Software Testing - Random Testing
Software testing is performed using both systematic, and unsystematic approaches. The random testing is a technique applied on the software using the unmethodical, and independent input data sets, and test sets.
What is Software Random Testing?
Random testing is a black box assessment methodology where the test cases are selected arbitrarily, and outcomes are compared to check whether they are correct or not. This type of testing is also known as the monkey testing or adhoc testing.
Random testing was first introduced in 1971 by Melvin Breuer. In the year of 1975, it was then evaluated by Vishani Aggrawal, and Pratima to test the effectiveness of this approach.
Working of Software Random Testing
The working of the software random testing is listed below −
Step 1 − Determine the range of input data sets.
Step 2 − Select the input data arbitrarily from the range of input data sets.
Step 3 − Verify the software with the help of the random data selected, and then create an unmethodical test set.
Step 4 − Analyze the test results, and compare them with the end user requirements.
Step 5 − On the events of failure, the corresponding defects are logged, and shared with the development team.
Step 6 − The defects once fixed, are again retested.
Types of Software Random Testing
The different types of the software random testing are listed below −
1. Generation of Random Sequence − It is also referred to as the random number generator where random sequential numbers or symbols are generated.
2. Random Sequence of Inputs − It is the approach in which every data is chosen randomly at the time of testing.
3. Random Data Chosen from an Already Existing Database − A record from the database which has every data is chosen for testing.
Characteristics of Software Random Testing
The characteristics of the software random testing are listed below −
- The random testing is conducted whenever defects in the software are not detected by other testing methodologies.
- The random testing is performed to verify the performance of the software, and its reliability.
- The random testing can be carried out very quickly without additional efforts.
- Random testing is not an expensive process.
- The random testing can be conducted by any testers without requiring extra skills or expertise.
Methods used in Software Random Testing
The methods used in the software random testing are listed below −
Step 1 − The complete user data input data sets are evaluated.
Step 2 − From the entire range of input data sets, the data to be used for random testing are picked arbitrarily.
Step 3 − The software is verified with the help of the random data selected at step2. From this, a random set of input tests are identified.
Step 4 − The test results are analyzed and compared with the specifications given by the customers.
Step 5 − Wherever the test results do not match with the requirements, those random tests are considered as failed, else they are marked as passed.
Advantages of Software Random Testing
The advantages of the software random testing are listed below −
- The software random testing is an economic testing process and can be adopted anywhere.
- The software random testing can be conducted without requiring any additional infrastructures, resources, and expertise.
- The errors, and problems in the software can be detected very quickly using random testing. It can be used at any phase of testing during the complete software development process.
Disadvantages of Software Random Testing
The disadvantages of the software random testing are listed below −
- The software random testing is sometimes not practical. Few of the random test sets may become irrelevant after a while.
- A lot of time is taken up in evaluating all the test sets.
- New test sets cannot be formulated if the correct data is unavailable at the time of testing.
Tools used for Software Random Testing
The different tools used for the software random testing are listed below −
- Simultant
- Gram Test
- Randoop
Conclusion
This concludes our comprehensive take on the tutorial on Software Random Testing. Weve started with describing what is software random testing, describe the working of the software random testing, what are the different types of the software random testing, what are the characteristics of the software random testing, what are the methods used in the software random testing, what are the advantages of software random testing, what are the disadvantages of software random testing, and what are the different tools used for the software random testing. This equips you with in-depth knowledge of Software Random Testing. It is wise to keep practicing what youve learned and exploring others relevant to Software Testing to deepen your understanding and expand your horizons.