testing software

[david graham]

Hi
I have a job interview coming up and part of the job spec is 'reponsibility
for software testing'. The only testing that I do is the following:

1. Write a few lines, check syntax in validator - correct problems, carry
on.

I was going to add more points but I have just realised that I don't do much
more than this


The company I have applied to join use a lot of database applications. I
guess there must be better ways to test a database than simply seeing what
happens when you put incorrect datatypes into a field etc. Is there any
automated tools that will test a database to destruction?
Does anyone know of a more specialised newsgroup that could help me

thanks
David

 

[rf]

Hi
I have a job interview coming up and part of the job spec is 'reponsibility
for software testing'. The only testing that I do is the following:

1. Write a few lines, check syntax in validator - correct problems, carry
on.

Yep. What about checking it in the commonly available browsers as well? Most
of them do not adhere to the validators acceptance of your code.

I was going to add more points but I have just realised that I don't do much
more than this

Ok so far.

The company I have applied to join use a lot of database applications. I
guess there must be better ways to test a database than simply seeing what
happens when you put incorrect datatypes into a field etc.

If you need to ask this question then you should not, with all due respect,
be doing this stuff, IMHO.

Simply "throwing incorrect data" at a datbase application is *not* testing
it.

As you develop the design for a database application (before any coding
takes place) you should also be developing a test plan for that database
application.

As you produce each bit of code for the application you should look into
your test plan and verify the a) the application performs as per the design
to this point and b) the application is resiliant to all possible user
errors to this point and c) your test plan is ahead of your code production
at this point. The latter is important. Change your design and you should
change your test plan.

Is there any
automated tools that will test a database to destruction?

No. There are not. Each database application is, usually, totally unique. It
is up to you to create such tools as part of your test plan for your
particular database.

Hmmm. I just reread your post. You will have the responsibility for software
testing. Given the above how can this happen unless you have some authority
over the software development. Ah, unless of course you are just there to
beta test

Does anyone know of a more specialised newsgroup that could help me

Er, no. Perhaps a course in database development?

Cheers
Richard.

 

[david graham]

Yep. What about checking it in the commonly available browsers as well? Most
of them do not adhere to the validators acceptance of your code.


Ok so far.


If you need to ask this question then you should not, with all due respect,
be doing this stuff, IMHO.

Simply "throwing incorrect data" at a datbase application is *not* testing
it.

As you develop the design for a database application (before any coding
takes place) you should also be developing a test plan for that database
application.

As you produce each bit of code for the application you should look into
your test plan and verify the a) the application performs as per the design
to this point and b) the application is resiliant to all possible user
errors to this point and c) your test plan is ahead of your code production
at this point. The latter is important. Change your design and you should
change your test plan.


No. There are not. Each database application is, usually, totally unique. It
is up to you to create such tools as part of your test plan for your
particular database.

Hmmm. I just reread your post. You will have the responsibility for software
testing. Given the above how can this happen unless you have some authority
over the software development. Ah, unless of course you are just there to
beta test


Er, no. Perhaps a course in database development?

Cheers
Richard.

Hi Richard
The post applied for is unusual in that it is for a Training/Testing
Manager. I have over 10yr's experience in training, so that is probably why
I have been shortlisted. But I haven't a clue about software testing - but
eh, I need a job and how many times can an interviewee satisfy all
requirements. Perhaps your right, I might just get laughed out of the
interview but I need to try.
thanks
David

 

[rf]

Hi Richard

The post applied for is unusual in that it is for a Training/Testing
Manager. I have over 10yr's experience in training, so that is probably why
I have been shortlisted. But I haven't a clue about software testing - but
eh, I need a job and how many times can an interviewee satisfy all
requirements. Perhaps your right, I might just get laughed out of the
interview but I need to try.

Yo. Just make it up

Seriously, If they are looking for a manager (something you omitted from
your OP), the poeple you manage should know how to do this

Cheers
Richard.

 

[PeterMcC]

The post applied for is unusual in that it is for a Training/Testing
Manager. I have over 10yr's experience in training, so that is
probably why I have been shortlisted. But I haven't a clue about
software testing - but eh, I need a job and how many times can an
interviewee satisfy all requirements. Perhaps your right, I might
just get laughed out of the interview but I need to try.

I ain't got nothin' to contribute - but best of luck with the interview.

 

[kchayka]

I have a job interview coming up and part of the job spec is 'reponsibility
for software testing'.

Does anyone know of a more specialised newsgroup that could help me

Um, perhaps comp.software.testing?