Systems analysis methods Flashcards
Analysis
Prior to a problem being solved, it has to be defined.
The requirements of the system that solves the problem must be established.
Programming and testing
Programming normally involves breaking the problem down into individual modules and further breaking down until each module performs a single well-defined task.
The program code is then written in the chosen programming language.
Obviously, a system must be thoroughly tested before being installed to make sure that all errors are discovered and corrected before going live.
It is part of the designer’s job to come up with a test plan, which will ensure that all parts of the system are properly tested.
Black box testing (functional testing)
It involves looking at program specification and creating a set of test data that covers all the inputs and outputs and program functions.
White box testing (structural testing)
White box testing is dependent on code logic, and derives from the program structure rather than it’s function.
The code is studied and tests are devised, which test each possible path at least once. The weakness of white box testing is that it will not detect missing functions, as you can’t detect what isn’t there.
Alpha testing
Alpha testing is carried out by the software developer’s in-house testing team.
It is essential because it often reveals both errors and omissions in the system requirements definition.
The user may discover that the system does not in fact have the required functionality because the requirements were not specified carefully enough, or because the developer has overlooked or misunderstood something in the specification.
Beta testing
Involves giving the software to number of potential users who agree to use the system and report problems to the developers e.g. Microsoft, for example delivers beta versions of its products to hundreds of sites for testing.
The exposes the product to real use and detects problems and errors that may not have been anticipate by the developers. The product can then be modified and sent out for further beta testing until the developer is confident enough in the product to put it on the market.
