About This CD
This CD includes the following:
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A list of sample tools that support the Automated Test Lifecycle
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A sample test plan
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Test tool selection criteria
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The Automated Test Life Cycle Methodology Graphic
Tools That Support the Automated Test Lifecycle
There is an abundance of automated testing tools on the market. Test engineers
looking to bring automated testing tools to a new project often do not know where
to begin their research. For the convenience of test engineers this CD contains a
table showing the types of tools commonly used throughout the testing lifecycle.
This table outlines the various types of test tools available for use throughout the
various lifecycle phases. It provides the names of sample products associated with
the various categories listed, but should not be construed as an exhaustive list of
available products. The table identifies tools that support the test lifecycle; it does
not address development tools and tools that support the other lifecycle phases—
such as database tools, middleware connectivity and gateway tools, GUI builders,
RAD development tools, and many others.
Test Plan Example
The cornerstone of an effective test program is test planning. The test planning element of the Automated Test Lifecycle Methodology (ATLM) depicted in this book
represents all the activities that will be required on the test program. Test planning
must ensure that processes, methodologies, techniques, people, tools, and equipment—hardware, middleware, software—are organized and applied in an efficient way.
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About This CD
For each test program, test goals and objectives need to be defined and test
requirements must be specified. Test strategies aimed at supporting test requirements must be defined. The main events and primary activities of the test program
need to be reflected within a schedule. The products (including deliverables), which
need to be produced by the test team during the execution of the test program, need
to be identified. All the pertinent information above must be captured and maintained within a test plan document.
Test engineers are often faced with the need to create a test plan in a short
amount of time. For the test engineer’s convenience we have included a sample test
plan on this CD.
Test Tool Selection Criteria
Once the test engineer has narrowed the search for a particular type of test tool
down to two or three lead candidates, an Evaluation Scorecard can be used to determine which tools best fit the particular project’s requirements. To make test tool
selection more efficient we have included on this CD an Evaluation Scorecard that
outlines test tool evaluation criteria. It can be tailored to the specific needs of your
project.
Automated Test Lifecycle Methodology (ATLM)
This book focuses on the Automated Test Lifecycle Methodology (ATLM), a structured methodology for designing and executing test activities that parallel the Rapid
Application Development methodology commonly in use today. The ATLM is
invoked to support test efforts involving automated test tools, and incorporates a
multistage process. The methodology supports the detailed and interrelated activities necessary to determine whether to acquire an automated testing tool. The
methodology includes the process of how to introduce and utilize an automated test
tool, covers test design and test development, and addresses test execution and
management. The methodology also supports the development and management of
test data and the test environment, and addresses test documentation to include
problem reports. The ATLM methodology represents a structured approach, which
depicts a process with which to approach and execute test. This structured approach
is necessary to help steer the test team away from common test program mistakes.
For your convenience we have included the ATLM graphic so that it may be
applied and represented within your test documentation.