Lecture Notes: Test Design Techniques and Test Data Preparation

Introduction

• Topic: Techniques for preparing and managing test data
• Duration: Techniques overview for 2 days

Importance of Software Testing

• Ensures software quality and reliability
• Helps identify and fix issues early in the development process

Different Techniques for Testing

Purpose and Need

• Use of well-structured techniques to ensure comprehensive testing
• Minimizes effort and maximizes coverage

Test Design Techniques

1. Equivalence Partitioning
   • Divides input data into valid and invalid partitions
   • Reduces the number of test cases needed by covering each partition
2. Boundary Value Analysis
   • Focuses on the boundaries of input ranges
   • Ensures thorough testing at the edges of input values
3. State Transition Testing
   • Tests different states and transitions between states
   • Particularly useful for applications with complex state-dependent behavior
4. Decision Table Testing
   • Uses tables to represent combinations of inputs and the respective system behavior
   • Ensures all combinations of inputs are tested
5. Cause-Effect Graphing
   • Identifies cause-effect relationships
   • Helps ensure all logical conditions and their outcomes are covered
6. Error Guessing
   • Relies on tester's intuition and experience
   • Identifying common mistakes and potential error-prone areas

Test Data Preparation

• Purpose: To create representative and comprehensive data sets for testing
• Methods:
  • Use real-world data when possible
  • Create synthetic data to cover edge cases
  • Ensure data complies with privacy and security requirements

Examples of Test Data Scenarios

1. Login Functionality
   • Test with valid and invalid usernames and passwords
   • Check various combinations and error messages
2. Form Validation
   • Testing field constraints (e.g., age, email)
   • Boundary testing for numeric fields
3. Transaction Processing
   • Valid and invalid transaction amounts
   • System behavior on insufficient funds, transaction limits

Key Takeaways

• Test design techniques streamline the testing process
• Focus on high coverage with minimal data
• Importance of using structured and systematic approaches

Next Steps

• Upcoming Topic: Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC)
• Importance: Understanding the entire lifecycle of testing from planning to closure

Ensure to review these key points before the next lecture. Practice creating test data and applying the discussed techniques to enhance your understanding.