In software testing, the “Test Basis” refers to the set of documents, artifacts, or conditions that serve as the foundation or starting point for creating test cases and designing test scenarios. The test basis provides the essential information and criteria needed to derive test cases, ensuring that testing activities are aligned with the requirements and specifications of the software being tested.
The test basis typically includes the following components:
- Requirements Specification:
- The requirements specification documents outline the functional and non-functional requirements of the software. Testers use this information to design test cases that verify whether the software meets its specified requirements.
- Design Documents:
- Design documents, such as system design documents or architectural diagrams, provide insights into how the software has been designed and structured. Testers can use this information to derive test cases that assess the system’s architecture and design aspects.
- Functional Specifications:
- Detailed functional specifications describe the intended behavior of the software, including input conditions, expected outputs, and processing logic. Testers refer to these specifications to create test cases that validate the functionality of the software.
- Business Rules:
- Business rules define the rules and constraints that govern the processing of data and the behavior of the software. Testers incorporate these rules into test cases to ensure that the software adheres to the specified business logic.
- Use Cases:
- Use cases describe interactions between the system and its users, providing scenarios that represent how the software is expected to be used. Testers derive test cases from use cases to validate the system’s behavior in different user scenarios.
- Interface Specifications:
- Interface specifications detail the interactions between different system components or between the system and external systems. Testers use this information to design test cases that validate the integration and communication between components.
- Risk Analysis:
- Risk analysis identifies potential risks and uncertainties associated with the software project. Testers consider the identified risks when designing test cases to ensure that high-risk areas are thoroughly tested.
- Change Requests:
- Any change requests or modifications to the software made during the development process may impact testing. Testers review change requests to understand how the changes affect the test scope and design new test cases accordingly.
- Traceability Matrix:
- A traceability matrix establishes a link between requirements, test cases, and other testing artifacts. It helps ensure that each requirement is covered by one or more test cases, providing a basis for comprehensive test coverage.
The test basis serves as a critical reference point for testing activities and helps ensure that test cases are relevant, thorough, and aligned with the intended functionality of the software. It is essential for creating a well-structured and effective test suite that addresses the testing objectives and requirements of the software project.