1. Examining the Specification
CHAPTER 4

2. Outline What is black-box and white-box testing
How static and dynamic testing differ
What high-level techniques can be used for reviewing a product specification
What specific problems you should look for when reviewing a product specification in detail

3. Black-Box Testing
In black-box testing, the tester only knows what the software is supposed to do—he can’t look in the box to see how it operates.
If he types in a certain input, he gets a certain output. He doesn’t know how or why it happens, just that it does

4. White Box Testing
In white-box testing (sometimes called clear-box testing), the software tester has access to the program’s code and can examine it for clues to help him with his testing.

5. Static and Dynamic Testing
Static testing refers to testing something that’s not running—examining and reviewing it.
Dynamic testing is what you would normally think of as testing—running and using the software.

6. Static Black-Box Testing
Testing the Specification

7. Testing the Specification
Testing the specification is static black-box testing
Specification is a document, not an executing program
Specification can be a written or graphical document or a combination of both
What do you do if your project doesn’t have a spec?

8. Performing a High-Level Review of the Specification
whys and hows behind the spec

9. Pretend to Be the Customer
Do some research about who the customers will be.
Know about end user.
Understand the customer’s expectations.
If you don’t understand it, don’t assume that it’s correct

10. Research Existing Standards and Guidelines
Corporate Terminology and Conventions.
Industry Requirements
Government Standards.
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Hardware and Networking Standards
assure compatibility across systems
Test the standards

11. Review and Test Similar Software
The software likely won’t be an exact match
that’s why you’re creating new software, right?
Some things to look for when reviewing competitive products include
Scale
Complexity
Testability
Quality/Reliability

12. Low-Level Specification Test Techniques
Better understanding of what your product is and what external influences affect its design.

13. Specification Attributes Checklist
Complete
Accurate
Precise, Unambiguous, and Clear
Consistent
Relevant
Feasible
Code-free
Testable

14. Specification Terminology Checklist
Always, Every, All, None, Never
Certainly, Therefore, Clearly, Obviously, Evidently
Some, Sometimes, Often, Usually, Ordinarily, Customarily, Most, Mostly
Etc., And So Forth, And So On, Such As
Good, Fast, Cheap, Efficient, Small, Stable
Handled, Processed, Rejected, Skipped, Eliminated
If...Then...(but missing Else)