Testing and validation
Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) · Unit 7: Algorithm design and problem solving · 9 flashcards
Testing and validation is topic 7.3 in the Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) syllabus , positioned in Unit 7 — Algorithm design and problem solving , alongside Algorithm design and Searching and sorting. In one line: Test data is the set of inputs used to assess the functionality and correctness of a program. It should include normal, abnormal, and extreme data to cover various scenarios.
This topic is examined in Paper 1 (computer systems theory) and Paper 2 (algorithms, programming and logic).
The deck below contains 9 flashcards — 7 definitions, 1 key concept and 1 application card — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward. Use the 7 definition cards to lock down command-word answers (define, state), then move on to the concept and application cards to handle explain, describe and compare questions.
The term 'test data' in the context of program testing
Test data is the set of inputs used to assess the functionality and correctness of a program. It should include normal, abnormal, and extreme data to cover various scenarios.
Questions this Testing and validation deck will help you answer
- › Distinguish between 'validation' and 'verification' in the context of software development.
- › Give an example of validation that could be used when creating a system to store customer details, including their age.
Define the term 'test data' in the context of program testing.
Test data is the set of inputs used to assess the functionality and correctness of a program. It should include normal, abnormal, and extreme data to cover various scenarios.
Explain what 'normal data' is and provide an example.
Normal data is input that falls within the expected range and type for a program.
Describe 'abnormal data' and give an example of its use in testing.
Abnormal data is input that is of the correct data type but outside of an acceptable range. An example is entering -5 for age, which is unexpected.
What is 'extreme data' and why is it important in testing?
Extreme data represents the highest and lowest acceptable values that a program should handle. Testing extreme data ensures the system works at its limits,
Explain the concept of 'boundary data' and its significance in program testing.
Boundary data is input that lies at the limits of the valid range, such as the minimum and maximum allowed values. It is significant for testing as errors often occur at these boundaries.
Distinguish between 'validation' and 'verification' in the context of software development.
Validation checks if the software meets the user's needs ('Are we building the right product?'). Verification checks if the software is built correctly ('Are we building the product right?').
Describe the purpose of a 'trace table' in debugging.
A trace table is used to manually track the values of variables during the execution of an algorithm or program. This helps identify errors in logic or calculation.
What is a 'dry run' and how is it used in program testing?
A dry run involves manually stepping through code and simulating its execution, without actually running the program. This helps identify errors early in the development process.
Give an example of validation that could be used when creating a system to store customer details, including their age.
A validation check could be implemented to ensure that the age entered is a realistic value (e.g. between 0 and 120). This prevents users from entering illogical data.
Key Questions: Testing and validation
Define the term 'test data' in the context of program testing.
Test data is the set of inputs used to assess the functionality and correctness of a program. It should include normal, abnormal, and extreme data to cover various scenarios.
Explain what 'normal data' is and provide an example.
Normal data is input that falls within the expected range and type for a program.
Describe 'abnormal data' and give an example of its use in testing.
Abnormal data is input that is of the correct data type but outside of an acceptable range. An example is entering -5 for age, which is unexpected.
What is 'extreme data' and why is it important in testing?
Extreme data represents the highest and lowest acceptable values that a program should handle. Testing extreme data ensures the system works at its limits,
Explain the concept of 'boundary data' and its significance in program testing.
Boundary data is input that lies at the limits of the valid range, such as the minimum and maximum allowed values. It is significant for testing as errors often occur at these boundaries.
More topics in Unit 7 — Algorithm design and problem solving
Testing and validation sits alongside these Computer Science decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.
Cambridge syllabus keywords to use in your answers
These are the official Cambridge 0478 terms tagged to this section. Mark schemes credit responses that use the exact term — weave them into your answers verbatim rather than paraphrasing.
Key terms covered in this Testing and validation deck
Every term below is defined in the flashcards above. Use the list as a quick recall test before your exam — if you can't define one of these in your own words, flip back to that card.
How to study this Testing and validation deck
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