ISTQB FOUNDATION 4.0 | Tutorial 26 | Review Types | Informal, Walkthrough, Technical & Inspection

Summary

This tutorial delves into the ISTQB Foundation Level Certification, focusing on Chapter 3.2.4: Review Types. It explains the necessity of different review processes, from informal to formal, based on factors like SDLC, development maturity, and regulatory requirements. The video outlines four main review types: informal reviews, walkthroughs, technical reviews, and inspections, highlighting their unique aspects and objectives. Aimed at helping viewers understand when and how to apply each review type effectively, it emphasizes the importance of selecting the right review process to achieve review objectives and improve the SDLC.

Takeaways

• 📚 The tutorial discusses the ISTQB Foundation level certification, focusing on Chapter 3, specifically the feedback and review process in static testing.
• 🔍 The script delves into the different types of reviews, explaining that not all documentation requires the same level of review formality due to their distinct nature and audience.
• 📈 The necessity of selecting an appropriate review type is emphasized, influenced by factors such as the SDLC model, development process maturity, work product criticality, legal requirements, and the need for AIT trade.
• 🔑 The script highlights that the same work product can undergo different review types at different stages, starting from informal to more formal reviews as needed.
• 👥 The importance of selecting the right review type for achieving the required review objective is stressed, based on project needs, available resources, work product types, risk, business domain, and company culture.
• 🚶‍♂️ The tutorial introduces four main review types: informal review, walk-through, technical review, and inspection, with inspection being the most formal and synonymous with the formal review process.
• 👥 Informal reviews are described as not following a defined process, requiring no formal documented output, and mainly involving two people, often referred to as buddy checks.
• 🚶‍♂️‍👤 Walk-throughs are led by the author, serve multiple objectives, and may or may not include individual reviews before the meeting.
• 👨‍🏫 Technical reviews involve technically qualified reviewers and a moderator, aiming to gain consensus on technical problems and improve work product quality.
• 🔍 Inspections are the most formal type of review, with a complete generic process, entry and exit criteria, and dedicated roles and responsibilities for participants.
• 🎓 The tutorial concludes by encouraging viewers to understand the different review types and their applicability in real-world scenarios, which is crucial for answering related examination questions.

Q & A

What is the main topic of this tutorial?

The main topic of this tutorial is the feedback and review process, specifically focusing on the different types of review in the context of ISTQB Foundation Level certification.

Why is it important to understand different review types in software documentation?

It is important to understand different review types because various documents have different levels of criticality and complexity, and applying a one-size-fits-all review process is not efficient or effective.

What are the factors that influence the selection of the appropriate review type?

Factors influencing the selection of the review type include the SDLC model being followed, maturity of the development process, criticality and complexity of the work product, legal or regulatory requirements, and the need for an audit trail.

What is the difference between a project plan and a test case in terms of review process?

A project plan contains detailed information about the entire project and is typically reviewed with a more formal process, while a test case is limited to the testing team and developers, and may require a less formal review process.

What is an informal review in the context of software documentation?

An informal review is a process that does not follow a defined process and does not require formal documented output. It mainly aims to detect anomalies and often involves just two people, such as a tester and a colleague or a test lead.

What is a walk-through review and who typically leads it?

A walk-through review is a type of review led by the author of the document. It serves various objectives such as evaluating quality, building confidence in the work product, and generating new ideas.

What are the unique aspects of a technical review?

A technical review is conducted by technically qualified reviewers and is led by a moderator. The unique aspects include the use of subject matter experts as reviewers and the focus on gaining consensus and making decisions regarding technical problems.

What is an inspection and how does it differ from other review types?

An inspection is the most formal type of review, following a complete generic process with defined entry and exit criteria, checklists, and standard roles and responsibilities. It aims to find the maximum number of anomalies and is unique in its formal structure and process.

Why is the selection of the right review type crucial for achieving the required review objective?

The selection of the right review type is crucial because it ensures that the review process is tailored to the specific needs of the document being reviewed, taking into account factors such as project needs, available resources, work product types, and risk.

Can the same work product be reviewed using different review types at different stages of the development process?

Yes, a work product can initially be reviewed using an informal review process and later undergo a more formal review process as needed, demonstrating the flexibility in applying different review types based on evolving project requirements.

How do regulatory and contractual requirements influence the review process?

Regulatory and contractual requirements can drive the need for certain types of reviews, such as formal inspections, even if the development process would otherwise prefer a less formal approach. Compliance with these requirements is critical to avoid findings during audits.