ISTQB FOUNDATION 4.0 | Tutorial 39 | Checklist Based Testing | Test Techniques | ISTQB Tutorials

Summary

This tutorial on ISTQB Foundation Level certification focuses on checklist-based testing, a technique used in both static and dynamic testing. The video explains how checklists, composed of specific questions, help testers ensure product quality by verifying functional and non-functional requirements. It emphasizes the importance of regularly updating checklists to reflect new features and defects, while cautioning against overly long or overly high-level checklists. The tutorial provides practical examples and underscores the balance needed for effective checklist design.

Takeaways

• 📝 A checklist in testing is a questionnaire with questions about a particular product, used for both static and dynamic testing.
• 🔍 Checklists are designed for specific work products, such as user stories, and can help identify defects through a series of yes/no questions.
• 🛠️ In dynamic testing, checklists are preferred for standard products like TV remotes, avoiding the need to write detailed test cases for each feature.
• 📋 Checklists should be based on experience, knowledge about user importance, and understanding of common software failure points.
• 🚫 Checklists should exclude items that can be automated, are too general, or better suited for entry/exit criteria.
• ❓ Checklist items are phrased as questions, allowing for direct and separate verification of each item.
• 🔄 Checklists can support various test types, including both functional and non-functional testing.
• 🔄 The effectiveness of checklist entries may decrease over time, necessitating regular updates to reflect new defects and remove outdated items.
• 📉 A common drawback of checklists is the lack of regular updates, which can lead to checklists becoming outdated as products evolve.
• 📈 Checklists should be reviewed and updated with each version change of a product to ensure they remain relevant and effective.
• 🔍 The balance of a checklist should be moderate, not too long to maintain consistency, but detailed enough to provide clear guidelines for testing.

Q & A

What is the main topic of this tutorial?

The main topic of this tutorial is the 'Checklist Based Testing' technique, which is part of the ISTQB Foundation Level certification course, specifically covered in Chapter 4, Section 4.4.

What is a checklist in the context of testing?

A checklist in testing is a questionnaire consisting of several questions that are asked about a particular product during testing. It is widely used in static testing and is designed specifically for a work product.

How is a checklist used in static testing?

In static testing, a checklist is used to review work products like user stories. It contains questions related to the work product, such as clarity, understandability, and acceptance criteria, which are answered with yes or no to determine if the product is ready for implementation.

Can you provide an example of how a checklist is used in dynamic testing?

In dynamic testing, a checklist can be used to test standard products like a TV remote control. Instead of writing detailed test cases, testers use a checklist with questions about the product's features and functionality to ensure it works as expected and identify any defects.

What are some characteristics of checklist-based testing?

Characteristics of checklist-based testing include the tester designing, implementing, and executing tests to cover conditions from a checklist. Checklists are based on experience, knowledge about user importance, or understanding of software failure reasons. They should not contain items that can be checked automatically or are too general.

Why is it important for a checklist to be regularly updated?

It is important for a checklist to be regularly updated to reflect newly found defects, added features, and to remove items that are no longer applicable. This ensures the checklist remains effective and relevant to the product being tested.

How can checklists support various test types, including functional and non-functional testing?

Checklists can support various test types by including questions that pertain to both functional and non-functional requirements. They can be used to review different aspects of the product, ensuring a comprehensive testing approach.

What is a common drawback of using checklists in any industry?

A common drawback of using checklists is that they are often not updated regularly. Once created, checklists can become outdated as products evolve, leading to inefficiencies and missed defects.

Why is it crucial to avoid letting the checklist become too long?

It is crucial to avoid letting the checklist become too long to maintain its effectiveness and ease of use. A lengthy checklist may become cumbersome and reduce the consistency and repeatability of testing.

How can a checklist help in mapping to requirements and measuring coverage?

A checklist can help in mapping to requirements by ensuring that each test condition is addressed. It can also assist in measuring coverage by providing a clear view of which areas of the product have been tested and which have not.

What is the final advice given in the tutorial regarding the use of checklists?

The final advice is to ensure that checklists are reviewed and updated frequently, especially when there are changes in the product version. It also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance in the checklist's level of detail to ensure it is useful for testers and can be repeated if necessary.