Techniques for testing

Techniques for testing

1. Test harnesses

   • Allows for some automated testing
     • Known as automated test framework
   • Consists of software and test data
     • Monitors the actual output against expected output
   • Removes need of programmer to do repetitive tasks
     • Saves time and money

2. Volume testing

   • Designed to show how the system will perform with large and small volumes of data
   • Designed to establish the limits of software under a large volume of data
     • To ensure it meets requirements
     • To check system can cope with predicted capacity of data

3. Scalability testing

   • Performance testing to ensure system is capable beyond predicted workload
     • Checking it will function after being scaled up
   • Series of tests carried out as system is scaled up
     • Tested until performance drops (data is analysed at this point)
       • Analysis identifies problems preventing scaling

4. Prototyping

   • Not strictly testing
     • But is a useful technique for gathering UI feedback from client and users
   • Involves producing limited versions of a system at different stages during development
     • Allows feedback to be gathered throughout development
       • Required changes are made and more feedback can be given
   • Iterative methodology

5. Multi-Platform testing

   • 'Portability' testing
   • Many systems need to operate on a variety of platforms
     • Systems software: Windows, Apple OS, Linux
     • Hardware: PC, Tablet, Smartphones

6. Use of simulated environments

   • Not always feasible to test in every environment possible
     • If system needs to run a client's WAN, difficult/time consuming to test
       • Difficult to control exact conditions
   • Using simulated environments means test conditions can be repeated over and over
     • Can use various configs as fair comparisons