To perform testing in a planned and systematic manner, software testing strategy is developed. A testing strategy is used to identify the levels of testing which are to be applied along with the methods, techniques, and tools to be used during testing. This strategy also decides test cases, test specifications, test case decisions, and puts them together for execution.
Developing a test strategy, which efficiently meets the requirements of an organization, is critical to the success of software development in that organization. Therefore, a software testing strategy should contain complete information about the procedure to perform testing and the purpose and requirements of testing.
The choice of software testing strategy is highly dependent on the nature of the developed software. For example, if the software is highly data intensive then a strategy that checks structures and values properly to ensure that all inputs given to the software are correct and complete should be developed. Similarly, if it is transaction intensive then the strategy should be such that it is able to check the flow of all the transactions. The design and architecture of the software are also useful in choosing testing strategy. A number of software testing strategies are developed in the testing process. All these strategies provide the tester a template, which is used for testing. Generally, all testing strategies have following characteristics.
There are different types of software testing strategies, which are selected by the testers depending upon the nature and size of the software. The commonly used software testing strategies are listed below.
A testing strategy should be developed with the intent to provide the most effective and efficient way of testing the software. While developing a testing strategy, some questions arise such as: when and what type of testing is to be done? What are the objectives of testing? Who is responsible for performing testing? What outputs are produced as a result of testing? The inputs that should be available while developing a testing strategy are listed below.
The output produced by the software testing strategy includes a detailed document, which indicates the entire test plan including all test cases used during the testing phase. A testing strategy also specifies a list of testing issues that need to be resolved.
An efficient software testing strategy includes two types of tests, namely, low-level tests and high-level tests. Low-level tests ensure correct implementation of small part of the source code and high-level tests ensure that major software functions are validated according to user requirements. A testing strategy sets certain milestones for the software such as final date for completion of testing and the date of delivering the software. These milestones are important when there is limited time to meet the deadline.
In spite of these advantages, there are certain issues that need to be addressed for successful implementation of software testing strategy. These issues are discussed here.
Dinesh Thakur holds an B.SC (Computer Science), MCSE, MCDBA, CCNA, CCNP, A+, SCJP certifications. Dinesh authors the hugely popular Computer Notes blog. Where he writes how-to guides around Computer fundamental , computer software, Computer programming, and web apps. For any type of query or something that you think is missing, please feel free to Contact us.
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