Chapter 15


1:

Name a few benefits of using software test tools and automation.

A1:

They can speed up the amount of time it takes to run your test cases. They can make you more efficient by giving you more time for test planning and test case development. They're precise and relentless.

2:

What are a few drawbacks or cautions to consider when deciding to use software test tools and automation?

A2:

Because software can change during the product's development, your test tools will need to change, too. You can fall into a trap of spending too much time designing tools and automation, neglecting actual testing. It's easy to rely on automation too much. There's no substitute for testing the software yourself.

3:

What's the difference between a tool and automation?

A3:

A test tool will help you test, making it easier for you to perform a manual testing task. Automation is also a tool, but it will run without your intervention. Think power saw and hammer building a house while the carpenter sleeps.

4:

How are viewer tools and injector tools similar and different?

A4:

Both types of tools hook into the software at points not normally accessible to the average user. Viewer tools are non-invasive as they allow you to see only what's happening. Injector tools are invasivethey allow you not only to see what's happening, but also to manipulate it. You can try test cases that might otherwise be difficult or impossible to perform at the normal user level.

5:

True or False: An invasive tool is the best type because it operates closest to the software being tested.

A5:

False. An invasive tool may provide you with better information and control in some situations, but it has the possible downside of affecting the software and the test results. It's best to carefully evaluate each situation and select the tool that works best, with the fewest side effects.

6:

What's one of the simplest, but effective, types of test automation?

A6:

Recording and replaying your test cases so that you only have to manually perform them once is very effective. It frees you from the monotonous repetition and can give you more time to hunt for those hard to find bugs.

7:

Name a few features that could be added to the test automation you described in question 6 to make it even more effective.

A7:

Simple programming of steps rather than captured steps. The ability to pause or wait for the software to react to the actions. Some type of simple verification so that the macros know whether a bug has occurred.

8:

What advantages do smart monkeys have over macros and dumb monkeys?

A8:

They're almost self-aware. They know the software's state table so they know where they are and what they can do.



    Software Testing
    Lessons Learned in Software Testing
    ISBN: 0471081124
    EAN: 2147483647
    Year: 2005
    Pages: 233

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