Software Testing Foundations, 4th Edition

Book Preface

In recent years, software been introduced virtually everywhere. There will soon be no appliances, machines, or facilities for which control is not implemented by software or software parts. In automobiles, for example, microprocessors and their accompanying software control more and more functionality, from engine management to the transmission and brakes. Thus, software is crucial to the correct functioning of devices and industry. Likewise, the smooth operation of an enterprise or organization depends largely on the reliability of the software systems used for supporting the business processes and particular tasks. How fast an insurance company can introduce a new product, or even a new rate, most likely depends on how quickly the IT systems can be adjusted or extended.

Within both embedded and commercial software systems, quality has become the most important factor in determining success.

Many enterprises have recognized this dependence on software and strive for improved quality of their software systems and software engineering (or development) processes. One way to achieve this goal is through systematic evaluation and testing of the software. In some cases, appropriate testing procedures have found their way into the daily tasks associated with software development. However, in many sectors, there remains a significant need to learn about evaluation and testing.

With this book, we offer basic knowledge that will help you achieve structured and systematic evaluation and testing. Implementation of these evaluation and testing procedures should contribute to improvement of the quality of software. This book does not presume previous knowledge of software quality assurance. It is designed as a textbook and can even be used as a guide for self-study. We have included a single, continuous example to help provide an explanation and practical solutions for all of the topics we cover.

We want to help software testers who strive for a well-founded, basic knowledge of the principles behind software testing. We also address programmers and developers who are already performing testing tasks or will do so in the future. The book will help project managers and team leaders to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of software tests. Even those in disciplines related to IT, as well as employees who are involved in the processes of acceptance, introduction, and further development of IT applications, will find this book helpful for their daily tasks.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Fundamentals of Testing
Chapter 3 Testing in the Software Life Cycle
Chapter 4 Static Test
Chapter 5 Dynamic Analysis – Test Design Techniques
Chapter 6 Test Management