CAST 2013

Many testing organizations are in a rut. Some testers spend a lot of time completing templates generating repetitive ineffective tests while important bugs slip right by. There is little time available to test increasingly complex solutions being developed. Visual test design techniques enable testers to create powerful test cases with less effort. Visual test design is about focusing on what really matters to customers, developers and all project stakeholders

The test design approaches covered include a blend of classical test design methods using applied discrete math, a smattering of statistics and some experience based software engineering techniques. Core to all of these methods is the creation of visual images used to represent and communicate testing focus.

The course starts with using mind maps to identify test variables, and then moves on to visual models used to isolate critical test values using domain analysis, equivalence partitioning and boundary conditions. Storyboards are used to elicit and design usage scenario based tests. Control flow testing is used to isolate critical pathways to test in project workflows, data flows and even source code. Business rules are tested using simple and complex multiple variable decision tables. Transactional and embedded systems are testing with a blend of state model and state table approaches. Interdependent multiple variable testing is approached from two perspectives using Pareto charts for identifying commonly used transaction pathways and then with pairwise combinations using orthogonal arrays.

Delegates will have a chance to apply many of the methods explored in the class by designing and implementing powerful visual tests for Edgy the Lego® MindStorm robot.

Real world case studies and detailed examples help you get started right away. Rob also shows how some simple tools can help generate powerful visual test designs (blending commercial, free and open source tools).