An Overview of Testing
John Watkins · Cambridge University Press eBooks · 2001
As we strive to implement the new features of our applications, there is one thing we can say with absolute certainty – that at the same time, we also introduce new defects. Introduction This chapter gives an overview of testing in order to provide an understanding of what testing is and why it is such a challenge, and to emphasize that whenever we test software, the process must be made to be as efficient and effective as possible. Readers familiar with the need for efficient and effective testing may not find it necessary to read this chapter. The Challenge of Testing So, just how difficult is testing? To help answer this question, consider the following example: Imagine we have a requirement to test a simple function, which adds two thirtytwo–bit numbers and returns the result. If we assume we can execute 1000 test cases per second, just how long will it take to thoroughly test this function? If you guessed seconds, you are way out. If you guessed minutes, you are still cold. If you guessed hours or days or even weeks, you are not even slightly warm. The actual figure is 585 million years.