Course Overview
Software Testing and Quality Assurance
This course was previously called "Software Testing and Quality Assurance".
Businesses used to use computers as an aid but increasingly businesses are dependent on their computer systems for their very survival. Effective testing is essential for reliable, quality software. The need, therefore, is to ensure a rigorous, visible, formal, measurable and repeatable approach to testing.
Testing accounts for a substantial part of the cost of software and there is increasing concern to ensure that the time and money invested is used effectively. As more people, from differing backgrounds, are involved in testing; they need to understand their responsibilities and the responsibilities of those around them.
A structured approach is the key to success, but testing relies on experience. Our consultants share their experience and work through the essentials for consistent, well documented testing based on sound strategies and standards.
Who will the course benefit?
Everyone involved in the management or practice of software development, testing and acceptance, including users, developers, project managers and software purchasers. Managers, project managers, team leaders responsible for preparing and implementing testing policies and strategies.
Business users, their representative, and analysts, who are involved in acceptance testing of new or amended systems.
Developers, designers and programmers, responsible for the testing, quality, reliability and effectiveness of the systems they build.
Programmers testing their programs before they are integrated into larger systems.
Testers who need to know or reassess the scope and objectives of each phase of testing, or are looking to evaluate or enhance their methods and procedures for test planning, preparation, documentation and execution.
Quality managers looking for an independent view on testing and its influence on quality.
Skills Gained
- Manage, plan and prepare rigorous, formal, visible and repeatable tests that will fully exercise software, in the development of quality systems.
- Apply different testing approaches (black box, white box, static and dynamic) to all stages of software development.
- Prepare test plans, strategy, specifications, procedures and controls to provide a structured approach to testing.
- Identify what is involved in acceptance testing, system testing, integration testing and unit testing, what should be tested when and by whom.
- Document testing appropriately.
- Describe the different types of testing tools available and identify and implement the appropriate types of tools for their needs.
Course Objectives
To enable you to develop and implement an effective testing strategy; plan and prepare appropriate tests for all phases of development and be able to measure and control the quality of their testing. To convince you of the importance of finding and resolving defects early and to give you strategies and techniques for building-in quality from the start.
Pre-Requisites
Whilst no prior experience of testing is needed, those with experience who want to review their current practices should find the course beneficial.
Some knowledge and experience of IT systems or their use. The course is designed to be accessible to both novice and experienced testers.
Course Content
Fundamentals of testing
What is Testing. Why Test. Testing principles. The fundamental test process. Test planning and control. Test analysis and design. Test implementation and execution. Evaluating exit criteria and reporting. Test closure. Psychology of testing. Testing and independence.
Testing through the life cycle
The V-model of testing. Iterative development models. Characteristics of good testing. Component testing. Integration testing. System testing. Acceptance testing. Alpha and Beta testing. Functional testing. Non-functional testing. Maintenance testing. Impact analysis.
Static testing techniques
Purpose of static testing. Peer reviews. Walkthroughs. Inspections. Static Analysis using tools. The secrets of success..
Test design techniques
The standard for software test documentation (IEEE 829). Test design specification. Identifying test conditions. Test case specification. Test procedure specification. Prioritising tests. Expected results. Black-box techniques. White-box techniques, Experienced-based techniques. Choice of technique.
Test management
Test organisation and independence. Tasks of the Test Leader. Tasks of the tester. Test planning activities. Test estimation. Test approaches. Test monitoring and control. Test reporting. Configuration management. Testing and risk. Project risks. Product risks. Incident management. Incident reports.
Tool support for testing
Objectives of software tool usage. Types of test tool. Tool support for management. Tool support for static testing. Tool support for test specification. Tool support for test execution d logging. Tool support for performance and monitoring. Potential risks. Introducing a tool.