Foundations of Software Testing and Validation
Gain career-ready skills in software testing and development by designing robust test cases and applying industry standards.
Duration
2 weeksWeekly study
3 hours100% online
How it worksDigital upgrade
Free
Foundations of Software Testing and Validation
Excel in tech by mastering software testing best practices
Software testing is crucial for ensuring the quality and reliability of applications in today’s tech-driven world.
In just two weeks, you’ll gain a grasp of industry-standard techniques and learn how to design and implement effective test cases.
Developed by experts at the University of Leeds, this course delves into fundamental concepts and practical applications of software testing and validation.
Explore the foundations of software testing
This course covers a wide range of topics, from understanding the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) to learning how static code analysis tools are used to detect potential issues before they manifest in the development process.
Gain a solid foundation in the basics of software testing, including dynamic testing techniques and the critical methodologies that ensure software meets specified requirements.
Apply your skills and embrace ethical responsibilities
Testing software goes beyond technical execution; it also involves understanding its impact and ethical implications. Learn the significance of software validation and quality assurance in maintaining the integrity and security of applications.
Learn how to implement best practices in testing that adhere to industry standards.
Learn from experts at the University of Leeds
This course is developed by the School of Computing at the University of Leeds, recognised globally for its excellence in teaching and research.
Syllabus
Week 1
Foundations of software testing and validation
Course Introduction
Master software testing techniques to ensure applications meet user needs. Gain hands-on experience with dynamic and static testing, and apply test design techniques like BVA and EP.
An introduction to software testing
Understand the fundamentals of software testing, its critical role in SDLC, and its importance in preventing costly errors. Learn about bugs, errors, and failures, and explore different types of testing and their applications.
Test levels and test types
Explore the four levels of testing in SDLC: unit, integration, system, and acceptance. Research functional and non-functional testing, share findings, and test your understanding with a quiz.
Software testing techniquies: Static testing
Explore static testing: review documentation and code without execution. Write your tests, use static analysis tools, and explore pseudocode exercises for early error detection and cost reduction.
Week 2
Test design techniques and validation
Dynamic testing techniques
Explore dynamic testing, uncovering issues missed by static testing. Learn best practices and industry standards, understanding its crucial role in software development. Gain insights to improve software quality.
Test design techniques: Boundary value analysis and equivalence partitioning
Immerse yourself in test design with Equivalence Partitioning (EP) and Boundary Value Analysis (BVA). Learn, create, and share effective test cases, comparing both techniques for optimal use.
Software validation and quality assurance
Explore software validation and quality assurance, which are vital for creating reliable, trustworthy software. Learn the differences between validation and verification and understand quality assurance's role in the SDLC.
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Describe the different types of software testing, and where they may be applied in the software development process.
- Design tests for a simple software program, analyse their effectiveness, and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Produce a testing plan using at least one technique and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of this technique.
- Reflect on the experience of designing and executing test cases and discuss how software validation can improve the quality of a software system.
Who is the course for?
This introductory course is perfect for those wanting to learn the basics of software testing and its role in development. You’ll get to know different types of software testing, their benefits and drawbacks, and understand when and why testing is crucial. Plus, you’ll learn how to create effective test cases and develop clear testing plans.
Click Start, which aims to bridge the digital divide for underrepresented groups, provides free access to a wide range of courses offered by the esteemed University of Leeds. As a participant, you’ll have unrestricted access to course materials, graded assignments, and certificates—all at no cost. This initiative will help you build valuable skills in software testing, preparing you for success in various professional settings.
Who will you learn with?
I am currently an Associate professor in the School of Computer Science, University of Leeds. Graduating with a PhD in theoretical computer science I am focused on computer science pedagogies.
Who developed the course?
University of Leeds
As one of the UK’s largest research-based universities, the University of Leeds is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and a centre of excellence for teaching.
Click Start
This course is part of Click Start, a nationwide training programme developed by the Institute of Coding (IoC) , a national collaboration of universities, employers and charities and funded by Nominet – the public benefit company and guardians of the .UK namespace.
Institute of Coding
The Institute of Coding (IoC) is a national collaboration of employers, universities, and charities, on a mission to provide people from all walks of life with access to digital learning and career opportunities.
Endorsers and supporters
funded by
What's included?
University of Leeds are offering everyone who joins this course a free digital upgrade, so that you can experience the full benefits of studying online for free. This means that you get:
Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
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