Software Testing Foundations

A Study Guide for the Certified Tester Exam- Foundation Level- ISTQB® Compliant

Andreas Spillner, Tilo Linz

• Publisher: dpunkt.verlag
• Year: 2021
• ISBN:
  9783969102992
• Edition: 5
• Topic: Informatik
• Subtopic: Qualitätssicherung & Prüfung

Fundamental knowledge and basic experience – brought through practical examples

• Thoroughly revised and updated 5th edition, following upon the success of four previous editions
• Updated according to the most recent ISTQB® Syllabus for the Certified Tester Foundations Level (2018)
• Authors are among the founders of the Certified Tester Syllabus

Professional testing of software is an essential task that requires a profound knowledge of testing techniques. The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB®) has developed a universally accepted, international qualification scheme aimed at software and system testing professionals, and has created the Syllabi and Tests for the Certified Tester. Today about 673, 000 people have taken the ISTQB® certification exams.

The authors of Software Testing Foundations, 5th Edition, are among the creators of the Certified Tester Syllabus and are currently active in the ISTQB®. This thoroughly revised and updated fifth edition covers the Foundation Level (entry level) and teaches the most important methods of software testing. It is designed for self-study and provides the information necessary to pass the Certified Tester-Foundations Level exam, version 2018, as defined by the ISTQB®.

Topics covered:
- Fundamentals of Testing
- Testing and the Software Lifecycle
- Static and Dynamic Testing Techniques
- Test Management
- Test Tools

1 Introduction

Software is everywhere! Nowadays there are virtually no devices, machines, or systems that are not partially or entirely controlled by software. Important functionality in cars—such as engine or gear control—have long been software-based, and these are now being complemented by increasingly smart software-based driver assist systems, anti-lock brake systems, parking aids, lane departure systems and, perhaps most importantly, autonomous driving systems. Software and software quality therefore not only govern how large parts of our lives function, they are also increasingly important factors in our everyday safety and wellbeing.

Equally, the smooth running of countless companies today relies largely on the reliability of the software systems that control major processes or individual activities. Software therefore determines future competitiveness. For example, the speed at which an insurance company can introduce a new product, or even just a new tariff, depends on the speed at which the corresponding IT systems can be adapted or expanded.

High dependency on reliable software

Quality has therefore become a crucial factor for the success of products and companies in the fields of both technical and commercial software.

Most companies have recognized their dependence on software, whether relying on the functionality of existing systems or the introduction of new and better ones. Companies therefore constantly invest in their own development skills and improved system quality. One way to achieve these objectives is to introduce systematic software evaluation and testing procedures. Some companies already have comprehensive and strict testing procedures in place, but many projects still suffer from a lack of basic knowledge regarding the capacity and usefulness of software testing procedures.

Grass-roots knowledge of structured evaluation and testing

This book aims to provide the basic knowledge necessary to set up structured, systematic software evaluation and testing techniques that will help you improve overall software quality.

This book does not presume previous knowledge of software quality assurance. It is designed for reference but can also be used for self-study. The text includes a single, continuous case study that provides explanations and practical solutions for each of the topics covered.

This book is aimed at all software testers in all types of companies who want to develop a solid foundation for their work. It is also for programmers and developers who have taken over (or are about to take over) existing test scenarios, and it is also aimed at project managers who are responsible for budgeting and overall procedural improvement. Additionally, it offers support for career changers in IT-related fields and people involved in application approval, implementation, and development.

Especially in IT, lifelong learning is essential, and software testing courses are offered by a broad range of companies and individuals. Universities, too, are increasingly offering testing courses, and this book is aimed at teachers and students alike.

Certification program for software testers

The ISTQB® Certified Tester program is today seen as the worldwide standard for software testing and quality assurance training. The ISTQB® (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) [URL: ISTQB] coordinates qualification activities in individual countries and ensures the global consistency and comparability of the syllabi and exam papers. National Testing Boards are responsible for publishing and maintaining local content as well as the organization and supervision of exams. They also approve courses and offer accreditation for training providers. Testing Boards therefore guarantee that courses are of a consistently high standard and that participants end up with an internationally recognized certificate. Members of the Testing Boards include training providers, testing experts from industrial and consulting firms, and university lecturers. They also include representatives from trade associations.

Three-stage training scheme

The Certified Tester training scheme is made up of units with three levels of qualification. For more details, see the ISTQB® [URL: ISTQB] website. The basics of software testing are described in the Foundation Level syllabus. You can then move on to take the Advanced Level exam, which offers a deeper understanding of evaluation and testing skills. The Expert Level certificate is aimed at experienced software testing professionals, and consists of a set of modules that cover various advanced topics (see also section 6.1.2). In addition, there are syllabi for agile software development (foundation and advanced level) as well as special topics from the testing area (for example, Security Tester, Model-Based Tester, Automotive Software Tester).

This book covers the contents of the Foundation Level syllabus. You can use the book for self-study or in conjunction with an approved course.

Chapter overview

The topics covered in this book and the basic content of the Foundation Certificate course are as follows:

Software testing basics

Chapter 2 discusses the basics of software testing. Alongside the concepts of when to test, the objectives to aim for, and the required testing thoroughness, it also addresses the basic concepts of testing processes. We also talk about the psychological difficulties that can arise when you are looking for errors in your own work.

Lifecycle testing

Chapter 3 introduces common development lifecycle models (sequential, iterative, incremental, agile) and explains the role that testing plays in each. The various test types and test levels are explained, and we investigate the difference between functional and non-functional testing. We also look at regression testing.

Static testing

Static testing (i.e., tests during which the test object is not executed) are introduced in Chapter 4. Reviews and static tests are used successfully by many organizations, and we go into detail on the various approaches you can take.

Dynamic testing

Chapter 5 addresses testing in a stricter sense and discusses “black-box” and “white-box” dynamic testing techniques. Various test techniques and methods are explained in detail for both. We wrap up this chapter by looking at when it makes sense to augment common testing techniques using experience-based or intuitive testing techniques.

Test management

Chapter 6 discusses the organizational skills and tasks that you need to consider when managing test processes. We also look at the requirements for defect and configuration management, and wind up with a look at the economics of testing.

Test tools

Testing software without the use of dedicated tools is time-consuming and extremely costly. Chapter 7 introduces various types of testing tools and discusses how to choose and implement the right tools for the job you are doing.

Most of the processes described in this book are illustrated using a case study based on the following scenario:

Case Study: Virtual-ShowRoom VSR-II

A car manufacturer has been running an electronic sales system called VirtualShowRoom (VSR) for over a decade. The system runs at all the company’s dealers worldwide:

• Customers can configure their own vehicle (model, color, extras, and so on) on a computer, either alone or assisted by a salesperson. The system displays the available options and immediately calculates the corresponding price. This functionality is performed by the DreamCar module.
• Once the customer has selected a configuration, he can then select optimal financing using the EasyFinance module, order the vehicle using the JustInTime module, and select appropriate insurance using the NoRisk module. The FactBook module manages all customer and contract data.

The manufacturer’s sales and marketing department has decided to update the system and has defined the following objectives:

• VSR is a traditional client-server system. The new VSR-II system is to ...