Developing test plans and testing a solution Flashcards
(17 cards)
What is the aim of testing?
To improve the quality of the software by ensuring that it is bug free, meets the user requirements and operates efficiently. This is done by testing the system and fixing any errors which are spotted
It is a continuous process carried out throughout the development process
What is a test case?
A document that contains a set of tests to help the programmer verify that the code works as expected. It will include expected and actual outcomes
It should include extreme, valid, invalid and null data
What is white box testing?
Tests the internal logic of a section of code to identify errors in syntax, logic and data flow
The tester needs to know how the code works, so a programmer completes this testing.
White box tests are carried out on units of code
Every statement executed should be tested at least once
Advantages of white box testing?
Thorough as it allows each line of code to be tested
Hidden errors are identified and the code is modified and optimised
Programmers who know the code can easily identify suitable test data
Disadvantages of white box testing?
Experienced programmers are required to undertake the testing
Large scale applications require complex test cases, which is time consuming
Some conditions may not be tested as it is not possible to test every possibility
What is black box testing?
Focuses on testing inputs and outputs
Used to identify errors in data structures, problems with user interfaces, errors in reports, missing functionality and behaviour errors
The tester has no knowledge of the internal code therefore a variety of people carry out this testing
The unit of code is viewed as a black box(the tester can’t see inside)
Advantages of black box testing?
Can help identify where the user requirements are not being met
testers do not need to know about the code and so the tester can be independent of the developer
Test cases can be designed as soon as the specification for the unit is completed
Disadvantages of black box testing?
Not all program pathways are tested as only a small number of input cases are used
The reason for a test failure cannot be determined
Repetition of tests already carried out by the programmer may occur
When can test cases be designed in black box testing?
Test cases can be designed as soon as the specification for the unit is completed.
What is unit testing?
A unit of code is tested to ensure it works as expected
The unit test has no relation to the code outside of the unit being tested
Unit testing starts with the module specification and includes detailed testing of the code
It is a form of white box testing with a narrow scope limited to one unit
What is integration testing?
Occurs after unit testing
A number of tested units are combined together to form a sub-system
Integration testing is used to ensure that units are working together as expected, for example there will be a focus on the data passed between units
Integration tests identify problems with interfaces or with the interactions between units
What is system testing?
Occurs after integration testing
Sub-systems are brought together to form a complete software system. The system is tested as a whole to ensure that it meets the user requirements
The system is treated like a black box
Can help identify missing functionality or issues related to performance
The tests should be carried out in a real life setting with real volumes of data
What is a test plan?
A document that describes in detail the activities to be undertaken when testing is carried out.
What is extreme data?
Used to test if the system can cope with very large or very small data values, for example if a student number has to be in the range 1-100, the test data would normally include the numbers 1 and 100 as extreme values
What is valid data?
Used to test that the system operates as expected with normal data
What is invalid data?
Used to test the system can process invalid data and does not crash when invalid data is entered
What is null data?
Is used to test that the system can cope when no data is entered
