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What Is Big Data

In order to understand 'Big Data', we first need to know what  'data'  is. Oxford dictionary defines  'data'  as - "The quantities, characters, or symbols on which operations are performed by a computer, which may be stored and transmitted in the form of electrical signals and recorded on magnetic, optical, or mechanical recording media. " So, 'Big Data' is also a  data  but with a  huge size . 'Big Data' is a term used to describe collection of data that is huge in size and yet growing exponentially with time.In short,  s uch a data is so large and complex that none of the traditional data management tools are able to store it or process it efficiently. Examples Of 'Big Data' Following are some the examples of 'Big Data'- The  New York Stock Exchange  generates about  one terabyte  of new trade data per day. • Social Media Impact Statistic shows that  500+terabytes  of new data gets ingested into...

Exploratory Testing Extension for Chrome

Exploratory Testing is a powerful concept for effective software testing. It helps in uncovering defects which are not captured normally in scripted testing. Needless to say, it’s vital part of overall testing activities in a project. And it can be made easier using an awesome Google Chrome extension covered in this post. This extension provides enough features for end-to-end web exploratory testing, right from idea capturing to report generation. Below are the highlights of those features. Capture ideas, notes and questions. Report bugs with URL tracking. Take screenshots. Comprehensive and graphical report. Export result in CSV or HTML format. We have been using this extension quite frequently nowadays and found it very helpful. After installing, it sits in your browser’s menu bar as an icon. You can start using it immediately from there. We basically fire up this extension in Google Chrome browser and start our testing session. A session could be an end-to-end scenari...

Top 5 Manual Testing Books to Download for Free

First step for every professional starting with software testing is to learn manual testing. There are various options available for tester to improve in that front. Some good books are one of them. Below are some good manual testing books one can refer as reference for his/her testing activities. We have compiled a list based on various aspects of manual software testing such as UI testing, browser compatibility testing, Mobile testing and behavioral aspects of good manual testing. So without further ado, take a look at the list below. A Step-by-Step Guide to Cross-Browser Testing –  Download link What if. A question every tester must ask –  Download link UI and UX Testing Ready Reckoner –  Download link Mobile Testing Ready Reckoner –  Download link Manual Testing Help –  Download link We hope these books will be helpful to improve your manual testing skills. Share with us if you know more such books.

Test Plan Writing: A Detailed Guide

Generally in software testing life cycle, test plan writing is starting point of all the QA activities in the project. Needless to say it’s one of the most important activities among all. Hence, a detailed knowledge of test plan is essential for a software test professional. In this article, we have explored test plan writing in detailed level. Definition:  As  WikiPedia  puts it, “A test plan is a document detailing a systematic approach to testing a system such as a machine or software. The plan typically contains a detailed understanding of the eventual workflow.” To extend upon it, test plan contains coverage, scope, tools, testing approach, risks, schedules and pretty much everything which may come up during software testing activities in project. The idea is to follow the guidelines in structured manner keeping all requirements in mind. Who prepares it? Test plan writing is an activity typically done by test lead/manager with significant inputs fro...

Difference Between Verification and Validation

Verification and Validations are terms which induces confusion among software testers. Here in this post, we have tried to simplify the jargon and give you a clear picture of difference between Verification and Validation. We will take an example of car manufacturing process to distinguish between these two terms. Before we delve deep into it, let’s understand that Verification and validation are independent procedures that are used together for checking that a product, service, or system meets requirements and specifications and that it fulfills its intended purpose. So, these two procedures go hand-in-hand to ensure system quality. With this fundamental in mind now, let’s take an example of car manufacturing process. Once car is manufactured in assembly, it is tested in lab conditions and road conditions. Lab conditions verifies that car is made as per its design specifications and is working as expected. However, road conditions test will determine how car will be working in r...

Test Report Preparation: A Detailed Guide

Just as effective software testing is important, test reporting is equally valuable in overall QA activities. Test report or test summary report is prepared at the end of every QA cycle. This report highlights facts, risks, accomplishments and important events of the QA cycle. In this post, we will explore about effective test report preparation. \\\ Test summary report is the component that informs key project stakeholders of the critical aspects of the project’s status. It also outlines if current test cycle is successful of not. Test report typically contains below components. Project Name:  Name of the project. Release Number:  This should contain release/build number for which the test summary report is being prepared. Typically it is same as the release number received in current cycle’s release note. Tested Items:  This section contains items which are tested as part of test execution cycle. List down all the modules which have been released in current ...

Document Test Steps with Problem Steps Recorder

Software testers often feels the need to record their test steps. This helps in reproducing their bugs. But what if there is no recording tool readily available at your disposal? If you are using Windows 7 or above, Problem Steps Recorder tool is an answer. Read on to find out more about this. Problem Steps Recorder (PSR) captures the steps performed by the user on an application as a set of screen shots with a text description of where they clicked. The capture can be saved as a file that can be used to reproduce and troubleshoot the problem. This tool is built in for Windows 7 and above operating systems. You can start this tool by going to Start Menu and typing ‘psr’ query. Start recording by clicking ‘Start Record’ option. Now perform the steps to reproduce your problem. The Problem Steps recorder will capture all the steps performed by you and log information such as mouse clicks, text entered, program opening, closing, etc. Click ‘Stop Record’ option once you are done...