ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-4:2015
(Main)Software and systems engineering — Software testing — Part 4: Test techniques
Software and systems engineering — Software testing — Part 4: Test techniques
ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-4:2015 defines test design techniques that can be used during the test design and implementation process that is defined in ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119‑2. ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-4:2015 is intended for, but not limited to, testers, test managers, and developers, particularly those responsible for managing and implementing software testing.
Ingénierie du logiciel et des systèmes — Essais du logiciel — Partie 4: Techniques d'essai
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Software and systems engineering —
Software testing —
Part 4:
Test techniques
Ingénierie du logiciel et des systèmes — Essais du logiciel —
Partie 4: Techniques d’essai
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ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-4:2015(E)
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ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-4:2015(E)
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ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-4:2015(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Conformance . 1
2.1 Intended Usage . 1
2.2 Full Conformance . 1
2.3 Tailored Conformance . 1
3 Normative References . 1
4 Terms and Definitions . 2
5 Test Design Techniques . 4
5.1 Overview . 4
5.2 Specification-Based Test Design Techniques . 7
5.2.1 Equivalence Partitioning . 7
5.2.2 Classification Tree Method . 8
5.2.3 Boundary Value Analysis . 9
5.2.4 Syntax Testing .11
5.2.5 Combinatorial Test Design Techniques .12
5.2.6 Decision Table Testing.15
5.2.7 Cause-Effect Graphing .15
5.2.8 State Transition Testing .16
5.2.9 Scenario Testing .17
5.2.10 Random Testing .18
5.3 Structure-Based Test Design Techniques .18
5.3.1 Statement Testing .18
5.3.2 Branch Testing .19
5.3.3 Decision Testing . .20
5.3.4 Branch Condition Testing .20
5.3.5 Branch Condition Combination Testing .21
5.3.6 Modified Condition Decision Coverage (MCDC) Testing .21
5.3.7 Data Flow Testing .22
5.4 Experience-Based Test Design Techniques .25
5.4.1 Error Guessing .25
6 Test Coverage Measurement .25
6.1 Overview .25
6.2 Test Measurement for Specification-Based Test Design Techniques .26
6.2.1 Equivalence Partition Coverage .26
6.2.2 Classification Tree Method Coverage .26
6.2.3 Boundary Value Analysis Coverage .26
6.2.4 Syntax Testing Coverage .26
6.2.5 Combinatorial Test Design Technique Coverage .27
6.2.6 Decision Table Testing Coverage .27
6.2.7 Cause-Effect Graphing Coverage .28
6.2.8 State Transition Testing Coverage .28
6.2.9 Scenario Testing Coverage .28
6.2.10 Random Testing Coverage .28
6.3 Test Measurement for Structure-Based Test Design Techniques .29
6.3.1 Statement Testing Coverage .29
6.3.2 Branch Testing Coverage .29
6.3.3 Decision Testing Coverage .29
6.3.4 Branch Condition Testing Coverage .29
6.3.5 Branch Condition Combination Testing Coverage .29
6.3.6 Modified Condition Decision (MCDC) Testing Coverage .30
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ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-4:2015(E)
6.3.7 Data Flow Testing Coverage .30
6.4 Test Measurement for Experience-Based Testing Design Techniques.31
6.4.1 Error Guessing Coverage .31
Annex A (informative) Testing Quality Characteristics .32
Annex B (informative) Guidelines and Examples for the Application of Specification-Based
Test Design Techniques .43
Annex C (informative) Guidelines and Examples for the Application of Structure-Based
Test Design Techniques .103
Annex D (informative) Guidelines and Examples for the Application of Experience-Based
Test Design Techniques .126
Annex E (informative) Guidelines and Examples for the Application of Interchangeable
Test Design Techniques .129
Annex F (informative) Test Design Technique Coverage Effectiveness .133
Annex G (informative) ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-4 and BS 7925-2 Test Design Technique Alignment 135
Bibliography .137
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ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-4:2015(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (the International Electrotechnical
Commission) form the specialized system for worldwide standardization. National bodies that are
members of ISO or IEC participate in the development of International Standards through technical
committees established by the respective organization to deal with particular fields of technical
activity. ISO and IEC technical committees collaborate in fields of mutual interest. Other international
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO and IEC, also take part in the
work. In the field of information technology, ISO and IEC have established a joint technical committee,
ISO/IEC JTC 1.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for
the different types of document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject
of patent rights. ISO and IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
rights. Details of any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the
Introduction and/or on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions related to conformity
assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the WTO principles in the Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the following URL: Foreword - Supplementary information
The committee responsible for this document is ISO/IEC JTC 1, Information technology, SC 7, Software
and Systems Engineering.
ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119 consists of the following standards, under the general title Software and Systems
Engineering — Software Testing:
— Part 1: Concepts and definitions
— Part 2: Test processes
— Part 3: Test documentation
— Part 4: Test techniques
The following parts are under preparation:
— Part 5: Keyword-driven testing
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ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-4:2015(E)
Introduction
The purpose of this part of ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119 is to provide an International Standard that defines
software test design techniques (also known as test case design techniques or test methods) that can be
used within the test design and implementation process that is defined in ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-2. This
part of ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119 does not prescribe a process for test design and implementation; instead, it
describes a set of techniques that can be used within ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-2. The intent is to describe a
series of techniques that have wide acceptance in the software testing industry.
The test design techniques presented in this part of ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119 can be used to derive test
cases that, when executed, generate evidence that test item requirements have been met and/or that
defects are present in a test item (i.e. that requirements have not been met). Risk-based testing could be
used to determine the set of techniques that are applicable in specific situations (risk-based testing is
covered in ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-1 and ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-2).
NOTE A “test item” is a work product that is being tested (see ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-1).
EXAMPLE 1 “Test items” include systems, software items, objects, classes, requirements documents, design
specifications, and user guides.
Each technique follows the test design and implementation process that is defined in ISO/IEC/
IEEE 29119-2 and shown in Figure 1.
Of the activities in this process, ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-4 provides guidance on how to implement the
following activities in detail for each technique that is described:
— Derive Test Conditions (TD2);
— Derive Test Coverage Items (TD3);
— Derive Test Cases (TD4).
A test condition is a testable aspect of a test item, such as a function, transaction, feature, quality attribute,
or structural element identified as a basis for testing. This determination can be achieved by agreeing
with stakeholders which attributes are to be tested or by applying one or more test design techniques.
EXAMPLE 2 If a test completion criterion for state transition testing was identified that required coverage of
all states then the test conditions could be the states the test item can be in. Other examples of test conditions are
equivalence classes and boundaries between them.
Test coverage items are attributes of each test condition that can be covered during testing. A single
test condition may be the basis for one or more test coverage items.
EXAMPLE 3 If a specific boundary is identified as a test condition, then the corresponding test coverage items
could be the boundary itself and immediately either side of the boundary.
A test case is a set of preconditions, inputs (including actions, where applicable), and expected results,
developed to determine whether or not the covered part of the test item has been implemented correctly.
Specific (normative) guidance on how to implement the other activities in the test design &
implementation process of ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-2, including activities TD1 (Identify Feature Sets), TD5
(Assemble Test Sets), and TD6 (Derive Test Procedures), is not included in Clauses 5 or 6 of this part of
ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119 because the process is the same for all techniques.
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ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-4:2015(E)
Figure 1 — ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-2 Test Design and Implementation Process
ISO/IEC/TR 19759 (SWEBOK) defines two types of requirements: functional requirements and quality
requirements. ISO/IEC 25010 defines eight quality characteristics (including functionality) that can be
used to identify types of testing that may be applicable for testing a specific test item. Annex A provides
example mappings of test design techniques that apply to testing quality characteristics defined in
ISO/IEC 25010.
Experience-based testing practices like exploratory testing and other test practices such as model-based
testing are not defined in this part of ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119 because this part of ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119 only
describes techniques for designing test cases. Test practices such as exploratory testing are described
in ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-1.
Templates and examples of test documentation that are produced during the testing process are defined
in ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-3 Test Documentation. The test techniques in this part of ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119
do not describe how test cases should be documented (e.g. they do not include information or guidance
on assigning unique identifiers, test case descriptions, priorities, traceability, or pre-conditions).
Information on how to document test cases can be found in ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-3.
This part of ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119 aims to provide stakeholders with the ability to design test cases for
the testing of software in any organization.
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-4:2015(E)
Software and systems engineering — Software testing —
Part 4:
Test techniques
1 Scope
This part of ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119 defines test design techniques that can be used during the test design
and implementation process that is defined in ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-2.
This part of ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119 is intended for, but not limited to, testers, test managers, and
developers, particularly those responsible for managing and implementing software testing.
2 Conformance
2.1 Intended Usage
The normative requirements in this part of ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119 are contained in Clauses 5 and 6.
It is recognised that particular projects or organizations may not need to use all of the techniques
defined by this standard. Therefore, implementation of this standard typically involves selecting
a set of techniques suitable for the project or organization. There are two ways that an organization
or individual can claim conformance to the provisions of this standard – full conformance or tailored
conformance. The organization or individual shall assert whether full or tailored conformance to this
standard is claimed.
2.2 Full Conformance
Full conformance is achieved by demonstrating that all of the requirements (i.e. ‘shall’ statements) of the
chosen (non-empty) set of techniques in Clause 5 and/or the corresponding test coverage measurement
approaches in Clause 6 have been satisfied.
EXAMPLE An organization could choose to conform only to one technique, such as boundary value analysis.
In this scenario, the organization would only be required to provide evidence that they have met the requirements
of that one technique in order to claim conformance to this part of ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119.
2.3 Tailored Conformance
Tailored conformance is achieved by demonstrating that the chosen subset of requirements from the
chosen (non-empty) set of techniques and/or corresponding test coverage measurement approaches
have been satisfied. Where tailoring occurs, justification shall be provided (either directly or by
reference) whenever the normative requirements of a technique defined in Clause 5 or measure
defined in Clause 6 are not followed completely. All tailoring decisions shall be recorded with their
rationale, including the consideration of any applicable risks. Tailoring shall be agreed by the relevant
stakeholders.
3 Normative References
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
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ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-4:2015(E)
ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-1, Software and systems engineering — Software testing — Part 1: Concepts and
definitions
ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-2, Software and systems engineering — Software testing — Part 2: Test processes
ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-3, Software and systems engineering — Software testing — Part 3: Test
documentation
NOTE Other International Standards useful for the implementation and interpretation of this part of
ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119 are listed in the bibliography.
4 Terms and Definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO/IEC/IEEE 24765 and the
following apply.
NOTE Use of the terminology in this part of ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119 is for ease of reference and is not
mandatory for conformance with the standard. The following terms and definitions are provided to assist with
the understanding and readability of this part of ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119. Only terms critical to the understanding
of this part of ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119 are included. This clause is not intended to provide a complete list of testing
terms. The systems and software engineering vocabulary ISO/IEC/IEEE 24765 can be referenced for terms not
defined in this clause.
4.1
Backus-Naur Form
formal meta-language used for defining the syntax of a language in a textual format
4.2
base choice
see base value
4.3
base value
input parameter value used in ‘base choice testing’ that is normally selected based on being a
representative or typical value for the parameter. Also called base choice
4.4
c-use
see computation data use
4.5
computation data use
use of the value of a variable in any type of statement
4.6
condition
Boolean expression containing no Boolean operators
EXAMPLE “A < B” is a condition but “A and B” is not.
4.7
control flow
sequence in which operations are performed during the execution of a test item
4.8
control flow sub-path
sequence of executable statements within a test item
4.9
data definition
statement where a variable is assigned a value. Also called variable definition
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ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-4:2015(E)
4.10
data definition c-use pair
data definition and subsequent computation data use, where the data use uses the value defined in the
data definition
4.11
data definition p-use pair
data definition and subsequent predicate data use, where the data use uses the value defined in the
data definition
4.12
data definition-use pair
data definition and subsequent data use, where the data use uses the value defined in the data definition
4.13
data use
executable statement where the value of a variable is accessed
4.14
decision outcome
result of a decision (which therefore determines the control flow alternative taken)
4.15
decision rule
combination of conditions (also known as causes) and actions (also known as effects) that produce a
specific outcome in decision table testing and cause-effect graphing
4.16
definition-use pair
data definition and subsequent predicate or computational data use, where the data use uses the value
defined in the data definition
4.17
definition-use path
control flow sub-path from a variable definition to a predicate-use (p-use) or computational-use (c-use)
of that variable
4.18
entry point
point in a test item at which execution of the test item can begin
Note 1 to entry: An entry point is an executable statement within a test item that may be selected by an external
process as the starting point for one or more paths through the test item. It is most commonly the first executable
statement within the test item.
4.19
executable statement
statement which, when compiled, is translated into object code, which will be executed procedurally
when the test item is running and may perform an action on program data
4.20
exit point
last executable statement within a test item
Note 1 to entry: An exit point is a terminal point of a path through a test item, being an executable statement
within the test item which either terminates the test item, or returns control to an external process. This is most
commonly the last executable statement within the test item.
4.21
p-use
see predicate data use
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ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-4:2015(E)
4.22
P-V pair
combination of a test item parameter with a value assigned to that parameter, used as a test condition
and coverage item in combinatorial test design techniques
4.23
path
sequence of executable statements of a test item
4.24
predicate
logical expression which evaluates to TRUE or FALSE, normally to direct the execution path in code
4.25
predicate data use
data use associated with the decision outcome of the predicate portion of a decision statement
4.26
sub-path
path that is part of a larger path
4.27
test model
representation of a test item that is used during the test case design process
4.28
variable definition
see data definition
5 Test Design Techniques
5.1 Overview
ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-4 defines test design techniques for specification-based testing (5.2), structure-
based testing (5.3) and experience-based testing (5.4). In specification-based testing, the test basis
(e.g. requirements, specifications, models or user needs) is used as the main source of information
to design test cases. In structure-based testing, the structure of the test item (e.g. source code or the
structure of a model) is used as the primary source of information to design test cases. In experience-
based testing, the knowledge and experience of the tester is used as the primary source of information
during test case design. For specification-based testing, structure-based testing and experience-based
testing, the test basis is used to generate the expected results. These classes of test design techniques
are complementary and their combined application typically results in more effective testing.
Although the techniques presented in ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-4 are classified as structure-based,
specification-based or experience-based, in practice some of them can be used interchangeably (e.g. branch
testing could be used to design test cases for testing logical paths through the graphical user interface
of an Internet-based system). This is demonstrated in Annex E. In addition, although each technique is
defined independently of all others, in practice they can be used in combination with other techniques.
EXAMPLE The test coverage items derived b
...
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD
ISO/IEC/IEEE DIS 29119-4
Attributed to ISO/IEC JTC 1 by the Central Secretariat (see page iii)
ISO/IEC voting begins on: ISO/IEC voting terminates on:
2013-07-16 2013-10-16
Software & Systems Engineering Standards Committee
of the IEEE Computer Society
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION • МЕЖДУНАРОДНАЯ ОРГАНИЗАЦИЯ ПО СТАНДАРТИЗАЦИИ • ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALE DE NORMALISATION
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Software and systems engineering — Software testing —
Part 4:
Test techniques
Ingénierie du logiciel et des systèmes — Essais du logiciel —
Partie 4: Techniques des essais
ICS 35.080
This document was developed under the Partner Standards Development Organization
cooperation agreement between ISO and IEEE, as approved by Council Resolution 49/2007,
and is submitted to a parallel enquiry vote by the ISO/IEC national bodies and IEEE.
In accordance with the provisions of Council Resolution 21/1986 this document is circulated
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Conformément aux dispositions de la Résolution du Conseil 21/1986, ce document est
distribué en version anglaise seulement.
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED FOR COMMENT AND APPROVAL. IT IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO
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ISO/IEC/IEEE DIS 29119-4:2013
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ISO/IEC/IEEE DIS 29119-4:2013
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (the International Electrotechnical
Commission) form the specialized system for worldwide standardization. National bodies that are members of
ISO or IEC participate in the development of International Standards through technical committees established
by the respective organization to deal with particular fields of technical activity. ISO and IEC technical
committees collaborate in fields of mutual interest. Other international organizations, governmental and non-
governmental, in liaison with ISO and IEC, also take part in the work. In the field of information technology, ISO
and IEC have established a joint technical committee, ISO/IEC JTC 1.
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ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-4 was prepared by Joint Technical Committee ISO/IEC JTC 1, Information technology,
Subcommittee SC 7, Software and systems engineering, in cooperation with the Software & Systems
Engineering Standards Committee of the IEEE Computer Society, under the Partner Standards Development
Organization cooperation agreement between ISO and IEEE.
ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119 consists of the following parts, under the general title Software and systems
engineering — Software testing:
— Part 2: Test process
— Part 3: Test documentation
The following parts are under preparation:
— Part 1: Concepts and definitions
— Part 3: Test techniques
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ISO/IEC/IEEE DIS 29119-4:2013
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© ISO/IEC 2013 – All rights reserved
iv © IEEE 2013 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
ISO/IEC DIS 29119-4
Contents Page
Foreword . vi
Introduction . vii
1 Scope . 1
2 Conformance . 1
2.1.1 Intended Usage . 1
2.1.2 Full Conformance . 1
2.1.3 Tailored Conformance . 1
3 Normative References . 2
4 Terms and Definitions . 2
5 Test Design Techniques . 5
5.1 Overview . 5
5.2 Specification-Based Test Design Techniques. 8
5.2.1 Equivalence Partitioning . 8
5.2.2 Classification Tree Method . 9
5.2.3 Boundary Value Analysis . 10
5.2.4 Syntax Testing . 12
5.2.5 Combinatorial Test Design Techniques . 13
5.2.6 Decision Table Testing . 15
5.2.7 Cause-Effect Graphing . 16
5.2.8 State Transition Testing . 17
5.2.9 Scenario Testing . 18
5.3 Structure-Based Test Design Techniques . 19
5.3.1 Statement Testing . 19
5.3.2 Branch Testing . 20
5.3.3 Decision Testing . 20
5.3.4 Branch Condition Testing. 21
5.3.5 Branch Condition Combination Testing . 21
5.3.6 Modified Condition Decision Coverage (MCDC) Testing . 22
5.3.7 Data Flow Testing . 23
5.4 Experience-Based Testing. 25
5.4.1 Error Guessing . 25
6 Test Coverage Measurement . 26
6.1 Test Measurement for Specification-Based Test Design Techniques . 26
6.1.1 Overview . 26
6.1.2 Equivalence Partition Coverage . 26
6.1.3 Classification Tree Method Coverage . 27
6.1.4 Boundary Value Analysis Coverage . 27
6.1.5 Syntax Testing Coverage. 27
6.1.6 Combinatorial Test Design Technique Coverage . 27
6.1.7 Decision Table Testing Coverage . 28
6.1.8 Cause-Effect Graphing Coverage . 28
6.1.9 State Transition Testing Coverage . 29
6.1.10 Scenario Testing Coverage . 29
6.1.11 Random Testing Coverage . 29
6.2 Test Measurement for Structure-Based Test Design Techniques . 29
6.2.1 Statement Testing Coverage . 29
6.2.2 Branch Testing Coverage . 30
6.2.3 Decision Testing Coverage . 30
6.2.4 Branch Condition Testing Coverage . 30
6.2.5 Branch Condition Combination Testing Coverage . 30
© ISO/IEC 2013 – All rights reserved iii
---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
ISO/IEC DIS 29119-4
6.2.6 Modified Condition Decision (MCDC) Testing Coverage. 31
6.2.7 Data Flow Testing Coverage . 31
6.3 Test Measurement for Experience-Based Testing Design Techniques . 32
6.3.1 Error Guessing Coverage . 32
Annex A (informative) Testing Quality Characteristics . 33
A.1 Quality Characteristics . 33
A.1.1 Overview . 33
A.2 Quality-Related Types of Testing . 34
A.2.1 Accessibility Testing . 34
A.2.2 Backup/Recovery Testing . 34
A.2.3 Compatibility Testing . 34
A.2.4 Conversion Testing . 34
A.2.5 Disaster Recovery Testing . 35
A.2.6 Functional Testing . 35
A.2.7 Installability Testing . 35
A.2.8 Interoperability Testing . 35
A.2.9 Localization Testing . 35
A.2.10 Maintainability Testing . 35
A.2.11 Performance-Related Testing . 36
A.2.12 Portability Testing. 36
A.2.13 Procedure Testing . 36
A.2.14 Reliability Testing . 37
A.2.15 Security Testing . 37
A.2.16 Stability Testing . 38
A.2.17 Usability Testing . 38
A.3 Mapping Quality Characteristics to Types of Testing. 38
A.4 Mapping Quality Characteristics to Test Design Techniques . 39
A.4.1 Mapping . 39
Annex B (informative) Guidelines and Examples for the Application of Specification-Based Test
Design Techniques . 42
B.1 Guidelines and Examples for Specification-Based Testing . 42
B.1.1 Overview . 42
B.2 Specification-Based Test Design Technique Examples . 42
B.2.1 Equivalence Partitioning . 42
B.2.2 Classification Tree Method . 49
B.2.3 Boundary Value Analysis . 52
B.2.4 Syntax Testing . 60
B.2.5 Combinatorial Test Design Techniques . 64
B.2.6 Decision Table Testing . 70
B.2.7 Cause-Effect Graphing . 72
B.2.8 State Transition Testing . 76
B.2.9 Scenario Testing . 81
B.2.10 Use Case Testing . 88
B.2.11 Random Testing . 92
Annex C (informative) Guidelines and Examples for the Application of Structure-Based Test
Design Techniques . 95
C.1 Guidelines and Examples for Structure-Based Testing . 95
C.1.1 Overview . 95
C.2 Structure-Based Test Design Technique Examples .
...
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