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11.1: Testing Patterns

  • Page ID
    32428
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    Retest Persistent Problems

    Problem: What areas of the system should receive concentrated testing, irrespective of the features being implemented?

    Solution: Keep a list of persistent problem areas and test cases to verify them, not just for resolving the current problems but also for use in subsequent testing. Test these areas thoroughly, even if there are no new features going into them. Retest regularly using, even one last time before the release goes out of the door.

    Source: Patterns for system testing [DR98].

    Referenced from: Regression Test After Every Change.

    Test Fuzzy Features

    Problem: How can possible problem areas of the system be pinpointed so that the most problems can be found in the least amount of time?

    Solution: Study the documentation available on the system. Look for areas that seems ambiguous or ill-defined. Write test plans that cover these areas more thoroughly and concentrate testing in these areas. If designers can tell you all about a feature, it probably works. It’s what they can’t tell you that needs attention during testing.

    Source: Patterns for system testing [DR98].

    Referenced from: Grow Your Test Base Incrementally.

    Test Old Bugs

    Problem: What areas of the system should be targeted for testing so that the most problems can be found in the least amount of time?

    Solution: Examine problem reports from previous releases to help select test cases. Since it would be inefficient to test for all old problems, look at problems reported after the last valid snapshot of the system. Categorize problem reports to see if a trend is determined that could be used for additional testing.

    Source: Patterns for system testing [DR98].

    Referenced from: Grow Your Test Base Incrementally.


    This page titled 11.1: Testing Patterns is shared under a CC BY-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Serge Demeyer, Stéphane Ducasse, Oscar Nierstrasz.

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