For my last blog post for this class, I found an article online that
talks about the practice of shifting-left in software quality assurance.
This approach more or less emphasizes the importance of introducing quality
assurance to earlier phases in the development process. Testing from the
initial phase of development is supposed to prevent the amount of defects
and issues from piling up at the end of development. Having testing done
throughout the development phases can also lessen the workload for the
quality assurance team.

https://hackernoon.com/embracing-the-shift-left-approach-revolutionizing-quality-assurance-in-software-development

According to the article, the cost of testing and post-production vastly
outweighs the cost of development and planning. It posits that testing
earlier and more frequently catches bugs earlier on, and reduces the overall
cost of development. This goes very hand in hand with the agile software
development methodology we learned about last semester. The world of
software development has become much more fast paced, and the current
landscape pushes for finished products with minimal defects at
launch. 

I  have seen online the mentality that a product that ships with any
problems is often ostracized. Consumers want minimal issues and problems
when interacting with any kind of software, and that goes doubly for large
companies. Having software testers involved since the start of development
would allow teams a more seamless development experience.

One model for development that the article proposes has each stage of
development separated by a quality check gate, in which test cases are
implemented. When all defects are found and fixed, only then can the
development team move on to the next stage of the process. I think this a
very good system that could fit well within the agile sprint methodology.
Leave time at the end of the sprint, but before the sprint retrospective,
for the quality assurance team to check the code, then at the retrospective
they can sign off on the state of the project. If there are any bugs that
could not be fixed within this sprint, the testers can assign it as an issue
for the next one. 

During the Development Capstone project, this could be used to manage the
teams next semester. Have team members focus on quality assurance near the
end of the sprint, and then collect their feedback at the sprint
retrospective. Another way would be to have one or two teams act as quality
assurance throughout the whole semester. Either way it could save a bit of
headaches for everyone.

From the blog CS@Worcester Alejandro Professional Blog by amontesdeoca and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

In the realm of software development, testing plays a crucial role in ensuring the reliability, functionality, and quality of the final product. As software systems become increasingly complex, traditional testing methods may not suffice, particularly in object-oriented (OO) programming environments. This blog explores the intricacies of OO testing and its significance in software engineering practices.

Summary of Object-Oriented Testing

Object-oriented testing focuses on validating the interactions, behaviors, and integrity of objects, classes, and their relationships within an OO system. Unlike traditional testing methods that primarily test individual functions, OO testing addresses the unique challenges posed by OO programming, such as data dependencies, inheritance, polymorphism, and dynamic binding.

The blog outlines various techniques used in OO testing, including:

• Fault-based testing: Identifying faults in the design or code and creating test cases to uncover errors.
• Class testing based on method testing: Testing each method of a class to ensure its functionality.
• Random testing: Developing random test sequences to mimic real-world scenarios.
• Partition testing: Categorizing inputs and outputs to test them thoroughly.
• Scenario-based testing: Stimulating user actions to test interaction patterns.

Moreover, the blog highlights the purposes of OO testing, such as validating object interactions, identifying design errors, assessing code reusability, handling exceptions, and maintaining system uniformity.

Purpose of Object Oriented Testing

1. Object Interaction Validation: Ensure that objects interact appropriately with each other in various situations.
2. Determining Design Errors: Identify limitations and faults in the object-oriented design, focusing on inheritance, polymorphism, encapsulation, and other OOP concepts.
3. Finding Integration Problems: Evaluate an object’s ability to integrate and communicate within larger components or subsystems, locating issues such as improper method calls or data exchange problems.
4. Assessment of Reusable Code: Evaluate the reusability of object-oriented code, ensuring that reusable parts perform as intended in different scenarios, leveraging features like inheritance and composition.
5. Verification of Handling Exceptions: Confirm that objects respond correctly to error circumstances and exceptions, ensuring the software is resilient and durable.
6. Verification of Uniformity: Maintain consistency within and between objects and the overall object-oriented system, enhancing maintainability and readability by following naming standards, coding styles, and design patterns.

Personal Reflection

While traditional software testing emphasizes system-level functionality and performance, object-oriented testing focuses on validating interactions and behaviors within OO systems. Both resources underscored the importance of rigorous testing in software engineering, albeit with different approaches.

In my future practice, I intend to incorporate elements from both traditional and object-oriented testing methodologies. By applying fault-based testing, random testing, and scenario-based testing techniques from OO testing, I aim to identify and rectify potential errors early in the development process. Additionally, I will continue to emphasize comprehensive system testing to ensure software meets user requirements and quality standards.

Understanding both traditional and object-oriented testing methodologies equips me to contribute effectively to the creation of high-quality software solutions. By integrating the insights gained from both resources, I am confident in my ability to enhance software testing practices and deliver reliable software products in today’s dynamic software development landscape.

Source: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/object-oriented-testing-in-software-testing/

From the blog CS@Worcester – CS: Start to Finish by mrjfatal and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

In the realm of software development, ensuring the quality and reliability of a software solution is paramount. One crucial aspect of this process is system testing. In this blog post, we’ll delve into what system testing entails, its process, types, tools used, as well as its advantages and disadvantages.

What is System Testing?

System Testing is a vital phase in software development, where the complete and integrated software solution is evaluated to ensure it meets specified requirements and is suitable for end-users. It’s conducted after integration testing and before acceptance testing, focusing on both functional and non-functional aspects.

System Testing Process

System Testing involves several steps:

1. Test Environment Setup: Creating a testing environment for quality testing.
2. Creating Test Cases: Generating test cases for the testing process.
3. Creating Test Data: Generating data for testing.
4. Executing Test Cases: Running test cases using the generated data.
5. Defect Reporting: Detecting and reporting system defects.
6. Regression Testing: Testing for side effects of the testing process.
7. Log Defects: Logging and fixing detected defects.
8. Retesting: Repeating tests if unsuccessful.

Types of System Testing

1. Performance Testing: Evaluates speed, scalability, stability, and reliability.
2. Load Testing: Determines system behavior under extreme loads.
3. Stress Testing: Checks system robustness under varying loads.
4. Scalability Testing: Tests system performance in scaling up or down.

Tools used for System Testing

Several tools aid in system testing, including JMeter, Selenium, HP Quality Center/ALM, and more. The choice depends on factors like technology used, project size, and budget.

Advantages of System Testing

• Ensures comprehensive testing of the entire software.
• Validates technical and business requirements.
• Detects and resolves system-level problems early.
• Improves system reliability and quality.
• Enhances collaboration between teams.
• Increases user confidence and reduces risks.

Disadvantages of System Testing

• Time-consuming and expensive.
• Requires good debugging tools.
• Dependent on quality of requirements and design documents.
• Limited visibility into internal workings.
• Can be impacted by external factors like hardware configurations.

Personal Reflection

This resource has equipped me with valuable insights into system testing, which I believe will greatly enhance my job hunting process in software development. Understanding the various testing processes, types, and tools will make me a more competitive candidate, allowing me to target roles that specifically require expertise in system testing. Additionally, knowing the advantages and disadvantages of system testing will help me assess potential job opportunities more effectively, ensuring alignment with my skills and preferences. As I have seen many open roles looking for Software Q&A applicants.

Source: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/system-testing/

From the blog CS@Worcester – CS: Start to Finish by mrjfatal and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

Introduction

In the journey of our careers, it’s not uncommon to reach a point where the road we’ve been traveling no longer feels right. Maybe it’s the urge for more time with family, the pursuit of a new passion, or simply a desire for change. Whatever the reason, it’s important to recognize that diverging from the familiar path doesn’t mean getting lost.

Sometimes, after diligently following the path laid out before us, we realize that it’s not leading where we want to go. The “Different Road” pattern acknowledges this pivotal moment, encouraging us to reflect on what truly matters to us.

Letting Go of the Long Road:

Embracing change often means bidding farewell to the familiar. Whether it’s stepping away from a successful career in software development or leaving behind a role we’ve invested years into, it can be daunting. However, the pattern reminds us that this departure doesn’t have to be permanent. Instead, it’s an opportunity to explore new horizons and grow in unexpected ways.

One of the most valuable aspects of taking a different road is recognizing that the journey doesn’t erase the experiences we’ve accumulated. Like Dave, who transitioned from family therapy back to technology, our skills and insights remain with us. Whether we’re teaching, parenting, or pursuing other passions, the problem-solving mindset and analytical skills we honed as software developers enrich our new endeavors.

Navigating Challenges

Leaving the Long Road might come with its own set of challenges. Some may fear judgment or difficulty reentering the software development field after a hiatus. However, as Larry’s journey illustrates, the skills acquired in one domain are often highly transferable. Additionally, the experiences gained from pursuing other interests can bring fresh perspectives and creativity to our work when we return.

If you find yourself considering a different road, start by exploring what else you might enjoy doing. List potential jobs or pursuits that intrigue you and speak to people who are already on those paths. Hearing about their experiences and comparing them with what you love about software development can provide valuable insights.

Conclusion

Embracing change in our careers can be both exhilarating and challenging. However, by recognizing when the Long Road is no longer the right path for us and bravely venturing onto a different road, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and opportunities for growth. So, if you’re feeling the pull of a different road, remember, it’s okay to take that leap. Your journey is yours to define, and the experiences you gain along the way will shape you in ways you never imagined possible.

From the blog CS@Worcester – CS: Start to Finish by mrjfatal and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

Have you ever felt like your career path doesn’t quite fit the mold provided by your employer or the traditional trajectory laid out by society? You’re not alone. In fact, many professionals find themselves in this position, yearning for something more but unsure of how to break free from the constraints imposed by their current roles.

Enter the concept of “Drawing Your Own Map.” This pattern, inspired by real-life stories and experiences, encourages individuals to take the reins of their career paths and chart a course that aligns with their aspirations, interests, and values.

Imagine this: you’re at a crossroads in your career, feeling dissatisfied with the options presented to you. You realize that your employer’s idea of your career path doesn’t quite match your own vision. What do you do? You draw your own map.

This concept urges you to identify an ambitious yet logical next step for your career, irrespective of what your employer or career counselor may suggest. It’s about taking ownership of your professional journey and understanding that you have the power to shape it.

But how do you go about it? Start by visualizing the smaller, interim steps needed to move forward. These steps may seem insignificant at first, but they generate the momentum necessary to propel you toward your goals. It’s about taking that first terrifying step, even without a perfect plan, and trusting that you’ll figure it out along the way.

One of the most thought-provoking aspects of this pattern is its emphasis on defining small, achievable goals. By breaking down your aspirations into manageable tasks, you not only make progress but also gain valuable feedback that informs your journey.

Perhaps what’s most inspiring about this approach is its recognition that there’s no one-size-fits-all path to success. Each individual’s career map is unique, shaped by personal values, interests, and circumstances. It’s about finding your own route through the wilderness, even if it means deviating from the norm.

Now, you might be thinking, “But what about external constraints? What if economic conditions or family responsibilities limit my options?” Valid concerns indeed. The pattern acknowledges these challenges but encourages you to find creative solutions and challenge accepted norms.

In conclusion, drawing your own career map is about embracing personal agency, taking calculated risks, and continuously adapting to change. It’s about recognizing that your professional journey is yours and yours alone, and you have the power to redefine it at any time. So, grab a pen and start drawing your map. Who knows where it might take you?

From the blog CS@Worcester – CS: Start to Finish by mrjfatal and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

I recently read quite a few blogs regarding test-driven development (TDD), with many of them referencing behavior-driven development (BDD). This left me curious to learn about BDD and how it was different from TDD. Phillip Rogers does a great job breaking down what BDD is, the three principles of BDD, and some examples of BDD with Gherkin in his blog: “Behavior-driven development principles and practices.” (https://blog.logrocket.com/product-management/behavior-driven-development-principles-practices/#:~:text=Behavior%2Ddriven%20development%20(BDD),%2C%20domain%2Dspecific%20scripting%20language.) 

What is Behavior-Driven Development?

Behavior-driven development (BDD) is a product management approach focusing on defining system behavior from the user’s perspective. It emphasizes user interaction, collaboration among stakeholders, and aligning the product with user needs. BDD is a test-first development method.

3 Principles of Behavior-Driven Development:

1. What the software could do: Discovering and understanding customers needs to avoid building the wrong features. Techniques like impact mapping help prioritize features based on customer value.

2. What the software should do: Collaboratively writing structured documentation (executable specifications) articulating user needs. This involves using scenarios and examples in a given-when-then format to describe user behaviors.

3. What the software does: Automating desired behavior based on specifications, writing code, and iteratively improving both code and tests. This aligns with the test-driven development (TDD) process of writing failing tests, writing code to pass tests, and refactoring.

Behavior-Driven Development practices:

Impact mapping: A visual technique that reinforces what user outcomes are most important and are therefore more important to the project.

Story mapping: A visual technique that is used to maintain an understanding of what specifications are needed for a feature.

Three amigos: Forming sub-groups with different skill sets to work together. This brings different perspectives and thought processes into groups that may not have been there otherwise.

Benefits of Behavior-Driven Development

BDD being focused on the users’ perspective gives an improved understanding of the users’ goals. The tests created for BDD are typically higher level tests covering user scenarios. This ensures a high test coverage. Other benefits include enhanced collaboration, code reuse, and reduced rework as required changes are more likely to be seen early on.

Behavior-Driven Development vs Test-Driven Development

BDD and TDD are both test-first development methods that require planning and understanding of the project before beginning development. So, how are they different? TTD is mainly focused on the functionality of a feature. Whereas, BDD is focused on the users’ experience with that feature. BDD is more focused on testing specific scenarios a user may encounter. One notable difference is the fact that a single developer can do TDD where-as the amount of insight needed to do BDD requires everyone from developers to stakeholders,

From the blog CS@Worcester – CS Learning by kbourassa18 and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

For this week’s blog, I decided to research security testing because we didn’t have the chance to go over it in class. While researching, I found a blog called “Security Testing: Types, Tools, and Best Practices” by Oliver Moradov. The article is split up into a few main sections: “What is Security Testing?”, “Types Of Security Testing”, “Security Test Cases and Scenarios”, “Security Testing Approaches”, “What Is DevSecOps?”, “Data Security Testing”, “Security Testing Tools”, and  “Security Testing Best Practices”.

The first section “What is Security Testing?” explains the definition of security testing then spits off into two sections that explain the main goals and key principles of security testing using bullet points to organize the information. Security testing determines if the software is vulnerable to cyber assaults and evaluates the effect of malicious or unexpected inputs on its operations. Security testing demonstrates that systems and information are safe and dependable and that they do not accept unauthorized inputs. It’s a type of non-functional testing that focuses on testing if the software is configured and designed correctly. The main goals of this kind of testing are to identify assets, risks, threats, and vulnerabilities. It gives actionable instructions for resolving detected vulnerabilities and can verify that they have been effectively fixed. The key principles of security testing are confidentiality, integrity, authentication, authorization, availability, and non-repudiation.  

The next section provides multiple sections that delve deeper into the multiple types of security testing. The examples provided are penetration testing (ethical hacking), application security testing (AST), web application security testing, API security testing, vulnerability management, configuration scanning, security audits, risk assessment, and security posture assessment. I knew about a few of these types of security testing. However, it was interesting to learn about API security testing and security posture assessments. It provided information like how APIs allow attackers to gain access to sensitive data and utilize them as an entry point into internal systems and the basics of what a security posture entails. 

The blog then discusses some important test scenarios like authentication, input validation, application, and business logic then provides other tests in a bulleted list. It then discusses the types of approaches ( white box, black box, and grey box testing) and a few useful tools.

The next section that I found very important was the section about best practices. The best practices mentioned were: “Shift Security Testing Left”, “Test Internal Interfaces, not Just APIs and UIs”, “Automate and Test Often”, “Third-Party Components and Open Source Security” and “Using the OWASP Web Security Testing Guide”. I knew about some of the practices like automating and testing often and testing often but I did not know about the Web Security Testing Guide (WSTG). I like the fact that the author provided a link to that resource as well. I think this blog is a great resource for those who want to learn about security testing. It is well organized and made me feel like I’m a bit better prepared to enhance security for future projects. 

From the blog CS@Worcester – Live Laugh Code by Shamarah Ramirez and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

The “Stay in the Trenches” pattern is a reflection of the temptation to prioritize promotions and managerial roles over staying engaged in programming, which is usually a developer’s passion. This pattern draws attention to the societal pressure to achieve success with upward mobility, highlighting the importance of sustainable motivations and the long-term commitment required for mastering software development. The pattern begins by addressing the common idea of being offered a promotion away from programming due to someone’s proven track record of delivering amazing work. While promotions are usually seen as signs of success this pattern challenges that notion. It emphasizes the risk of losing touch with the craft and the journey toward mastering when you step away from programming roles. The solution is to resist the given promotions that take you away from programming. Instead, it encourages people to negotiate with their employers for alternative forms of recognition and rewards that allow them to stay in programming. These alternatives may include increased pay or non-traditional technical leadership roles that still involve hands-on coding.

The main message of the “Stay in the Trenches” pattern is about keeping the passion for software development. Its about staying true to one’s love for coding and finding ways to balance career growth with meaningful work in programming. By rejecting promotions that lead away from programming, individuals can maintain their passion and commitment to the craft. This pattern challenges the usual idea of success and encourages to rethink of what truly motivates us in our careers. It helps remind us that staying connected to our passion and purpose is important for long-term fulfillment and excellence in software development. This pattern has made me rethink the usual idea of career advancement and success. It shows the importance of staying grounded in what I love to do and finding ways to align my career growth with my passion for programming even though the idea of the promotion maybe. This pattern has changes the idea that true success lies in finding joy and fulfillment in the work we do, even if it means resisting the loads of promotions that might take us away from our passion. The “Stay in the Trenches” pattern is a important pattern that reminds us to nurture our passion for software development by staying engaged in programming roles. It challenges us to focus on meaningful work over success and encourages us to negotiate for rewards that relate with our motivations and values.

From the blog CS@Worcester – Kaylene Noel's Blog by Kaylene Noel and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

With artificial intelligence increasing computational power and variability in usage, I wondered what advances were being made with AI. The tedious and repetitive aspect of test-driven development can sometimes leave the development process stagnating, so I was interested in how AI is changing the software testing process. This blog post, AI for Unit Testing: Revolutionizing Developer Productivity, by Philip Riecks, expands on how AI is improving the quality of our code and the productivity of our developers. 

The article highlights AI’s revolutionary steps in software testing and development. It discusses tools like IDE plugins that act as digital coding assistants and surveys from GitLab that show a significant increase in AI usage and demand for AI testing solutions. Philip explains the benefits of AI, which include streamlining test creation, boosting developer productivity, reducing developer fatigue, and many more. The article addresses why developers hate unit testing, highlighting the importance of it despite its tedious nature. It then gives an assortment of those tools with a small explanation of their specialization.

I found this article very enlightening, especially regarding the impressive abilities of AI-driven tools. My first thought when thinking of AI is to fear for developers’ jobs or worry about copyright infringement. It is nice to see that the focus of AI tools based on this article is to help developers by removing tedious tasks and allowing them to focus on improving the code. One of the sections mention AI’s ability to use user stories to generate test cases automatically. This was particularly interesting to me because a big part of behavioral-driven development involves using user scenarios when developing tests. Having AI take the workload off those using the BDD method would significantly increase productivity.

While reading, I still worry about the experience of those who use AI. If AI predicts defect areas, creates tests, and assists you every step of the way, how will that affect your ability to do those tasks? I also wonder if it matters if our abilities are lowered if we always have the tool at our disposal anyway. I imagine it would end up the same way we use calculators. We learn and can do calculations, but use the tool for convenience. Overall, I’m cautiously excited about AI, the stress taken off developers’ shoulders, and the increased time they will receive to focus on enhancing their projects.  

In the future, I will endeavor to learn more about AI, focusing on current and upcoming tools. When I use these tools, I will use them as an assistant and not as a crutch. 

The Article:https://www.diffblue.com/resources/ai-for-unit-testing-revolutionizing-developer-productivity/

From the blog CS@Worcester – KindlCoding by jkindl and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

The “Walking the Long Road” pattern goes into the journey of mastering software development, by tracing a new pathway to a summit rather than just conquering the same peak. This pattern reflects the challenges and rewards of pursuing excellence in software craftsmanship over a lifetime. The pattern begins by talking about the common practice of displaying training and achievement certificates as a sign of expertise. It shares the story of a developer named Dave, who relied on such certificates to validate his skills. However, through interactions with amazing developers, Dave realized the depth of knowledge and continuous learning required to become better in software development. One main idea of this pattern is the recognition of software development as a lifelong learning journey. The idea of mastering it highlights the dedication, discipline, and ongoing commitment needed to reach the highest levels of skill and understanding.

The pattern emphasizes the importance of embracing challenges, staying focused on long-term growth, and valuing learning opportunities over rewards or promotions. The impact of this pattern has me want to keep taking the approach of embracing any challenges and enjoy learning more about software development. It changes the idea that mastering software development is not a destination but a continuous process of improvement and exploration. It encourages so many people including me to prioritize learning, experimentation, and embracing the face of challenges. While the pattern talks about a focus on software development mastery, it also shows that different career paths in the industry are valid and beneficial in the long run. It encourages individuals to find a career path that works with their values, passions, and long-term goals, even if it means navigating tough challenges along the way. This pattern has changed my perspective on career development in software development. It has taught me the value of patience, perseverance, and a growth-oriented mindset. It has also inspired me to keep embracing the journey of mastering software craftsmanship with dedication, knowing that every step along the road contributes to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the craft. The “Walking the Long Road” pattern is a reminder of the nature of software development mastery, the importance of learning, and the rewards of staying committed to a path of continuous growth and improvement in software development.

From the blog CS@Worcester – Kaylene Noel's Blog by Kaylene Noel and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.