| Software, Testing, Other, Perform, Process

For a Perfect Software Release

Written by Choudhury

Friday, 05 October 2007

Computer software refers to the term used to express a compilation of computer procedures, documentation and programs to perform a particular task on the computer. It also consists of application software like word processors, system software and many others. The term software testing means a verification of the quality software being released. Completeness, security, and correctness are a few things on the basis of which software testing is judged. There are many other technical requirements that software has to undergo during this process which are mentioned under standard ISO 9126. These requirements include maintainability, usability, efficiency, capability, reliability, portability and compatibility.

It is important for software to go through this process of software testing to ensure that it perform all the functions that are expected from it correctly. This is necessary to combat the increasing competition and prove the worth of one’s software when compared with other software. One most important feature that your software must have before it is released to public, is that it should be completely equipped to evade the viruses, hacking, cracking and other such threats from the outside sources. So, security test in the process is very essential.

Software should then go through a proper cycle of software testing from the stage of alpha to beta, by verification and validation testing methods. Once this is done, there is a process of unit testing. That is to say, each software unit is tested individually for assurance that they perform their functions properly. After this, all this I put together and again tested to see if they continue to work properly as a single entity. At this time, it is essential for software to go through these integration tests because it may be possible that the units may work correctly individually, but as a single unit it might not perform in the same way. Infact, if any problem is detected and then corrected, it should again undergo a regression test to assure that any other problem may not crop out the next time. Performance testing and functional testing are some other tests that are done. Usability and compatibility are the things that should also be tested before the software is released. Stress and load ability are the things that also need to be tested in the software because even though your software is performing the right function for which it has been designed, if it works slowly, it won’t be of much help.

When all tests have been qualified by the software, place it in the beta state so that other customers are able to try the software to assure that now it has no problems. If there still is any problem in its functioning, it will give you an opportunity to correct it well before its final release. Considering all the above mentioned points will assure that you release a good software package and fulfill all the requirements that are expected from it, thus taking all the advantages of the efforts that have been put in its making. For more information on software making log on to www.softestclub.com.

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