Testing Programs Ocr

The Purpose of Testing

What is the purpose of testing programs?

• Testing is carried out for many reasons, however, 4 main areas are:

  • To ensure there are no errors or bugs in the code

  • To ensure that the code performs as it was intended

  • To ensure no one can gain unauthorised access to the system

  • To check the program solves the initial problem and meets all requirements

Types of Testing

What are the different types of testing?

• There are two types of tests that developers and teams will do to ensure their programs are robust and meet the requirements that have been set out, they are: 

  • Iterative testing

  • Final testing

Iterative Testing

• Each part of a program is tested

• Every pathway through the program is tested

  • This includes each branch/pathway inside of IF statements

• This is done during the development of the program

• Iterative testing means repeatedly testing the program whilst continuing to make changes and make improvements

• This method of testing ensures that the program is fully functional and working as intended

Final Testing

• Testing that all parts (modules) of a program work together

• Checking the program against real data to ensure it meets all of the requirements

  • Testing the program using normal, boundary and erroneous data

• Final testing is done towards the end of the development cycle, once the entire program is complete

• Final testing can include

  • Alpha testing

  • Beta testing