Assignment #1

SE433 - Software Testing
CSC366 - Software Quality Assurance

Due: 10/14/2002

Answer the following questions. Answers should be structured as short essays or reports. That is, present each answer as a short (no more than 2 pages) coherent discussion/argument with well-formed sentences.

Questions:

The following questions address two important notions discussed in class. The first question has to do with the notion of Software Validation and Software Verification. The second question has to do with the formal review technique known as Inspections. Each question has two parts. You may write a short essay for each part or a single essay for each question. In any event, you should attempt to substantiate your answers by citing references in your readings.

1. Validation & Verification:

   1. Discuss the differences between Validation and Verification. Some people argue "...validation is a particularly difficult proces". Do you agree or disagree? Explain your point of view.
   2. Explain why it is often not necessary, and sometimes impossible, for a software system to be completely free of defects before it is delivered to customers. Given this statement, explain how testing may be used to validate that the software system is fit for its purpose

2. Inspections:

   1. Explain why program inspections are an effective technique for discovering errors in a software artifact.
   2. Explain why an organization with a competitive culture may find it difficult to introduce inspections as a Validation and Verification technique.

You may use your text "Rapid Testing" as a reference to aid in preparing answers to these questions. However, do not limit your reading to this text only. You will notice a list of references at the end of each chapter. Attempt to find at least one of these to supplement your reading. Also, apart from the readings provided, you may find other relevant documents by using Internet search engines. Remember to properly cite any document that you use as a reference to formulate your answers.

Formatting Guidelines:

• Use single spacing.
• Use one inch margins (right, left, top, bottom).
• Use Times Roman, 12 point font.
• Place a single blank line between paragraphs.
• Include a list of references at the end of each essay.