Software Quality Assurance: Testing Methodologies
Software Program Testing Essentials
- Testing aims to demonstrate that a program functions as intended and to uncover defects before deployment.
- Software testing involves executing a program with artificial data.
- Results are checked for errors, anomalies, or insights into the program’s non-functional attributes.
- Testing can reveal the presence of errors, not their absence.
- It is a crucial part of the broader verification and validation (V&V) process, which also incorporates static validation techniques.
Core Concepts in Software Engineering & Development
Software Engineering: Definition & Layers
Software engineering is a systematic, disciplined, and measurable approach to the design, development, maintenance, testing, and evaluation of software systems. It applies engineering principles to create high-quality software solutions that are reliable, efficient, and scalable, while addressing complex real-world problems. The main objectives of software engineering are to:
- Produce cost-effective solutions
- Minimize development risks
- Manage project complexity
- Ensure
Software Development Processes and Requirements
Software Development Processes
Software development involves transforming user requirements into functional software. Key processes include:
- Software Specification: Defining the software’s functionality and operational constraints with input from customers and engineers.
- Software Development: Designing and programming the software.
- Software Validation: Verifying that the software meets customer requirements.
- Software Evolution: Modifying the software to adapt to changing customer needs and market demands.
System Modeling Essentials: UML Perspectives & Diagrams
What is System Modeling?
Process of creating abstract graphical models of a system.
Goal: Understand and communicate different views (perspectives).
Common Language: UML (Unified Modeling Language)
Four System Perspectives
| Perspective | Description |
|---|---|
| External | Models the system environment or context |
| Interaction | Shows how system components or users interact |
| Structural | Shows how the system or data is organized |
| Behavioral | Shows how the system behaves or reacts to events |
Context Models
Show the operational context of a
Understanding Software Development Processes and Models
i. Feasibility Study: An estimate is made of whether the identified user needs may be satisfied using current software and hardware technologies. The study considers whether the proposed systems will be cost-effective from a business point of view and if it can be developed within existing budgetary constraints. A feasibility study should be relatively cheap and quick. The result should inform the decision of whether or not to go ahead with a more detailed analysis. Technical, commerce, financial,
Read MoreUnderstanding Software Failures and Testing Techniques
Here are detailed answers to three of the questions:
1. Why Does Software Fail Even After Testing?
Software doesn’t physically wear out like hardware, but it can fail due to various reasons even after thorough testing. Some key reasons are:
- Incomplete Requirements: Misunderstanding or incomplete gathering of user requirements can lead to features that don’t align with user needs, causing failures in real-world scenarios.
- Changing Requirements: In agile environments, requirements often evolve. Changes