Goals of Testing

Testing generally falls into two categories. New systems/subsystems or changes to existing systems/subsystems. These are not necessarily mutually exclusive categories since a new system or subsystem may require testing of an existing system. But the category can determine the goals of testing.

New Systems/Subsystems

With a new system or subsystem, the functionality of the entire system/subsystem needs to be tested. The goal is mixed:

To learn the system
To make sure the system functions as intended
To understand how the system interfaces with other systems

Existing Systems

With an existing system, only changes to the system/subsystem and interfaces to other systems/subsystems need to be tested. As a result, the goal becomes:

To test changes to the system to insure proper functioning and functionality.

OIT Applications Support

Last Modified: Tuesday, 06-Feb-2001 13:36:47 CST