Updated June 26, 2023
Introduction to Test Approaches
The following article provides an outline for test approaches. Each level of testing carries out a test strategy, which is a general way of conducting testing. The organization applies the test strategy independently of the project implementation. The test approach is the ISTQB’s name for implementing the test strategy on a specific project. The test approach is particular to a project; you should define and document the approach in the test plans and refine and document the test approach, providing further details in the test design.
How do the Test Approaches work?
Deciding on the right test approach involves carefully considering the testing objectives, the project’s goals, and overall risk assessment. It provides a starting point to plan the test process and select the test design techniques and testing types for the project. It also helps to define the entry and exit criteria for the test cases. In your decision-making on the approach, you should take into account the project and organization context, issues related to risks and safety, the available resources, technology involved, the nature of the system under test, consideration related to whether the system is custom-built or assembled from commercial off the components.
List of Test Approaches
In this section, we will discuss various test approaches that can be used for the project.
1. Modelbased
A model-based test approach is common in creating or selecting a formal or informal model for critical system behavior. Typically, the test strategy is employed during a project’s requirements and design stages. For example, based on the model, we can build a mathematical model for loading and response for e-commerce servers and test cases. If the system gives an output the same as the model, it can be considered a working system.
2. Methodical
The methodical test approach has in common with the adherence to a pre-planned, systematized approach that has been developed in-house, assembled from various concepts developed in-house and gathered from outside, or adopted significantly from outside ideas and may have an early or late point of involvement for testing. For example, suppose you have a checklist of the input and output for the testing; then, you can methodically design and implement the model based on your checklist and execute the test.
3. Analytical
The analytical tests approach has in common the use of some formal and informal analytical techniques. It is usually used during the requirements and design phase of the project. For example, a risk-based approach where risk analysis is performed using the project documentation and stakeholders’ input, then planning, estimation, designing, and prioritizing the test based on the risk. Another example is the requirement-based approach, which involves conducting analysis based on the specified requirements.
4. Process or standard compliant
Process or standard-compliant test approach commonly relies upon an externally developed approach to testing, often with little, if any, customization, and may have an early or late point of involvement for testing. For example, You might use the IEEE 829 standard for testing using books or fill in the methodological gaps. Also, for an alternate option, you might use agile methodology.
5. Dynamic
During test execution, the dynamic test approach commonly focuses on actively seeking and identifying as many defects as possible while adapting to the realities of the system under test as it is when delivered. They typically emphasize the later stages of testing. For example, you might create a set of testing guidelines focusing on the software’s rapid adaptation of known weaknesses.
6. Regression averse
The regression-averse test approach has in common a set of procedures, usually automated, that allows the detection of regression defects. It involves automating the functional test before the release of the function, in which case it requires early testing. Sometimes, testing focuses primarily on functions that have already been released, which can be considered a form of post-release testing environment. For example, you might try to automate all the functional test cases so that whenever the requirements or anything changes, you can rerun every test case to ensure the system’s functionality.
7. Consultative or directed
Consultative or directed test approach has in common the reliance on a group of non-testers to guide or perform the testing effort and typically emphasizes the later stage of testing simply due to a lack of recognition of the value of early testing. For example, you might ask the developer or the system user to give you the information about what to test or even rely on them to do the testing section.
Conclusion
Here in this article, we have discussed the various approaches. The selection of test approaches is a powerful factor in the success of the test effort and the accuracy of the test plans and recipe estimation. The testers and the test leaders select it. Having the right choice can result in the project’s success, and having the wrong choice can fail the project.
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