Web Software Testing (WBT)
Course Description
While many of the traditional concepts of software testing still hold true, Web sites and Web applications have a different risk profile to other, more mature environments. A typical Web tester now has to deal with shorter release cycles, changing technology, complex hardware and software platforms and an anticipated user base which is uncontrolled and may run into millions. Many testers and test managers are being asked to make the transition from testing traditional client/server, PC, and/or mainframe environments to testing Web sites and applications. This course seeks to help those making this transition by explaining Web technologies, the issues associated with Web testing and suggesting solutions, strategies and techniques that can be used in testing a Web site.
The course is instructor-led with lecture presentations being supported by hands-on practical work using a number of fictitious Web sites, which allow reinforcement of learning and enhances the understanding process. In addition, various testing tools will be demonstrated.
Target Student
The course is designed for software testers, members of QA teams and test managers who need to understand the technology used by Web developers so that they may perform or manage efficient and effective testing of Web sites or applications.
Prerequisites
A basic knowledge of the Internet and software testing. Attendance on the Structured Approach to Software Testing course would be an ideal prerequisite.
Performance-Based Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Understand the different technologies used in Web environments.
Communicate adequately with Web developers to ascertain the nature of the development and production environments including the functionality of the site or application.
Examine and validate functional and non-functional requirements for Web sites and applications.
Specify appropriate test environments.
Perform a simple risk analysis to identify and prioritise tests.
Create appropriate tests, test cases and test scripts.
Execute tests in a controlled manner using the correct setup conditions and inputs.
Understand the nature, availability and limitations of Web testing tools.
Course Content
Web Basics
Internet and Web History
Basic Internet Architecture
Network Protocols
IP Addresses
IP, TCP and HTTP
URLs and DNS
Intranets and Extranets
Virtual Private Networks
Code Quality Assurance
Quality Control and Quality Assurance
Unit Testing
Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)
HTML Validation
Images
Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)
Web Open Font Format (WOOF)
Client-side Scripting
Extensible Markup Language (XML)
Document Type Definitions (DTD)
XML Namespaces
XML Schema
Displaying XML with CSS
Extensible Stylesheet Language (XSL)
Compatibility
Client Hardware and Software
Different Browsers (IE, Firefox, Chrome, Opera, Safari)
Browser Modes
Internet Explorer 8 and 9 Compatibility View
Server Software
Choosing the Test Environment
Software Combinations
Software Configuration Tools
Installability and Serviceability
Navigation
Links
Static and Dynamic Links
Framesets
Inline Frames
Navigational Aids
Internal Search Engines
Site Maps
Site Navigation Tools
Navigational Efficiency
Risk Based Testing
Test Identification
Non-Functional Attributes
Business Impact
Failure Likelihood
Test Prioritisation
Client-side Functionality
Forms
Client-side and Server-side Validation
Dynamic HTML
Document Object Model
AJAX
Client-side Pop-ups
Variable Screen Resolutions
Client-side Objects
Java and the Java Virtual Machine
Server-side Functionality
Server-Side Includes
Dynamic Page Generation (ASP, PHP, Python, Ruby, etc.)
Common Gateway Interface (CGI)
Database Interaction
Database Middleware
Interfacing to Back-Office Systems
Personalisation
RSS
Internet Explorer Web Slices
Sessions
Maintaining a Session
Cookies
Private Browsing
Shopping Carts
Multi-Page Transactions
State Transition Diagrams
Secure Sessions
SSL and TLS
Encryption
Public Key Infrastructure
Usability
Importance of User Interface
Workflows
Actors and Use Cases
Usability Testing
Screen Size and Resolution
Readability
Printer Friendly Pages
Help Systems
Usability Guidelines
Performing Usability Tests
Guidelines for Usability Testing
Globalisation and International Environments
Accessibility
Colour Confusion
Components of Web Accessibility
Web Accessibility Initiative
WAI Guidelines and Techniques
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
Conformance Requirements
Evaluation Web Sites for Accessibility
PAS 78
Post Implementation
Maintenance Testing
Measuring Success
Heatmaps
Search Engines and Directories
Meta Tags.
