The Peculiarities of Test Data
Usually, when a common user hears the word ‘test data’, he imagines a huge amount of code lines, various algorithms and complicated schemas – everything that is out of his understanding. But it is not actually true. In most cases, software testing is not so difficult as it may seem.
In most cases, the specialists who perform automated testing have a deal with the code itself. They write special automated scripts in order to check a certain system aspect. But whatever testing type the specialists conduct, for example, system or load testing, they always use the test data.
In general, the software testing process can be divided into data and the actual program. The program is reviewed as code and data is any input made through keyboard, mouse click, files saved on the PC, images or docs for printing, etc.
Performing usability testing or functional testing, the specialists do the same actions as the end users. There is not anything supranational or unusual. Of course, some testing types are more complex and require profound theoretical knowledge and some practical skills, e.g. server side testing, stress testing, penetration testing, etc.
What Is Test Data?
- Content input in text editors
- Content of spreadsheets
- The number of shots in games
- Printed files
- Backups data files
- Data transmitted through the modem, etc.
A huge amount of various data can be used even by the simplest software program. The bright example is a calculator. The user is able to input the endless number of values. So, what about the processor or multi-level system? But the effective and thorough checking of both calculator and complex system is possible with the help of special testing techniques.
Source: QATestLab
