Unit I: Introduction & Flow Graphs and Path Testing
Introduction to Testing
Importance: This unit focuses on the basic concepts of software testing. It introduces key principles like
the purpose of testing, consequences of bugs, and the classification of bugs (taxonomy). Understanding
these is crucial because bugs in software can lead to system crashes, security vulnerabilities, or incorrect
data handling.
Real-Time Example: In an online banking application, bugs such as incorrect calculation of interest rates
or transaction failures could cause financial loss. A model for testing can help identify critical issues before
they affect users.
Flow Graphs and Path Testing
Importance: Flow graphs and path testing help identify all possible execution paths in a program. This
ensures comprehensive testing, preventing untested paths that could harbor undetected defects.
Real-Time Example: For a software system that processes online orders, path testing can ensure that all
potential order processing scenarios (e.g., payment failure, item availability, discounts) are tested, ensuring
smooth functionality in all conditions.
Unit II: Transaction Flow Testing & Dataflow Testing
Transaction Flow Testing
Importance: This technique is used for systems that have defined transactions (e.g., money transfer,
shopping cart actions). It focuses on testing the flow of transactions from start to end, ensuring that all
components handle the transactions properly.
Real-Time Example: In an e-commerce platform, transaction flow testing can verify that the process from
adding items to the cart to completing the checkout works seamlessly, including payment processing and
confirmation.
Dataflow Testing
Importance: Dataflow testing focuses on the paths of data within the program. It ensures that data is used
correctly and consistently across functions, reducing the risk of data-related errors.
Real-Time Example: In a payroll system, dataflow testing can check that employee salary data entered in
one module correctly flows through to the payment and reporting modules, avoiding errors like
miscalculations or incorrect deductions.
Unit III: Domain Testing & Path Testing
Domain Testing
Importance: Domain testing involves validating inputs within predefined boundaries (e.g., valid and
invalid input ranges). It helps catch edge cases, ensuring the system handles extreme values without errors.
Real-Time Example: For a tax calculation system, domain testing ensures that tax rates are correctly
applied within the legal boundaries, and values like negative or zero income are handled properly.
Paths, Path Products, and Regular Expressions
Importance: This unit introduces advanced path testing methods and regular expressions for anomaly
detection. It’s crucial for finding subtle defects that may be overlooked by simpler testing techniques.
Real-Time Example: A file processing application might use path products to ensure that all possible file
paths (e.g., directories, file names) are covered in testing, and regular expressions can be used to detect
errors in input validation or format mismatches.
Unit IV: Syntax Testing & Logic-Based Testing
Syntax Testing
Importance: Syntax testing focuses on verifying that the software's syntax matches the expected grammar
or structure, especially in programming languages, input formats, or commands.
Real-Time Example: In a compiler development project, syntax testing ensures that all programming
constructs (e.g., loops, conditionals) are parsed correctly according to the programming language's syntax
rules.
Logic-Based Testing
Importance: Logic-based testing verifies the logical behavior of systems through decision tables and path
expressions, ensuring all possible outcomes are considered.
Real-Time Example: In a flight booking system, logic-based testing can verify that the system correctly
handles different booking conditions, such as discounts, multiple passengers, or class upgrades.
State Graphs and Transition Testing
Importance: This technique is used for testing systems that have different states or modes (e.g., software
with multiple user interfaces). It ensures that the software behaves correctly when transitioning from one
state to another.
Real-Time Example: In a mobile app, state testing can verify that the app transitions correctly between
states (e.g., logged-in, logged-out, and idle) without errors or unexpected behaviors.
Unit V: Graph Matrices and Application
Graph Matrices and Their Application
Importance: Graph matrices provide a visual and mathematical representation of relationships within a
software system. They help identify complex dependencies and interactions between different components,
aiding in more efficient testing.
Real-Time Example: In large-scale systems like a CRM application, graph matrices can help visualize how
customer data flows between various modules (sales, marketing, and support), ensuring there are no broken
links or missing connections during system upgrades or changes.
Exposure to Tools like JMeter or WinRunner
Importance: Hands-on exposure to testing tools like JMeter (for performance testing) or WinRunner (for
functional testing) enables students to apply theoretical concepts in real-world scenarios. These tools
automate and streamline testing processes, making them more efficient.
Real-Time Example: JMeter can be used to simulate a large number of users accessing a web application
simultaneously, helping identify performance bottlenecks, while WinRunner can automate the testing of
repetitive functional tasks in a desktop application, improving testing speed.
