How to Break Software: A Practical Guide to Testing, 1st edition
Published by Pearson (May 9, 2002) © 2003
- James A. Whittaker
- Hardcover, paperback or looseleaf edition
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How to Break Software takes a very applied and non-rigid approach to teaching how to test software for common bugs. It is a departure from conventional testing in which testers prepare a written test plan and then use it as a script when testing the software. Instead of relying on a rigid plan, it should be intelligence, insight, experience and a “nose for where the bugs are hiding” that guide testers. This book helps testers develop this insight.
The techniques presented in this book not only allow testers to go off-script, they encourage them to do so. Don't blindly follow a document that may be out of date and that was written before the product was even testable. Instead, use your head! Open your eyes! Think a little, test a little and then think a little more.
- Uses an applied, tutorial approach to teaching software testing.
- Demonstrates a method for testing software at the most common places that bugs appear: The User Interface, the File Systems Interface, and the Operating System Interface.
- Teaches planning in a methodical “on-the-fly while you are testing” way.
- Encourages automation with many repetitive and complex tasks that require good tools.
- Contains CD with HEAT: Hostile Environment Application Tester, software that provides a mechanism to easily trip exceptions and force error code to execute. HEAT can be used to simulate a faulty network, low memory, a full hard drive and any number of other common failure scenarios. Also includes Holodeck Lite.
- Written by a seasoned professor, trusted consultant, and standing-room-only speaker.
- Endorsed by the directors of testing at IBM, Rational Software Corporation, and Microsoft.
Preface.
Dedication.
Chapter Summaries.
I. INTRODUCTION.
II. USER INTERFACE ATTACKS.
III. SYSTEM INTERFACE ATTACKS.
IV. CONCLUSION.
APPENDICES.
James A. Whittaker is a well-known speaker and consultant, as well as seasoned professor.
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