried out in a conventional fashion or by using applicant's EFSM traversal method. The EFSM's transitions represent functions and test information, and the states represent the status of the EFSM at particular points, given the traversal of a particular path through the EFSM, i.e.