Level 0

  • There is no difference between testing and debugging.
  • Does not distinguish between incorrect program behaviour and programming mistakes.
  • Does little to help develop programs that are reliable and safe

Level 1

  • Purpose of testing is to show that software works
  • Significant step up from level 0
  • Correctness is difficult to achieve or demonstrate (if all tests pass, are the tests bad or is the program correct?)
  • There is really no formal test technique Level 2:
  • Purpose of testing is to show that software doesn’t work
  • Valid but negative goal
  • Devs don’t like this
  • What do you do if no failures are found? Level 3:
  • Purpose of testing isn’t specific but generally reduces the risk of using the software
  • Using software incurs some risk
  • Testing can show the presence of failures
  • Developers and testers need to work together Level 4:
  • Testing is a mental discipline that helps all IT professionals develop high quality software
  • Primary responsibility is measuring and improving software quality
  • Improve the ability of developers to produce quality software