Workshop
Systematic Testing Techniques
Boris Beizer stated behavioral testing from a black box approach is only 35 - 65% effective in evaluating the functional capabilities or attributes of a software program. Numerous studies also support this and indicate current testing approaches are inadequate for today's complex software. Behavioral testing from a black box approach is effective in exposing certain types of problems, evaluating usability and common user scenarios. But, behavioral testing by itself can also miss critical functional problems, leave large portions of the program's functionality untested, and provides no effective means of measuring testing beyond number of defects detected and time spent on task.Improving test effectiveness, reducing risk, and conducting a more thorough comprehensive evaluation of complex software requires a more systematic and in-depth analysis of the program's capabilities and attributes using formal testing techniques from both a black box, gray box, and white box perspectives. Systematic testing techniques are not scripted testing; they are methodical procedures using reliable heuristics and logical and analytical reasoning to help a tester solve a complex problem.
This intensive hands-on workshop presents the scientific basis for functional and structural testing techniques, examples of how each techniques is effective in identifying specific categories of defects based on fault models, and challenging exercises to engage the minds of the participants to help them prevail over the pesticide paradox and break the black-box barrier. Participants will learn:
- Functional testing techniques such as equivalence class partitioning, boundary value analysis, cause and effect graphing, combinatorial analysis and state transition modeling.
- Structural testing techniques such as block testing decision testing, condition testing, and basis path testing.
- When to apply each technique in the correct context to identify specific categories of defects, and design more effective tests to perform a more comprehensive evaluatiion of a program
