Software Testing Interview question Part 4
Q: How can software QA processes
be implemented without stifling productivity?
A: Implement QA processes slowly over time. Use consensus to reach agreement on processes and adjust and experiment as an organization grows and matures. Productivity will be improved instead of stifled. Problem prevention will lessen the need for problem detection. Panics and burnout will decrease and there will be improved focus and less wasted effort.
At the same time, attempts should be made to keep processes simple and efficient, minimize paperwork, promote computer-based processes and automated tracking and reporting, minimize time required in meetings and promote training as part of the QA process.
However, no one, especially talented technical types, like bureaucracy and in the short run things may slow down a bit. A typical scenario would be that more days of planning and development will be needed, but less time will be required for late-night bug fixing and calming of irate customers.
A: Implement QA processes slowly over time. Use consensus to reach agreement on processes and adjust and experiment as an organization grows and matures. Productivity will be improved instead of stifled. Problem prevention will lessen the need for problem detection. Panics and burnout will decrease and there will be improved focus and less wasted effort.
At the same time, attempts should be made to keep processes simple and efficient, minimize paperwork, promote computer-based processes and automated tracking and reporting, minimize time required in meetings and promote training as part of the QA process.
However, no one, especially talented technical types, like bureaucracy and in the short run things may slow down a bit. A typical scenario would be that more days of planning and development will be needed, but less time will be required for late-night bug fixing and calming of irate customers.
Q: What if the organization is growing so
fast that fixed QA processes are impossible?
A: This is a common problem in the software industry, especially in new technology areas. There is no easy solution in this situation, other than...
A: This is a common problem in the software industry, especially in new technology areas. There is no easy solution in this situation, other than...
- Hire good people (i.e. hire Rob Davis)
- Ruthlessly prioritize quality issues and maintain focus on the customer;
- Everyone in the organization should be clear on what quality means to the customer.
Q: Why do you recommend that we test during
the design phase?
A: Because testing during the design phase can prevent defects later on. We recommend verifying three things...
A: Because testing during the design phase can prevent defects later on. We recommend verifying three things...
- Verify the design is good, efficient, compact, testable and maintainable.
- Verify the design meets the requirements and is complete (specifies all relationships between modules, how to pass data, what happens in exceptional circumstances, starting state of each module and how to guarantee the state of each module).
- Verify the design incorporates enough memory, I/O devices and quick enough runtime for the final product.
Q: What is software quality assurance?
A: Software Quality Assurance, when Rob Davis does it, is oriented to prevention*. It involves the entire software development process. Prevention is monitoring and improving the process, making sure any agreed-upon standards and procedures are followed and ensuring problems are found and dealt with.
Software Testing, when performed by Rob Davis, is also oriented to *detection*. Testing involves the operation of a system or application under controlled conditions and evaluating the results.
Rob Davis can provide QA/testing service. This document details some aspects of how he can provide software testing/QA service. For more information, e-mail rob@robdavispe.com.
Organizations vary considerably in how they assign responsibility for QA and testing. Sometimes they're the combined responsibility of one group or individual.
Also common are project teams, which include a mix of test engineers, testers and developers, who work closely together, with overall QA processes monitored by project managers.
Software quality assurance depends on what best fits your organization's size and business structure.
A: Software Quality Assurance, when Rob Davis does it, is oriented to prevention*. It involves the entire software development process. Prevention is monitoring and improving the process, making sure any agreed-upon standards and procedures are followed and ensuring problems are found and dealt with.
Software Testing, when performed by Rob Davis, is also oriented to *detection*. Testing involves the operation of a system or application under controlled conditions and evaluating the results.
Rob Davis can provide QA/testing service. This document details some aspects of how he can provide software testing/QA service. For more information, e-mail rob@robdavispe.com.
Organizations vary considerably in how they assign responsibility for QA and testing. Sometimes they're the combined responsibility of one group or individual.
Also common are project teams, which include a mix of test engineers, testers and developers, who work closely together, with overall QA processes monitored by project managers.
Software quality assurance depends on what best fits your organization's size and business structure.
Q: How is testing affected by object-oriented
designs?
A: A well-engineered object-oriented design can make it easier to trace from code to internal design to functional design to requirements. While there will be little affect on black box testing (where an understanding of the internal design of the application is unnecessary), white-box testing can be oriented to the application's objects. If the application was well designed this can simplify test design.
Q: What is quality assurance?
A: Quality Assurance ensures all parties concerned with the project adhere to the process and procedures, standards and templates and test readiness reviews.
Rob Davis' QA service depends on the customers and projects. A lot will depend on team leads or managers, feedback to developers and communications among customers, managers, developers' test engineers and testers.
A: A well-engineered object-oriented design can make it easier to trace from code to internal design to functional design to requirements. While there will be little affect on black box testing (where an understanding of the internal design of the application is unnecessary), white-box testing can be oriented to the application's objects. If the application was well designed this can simplify test design.
Q: What is quality assurance?
A: Quality Assurance ensures all parties concerned with the project adhere to the process and procedures, standards and templates and test readiness reviews.
Rob Davis' QA service depends on the customers and projects. A lot will depend on team leads or managers, feedback to developers and communications among customers, managers, developers' test engineers and testers.
