Testing Strategies

Question 1

Wayne is writing an application for a touchscreen mobile phone to identify types of ladybird. Wayne decides to release a beta version of the application. Explain the use of beta versions, and the advantages and disadvantages of their use in this case. The quality of written communication will be assessed in your answer to this question. (F452 Q1 June 2011 (8))

Answer 1

How it is used:
– Beta version is test version of the application
– … nearly complete and already tested by Wayne
– Wayne makes the application available to small group of testers
– Testers use the program as normal/In the field to identify the ladybirds
– They report any errors in the program, Such as functions which do not work, ladybirds found outside the expected range, incompatibility issues with other software on their phones
– May also report on desirable improvements
– Wayne tries to replicate and then solve these errors and may release updates/fixes/workarounds accepted to the beta testers

Advantages and disadvantages:
– Application is tested using real data, some of which may not have been anticipated by Wayne when he was testing it
– Application will be tested in a number of different phones possibly with different configurations
– Consequently the final version will be more robust
– However, beta application may cause damage to testers equipment due to unexpected features
– Wayne should ask the beta testers to agree to test the software at the own risk

Question 2

Describe white box testing (3 marks, Jan 2009)

Answer 2

The actual steps of the algorithm are tested
To make sure all parts work as intended
All possible paths through the algorithm need to be tested

Question 3

The program is to be tested using black box testing.
(i) Describe what is meant by black box testing.(4 marks June 10)

Answer 3

Any two of them
 Different possible inputs are tested…
 … to see if they produce the expected output
 How the program works is not considered

Question 4

Describe black boxing (3 marks)(Jan 2009)

Answer 4

Suitable inputs are tested
It’s against the expected output, according to the design
Without considering how the program works

Question 5

Explain the difference between beta-testing and acceptance testing (4 marks, Jan 2010)

Answer 5

In beta testing:
The nearly completed program is given to a group of users to test/ is tested under normal operating conditions/ tested by people who were not involved in the production
The aim is to find any bugs which the programmer has overlooked

In acceptance testing:
The program is considered complete
The programmer demonstrates the working program to the client
The aim is to show that the program meets all the requirements of the client