Essentials of Software Testing

Testing software is sometimes described as an art, sometimes as a craft, and sometimes as a science. This book aims to connect those views through a practical, stage-by-stage method. Throughout, one worked example is developed, and test automation is used consistently to carry it out. Each technique is first introduced through that example so readers can judge where it helps and where it falls short. Next, the technique is examined in greater depth to clarify the principles behind it. Finally, faults are deliberately inserted to show the limits of each method and to illustrate, with concrete cases, when a technique will or will not catch a defect.

The techniques covered include black-box testing, white-box testing, random testing, unit testing, object-oriented testing, and application testing. The authors also focus on how to apply these techniques in practice, walking through analysis, test design, test implementation, and the interpretation of results. A companion website provides programming exercises along with Java source code for every example in the book.