Test Data Focal Point of Testing

Venkatesh Kiran : kiran_venkatesh@rediffmail.com

Learning Objectives
Importance of Test Data Test Data Preparation Using BVA and EP for preparing Test Data Test case preparation Mapping Test data with the Test case

Venkatesh Kiran : kiran_venkatesh@rediffmail.com

Testing Process
Test Strategy

Test Plan
Test Case Test Data Test Bed Setup

Execute Test Cases

Log Defects Status Report

Venkatesh Kiran : kiran_venkatesh@rediffmail.com

Importance of data in testing

Why data is important during testing How do we say that a certain abnormal conditions has/had occurred during testing On what basis do we convey that there is a defect in the software?

Deviation from a said requirement?

Venkatesh Kiran : kiran_venkatesh@rediffmail.com

Test Data
Input and/or expected files used during test execution. Generated input files, usually used for back-end testing Information that the tester will enter during testing (ex. password, username), which is usually used for front-end testing. Intermediate values generated as output by a component which can be input to another component Should be cross-referenced in the Test Step.
Venkatesh Kiran : kiran_venkatesh@rediffmail.com
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Test data
Types Variable data : used normally in unit testing
used in program statements Eg: Variable declarations, loops, conditions as counters, flags etc

Test data closely matching the real data : used during system testing Real user data : used especially during UAT

Venkatesh Kiran : kiran_venkatesh@rediffmail.com

Test Data Creation Process

In addition to normal positive conditions, the test conditions address the following: 1. Acceptable values : also called positive data values 2. Limit values. Values that are not within the normal range but are acceptable. 3. Negative values. Unacceptable values. Data out of range 4. Exception values. Values that are not normal but can occur; they need special processing Eg: Receiving an empty file as the input, R/w to file which is not existing, Wrong path of DB, R/W to a closed file etc
Venkatesh Kiran : kiran_venkatesh@rediffmail.com
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Equivalence Partitioning
Black-box technique that divides the input domain into classes of data from which test cases can be derived An ideal test case uncovers a class of errors that might require many arbitrary test cases to be executed before a general error is observed Equivalence class guidelines:
If input condition specifies a range, one valid and two invalid equivalence classes are defined If an input condition requires a specific value, one valid and two invalid equivalence classes are defined If an input condition specifies a member of a set, one valid and one invalid equivalence class is defined If an input condition is Boolean, one valid and one invalid equivalence class is defined
Venkatesh Kiran : kiran_venkatesh@rediffmail.com
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Equivalence Partitioning - Example

Suppose a system asks for the input numbers between 100 999 This gives three equivalence classes.
<100 100-999 >999

Test the system for numbers which falls in these classes

Any number between 0-99 Any number between 100-999 Any number between >999

Typically boundary values is not considered.

Venkatesh Kiran : kiran_venkatesh@rediffmail.com

Boundary Value Analysis

Black-box technique that focuses on the boundaries of the input domain rather than its center BVA guidelines:
If input condition specifies a range bounded by values a and b, test cases should include a and b, values just above and just below a and b If an input condition specifies and number of values, test cases should exercise the minimum and maximum numbers, as well as values just above and just below the minimum and maximum values

Apply guidelines 1 and 2 to output conditions, test cases should be designed to produce the minimum and maximum output reports

Venkatesh Kiran : kiran_venkatesh@rediffmail.com

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Boundary Value Analysis - Example

Suppose a system asks for the input numbers between 100 999 This gives two boundary values.
100 999

Test the system for numbers which falls around these values
99,100,101 998, 999, 1000

Typically values which falls far away from boundary values are not considered.

Venkatesh Kiran : kiran_venkatesh@rediffmail.com

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