Vinod Sebastian – B.Tech, M.Com, PGCBM, PGCPM, PGDBIO

Hi I'm a Web Architect by Profession and an Artist by nature. I love empowering People, aligning to Processes and delivering Projects.

Hi I'm a Web Architect by Profession and an Artist by nature. I love empowering People, aligning to Processes and delivering Projects.


Tag: Testing

Testing

  • Load Runner

    Exploring Load Runner: An Essential Tool for Software Testing

    In the realm of software testing, Load Runner stands out as a powerful and versatile tool that offers a comprehensive set of features to ensure the reliability and performance of applications. Consisting of three main components, Load Runner provides a holistic approach to performance testing:

    VUGen

    VUGen, short for Virtual User Generator, is a key component of Load Runner that enables testers to create and edit scripts to simulate user actions on the application under test. By recording user interactions and customizing scripts, testers can replicate real-world scenarios and assess the application’s performance under varying conditions.

    Controller

    The Controller module in Load Runner serves as a centralized hub for managing and executing test scenarios created using VUGen scripts. Testers can define scenarios, allocate virtual users, set performance thresholds, and monitor test execution in real-time. This component plays a crucial role in orchestrating and coordinating the testing process to simulate realistic user loads.

    Analyzer

    Once tests are executed using the Controller, the Analyzer component comes into play for in-depth performance analysis. Test results, system metrics, and resource utilization data are collected and presented in graphical formats for easy interpretation. By analyzing these metrics, testers can identify performance bottlenecks, scalability issues, and areas for optimization within the application.

    Load Runner’s integrated approach to performance testing allows testers to assess the application’s performance, scalability, and reliability under various load conditions, helping organizations deliver high-quality software with confidence.

    It is a well-established fact in the software development industry that identifying defects early in the development lifecycle can significantly reduce the cost and effort required to rectify them. By incorporating Load Runner into the testing process, organizations can proactively detect and address performance issues before they escalate, ensuring a seamless user experience and minimizing the risk of post-deployment failures.

  • Silk Test

    The Power of Silk Test in Software Testing

    Introduction to Silk Test

    Silk Test is a powerful tool developed by Segue Software Inc. It is primarily used for regression and functionality testing in software development.

    Key Features of Silk Test

    • 4Test Scripting Language: Silk Test offers a flexible and robust scripting language known as 4Test. This language allows testers to create automated test scripts efficiently.

    Benefits of Silk Test

    When it comes to software testing, Silk Test offers several advantages:

    • Efficiency in regression testing
    • Accurate functionality testing
    • Robust test automation capabilities

    Conclusion

    With its advanced features and powerful capabilities, Silk Test remains a popular choice among developers and testers for ensuring the quality and reliability of software applications.

  • Tracking Defects

    Tracking Defects

    When tracking defects in a software development or testing environment, it is essential to understand the different states that a defect can go through during its lifecycle. The following are common defect states:

    1. New – Rejected: When a new defect is reported, it undergoes an initial review process. If the defect is deemed invalid or a duplicate, it is rejected.
    2. Open: Defects that are valid and accepted for resolution are marked as open.
    3. Fixed – Reopened – Open: After a defect is fixed by the development team, it is retested. If the defect reoccurs, it is marked as reopened and goes back to an open state for further investigation.
    4. Closed: Once a defect is verified to be fixed and passes all retesting, it is closed, indicating that the issue has been successfully resolved.

    Understanding these defect states is crucial for effectively managing the defect resolution process and ensuring the quality of the software product.

    Categories

    IT Notes, Testing

    Tags

    Programming World, Testing

  • Excel Template to Replicate QC

    Excel Template to Replicate Quality Control (QC)

    Requirements

    • Name
    • Priority
    • Type

    In any Quality Control process, defining clear and detailed requirements is essential. The Excel template should include fields for the name of the requirement, its priority level, and the type of requirement (e.g., functional, non-functional).

    Clear and detailed requirements help in ensuring that the project meets the specified criteria and functions as expected.

    Test Plan

    • Attachment
    • Step Name
    • Description
    • Expected Results

    The Test Plan section of the Excel template should provide space for attaching relevant documents, naming test steps, describing each step in detail, and specifying the expected outcomes. A well-structured test plan is crucial for effective Quality Control.

    A detailed test plan helps in organizing testing activities, ensuring thorough test coverage, and facilitating clear communication among team members.

    Test Lab

    • Attachment
    • Run Name
    • Status
    • Host
    • Duration
    • Execution Date
    • Execution Time
    • Tester

    The Test Lab section in the Excel template should include fields for attaching files, naming test runs, indicating the status of each test, specifying the host machine used, tracking the duration of tests, recording the date and time of execution, and identifying the tester responsible for the test.

    Efficient management of test execution details in the test lab helps in tracking progress, identifying issues, and assigning responsibilities effectively.

    Defects

    • Summary
    • Category
    • Detected By
    • Project
    • Severity
    • Reproducible
    • Subject
    • Detected on Date
    • Detected in Version
    • Status
    • Regression
    • Description

    Tracking defects is a critical aspect of Quality Control. The Excel template should include fields for summarizing each defect, categorizing them, identifying the person who detected the defect, associating it with the relevant project, specifying its severity level, determining if it is reproducible, noting the subject of the defect, capturing the date it was detected, recording the version in which it was found, monitoring its status, flagging any regression issues, and providing a detailed description of the defect.

    Effective defect tracking aids in identifying, resolving, and preventing issues, leading to improved product quality and customer satisfaction.

  • HP Quality Center

    The Evolution of HP Quality Center in Software Testing

    HP Quality Center, formerly known as Mercury Test Director, is a comprehensive test management tool that has evolved over the years to cater to the diverse needs of software testing professionals. Let’s explore the different editions of HP Quality Center:

    1. HP Quality Center Starter Edition

    The HP Quality Center Starter Edition is designed for small to medium-sized teams looking for a cost-effective solution for test management. It provides essential features such as test planning, test execution, and defect management in a user-friendly interface.

    2. HP Quality Center Enterprise

    HP Quality Center Enterprise is a robust solution for large organizations with complex testing requirements. It offers advanced capabilities for test automation, requirements management, and traceability, allowing teams to streamline their testing processes and ensure quality across the software development lifecycle.

    3. HP Quality Center Premier Edition

    The HP Quality Center Premier Edition is the most comprehensive version of the tool, offering advanced features for test case design, execution monitoring, and reporting. It is suitable for enterprises that prioritize quality assurance and require in-depth insights into their testing activities.

    By choosing the right edition of HP Quality Center based on the organization’s size and testing needs, teams can enhance their testing efficiency and achieve better quality outcomes.

  • Link for Downloading QC and QTP from HP

    Link for Downloading QC and QTP from HP

    If you are looking to download Quality Center (QC) and Quick Test Professional (QTP) from HP, you can access the download page through the following link:

    Download QC and QTP from HP

    Quality Center (now known as HPE ALM) is a test management tool used for test planning, execution, and defect tracking. Quick Test Professional (now known as Micro Focus UFT) is an automated functional testing tool that helps testers in creating and running automated tests.

    By downloading these tools, you can enhance your testing capabilities and streamline your testing processes.

  • Tools

    Essential Tools for IT Testing

    Quality Control Tools

    In the realm of software testing, having a reliable repository to manage test cases and defects is crucial. Here are some standard quality control tools:

    • QC (formerly known as Mercury Test Director): QC, or Quality Center, is a comprehensive test management tool that helps in organizing and executing test cases, tracking defects, and generating reports.
    • ClearQuest: IBM Rational ClearQuest is another popular tool used for defect tracking and change management.
    • Bugzilla: An open-source bug tracking system that enables testers to record and track bugs in software applications.

    Automation Testing Tools

    Automation testing tools play a vital role in accelerating the testing process and ensuring software quality. Here are some essential automation testing tools:

    • WinRunner/QTP: WinRunner, later replaced by HP QuickTest Professional (QTP), is a functional test automation tool used for regression testing.
    • LoadRunner: LoadRunner is a performance testing tool that helps in simulating user traffic and analyzing the performance of applications under various load conditions.

  • Models

    Models

    Common Software Testing Models

    • Collaborative Model
    • IV V Model (Independent Verification and Validation)
    • Test Centre Model

    Build Verification Test vs. Build Acceptance Test

    Verification and validation are essential processes in software testing. Verification involves reviews and meetings to assess documents, plans, code, requirements, and specifications. This is typically done using checklists, issue lists, walkthroughs, and inspection meetings. Validation, on the other hand, involves actual testing and occurs after verifications are completed.

    Internationalization and Localization

    Internationalization (I18n) is the process of designing software applications to be adaptable to various languages and regions without requiring engineering changes. Localization (L10n) is the process of customizing internationalized software for a specific region or language by incorporating locale-specific components and translating text.

    One method used in this process is pseudo localization, which involves:

    • Using larger sentences to test how the text adjusts – Pseudo localization
    • Using longer words to check for vertical cutoffs – Pseudo localization
    • Ensuring characters of the target language are correctly rendered
    • Verifying if there is support for different currencies and dates, which may require code modifications

    Additional Information

    Software testing models play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and reliability of applications. Collaborative models emphasize teamwork and communication among team members. The IV V Model focuses on independent verification and validation processes to enhance software quality. The Test Centre Model involves establishing dedicated testing centers to streamline testing procedures.

    Understanding the differences between build verification tests and build acceptance tests is vital for effective testing strategies. Internationalization and localization are key considerations for software products targeting diverse global markets.

  • SAS 70 Type II Audit – Data Security

    SAS 70 Type II Audit – Data Security

    Overview

    SAS 70 (Statement on Auditing Standards) Type II Audit is an examination of the controls that impact the security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of data processed by a service organization. It provides assurance to customers and stakeholders regarding the reliability of the service provider’s systems and processes.

    Types of Testing in SAS 70 Type II Audit

    • Compatibility Testing: This type of testing evaluates how well software functions in specific hardware, software, operating system, network, or other environments.
    • Exploratory Testing: It involves creative and informal testing without predefined test plans or cases. Testers learn about the software while testing.
    • Ad-hoc Testing: Similar to exploratory testing, but testers have a good understanding of the software before testing begins.
    • Context-Driven Testing: Testing based on an understanding of the environment, culture, and intended use of the software. Testing strategies vary based on the software’s purpose.
    • Comparison Testing: This involves evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of software in comparison to its competitors.
    • Mutation Testing: A method to assess the effectiveness of test data or cases by intentionally introducing code changes (bugs) and retesting to check if the bugs are detected. It requires significant computational resources.

    Importance of SAS 70 Type II Audit

    Conducting a SAS 70 Type II Audit is crucial for service organizations to demonstrate their commitment to data security and compliance with industry standards. It enhances trust with customers and partners by providing independent validation of the organization’s controls and processes.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, SAS 70 Type II Audit plays a vital role in ensuring the security and integrity of data processed by service organizations. By undergoing this audit, organizations can showcase their dedication to maintaining robust controls and meeting stringent data security requirements.

  • Different Types of Testing

    Different Types of Testing

    Black Box Testing

    Black box testing is a type of testing that focuses on the external behavior of the software without considering its internal logic or code structure. Test cases are derived from the functional specifications of the software.

    White Box Testing

    White box testing, also known as glass box or transparent testing, involves examining the internal structure and workings of the software being tested. Test cases are based on the code structure, paths, and conditions within the software.

    Grey Box Testing

    Grey box testing combines elements of both black box and white box testing methodologies. Testers have limited knowledge of the internal workings of the software but can still design test cases based on an understanding of the system and its requirements.

    Unit Testing

    Unit testing is a software testing method that focuses on testing individual units or components of a software application in isolation. It is typically performed by developers and aims to validate the correctness of specific functions or code modules.

    Sanity Testing or Smoke Testing

    Sanity testing, also known as smoke testing, is a preliminary testing process to quickly evaluate whether the software application is ready for more rigorous testing. It aims to determine if the major functionalities work without encountering critical issues.

    Incremental Integration Testing

    Incremental integration testing is an approach where software modules are integrated and tested incrementally to ensure that they function correctly together. This method helps identify issues early in the development process and ensures smooth integration of different components.

    Performance Testing

    Performance testing assesses the responsiveness, stability, and scalability of a software application under various conditions. Different types of performance testing include:

    • Load Testing: Evaluates the system’s ability to handle a specific load or number of users.
    • Stress Testing: Tests the system’s behavior under extreme conditions or beyond its normal operational capacity.
    • Spike Testing: Checks how the system reacts to sudden spikes in load or traffic.
    • Endurance Testing: Evaluates system performance over an extended period to detect any performance degradation or memory leaks.
    • Volume Testing: Determines the system’s performance when handling a large volume of data.

    Security Testing

    Security testing is conducted to identify vulnerabilities in a software system and ensure that it is protected against unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security risks. It includes:

    • Application Security: Assessing the security of the software application to prevent unauthorized access and data manipulation.
    • Physical Security: Implementing measures to protect the physical infrastructure hosting the software.
    • Data Security: Ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data within the system.
    • Client Security: Securing client-related information and communications within the software.

    Usability Testing

    Usability testing focuses on evaluating a software product by testing it with actual users to determine how user-friendly and intuitive the interface is. This type of testing helps identify user experience issues and improve overall user satisfaction.

    Compatibility Testing

    Compatibility testing ensures that a software application functions correctly across different devices, operating systems, browsers, and network environments. It helps verify that the software can deliver a consistent user experience regardless of the platform used.

    Regression Testing

    Regression testing involves retesting a software application to ensure that recent code changes have not adversely affected existing features. It helps maintain the quality and stability of the software by identifying and fixing any unintended consequences of updates or modifications.