Software Test Design Using Pairwise Techniques

1 Day

One of the biggest challenges testers face is trying to adequately test enough software conditions when there are very high numbers of possible combinations of conditions that could be performed. Significant research has shown that the most common cause of missed defects in testing is the failure to test pairs of related conditions.

Fortunately, there are techniques and tools available to identify all the paired conditions in software. These are called pairwise testing techniques.

This course is designed for software testers who have a basic knowledge of testing, some experience in testing, and want to go deeper in how to design and conduct efficient tests using pairwise techniques.

You will learn a variety of techniques within the scope of pairwise techniques, including orthogonal arrays, pairwise test design using the pairwise algorithm, and classification trees. You will also learn the tradeoffs and tools in using the various techniques.

This is an interactive workshop that allows you to experience by hands-on application how to actually use these powerful test design techniques on your own projects.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

Get the most test coverage from the least number of test cases
Understand the theory behind the pairwise concept
Find the best-fit orthogonal array for a given situation
Describe effective test tools available for pairwise test case design
Design pairwise tests at a business scenario level
Use pairwise test design to explain test cases to business users
Know when pairwise test design is not the total answer in balancing test scope and resources

Who Will Benefit

Test Managers
Test Team Leaders
Test Engineers
Test Designers and Analysts
Testers
Software Developers

The program requires basic testing knowledge or experience.

Program Information

This course is presented on an in-house basis only unless offered as a special public course. Contact us for information about how to bring this course into your organization.

Content and Structure

Topics

Module PWTA – Introduction (30 mins.)

What is Test Case Optimization?
Why is Optimization Needed?
An Example
So, What is a Workable Approach?
What’s the Need?
The Realm of Pairwise Techniques
The Fault Model Behind Pairwise Testing
What Research Indicates
What Common Sense Indicates

Module PWTB – Orthogonal Arrays (2 hrs.)

The Value of Designing Tests With Orthogonal Arrays
Terminology
Orthogonal Notation
Orthogonal Array – Example
Facts About Orthogonal Arrays
The Good News
A Process for Applying Orthogonal Arrays
An Example

Step 1 – Identify Conditions
Step 2 – Identify Values in Conditions to be Tested
Step 3 – Find a Suitable Array
Step 4 – Place the Condition Values into the Array
Step 5 – Fill in the Gaps
Step 6 – Define the Test Cases

Exercise – Finding the Best-fit Orthogonal Array
Exercise – Apply an Orthogonal Array for Case Study Exercise
Sample Orthogonal Arrays
Summary

Module PWTC – Pairwise Testing (1 hr.)

The Allpairs Algorithm
Tools for Pairwise Testing – Allpairs
How to Use Allpairs
Where to Find Pairwise tools
Exercise - Creating Test Cases Using Allpairs Tool
A Word of Warning About Pairwise Testing
Summary

Module PWTD – Classification Trees (1 hr.)

The Background of Classification Trees
How Classification Trees Work
An Example of Classification Trees
Tools for Classification Trees
Exercise – Creating Test Cases Using the CTE XL Tool
Summary

Module PWTE – Pairwise Testing at the Scenario Level (1 hr.)

How to Identify Usage and Business Scenarios
The Role of Models
Process Models
Use Case Models
Prioritizing the Scenarios
Examples
Orthogonal Arrays at the Scenario Level
Pairwise cases at the Scenario Level
Classification Trees at the Scenario Level
Summary

Module PWTF – Efficient Test Case Organization (30 mins)

Test Planning Components
How the Pieces Fit Together
The Relationship Between Test Cases and Test Scripts
Example Test Script
Example Test Case
Test Script Modularity and Reusability
Example
Summary

Module PWTG – Summary (10 mins)

Review – How Do Orthogonal Arrays and Pairwise Testing Help?
Resources for Orthogonal Arrays and Pairwise Testing
Final Questions and Answers

Rice Consulting Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 892003
Oklahoma City, OK 73189
405-691-8075

"Leaders are made, they are not born. They are made by hard effort, which is the price which
all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile." -- Vince Lombardi

This site best viewed with the Mozilla Firefox
browser!