Automated Software Testing: Introduction, Management, and Performance (Paperback)

by Elfriede Dustin (Author), Jeff Rashka (Author), John Paul (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Written for those with some background in software engineering, Automated Software Testing: Introduction, Management, and Performance delivers a rigorous guide to the state of the art in managing automated testing in a text that will benefit anyone who tests software for a living.

First and foremost, Automated Software Testing presents a methodology for test managers called Automated Testing Lifecycle Management (ATLM). This soup-to-nuts tour of testing takes you from initial planning, budgeting, and staffing to building a test plan and choosing test tools to executing tests and even improving your testing process the next time around. Though somewhat thickly written--with plenty of software engineering terminology--this book can also be useful to more practically minded readers because of its many sample test documents. (Besides numerous lists and charts outlining the steps in the ATLM process, the book presents a sample test plan, budget estimates, and staffing guides.)

A truly standout feature is the book's survey of currently available automated tools that can be used throughout the testing cycle, as well as how to choose the right ones for your next project. For many software testers and managers, this section alone is probably worth the price of the book.

As this book points out, test engineering is a growth field. While schools and businesses work hard to meet the demand for qualified testing professionals, this title can provide a solid guide to the best thinking on automated testing solutions that will save time and money as well as improve software quality. --Richard Dragan

Topics covered: Theory and practice of automated software testing, the Automated Testing Lifecycle Management (ATLM) process, test analysis, planning, design and execution, white-box and black-box testing, metrics, and choosing testing tools.

Product Description
Comprehensive, step-by-step guide to the most effective tools, techniques, and methods for automated testing. Numerous case studies of successful industry implementations are provided. Softcover. CD-ROM included. DLC: Computer software--Testing--Automation.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 608 pages
• Publisher: Addison-Wesley Professional (July 8, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0201432870
• ISBN-13: 978-0201432879
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #291,630 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The standard for Quality Assurance groups, March 31, 2000

By	Huntley "huntley48" (New York) - See all my reviews

If your organization is interested in having a mature automated testing process, you need this book. This book will guide you throughout the entire process from thinking about standards to implementing and maintaining them. After several years in QA, I did not have a complete appreciation for all the things that could and should be done until I read this book.

I am using the information available in this book to implement the quality assurance process for my organization and I am making the book required reading for all testers. In addition to all the important information on testing in general, the book also contains many other useful resources including a wonderful sample test plan.

Automated Software Testing: Introduction, Management and Performance is an invaluable resource for everyone involved in software quality assurance, from people thinking about entering the field to seasoned individuals who manage the testing process for their organization. If you are involved in QA or want to be involved, get this book.

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Packed with solid test planning knowledge, September 22, 2000

By	Geordie Keitt (Washington, DC USA) - See all my reviews

I am not the world's most experienced test manager, but I've been doing it for some time now, and although I knew there was a lot more to learn, I thought I knew the basics. But I had read not even 5 pages of this book before I had my pad of paper out and was scribbling down all the things I needed to do to improve my department. Most of them don't even have to do with test automation! Just software quality management.

The book presents a test automation methodology which is practical, useful, and complete, encompassing the state of the art of test automation as it stands right now (with the exception of some very recent developments in automated testing such as model-based testing, still in its infancy). One small thing I've learned: Our shop has already chosen a tool, so I skipped reading that part of the lifecycle, but wound up coming back to it when the authors discussed how to test the tool when it gets upgraded. I'm anticipating a tool upgrade soon, and there are lot of aspects of my testing that can be negatively affected if I don't plan for them. Now, I'm planning for them and expect to have a smooth transition, and to have confidence that my tool will continue to do the job with the scripts I've already written.

The automation methodology, though, really serves as a focal point around which the authors place a tremendous amount of information about how to perform software quality inspection.

Admittedly I would not take this book to read on the beach. First, the amount of work there is to do to run a test group well is staggering, and the authors are determined to jam it all in here. They make you concentrate. Second, they write using an extremely dry style, which doesn't obscure the points they make, but doesn't inject much life into them either. (I suppose if you want personality, you can always read Boris Beizer. But I still hear my old English major self talking: "Stop using the passive voice! Make somebody DO something!" Forgive my outburst - I feel better now.)

Elfriede Dustin and Jeffrey Rashka have packed this book with knowledge about how to run your testing and your defect-prevention efforts. They don't say it's easy, but they do map the territory very well. I will use and re-use this book for a long time.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, clear and very informative - highly recommended, October 1, 1999

By	David Daish, Bluedawn Computer Services Ltd.(... (United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

Having been in the testing business for some years, I have yet to find a book on any aspect of software testing that is as interesting to read and as well structured as this book. The methodology (ATLM) is greatly needed, especially in my part of the world and there is also a vast amount of information relating to testing in general which it has always been difficult to find in one place. This book will be invaluable to anyone who needs to organise, plan and make decisions concerning a project test phase (this often being the area of greatest confusion in software development) and who wishes to understand and integrate the automated aspect of testing. I particularly like the extensive use of tables which give succinct descriptions of many of the key areas in testing.

I plan to adopt the principles and methodology fully in my test consultancy which I shall use alongside my company's own test management application.

Congratulations to all concerned. This is easily the best book in my extensive testing library!