Entry requirements

120 credits of which at least 15 in Mathematics and 60 in Computer Science including a second course in programming in an imperative language, object-oriented programming and algorithms and data structures. Compiler Design is recommended.

Learning outcomes

To pass the course, the student should be able to

• describe key techniques and standards in software testing,
• explain and evaluate strategies for software testing for both complete program life cycles and individual phases,
• be able to develop correct, stable, maintainable and efficient software that extends or improves existing code,
• specify and design test cases and test, debug and optimise programs,
• produce appropriate documentation for test management, including test plans, test schedules and test progress monitoring,
• develop code using test driven development,
• be able to use suitable software developing and testing tools and discuss their range and capabilities,
• work towards constructive cooperation in programming projects,
• plan projects so that they can be implemented within a given framework .

Content

Techniques and methods for developing and extending correct, stable, maintainable and efficient software. Testing methodologies and their practical application in software development. Different aspects of testing: Black box testing where testing is done without knowledge of how the program is written; white box testing where the developer tries to guarantee that every statement, execution path and method is executed during the testing and finally unit testing which is a practical design methodology where test cases are developed as each function or method is written. Software developing aids and methods such as code-inspection. Code and memory profiling as a support for program optimizing.

Instruction

Lectures, laboratory exercises as part of a larger project.

Assessment

Oral and written assessment of exercises that are parts of the project (7 credits). Written take-home exam at the end of the course (3 credits).

Other directives

This course cannot be included in a degree together with Methods of programming DV2 (1DL005, 1DL122, 2AD513, 2AD511), Large Scale Programming (1DL410), Testing Methodology (1DT053).