Software Testing Methodology

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What does Task-Oriented Functional Test consists of
The task-oriented functional test (TOFT) consists of positive test cases that are designed to verify program features by checking the task that each feature performs against specifications, user guides, requirements, and design documents. Usually, features are organized into list or test matrix format. Each feature is tested for:

• The validity of the task it performs with supported data conditions under supported operating conditions.
• The integrity od the task's end result
• The feature's integrity when used in conjunction with related features

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What's Forced-Error Test
The forced-error test (FET) consists of negative test cases that are designed to force a program into error conditions. A list of all error messages thatthe program issues should be generated. The list is used as a baseline for developing test cases. An attempt is made to generate each error message in the list. Obviously, test to validate error-handling schemes cannot be performed until all the handling and error message have been coded. However, FETs should be thought through as early as possible. Sometimes, the error messages are not available. The error cases can still be considered by walking through the program and deciding how the program might fail in a given user interface such as a dialog or in the course of executing a given task or printing a given report. Test cases should be created for each condition to determine what error message is generated.

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What's Real-world User-level Test
These tests simulate the actions customers may take with a program. Real-World user-level testing often detects errors that are otherwise missed by formal test types.

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What's Exploratory Test
Exploratory Tests do not involve a test plan, checklist, or assigned tasks. The strategy here is to use past testing experience to make educated guesses about places and functionality that may be problematic. Testing is then focused on those areas. Exploratory testing can be scheduled. It can also be reserved for unforeseen downtime that presents itself during the testing process.

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How to performance Compatibility and Configuration Testing
Compatibility and configuration testng is performanced to check that an application functions properly across various hardware and software environments. Often, the stragegy is to run the functional acceptance simple tests or a subset of the task-oriented functional tests on a range of software and hardware configurations. Sometimes, another strategy is to create a specific test that takes into account the error risks associated with configuration differences. For example, you might design an extensive series of tests to check for browser compatibility issues.
Software compatibility configurations include variances in OS versions, input/output (I/O) devices, extension, network software, concurrent applications, online services and firewalls. Hardwere configurations include variances in manufacturers, CPU types, RAM, graphic display cards, video capture cards, sound cards, monitors, network cards, and connection types(e.g. T1, DSL, modem, etc..).

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How to write testing documentations ?
Testing of reference guides and user guises check that all features are reasonably documented. Every page of documentation should be keystroke-tested for the following errors:

• Accuracy of every statement of fact
• Accuracy of every screen shot, figure and illustation
• Accuracy of placement of figures and illustation
• Accuracy of every tutorial, tip, and instruction
• Accuracy of marketing collateral (claims, system requirements,and screen shots)
• Accuracy of downloadable documentation(PDFs, HTML, or test files)
  

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What's Online Help Test?
Online help tests check the accuracy of help contents, correctness of features in the help system, and functionality of the help system.

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How to Install/uninstall Test ?
Web system often require both client-side and server-side installs. Testing of the installer checks that installed features function properly--including icons, support documentation , the README file, and registry keys. The test verifies that the correct directories are created and that the correct system files are copied to the appropriate directories. The test also confirms that various error conditions are detected and handled gracefully.
Testing of the uninstaller checks that the installed directories and files are appropriately removed, that configuration and system-related filea are also appropriately removed or modified, and that the operating environment is recovered in its original state.

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What's User Interface Tests?
Easy-of-use UI testing evaluates how intuitive a system is. Issues pertaining to navigation, usablility, commands, and accessibility are considered. User interface functionality testing examines how well a UI operates to specifications.
AREAS COVERED IN UI TESTING

• Usability
• Look and feel
• Navigation controls/navigation bar
• Instructional and technical information style
• Images
• Tables
• Navigation branching
• Accessibility
  

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What's External Beta Testing
External beta testing offers developers their first glimpse at how users may actually interact with a program. Copies of the program or a test URL, sometimes accompanied with letter of instruction, are sent out to a group of volunteers who try out the program and respond to questions in the letter. Beta testing is black-box, real-world testing. Beta testing can be difficult to manage, and the feedback that it generates normally comes too late in the development process to contribute to improved usability and functionality. External beta-tester feedback may be reflected in a README file or deferred to future releases.