Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
testing, and so on. The biggest player in this market is Mercury Interactive (now
part of Hewlett Packard) with Quick Test Pro, Load Runner, and Win Runner
tools. Some other vendors include Selenium from ThoughtWorks and Certify from
Worksoft.
1.14.2
Test Coverage
Test coverage tools enable the test team to know how much of the software applica-
tion will be covered under the present test project. Test coverage analysis is done
either using code insertion techniques in the source code of the software applica-
tion or using external code to check which components of the software application
under test will be covered for testing. Rational PureCoverage from IBM, TCAT
from Software Research Inc., and McCabe IQ from McCabe Software are some
tools that do test coverage analysis.
1.14.3
Defect Tracking
Defect tracking tools allow reporting of defects and tracking of defect life cycle in a
team environment. Test Track Pro from Seapine Software, BugZilla from Mozilla,
and ClearQuest from IBM are such tools in this category.
1.14.4
Test Management
Test management involves the design and creation of test cases, test case execu-
tion, keeping and updating inventory of test cases, and so on. Test management
also involves keeping and updating inventory of automation scripts. Versions of
test cases and automation scripts are also managed here. Some of the tools avail-
able in the market include Test Director from Mercury Interactive (now part of
Hewlett Packard), Silk Plan Pro from Segue Software, and QA Director from
Compuware.
1.1.
Project Offshoring
No discussion on software development can be considered complete without a
mention of software project offshoring. Offshoring has brought a new dimension
to software development. There has been a radical shift in many aspects of soft-
ware development. In their eagerness to compete and get more business, companies
have ensured that distance, culture, and time zone constraints do not interfere in
providing unmatched productivity, quality, and costs to their customers. Software
project offshoring service providers have armed themselves with mature software
engineering processes. Robust processes have been followed, ensuring a substantial
reduction in software defects.
