Before we can discuss what software testing involves, we need to talk about quality. In the software development industry, applications and products need to be tested to ensure it meets specifications, is fit for purpose and that its features work as stipulated in the brief. The product needs to have high performance and be reliable, maintainable, secure and portable.
Software Testing - The Core Terminology
- AUT (Application Under Test):
This refers to the product that is being tested. - Test Case:
A test case is a short document which describes a test scenario and its expected results. It is normally designed and created by test engineers. Preconditions and steps to execute the test can be described in the test case. - Bug/Defect:
An incorrect behaviour pattern of the AUT. Normally, a bug is found by identifying variances in the actual behaviour during the execution of a test compared to the predefined expected behaviour. - Test Plan:
This is a document setting out the plan of your testing for a product release. The major content that should be covered in the plan includes test goals, test scope and test strategies. The test strategies define the test environment, test types, test data and test automation strategy. - Test Build:
This is the version of your product that is produced by software developers. It includes all the features you want to test before it is released.
Testing, Quality Assurance And Quality Control
While testing, quality assurance and quality control are interrelated and can be considered the same activities to an extent, there are some key differences that set them apart:
- Quality Assurance:
Quality assurance includes activities that ensure the implementation of processes, procedures and standards in context to verification of developed software and intended requirements. - Quality Control:
Quality control revolves around making sure the software that has been developed meets the requirements of the brief. - Software Testing:
Software testing includes activities that ensure the identification of bugs/errors/defects in the software.
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