7.3

Testing and validation

9 flashcards to master Testing and validation

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Definition Flip

Define the term 'test data' in the context of program testing.

Answer Flip

Test data is the set of inputs used to assess the functionality and correctness of a program. It should include normal, abnormal, and extreme data to cover various scenarios.

Definition Flip

Explain what 'normal data' is and provide an example.

Answer Flip

Normal data is input that falls within the expected range and type for a program.

Example: if a program asks for age, a normal data input would be '25'.
Definition Flip

Describe 'abnormal data' and give an example of its use in testing.

Answer Flip

Abnormal data is input that is of the correct data type but outside of an acceptable range. An example is entering -5 for age, which is unexpected.

Definition Flip

What is 'extreme data' and why is it important in testing?

Answer Flip

Extreme data represents the highest and lowest acceptable values that a program should handle. Testing extreme data ensures the system works at its limits,

Example: entering 0 or 120 for age.
Definition Flip

Explain the concept of 'boundary data' and its significance in program testing.

Answer Flip

Boundary data is input that lies at the limits of the valid range, such as the minimum and maximum allowed values. It is significant for testing as errors often occur at these boundaries.

Key Concept Flip

Distinguish between 'validation' and 'verification' in the context of software development.

Answer Flip

Validation checks if the software meets the user's needs ('Are we building the right product?'). Verification checks if the software is built correctly ('Are we building the product right?').

Definition Flip

Describe the purpose of a 'trace table' in debugging.

Answer Flip

A trace table is used to manually track the values of variables during the execution of an algorithm or program. This helps identify errors in logic or calculation.

Definition Flip

What is a 'dry run' and how is it used in program testing?

Answer Flip

A dry run involves manually stepping through code and simulating its execution, without actually running the program. This helps identify errors early in the development process.

Key Concept Flip

Give an example of validation that could be used when creating a system to store customer details, including their age.

Answer Flip

A validation check could be implemented to ensure that the age entered is a realistic value (e.g. between 0 and 120). This prevents users from entering illogical data.

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Key Questions: Testing and validation

Define the term 'test data' in the context of program testing.

Test data is the set of inputs used to assess the functionality and correctness of a program. It should include normal, abnormal, and extreme data to cover various scenarios.

Explain what 'normal data' is and provide an example.

Normal data is input that falls within the expected range and type for a program.

Example: if a program asks for age, a normal data input would be '25'.
Describe 'abnormal data' and give an example of its use in testing.

Abnormal data is input that is of the correct data type but outside of an acceptable range. An example is entering -5 for age, which is unexpected.

What is 'extreme data' and why is it important in testing?

Extreme data represents the highest and lowest acceptable values that a program should handle. Testing extreme data ensures the system works at its limits,

Example: entering 0 or 120 for age.
Explain the concept of 'boundary data' and its significance in program testing.

Boundary data is input that lies at the limits of the valid range, such as the minimum and maximum allowed values. It is significant for testing as errors often occur at these boundaries.

About Testing and validation (7.3)

These 9 flashcards cover everything you need to know about Testing and validation for your Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) exam. Each card is designed based on the official syllabus requirements.

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