Tool Support for Testers

Question 1

What is a test tool? Give at least three examples of uses for test tools.

Answer 1

Test tools - any tool that is used to support one or more testing activities these may include:
- Tools directly used in testing Ex: test execution tools; test data prep tools
- Tools that help manage: requiments, test scripts, data, scripts, and results
- Tools for analysis & evaluation
- Any tool that can assist testing Ex: Spread sheet or mind map

Question 2

What are some possible benefits of using test tools?

Answer 2

Some benefits of test tools might be:
- Improve efficiency:
automating repetitive tasks/supporting manual tests
- Improve test quality:
by allowing for more consistent testing
- Automate tests that can’t be done manually
- Increase testing reliability

Question 3

Tools are classified by ISTQB according to the test activities they support. What are two kinds of tools according to the ISTQB?

Answer 3

1. Management Tools- tools that support the management of testing and testware over the entire SDLC.
2. Test Execution & Logging tools may include:
   • Test execution tools
   • Coverage tools
   • Test harnesses- used by developers

Question 4

What are some benefits of using tools for test execution?

Answer 4

Potential benefits of using tools for test execution include:
① Reduction in repetitive manual work
② Greater consistency & repeatability
③ More objective assessment
④ Easy access to info about testing

Question 5

What are some potential drawbacks of working with test tools?

Answer 5

Potential drawbacks of using test tools:
* Unrealistic expectations
* Time, cost and effort for the initial introduction of a tool can be underestimated
* Time & effort needed to see benefits may be underestimated
* Tool may be relied on too much
* Using automated testing when manual would be better
* Version control may be neglected
* Relationships between tools may not work
* New technology may not be supported by the tool
* Vendor may go out of business, provide poor support, an open-source product may be suspended or there may be no clear ownership of the tool.

Question 6

When you select a new tool you should start with a pilot project. What are the objectives of the pilot project.

Answer 6

After selecting a tool, it should be introduced into the organization with a Pilot Project with the following objectives:
- Learning about the tool’s strengths & weaknesses
- Evaluating how it fits with existing processes
- Standardizing ways to use & manage the tool
- Assessing benefits to cost ratio
- Understand the metrics that you need the tool to collect & support

Question 7

What are 4 factors that lead to a pilot project’s success?

Answer 7

Pilot Project Success Factors:
- Incremental roll-outs to the organization
- Providing training & mentoring for users
- Defining guidelines for the use of the tool Ex: internal standards for automation
- Gathering usage information from the tool