Agile Testing: Introduction

Course details

Agile software development practices are now so widespread they are no longer considered ‘extreme’. However, many organisations and agile teams still struggle with how to do successful testing on an agile development project.

This tutorial introduces the key principles of agile development with a particular focus on the quality and testing aspects. We illustrate why agile projects present a radical shift from traditional ‘waterfall’ project plans and divisions of labour, and show why this requires a complete rethink of the software testing methodology. We explain what it means for a project to be truly ‘test-driven’, where the testers take a ‘lead’ rather than a ‘lag’ role in the development cycle. Students will learn how to use different testing techniques to provide complementary risk mitigation and test coverage on agile projects. The tutorial also gives students practical exposure to a number of open-source testing tools popular with agile teams, such as FIT, FitNesse, and xUnit.

Objectives of the Agile Testing: Introduction:

On completion of the course, you will understand agile projects and how they represent a highly collaborative approach to software development. Through interactive sessions, you will have gained practical exposure to the common processes of agile including:

• Planning iterations
• Task estimation
• Prioritising tasks by business value
• Using acceptance tests to drive development

Course outline

Introduction to Agile Software Development

• Becoming agile – why agile projects are different
• A new approach to the project plan
• The agile alliance & ‘manifesto’
• Features & characteristics of agile methods
• Business imperatives

Agile in context – conditions for success

• Dispelling popular agile myths
• Examined: xp and lean development
• Traditional problems, new solutions
• Essential practices

Agile Testing Strategies

• An agile testing metaphor: hitting a moving target
• Implications of agile for testing strategies
• Aligning the test cycle with the development cycle
• Automation, automation, automation

• Test-driven development (TDD)
• Testing visibly
• Defect management and triage
• Exploratory testing

The Agile Game

A fun, interactive session to explore agile principles

Agile Tools and Techniques – an Overview

• Test-driven development with xUnit
• Continuous integration with CruiseControl
• Acceptance testing with FIT
• Story authoring with FitNesse

Target group

Test analysts, test team leader, test managers, developers or project managers who wish to understand Agile software development practices and how they impact upon testing processes. It is particularly useful for all members of a team undertaking an agile project for the first time

Prerequisites

There are no course prerequisites

Your benefits at a glance

• Globally recognised qualification
• Learn the most up-to-date methodology
• Deliver increased efficiency and effectiveness to your team
• Learn through best practices and real examples
• Consistently high pass rates
• Learn with trainers who have proven track records
• Flexible delivery with online learning options
• Train with the world’s leading independent specialist in Software Quality