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SOFTWARE TESTING STRATEGIES. A strategy for software testing integrates software test case design methods into a well-planned series of steps that result in the successful construction of software.
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SOFTWARE TESTING STRATEGIES A strategy for software testing integrates software test case design methods into a well-planned series of steps that result in the successful construction of software. The strategy provides a road map that describes the steps to be conducted as part of testing, when these steps are planned and then undertaken, and how much effort, time, and resources will be required.
Who does it? A strategy for software testing is developed by – Project manager, Software engineers, and Testing specialists.
A STRATEGIC APPROACH TO SOFTWARE TESTING Testing is a set of activities that can be planned in advance and conducted systematically.
A STRATEGIC APPROACH TO SOFTWARE TESTING A number of software testing strategies provide the following generic characteristics: Testing begins at the component level and works "outward" toward the integration of the entire computer-based system. Different testing techniques are appropriate at different points in time. Testing is conducted by the developer of the software and (for large projects) an independent test group. Testing and debugging are different activities, but debugging must be accommodated in any testing strategy.
Verification and Validation Verification refers to the set of activities that ensure that software correctly implements a specific function. Validation refers to a different set of activities that ensure that the software that has been built is traceable to customer requirements.
Verification and Validation Boehm states this another way: Verification: “Are we building the product right?” Validation: “Are we building the right product?”
THE ART OF DEBUGGING Software testing is a process that can be systematically planned and specified. Test case design can be conducted, A strategy can be defined, and Results can be evaluated against prescribed expectations. Debugging occurs as a consequence of successful testing. That is, when a test case uncovers an error, debugging is the process that results in the removal of the error.
Results The debugging process will always have one of two outcomes: the cause will be found and corrected, or the cause will not be found. The person performing debugging may suspect a cause, design a test case, and work toward error correction in an iterative fashion.
Debugging Approaches In general, three categories for debugging approaches: Brute force, Backtracking, Cause elimination.
Brute Force The brute force category of debugging is probably the most common and least efficient method for isolating the cause of a software error. We apply brute force debugging methods when all else fails.
Backtracking Backtracking is a fairly common debugging approach that can be used successfully in small programs. Beginning at the site where a symptom has been uncovered, the source code is traced backward (manually) until the site of the cause is found.
Cause Elimination The third approach to debugging: Cause elimination—is manifested by induction or deduction and introduces the concept of binary partitioning. Data related to the error occurrence are organized to isolate potential causes.