2.3Testing Principles for Full Testing Concepts

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Full Testing Concepts

Preface

The purpose of a testing method is to provide a structured approach and discipline to testing. It includestest planning, managing and controlling the testing process, and testing techniques. The full lifecycletesting methodology being introduced in this concepts manual outlines the generic testing processes andtechniques needed to test applications. This methodology is targeted for the development project teams(business and technical staff).When testing responsibility falls outside of the scope of the development team, reference is made toexternal testing processes for completeness purposes only. As preparations are made to pass the systemto a group outside of the development team for testing, it is expected that the project development teamwill consult the external group or their documentation for guidance.The full lifecycle testing methodology has three parts:

•

Testing Concepts

•

Test Process Model

•

Testing Standards

Testing Concepts

, describes the "why" and "what" of the testing discipline. It presents the conceptsrelating to test planning, test preparation, test execution and test reporting. It covers, at a generic level,every facet of testing; types, techniques, levels, and integration approaches.

Test Process Model

, describes the "how," "who" and "when" of testing. It explains the processes,procedures and tools needed to support a structured approach to testing.

Testing Standards

, describes the criteria to be met in order for specific levels of testing (such asOperability testing) to be considered acceptable by the organization. In most organizations the standardsare owned and managed by the

Quality Assurance

group.

Testing Courses

, available separately, teach the concepts of testing a software application using the fulllifecycle testing approach and reinforce them with a case study that applies these processes, tools, andtechniques.Since this is a generic methodology, we will only be describing tools and techniques that are generic totesting. The descriptions will be at a level that will give the reader the concept of what the tool or technique is and its relevance to the testing process. Inspections are one example of such a technique.The reader may pursue additional education at a greater level of detail outside of this methodologydocumentation.It is suggested that anyone who is a novice to testing should read the concepts document completelyfrom front-to-back and/or attend the course. Experienced test or development personnel can use thisdocument as reference. It is expected that the

Testing Process Model

content will be tailored to meet theunique needs of your application, project life cycle, and testing requirements.

Testing Standards,

whereavailable as part of organizational standards, will be used alongside the Test Process Model to insure theapplication development is conducted according to the needs of the organization.26/09/2006 16:03:56

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Table of Contents

1. 00000000Introduction to Testing..........................................................................................52. Testing Fundamentals...........................................................................................................5

2.1 Definition............................................................................................................................................52.2 Ensuring Testability............................................................................................................................62.3 Testing Principles...............................................................................................................................62.4 "No-Fault" Testing..............................................................................................................................72.5 Entrance and Exit Criteria..................................................................................................................72.6 Testing Approaches............................................................................................................................72.6.1 Static...........................................................................................................................................82.6.2 Dynamic Testing..........................................................................................................................82.7 0Testing Techniques...........................................................................................................................92.7.1 Black Box Testing........................................................................................................................92.7.2 White Box Testing........................................................................................................................92.7.3 Error Guessing...........................................................................................................................102.8 0Full Lifecycle Testing......................................................................................................................102.9 What Is Tested.................................................................................................................................102.10 The Testing Team...........................................................................................................................11

3. 0The Testing Process..........................................................................................................13

3.1 Test Planning....................................................................................................................................143.1.1 The Administrative Plan.............................................................................................................143.1.2 Risk Assessment.......................................................................................................................143.1.3 Test Focus.................................................................................................................................153.1.4 Test Objectives..........................................................................................................................163.1.5 Test Strategy..............................................................................................................................173.1.6 The Build Strategy.....................................................................................................................173.1.7 Problem Management & Change Control..................................................................................1926/09/2006 16:03:56

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3.2 0Test Case Design...........................................................................................................................19

4. 0Levels of Testing................................................................................................................21

4.1 Testing Model...................................................................................................................................214.2 Requirements Testing.......................................................................................................................224.3 Design Testing..................................................................................................................................234.4 Unit Testing......................................................................................................................................244.5 Integration Testing............................................................................................................................254.6 System Testing.................................................................................................................................264.7 Systems Integration Testing.............................................................................................................274.8 User Acceptance Testing..................................................................................................................284.9 Operability Testing............................................................................................................................29

5. 0Types of Tests....................................................................................................................30

5.1 Functional Testing............................................................................................................................305.1.1 Audit and Controls Testing.........................................................................................................305.1.2 Conversion Testing....................................................................................................................315.1.3 User Documentation and Procedures Testing............................................................................325.1.4 Error-Handling Testing...............................................................................................................325.1.5 Function Testing.........................................................................................................................335.1.6 Installation Testing.....................................................................................................................335.1.7 Interface / Inter-system Testing.................................................................................................345.1.8 Parallel Testing..........................................................................................................................355.1.9 Regression Testing....................................................................................................................355.1.10 Transaction Flow Testing.........................................................................................................365.1.11 Usability Testing.......................................................................................................................365.2 0Structural Testing...........................................................................................................................375.2.1 Backup and Recovery Testing...................................................................................................375.2.2 Contingency Testing..................................................................................................................385.2.3 Job Stream Testing....................................................................................................................3926/09/2006 16:03:56

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