Software Testing

Testing Principles

• Testing is a process of executing a program with the intent of finding an error.
• A good test case is one that has a high probability of finding an as-yet undiscovered error.
• A successful test is one that uncovers an as-yet undiscovered error.
• All tests should be traceable to customer requirements.
• Tests should be planned long before testing begins.
• The Pareto Principle applies to software testing, which states that 80% of all errors uncovered during testing will likely be traceable to 20% of all program components.
• Testing should begin 'in the small' and progress toward testing 'in the large'.
• Exhaustible testing is not possible.
  

What is Software Testing?

Software testing is a process of evaluating a system by manual or automated means and verify that it satisfies specified requirements or identify differences between actual and expected results.

Why Software Testing?

Effective software testing helps to deliver quality software products that satisfy user requirements, needs and expectations. If not done properly, defects are found during operation which results in high maintenance cost and user dissatisfaction.

Objectives of software testing

• To find bugs
• To find bugs as early as possible
• To make sure that the bugs get fixed

Manual & Automated Testing

Merits & Demerits

Manual Testing

Merits

• Cost-effective
• Easily understood as it involves more documentation

Demerits

• Consumes more time
• More work is to be done by testers

Automated Testing

Merits

• Consumes less time
• Less work to be done by testers
• Can be continued by anyone even if stopped half-way while testing

Demerits

• Testing tools are costly