CH01.L04. Fundamental Test Process

Summary

This script outlines the five core activities of software testing: Test planning and control, test analysis and design, test implementation and execution, evaluating exit criteria and reporting, and test closure activities. It emphasizes the iterative nature of testing, detailing how objectives are set, test conditions and cases are designed, and discrepancies are identified and resolved. The importance of monitoring progress, adjusting plans, and confirming fixes through regression testing is highlighted, ensuring a thorough and controlled testing process.

Takeaways

• 📝 **Testing Process Overview**: The script outlines a five-step process for software testing, emphasizing the importance of each step and their interrelated nature.
• 🎯 **Test Planning and Control**: The first step involves setting objectives and monitoring progress, with a focus on adjusting the plan as needed to meet testing goals.
• 🔍 **Test Analysis and Design**: This step transforms test objectives into test conditions and cases, including the creation of a traceability matrix for tracking.
• 🛠️ **Test Implementation and Execution**: The longest phase, where test cases are developed, test data is created, and the environment is set up for testing.
• 🔄 **Discrepancy Management**: Discrepancies found during testing are reported and recorded, with a follow-up to confirm fixes and conduct regression testing.
• 📈 **Evaluating Exit Criteria**: Testing stops when predefined exit criteria are met, which can be based on various factors like test case completion or bug detection rate.
• 📋 **Reporting**: A summary report is prepared for stakeholders, detailing the testing process, outcomes, and any necessary follow-up actions.
• 🔚 **Test Closure Activities**: The final phase includes reviewing deliverables, documenting system acceptance, and archiving test materials for future reference.
• 🔄 **Continuous Monitoring**: Test control is an ongoing activity that involves comparing actual progress with the plan and taking corrective actions when deviations occur.
• 🔑 **Traceability Matrix**: A key tool in the testing process, used to link test conditions to test cases, ensuring comprehensive coverage and tracking of testing stages.
• 🛑 **Regression Testing**: After fixing discrepancies, it's crucial to conduct regression testing to ensure that fixes haven't introduced new issues in other parts of the program.

Q & A

What are the five main activities included in software testing according to the transcript?

The five main activities in software testing are Test planning and control, Test analysis and design, Test implementation and execution, Evaluating exit criteria and reporting, and Test closure activities.

What is the primary objective of the Test planning and control activity?

The primary objective of Test planning and control is to set the objectives of the testing process and to monitor all test activities to ensure they align with the plan, making adjustments as necessary.

How does test control differ from the other activities in the testing process?

Test control is an ongoing activity that involves monitoring the actual progress against the plan, reporting deviations, and taking corrective actions to achieve the project's objectives.

What are the two main tasks involved in the Test analysis and design activity?

The two main tasks in Test analysis and design are collecting and reviewing test bases for writing test cases and evaluating or finding test conditions from the test bases that can be used for testing.

What is a 'traceability matrix' and how is it used in the testing process?

A traceability matrix is an Excel sheet created during the Test analysis and design stage that lists all test conditions and links them to the test cases, allowing for bi-directional traceability to understand which testing stages have been completed and which requirements are yet to be tested.

What is the purpose of creating test cases during the Test implementation and execution activity?

The purpose of creating test cases is to provide a structured approach to testing, ensuring that all aspects of the software are tested systematically and that the testing process is thorough and repeatable.

What is meant by 'test harnesses' in the context of the testing process?

Test harnesses refer to the stubs and drivers prepared during the implementation stage, which are used to support the execution of test cases in a controlled environment.

Why is regression testing important after fixing discrepancies found during test execution?

Regression testing is important to ensure that fixing one bug has not introduced new bugs or affected other parts of the program, maintaining the overall stability and correctness of the software.

What are 'exit criteria' in the context of testing, and why are they significant?

Exit criteria are the targets or conditions that, when met, indicate that testing should stop. They are significant because they help determine when enough testing has been done or when it's time to halt testing due to reaching a predefined limit such as cost or time constraints.

What is the purpose of the 'Evaluating exit criteria and reporting' activity in the testing process?

The purpose of this activity is to assess whether the predetermined exit criteria have been met and to write a test summary report for all stakeholders, informing them of the testing stage reached and any necessary next steps.

What tasks are involved in the Test closure activity of the testing process?

Test closure activities include checking the delivery of planned deliverables, closing any open modifications, documenting system acceptance, finalizing and archiving the test ware, and handing over the test ware to the maintenance organization.