A Framework for Testing and Analysis
Learning objectives
• Introduce dimensions and tradeoff between test and analysis activities
• Distinguish validation from verification activities
• Understand limitations and possibilities of test and analysis
Verification and validation
• Validation:
does the software system meets the user's real needs?
'are we building the right software?'
• Verification:
does the software system meets the requirements specifications?
'are we building the software right?'
Validation and Verification
• Validation : Includes usability testing, user feedback
• Verification : Includes testing, inspections, static analysis
* Actual Requirements
Verification or validation depends on the specification
Example: elevator response
• Unverifiable (but validatable) spec: ... if a user presses a request button at floor i, an available elevator must arrive at floor i soon...
• Verifiable spec: ... if a user presses a request button at floor i, an available elevator must arrive at floor i within 30 seconds...
Validation and Verification Activities