Day 9: Test Execution & Defect Reporting
Interactive Audio Lesson
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Introduction to Test Execution
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Today we're going to discuss test execution. Can anyone tell me what test execution involves?
Itβs when we run the test cases weβve written to see if the software works!
Exactly, Student_1! The goal is to compare actual results against expected results. Let's remember that with the acronym 'ACE' - A for Actual, C for Compare, and E for Expected results.
So, can we log different kinds of test results?
Absolutely! We can log passed, failed, or blocked results. Any questions on how to execute tests effectively?
What do we do if a test fails?
Great question, Student_3! If a test fails, we need to report it as a defect. Letβs move on to how defect reporting works.
Defect Reporting Process
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Now let's focus on defect reporting. Why is it important to document defects accurately?
If we donβt document it well, the developer might not understand the issue.
Exactly! A clear bug report helps in understanding and fixing the issue quickly. Remember, a good report includes the bug ID, a brief summary, steps to reproduce, the actual result, and the expected result. Can anyone give me an example of what to include?
We should write what the bug actually did and what we expected!
Right! That helps the developers replicate the issue seamlessly. Who can summarize what an effective defect report should include?
Bug ID, summary, steps to reproduce, actual and expected results!
Perfect, Student_1! Letβs move on to some examples of test execution results.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
In this section, we explore the critical activities involved in test execution, including running test cases and documenting the results. Additionally, we discuss the importance of defect reporting, including details that should be included in a bug report and how it serves to maintain software quality.
Detailed
Test Execution & Defect Reporting
Test execution is a vital component of the software testing life cycle, where test cases are executed to verify that the software behaves as expected. During this phase, testers document the results by comparing the actual performance of the software against expected outcomes. Proper documentation of test results is crucial as it informs stakeholders about the software's quality and identifies areas for improvement.
Defect Reporting is another essential function that follows test execution. When discrepancies between expected and actual results occur, they are logged as defects or bugs. A well-structured report detailing each defect facilitates prompt resolution and improves communication among project teams. Key elements of a defect report include the bug ID, summary, steps to reproduce, actual vs. expected results, and severity of the defect. Understanding how to effectively execute tests and report defects is critical for maintaining the integrity of software and ensuring a defect-free product upon release.
Audio Book
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Overview of Test Execution
Chapter 1 of 4
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Chapter Content
Test execution involves running test cases and comparing actual vs. expected results.
Detailed Explanation
Test execution is the process where testers run test cases that have already been prepared. The main goal is to check if the application behaves as expected. Each test case outlines specific conditions and expected outcomes. Once the test is executed, you compare what actually happened to what you expected. If everything matches up, the test passes. If there's a discrepancy, the test fails, indicating a potential defect in the application.
Examples & Analogies
Think of test execution like a cooking recipe. If you follow the recipe (the test case) and the dish turns out as expected, it's like passing the test. If the dish doesn't taste right or looks different from the description, that's similar to a test failure, indicating something went wrong in the cooking process.
Defect Reporting Process
Chapter 2 of 4
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Chapter Content
Defects are logged with details like steps to reproduce and severity.
Detailed Explanation
When a test case fails, you need to log a defect which is a formal documentation of the issue. A bug report typically includes a unique ID for tracking, a summary describing the issue, and detailed steps on how to reproduce the defect. Additionally, it is essential to describe the actual result and the expected result to clarify the discrepancy. Severity levels are also assigned to indicate how critical the defect is.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you ordered a product online, but when it arrives, it's broken. You would write an email to the company describing the issue (this is like your defect report), detailing how you used it and what went wrong. This helps them understand the problem and work on a solution.
Example of a Bug Report
Chapter 3 of 4
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Chapter Content
Example Bug Report:
ID: BUG001
Summary: Login fails with valid credentials.
Steps to Reproduce: 1. Enter valid username/password. 2. Click Login.
Actual Result: Error message displayed.
Expected Result: User logged in.
Detailed Explanation
An example bug report helps illustrate exactly what information should be included when documenting a defect. It provides a clear structure that helps developers quickly understand the issue. The report outlines the ID for tracking, a brief summary of the problem, step-by-step instructions on how to replicate the defect, and what was expected versus what actually happened. This ensures that anyone reading it can understand the context of the issue immediately.
Examples & Analogies
Consider this bug report as a movie review. When you share your thoughts about a film, you might include the movie title (ID), a brief overview of your view (summary), the scenes that disappointed you (steps to reproduce), what you anticipated (expected result), and what you saw instead (actual result). This organized feedback helps others to grasp your experience quickly.
Practical Exercises
Chapter 4 of 4
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Chapter Content
Exercise:
1. Execute a sample test case and document results.
2. Write a bug report for a failed test case.
Detailed Explanation
These exercises help reinforce the concepts covered in test execution and defect reporting. The first exercise challenges you to take a test case that has been designed, run it through the application, and document what happens. This practice enhances your hands-on experience. The second exercise involves taking a real fail from your testing experience and writing a bug report as you would do in a real-world scenario, solidifying your understanding of defect logging.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you're in a science class performing an experiment. When you test an hypothesis (executing the test case), you observe the results and write them down. If the experiment doesnβt go as planned, you'd also write a note explaining what went wrong (the bug report). This process of documenting helps both you and others learn from the findings.
Key Concepts
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Test Execution: The process of running test cases to validate software functionality.
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Defect Reporting: Documenting and communicating bugs to resolve software issues.
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Actual vs Expected Result: Understanding the difference is key to identifying defects.
Examples & Applications
A successful test execution logs 'Pass' while a failed execution states 'Fail' and provides details.
A defect report summarizes that 'Login fails with valid credentials,' helping developers understand the issue.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
To test cases we go, run them with care, actual and expected, must be laid bare.
Stories
Imagine a wizard trying to execute spells where the results must match his ancient books. If a spell falters, he logs it down, ensuring the next wizard doesn't frown.
Memory Tools
Remember D-S-A-E: Defect - Summary - Action - Expected result for bug reports!
Acronyms
ACE
Actual - Compare - Expected helps recall our test execution focus!
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Test Execution
The phase in which test cases are run against the software to validate its functionality.
- Defect Reporting
The process of documenting identified bugs along with details for resolution.
- Severity
The impact level of a defect on the systemβs functionality.
- Actual Result
The outcome observed when a test case is executed.
- Expected Result
The anticipated outcome of executing a test case as per requirements.
Reference links
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