Test design

A test design technique is a standardised method to derive, from a specific test basis, test cases that realise a specific coverage. The implementation of test design techniques and their definition in the test specifications have several advantages:

• It provides a well-founded elaboration of the test strategy: the agreed coverage in the agreed place.
• It is a more effective way to detect defects than e.g. ad-hoc test cases.
• The tests are reproducible because the order and content of the test execution are described in detail.
• The standardised method ensures that the test process is independent of the individual who specifies and executes the test cases.
• The standardised method ensures that the test specifications are transferable and maintainable.
• It becomes easier to plan and manage the test process because the processes of test specification and execution can be split up into clearly definable blocks.

Test design techniques exist in many variants and combinations. The test design techniques described in TMap constitute a varied set with which most organisations can get to work immediately. TMap describes the following coverage types and test design techniques.