SOFTWARE TESTING – COMPLETE
NOTES
Introduction
Software Testing is the process of checking whether software works correctly, meets user
requirements, and is free from defects. It helps improve quality, reliability, and performance of
software applications.
UNIT 1: SOFTWARE TESTING AND TESTING METHODS
• Definition: Software Testing is the verification and validation process.
• Objectives of Testing: Find defects, improve quality, ensure reliability.
• Failure vs Error vs Fault vs Bug: These terms describe different stages of a defect.
• Entry & Exit Criteria: Conditions to start and stop testing.
• Static Testing: Checking without execution (reviews, walkthroughs).
• Dynamic Testing: Executing code and checking results.
• White Box Testing: Tests internal logic – code coverage, complexity.
• Black Box Testing: Tests based on requirements – BVA, Equivalence Partitioning.
Diagram: White Box vs Black Box Testing
White Box Black Box
UNIT 2: TYPES AND LEVELS OF TESTING
• Unit Testing: Testing individual components. Uses drivers and stubs.
• Integration Testing: Combining modules together – Top-down, Bottom-up, Bi-directional.
• System Testing: Testing complete system end-to-end.
• Acceptance Testing: Alpha & Beta testing performed by end users.
• Performance Testing: Load and stress testing.
• Regression Testing: Ensuring new changes don’t break existing features.
• Security Testing: Ensuring safety from attacks.
• Smoke & Sanity Testing: Basic checks before deeper testing.
• GUI Testing and Database Testing.
Diagram: Levels of Testing
System Testing
Integration Testing
Unit Testing
UNIT 3: TEST MANAGEMENT
• Test Life Cycle: Phases from planning to execution.
• Test Planning: Scope, approach, responsibilities, deliverables.
• Test Management: Infrastructure and team management.
• Test Process: Baseline test plan and test case specification.
• Test Reporting: Test summary report after execution.
UNIT 4: DEFECT MANAGEMENT
• Defect Classification: Severity and priority.
• Defect Life Cycle: New → Assigned → Fixed → Retest → Closed.
• Defect Template: ID, description, steps to reproduce, severity, priority.
• Techniques for Finding Defects: Reviews, walkthroughs, testing activities.
Diagram: Defect Life Cycle
New Assigned Fixed Retest Closed
UNIT 5: TESTING TOOLS AND MEASUREMENTS
• Manual vs Automation Testing: Benefits and limitations.
• Selecting a Test Tool: Criteria and steps.
• Selenium IDE: Features and limitations.
• Selenium WebDriver: Most widely used automation tool.
• Metrics: Product metrics and process metrics.
Diagram: Selenium Automation Flow
Selenium Automation Workflow