Testing and Documentation

Question 1

What is a syntax error?

Answer 1

-breaking the rules of the language
- an error in the spelling or grammar used when code:
• missing a letter, character or forgetting to include inverted commas/speech marks or indentation
- a syntax error will be identified by an interpreter as it will be unable to convert the source code into machine code

Question 2

What is a logic error?

Answer 2

• an error in the logic of the code
  e. g - using < instead of > or AND instead of OR
• the program will execute but will produce unexpected results

Question 3

What is an execution error?

Answer 3

• occurs when a program is asked to do something that it cannot achieve
• these are error that are not detected by the translator but are discovered when the program is run
  e. g - an attempt to use a variable thag hD not been declared
• the use of invalid data
• dividing by 0

Question 4

What is a dry run?

Answer 4

The process of manually working through the code to trace the value of variables

• the tester will predict what the code will produce and fix world before the code is executed
• dry runs are not usually put in a test plan.

Question 5

What does a dry run involve?

Answer 5

Updating the values of variables, usually in a table after the execution of each instruction.

Question 6

Why are trace tables used?

Answer 6

To allow programmes to trace the values of variables as each line of code is executed.
The values of the variables are displayed in a table and assist the programmer in identifying any potential errors.

Question 7

What is a breakpoint?

Answer 7

A marker set within the code of a program to halt program execution at a predefined spot.

Question 8

Explain how a breakpoint works.

Answer 8

• The statement of variable expression responsible will be highlighted and can be inspected while the program is temporarily interrupted.
• The program then continues, either to completion or until it hits another breakpoint.
• When the program is halted the value of the variable can be compared with the trace table expected value.
• Any differences can then be examined to identify the error.

Question 9

What is a watchpoint?

Answer 9

• A program is set to halt when s variable has reached a specific point.

Question 10

What is a surrogate key?

Answer 10

A unique identifier that is created to produce a unique identifier if no other natural primary key is present

e. g. - NI number
- Driving license number
- Car registration number

Question 11

What is a wireframe?

Answer 11

One of the techniques used for user interface design. The user interface of any software is the part which users experience and is therefore a crucial part of the design process. It is a visual guide that represents a website or program interface

Question 12

When is a wireframe normally created?

Answer 12

At an early stage in the development of an application to give the client and developers a clear idea of how the finished product will function and how users will interact with it.

Question 13

What is rapid application development?

Answer 13

It is often used as an alternative to the traditional waterfall method. Rather than rigidly following the steps in sequence, RAD places a great deal of emphasis on creating prototypes as quickly as possible and streaming each phase so that some run in parallel when compared to the waterfall method.

Question 14

Describe what happens in RAD.

Answer 14

• The client is involved in the entire process as much as necessary and this is another important feature of RAD. There is less need for a legally binding software specification to be generated at the start of the process
• The involvement of the client allows for the rapid development of potential solutions that can be refined as and when necessary.