Software Quality Attributes addressed by ISTQB Certified Experts Test Analyst & Technical Test Analyst
Knowing the various software characteristics and being able to develop specific tests for them is a central or common skill expected to be with any “Test Analyst” / “Technical Test Analyst”.
Here we are briefly talking about some of the fundamental issues relating to software quality characteristics that are sometimes called attributes. Let us see which are the characteristics and which are applicable to which skill set.
Software Quality Attributes:
There is a set of principal attributes that are used to describe the quality of software applications or systems. These quality attributes can be assessed using several testing techniques. Application of the various techniques will vary depending on the ability of the tester, the knowledge of the domain, and the attribute being addressed.
The description of quality attributes in ISO 9126 is used as a basis for describing the attributes. The attributes are considered according to skill set (“Test
Analyst” / “Technical Test Analyst”) rather than the functional / non-functional split proposed in ISO 9126.Software Quality Attributes for the “Test Analyst”:
The “Test Analyst” would be expected to address the following quality attributes:
1) Accuracy
2) Suitability
3) Interoperability
4) Functional security
5) Usability
6) Accessibility
Testing these software quality attributes is most commonly conducted at the integration and system level of testing by verifying that the prescribed functionality is available and usable.
Software Quality Attributes for the “Technical Test Analyst”:
The “Technical Test Analyst” would be expected to address the following quality attributes:
1) Efficiency
2) Technical security
3) Reliability
4) Maintainability
5) Portability
These attributes address “how” the system is delivering the functionality.
Testing of these software quality attributes is conducted primarily at the system test and operational acceptance test (OAT) when a fully integrated application is available. It can also be conducted at the component level for performance benchmarking and to determine resource utilization.
Full Study Material for ISTQB Test Analyst & Technical Test Analyst Exam
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