The document discusses software testing and provides definitions, purposes, and types of software testing. Some key points:
- Testing is defined as "the process of executing a program with the intent of finding errors." This is a more appropriate definition than ones focusing on demonstrating the absence of errors.
- Testing should be done because launching software without testing may lead to higher costs from bugs, especially for systems involving human safety. Earlier bug discovery and removal reduces costs.
- Testing requires developers to find errors in their own work, so many organizations separate development and testing roles.
- Complete testing of all possible inputs and paths is not possible due to their vast number. Techniques like boundary value analysis and worst-case