Development and testing — Paper 3 · A Level Information Technology (from 2017) 9626

6 A new operating system for tablet computers has been developed and is now ready for testing to begin. Analyse the difference between white box testing and black box testing. … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … [8]

8 marks

Mark scheme: 6 This question to be marked as a Level of Response. 8 Analyse requires that candidates explain the main points in detail, explaining their effectiveness and characteristics. Level 3 (7–8 marks) Candidates will analyse in detail the differences between white box testing and black box testing. There will be a reasoned statement concerning the effectiveness of both types of testing. The information will be relevant, clear, organised and presented in a structured and coherent format. Subject specific terminology will be used accurately and appropriately. Level 2 (4–6 marks) Candidates will explain the differences between white box testing and black box testing. There will be a reasoned statement concerning the effectiveness of one of the types of testing. For the most part, the information will be relevant and presented in a structured and coherent format. Subject specific terminology will be used appropriately and for the most part correctly. Level 1 (1–3 marks) Candidates will describe the differences between white box testing and black box testing. Answers may be in the form of a list. There will be little or no use of specialist terms. Level 0 (0 marks) Response with no valid content. Answers may make reference to e.g.: White Box Testing is a testing method in which the internal structure/ design/ implementation is known to the tester. Black Box Testing is a testing method in which the internal structure/ design/ implementation is NOT known to the tester. In white box testing, programming knowledge is required; in black box testing it is not. In white box testing, programming knowledge is in-house; in black box testing it is not. White box testing needs access to a detailed design specification, black box testing does not. White box testing needs knowledge of the implementation, black box testing does not.

This question in 9626/31 May/June 2017

6 A new operating system for tablet computers has been developed and is now ready for testing to begin. Analyse the difference between white box testing and black box testing. … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … [8]

8 marks

Mark scheme: 6 This question to be marked as a Level of Response. 8 Analyse requires that candidates explain the main points in detail, explaining their effectiveness and characteristics. Level 3 (7–8 marks) Candidates will analyse in detail the differences between white box testing and black box testing. There will be a reasoned statement concerning the effectiveness of both types of testing. The information will be relevant, clear, organised and presented in a structured and coherent format. Subject specific terminology will be used accurately and appropriately. Level 2 (4–6 marks) Candidates will explain the differences between white box testing and black box testing. There will be a reasoned statement concerning the effectiveness of one of the types of testing. For the most part, the information will be relevant and presented in a structured and coherent format. Subject specific terminology will be used appropriately and for the most part correctly. Level 1 (1–3 marks) Candidates will describe the differences between white box testing and black box testing. Answers may be in the form of a list. There will be little or no use of specialist terms. Level 0 (0 marks) Response with no valid content. Answers may make reference to e.g.: White Box Testing is a testing method in which the internal structure/ design/ implementation is known to the tester. Black Box Testing is a testing method in which the internal structure/ design/ implementation is NOT known to the tester. In white box testing, programming knowledge is required; in black box testing it is not. In white box testing, programming knowledge is in-house; in black box testing it is not. White box testing needs access to a detailed design specification, black box testing does not. White box testing needs knowledge of the implementation, black box testing does not.

This question in 9626/33 May/June 2017

7 A new operating system for smartphones has been developed and is now ready for testing to begin. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of white box testing. … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … [8]

8 marks

Mark scheme: 7 Eight from: 8 Benefits: Allows tester to look inside system (‘introspection’) ...can identify system objects in code ...can reduce the failure rate of test code provided object names do not change Can be more stable/allow re-use of test code provided object names do not change More thorough/complete testing of code ...all aspects of code are tested ...every interaction in code/objects is tested ...all routes through code are tested Drawbacks: White box testing must be closely integrated with the system ...must be installed in the system to be tested ...cannot be sure that the testing is not causing the errors/problems it flags up ...cannot be sure that all platforms support the white box testing system changes to objects/code of system may cause white box testing to fail ...white box testing code is highly integrated with system code ...requires high degree of script maintenance Tester must have in-depth knowledge of system ...be highly skilled programmer. Max 6 marks for all benefits or all drawbacks. 1 mark is available for a reasoned conclusion.

This question in 9626/32 Oct/Nov 2017

1 A new open-source operating system for smartphones is being developed. Prototypes are being constructed. (a) You have helped to develop the new operating system and are now ready to test it. You have to create a test plan. (i) Explain the importance of having a test plan. … … … … … … … … … … [4] (ii) Describe, in detail, the testing strategy that would be carried out on this open-source operating system. … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … [8] (iii) Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the black box method of testing software. … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … [8]

20 marks

Mark scheme: Question Answer Marks 1(a)(i) Four from: 4 Provides overview of all the testing ...systematic outline of all features/functionality ...continuously checked/updated to reflect risks To prepare/ensure that all aspects of running a test are considered To train those who need to assist with the test/communicate testing regime Provides a mechanism for outlining test needs ...lists limitations ...lists reasons for testing so testing can be effective Ensures that legal issues/regulations are met ...to show regulatory bodies that testing has been carried out/is effective. 1(a)(ii) Eight from: 8 Ensure that the writer of the test plan knows details of work to be taken/is competent in field of activity to be able to: ...define the aspects of the OS to be tested e.g. interface/devices that it will run on ...define test methods/how each part is to be tested/which aspects of smartphone is to be tested ...test OS use of smartphone facilities to ensure functionality ...assign tasks and responsibilities for testing the smartphone features Test functionality of apps on the smartphone with new OS Write a specific app to test specific features of smartphone with OS Test OS with third party apps Test ability to multi-task with apps from third parties/internal apps ...check regulations/legal issues Test that the amount of smartphone memory is sufficient to hold/run the OS. 1(a)(iii) Eight from e.g. 8 Benefits: Easy to use as testers do not need to know the inner workings of product ...tester need not know programming languages/how the software has been implemented ...can work through application as would a user Test case can be developed quicker than for white box testing ...testers need only look at GUI ...do not need to discover all the internal paths/routes through software … tests are done from point of view of a user ...can expose discrepancies in specification Tests can be conducted by independent personnel from the developers allowing for an objective perspective … ensures the avoidance of developer-bias Test cases can be designed as soon as specification are complete Drawbacks: Test cases will be difficult to design as there is no clear test specification Script maintenance may be difficult ...if the user interface is changing during development/changes due to testing Scripts may not work/be fragile when testing … GUI may not be the same for different tests … GUI rendering may change during development Does not test all internal pathways/all routes through software ...does not fully test the software ...many program paths will be left untested. Max 6 for all benefits or all drawbacks. 1 mark is available for a reasoned conclusion.

This question in 9626/33 Oct/Nov 2017

5 Quintin is a programmer who writes code in HTML and JavaScript for use in online forms. The code is developed and ‘white-box’ tested before being used. Quintin is developing the code below. He has added comments to the code. The code asks a user to input two numbers and adds the numbers together. It also displays the total and whether or not it is greater than 10. <html> <body> <!-- the next six lines collect the two numbers to be added--> <br/>Enter first number: <input type="number" id="nm1" name="num1"> <br/><br/>Enter second number: <input type="number" id="nm2" name="num2"> <p id="add"></p> <script> function myaddfunction() { //the next line assigns the first number input to the variable y var y = document.getElementById("nm1").value; //the next line assigns the second number input to the variable z var z = document.getElementById("nm2").value; //the next line adds the two numbers and assigns the result to the variable x var x = +y + +z; //the next line checks if x is greater or not greater than 10 and reports accordingly var A = (x >10) ? x+ " is greater than 10":x+ " is not greater than 10"; //the next line prints the results onto the page document.getElementById("add").innerHTML = A ; } </script> <!-- the next two lines asks the user to click the button and then the script is executed <p>Click the button to calculate the total.</p> <button onclick="myaddfunction()">Add the numbers</button> <br/> </body> </html> (a) Explain how Quintin could use ‘white box’ testing to ensure that the JavaScript code produces the correct result every time. … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … [8] (b) Explain why it is good practice that Quintin places his JavaScript code in external files rather than embeds the code in the actual page code. … … … … … … … … … … … … … … [6]

14 marks

Mark scheme: 5(a) Eight from: 8 Checking each line of code/statement Ensures that each line of code is executed at least once Ensures that var y and z assign the collected numbers as required Checks that the additon of y and z is correct Ensures that the correct message is displayed when result assigned to A Checking each branch/decision in the code Checks that decisions are carried out correctly So that values put in A can be compared Ensures that result is checked against > 10 Ensures that the correct result is put in var × as required Checks every possible pathway through the code So that test values in var y and z cause each subsequent path to be followed So that test values in x are assigned to A to produce both the messages “is greater than 10” and “is not greater than 10” depending on value in A. 5(b) Six from: 6 Can separate code into different conceptual/functional areas for ease of development/testing/understanding Separating HTML and JavaScript code provides modularity to code Which is easier to read/maintain/update by Quintin/different coders as required Can call the code several times/from different pages/re-use the code No need to rewrite/have several copies/copies on each web page Code only has to be tested once/checked for errors once File/JavaScript is cached by web browser No need to reload it/fetch code repeatedly if need on other pages Reduces network access/reduces cost of fetching data JavaScript code embedded in web pages can slow loading times/reduce browser performance Web page can slow/stop while browser executes code.

This question in 9626/32 Oct/Nov 2018

3 Analyse the difference between alpha testing and beta testing. … … … … … … … … [3]

3 marks

Mark scheme: 3 Three from: 3 Max One from: Alpha testing is carried out by the developers whereas beta testing is carried out by users Alpha testing includes both black box testing and white box testing Alpha Testing is carried out before the launch of software product into the market Beta testing is always a black box testing or a functional testing Beta Testing is done at the time of software product marketing Max Three from: Beta testing reduces product failure risks Beta testing audiences give a more objective view than employees carrying out alpha testing Beta testing is carried out on a nearly complete system whereas alpha testing will encounter far more bugs. Alpha testers will provide a more technical analysis of the faults of the system.

This question in 9626/31 Oct/Nov 2019

12 A new app has been created for smartphones, but is unreliable due to some unknown coding errors. A group of testers has been asked to locate the errors and suggest, in a report, corrections that should be made to the code before the app is ready for sale. The testers have been given a list of milestones to record their progress. These are shown: Milestones to be reached: 1 Check that the plan will solve the unreliability issue. 2 Create a plan to correct the code. 3 Create a theory as to which lines/areas/blocks/sections of code are causing the unreliability. 4 Document the results of the testing in a report. 5 Download and install app on the smartphone. 6 Identify the problem with the code by running the app. 7 Suggest corrections that could correct the unreliability. 8 Test the suggested corrections. 9 Test the theory to see if the unreliability can be replicated elsewhere. List, by writing the number of the milestone, the order in which these milestones should be reached by the testers. … … … … … … … … … [5]

5 marks

Mark scheme: 12 Correct order should be: 5 5 6 3 9 2 7 1 8 4 5 Download and install ‘app’ on the smartphone 6 Identify the problem with the code by running the ‘app’ 3 Create a theory as to which lines/areas/blocks/sections of code are causing the unreliability 9 Test the theory to see if the unreliability can be replicated elsewhere 2 Create a plan to correct the code 7 Suggest corrections that could correct the unreliability 1 Check that the plan will solve the unreliability issue 8 Test the suggested corrections 4 Write a report on the results of the testing Max 5 from: 1st and 2nd correct – 1 mark 3rd and 4th correct – 1 mark 5th and 6th correct – 1 mark 7th and 8th correct – 1 mark 9th correct – 1 mark.

This question in 9626/32 Oct/Nov 2019

3 Analyse the difference between alpha testing and beta testing. … … … … … … … … [3]

3 marks

Mark scheme: 3 Three from: 3 Max One from: Alpha testing is carried out by the developers whereas beta testing is carried out by users Alpha testing includes both black box testing and white box testing Alpha Testing is carried out before the launch of software product into the market Beta testing is always a black box testing or a functional testing Beta Testing is done at the time of software product marketing Max Three from: Beta testing reduces product failure risks Beta testing audiences give a more objective view than employees carrying out alpha testing Beta testing is carried out on a nearly complete system whereas alpha testing will encounter far more bugs. Alpha testers will provide a more technical analysis of the faults of the system.

This question in 9626/33 Oct/Nov 2019

2 A railway company wants to allow customers to book tickets for journeys using its website. A new booking screen will use form controls to collect data about the customer and about the requested journeys. The screen is intended to make it easier for customers to enter the details. (a) Describe, in detail, three checks that could be carried out on the data as it is collected on the booking screen. 1 … … … 2 … … … 3 … … … [3] (b) Describe four form controls that could be used on the new booking screen and for each form control describe an appropriate use on the new screen. … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … [8] (c) Describe the characteristics, other than form controls, of a well-designed data collection screen that make it easier for customers to enter data. … … … … … … … … … … … … … … [6] (d) When the booking screen is created it will need to be tested. Explain the importance of having a test plan. … … … … … … … … … … [4]

21 marks

Mark scheme: 2(a) Three from e.g.: 3 Check that data has been entered into the field/box Check that the data is within pre-set ranges e.g. dates of bookings Check that the data is in the required format e.g. email address/postal code Check the data against pre-set values/lookup table of values e.g. title of customer Check that the data entered is of the required type. 2(b) Eight from: 8 Four controls from, max two marks per control: Buttons that can be clicked to activate a task/action Submit button that sends the form to the dataset/company Reset button to clear the form so that the customer can start again Hidden buttons that are not shown/rendered by web browser/are not visible to users Carry/send/submit information that is not stored/set by HTML objects/would be lost when page submitted to server Checkboxes/on-off switches/toggle boxes (sharing the same name (e.g. choices of seating/food)) but allow multiple choices to be made …when checked attribute set the switch is ‘on …only the ‘on’ state is submitted with form Radio buttons are mutually exclusive switches (sharing the same name) but allow only one choice to be made Radio buttons used to choose/make a choice of e.g. male/female, adult/child Text input via single line input for e.g. name Multi-line input for e.g. comments/additional requirements Authors may create two types of controls that allow users to input text. The INPUT element creates a single-line input control and the element creates a multi-line input control. In both cases, the input text becomes the control's current value Menus provides (users with) a pre-set list of options from which to choose Menus used to choose e.g. destination/departure File select allows the user to select files to submit with a form Files uploaded e.g. photograph for inclusion on ticket/booking/pass Controls use the HTML INPUT element to capture user choices/input HTML SELECT/OPTGROUP/OPTION element creates a menu/TEXTAREA creates a text input box. 2(c) Six from e.g.: 6 Brevity/concise display/provision of information/instructions with no more data than is necessary Simple sentence structure/complete words/affirmative sentences …no jargon/slang Consistent format for display of information so user knows where to find/look for information Labels should be right-justified and to the left of the input field Labels should be e.g. capitalised/use a colon to indicate data field Compatibility with other input screens so that user does not have to recode/re-enter data Information/input requests should be in a logical order Information/input requests should not be repeated. 2(d) Four from: 4 Defines/focuses on/ensures the task/requirements are met Acts as a guide to/set of instructions for testing the booking screen Allows management of any changes that are needed during development of the booking screen Defines the tests that should be carried out on the booking screen Records the results of the tests for later analysis/amendment of booking screen.

This question in 9626/32 Feb/March 2020

3 A new database management system (DBMS) has been created and fully tested by a software developer. Technical documentation has been produced for the DBMS to assist with its maintenance. (a) Describe the features of alpha and beta testing. … … … … … … … … … … [4] (b) Explain why, apart from assisting with testing and software maintenance, technical documentation is needed. … … … … … … … … … … … … [5] (c) Explain why maintenance should be carried out on the DBMS. … … … … … … … … … … [4]

13 marks

Mark scheme: 3(a) Four from: 4 Alpha: Alpha testing is a type of acceptance testing to identify any problems before release to end users Alpha testing can use white and black box techniques to simulate (typical) end user tasks Alpha testers (usually) work for the software developer/in the software developer laboratory/offices Beta: Beta testing is carried out by (real) end users Beta testing is carried out in a real/live environment/business Beta testing is the final testing phase before release of product to customer/clients. Must have at least one of each for full marks. 3(b) Five from: 5 So that the installer/technician knows what hardware/software is required So that any data structures/inputs/processing/outputs can be amended by (another) programmer/analyst So that any programmer/analyst can understand how the data flows through the system System flowcharts so that any programmer/analyst knows how the system works To provide a basis for technical writers to create user manuals/other documentation To provide a reference for programmer/analyst to update the system. 3(c) Four from: 4 To (detect and) correct errors in the program code so that the system works properly (corrective maintenance) To improve the functionality of the system to make it more suited to the needs of the business (perfective maintenance) To remove unwanted functions from the system (perfective maintenance) To modify the system so that it remains compatible with any changes to the technical environment/hardware of the business (adaptive maintenance) To help prevent problems caused by (upcoming/possible/security/functional) vulnerabilities in the system (preventative maintenance) To ensure that the system continues to work for its expected life time/as long as the business requires it.

This question in 9626/32 Oct/Nov 2020

5 A software company uses the waterfall method to create its products. (a) Describe the main phases in the waterfall method of developing software. … … … … … … … … … … … … … … [6] (b) The new software products have to be tested. Describe the differences between alpha and beta testing. … … … … … … … … … … … … … … [6] (c) During the creation and testing of the products, some developers are allowed to telework. (i) Describe what is meant by teleworking. … … … … … … [2] (ii) Describe two possible effects of teleworking on the developers. … … … … … … [2]

16 marks

Mark scheme: 5(a) Six from: 6 Creation of system and software requirements for the application Analysis to create models, schemes, and business rules Design to create the technical designs/design specifications including e.g. language Implementing the code by writing the code/units/integration of units of software Creation of technical/user documentation Testing using a test plan to discover and correct errors Deploying the software by the installation, migration, support, and maintenance of the finished product. 5(b) Six from: 6 Alpha testing is carried out by employees of the developer whereas beta testing is carried out by clients/end users/not employees Alpha testing uses a lab/test environment whereas beta testing does not require/use this/is in public Alpha testing is carried out at developers’ site whereas beta testing is carried out at tester/end user location Alpha testing does not involve reliability testing whereas beta testing does Alpha testing does not involve security testing whereas beta testing does Alpha testing involves both white and black box testing whereas beta testing usually involves only black box testing Critical issues can be fixed/addressed immediately during alpha testing whereas beta testing produces feedback on issues for use at later date/in later versions Alpha testing ensures that the product is fit/ready for moving to beta testing phase. 5(c)(i) Two from: 2 (Teleworking is) a flexible working arrangement in which an employee carries out the duties and responsibilities from an (approved) work site (e.g. home) Working at a place other than the usual place of work for that employee Use of IT/computers/internet/telephones to maintain contact with employers/colleagues/customers/central office while working from home Does not include work done while on official travel or while mobile. 5(c)(ii) Two from: 2 Productivity/performance may be reduced due to lack of supervision/encouragement/self-motivation Developers may have more flexibility managing their hours, which could increase motivation May be difficult to stop working/disconnect from work resulting in reduced personal time Increased risk of health issues due to longer working hours/working longer with no distractions May become less associated/identified with the software company/employers May incur additional expense on e.g. heating/lighting/electricity/IT equipment May have working difficulty due to distractions/family interruptions May have reduced access to IT support.

This question in 9626/32 Feb/March 2021

8 A new software application, which consists of many modules, is being developed. Testing is an important stage in the development of new software. Compare and contrast alpha testing and beta testing. … … … … … … … … … … … … … [5]

5 marks

Mark scheme: 8 Five from: 5 Similarities: Last tests before software product is deemed ready for release Both carried out by persons other than the programmer Both have a significant impact on the final quality of the product Differences: Alpha testing uses white and black box testing whereas beta testing (usually) involves only black box testing Alpha testing is carried out by employees of the software company whereas beta testing is carried out by third-parties/impartial persons Alpha testing takes place under the control of the developers whereas beta testing takes place under the control of the users Reliability and security of the software are covered by beta testing but not by alpha testing Alpha testing is a phase that leads into beta testing. Must be at least 1 of each for full marks.

This question in 9626/31 Oct/Nov 2021

2 When beta testing a new software application, the tester found an error and created a report about the error. Describe the items of information, including those related to the test plan, that should be included in the report. … … … … … … … … … … … … [5]

5 marks

Mark scheme: 2 Five from: 5 A description of the test that was carried out/the purpose of the test A description of (any) special test environment that was created for the test A description of how the test was carried out A description of the expected results from the test A description of the actual results from the test A report on whether or not the software ‘passes’ the test/is ready for use Recommendations for retesting the software.

This question in 9626/32 Oct/Nov 2021

8 A new software application, which consists of many modules, is being developed. Testing is an important stage in the development of new software. Compare and contrast alpha testing and beta testing. … … … … … … … … … … … … … [5]

5 marks

Mark scheme: 8 Five from: 5 Similarities: Last tests before software product is deemed ready for release Both carried out by persons other than the programmer Both have a significant impact on the final quality of the product Differences: Alpha testing uses white and black box testing whereas beta testing (usually) involves only black box testing Alpha testing is carried out by employees of the software company whereas beta testing is carried out by third-parties/impartial persons Alpha testing takes place under the control of the developers whereas beta testing takes place under the control of the users Reliability and security of the software are covered by beta testing but not by alpha testing Alpha testing is a phase that leads into beta testing. Must be at least 1 of each for full marks.

This question in 9626/33 Oct/Nov 2021

10 Alpha testing is carried out in the final stages of software development. Describe the process of alpha testing. … … … … … … … … … … … … … … [6]

6 marks

Mark scheme: 10 Six from: 6 • Carried out by the developers on the development site • Carry out review of the requirements specification • Carry out review of the design specification • Create/develop full test plans • Create/source test data • Carry out the test plan(s) • Record/log errors/defects/problems discovered during testing • Determine the cause of errors/defects/problems • Correct errors/detects/problems • Retest/repeat testing/iterative testing until errors/defects/problems are fixed/solved • Uses both white and black box testing.

This question in 9626/32 Feb/March 2024

4 JavaScript code has been developed for an interactive website. White box testing is carried out by the developers. (a) Describe how white box testing is used to test the code. … … … … … … … … … … … … … … [6] (b) Describe one way that JavaScript code can add interactivity to a web page. … … … … [1] (c) HTML events occur when users interact with a web page. Describe how JavaScript code can be made to react to an HTML event. … … … … … … … … … … … … [5]

12 marks

Mark scheme: 4(a) Six from: 6 Developers/testers…  create/write/use a test plan  create/write/use test data  test each/every line of code  test each/every branch in the code  test each/every condition in the code4  test the calculations/arithmetic  test the logic of the code  test inputs/outputs  can use (automated) testing tools to check code  if test fails/changes are made/errors are noted/errors are found/errors are corrected  repeat the testing  (must) have good knowledge/understanding of JavaScript theory/coding  (must) understand/learn/determine how the code/script works. 4(b) One from: 1  Code is used to collect user data/input for use in (subsequent) code/require an answer to a question  Use of confirm()/prompt() popup windows/box to enable user interaction  Code can be inserted into/placed within the HTML of the web page  Code can be stored in external scripts that are stored/executed when called/invoked by HTML code. 4(c) Five from: 5 Max three for naming valid events without descriptions:  Use of onload to execute the JavaScript immediately/as soon as the web page is (fully) loaded into a browser  Use of onchange to execute code when a user changes a value/state of radio button/checkbox  Use of onclick to execute code when a user clicks a button/HTML element  Use of onmouseover  to execute code when a user moves the mouse pointer onto/over an element e.g. an image  Use of onmouseout to execute code when a user moves the mouse pointer off/away from an element e.g. an image  Use of onkeydown to execute code when a user presses a key.

This question in 9626/32 May/June 2024

2 A new stock control system is being tested. Explain how different types of test data are used to test this system. … … … … … … … … … … … … … … [6]

6 marks

Mark scheme: 2 Six from: 6 Max one for naming at least two from: • Abnormal / invalid / erroneous values • Invalid data format • Normal / valid data • Extreme / boundary data Max six from: • To see what error messages are produced • To test how system deals with unexpected data • To test how the system reacts to valid data / compare with expected results • Null data is used to test how the system reacts to / deals with / processes blank fields • Abnormal / invalid / erroneous values of data is used to test how the system deals with data that is unreasonable / invalid • Invalid data format is used to test how the system deals with / processes data that is not in the expected format • Normal / valid data to test how the system reacts / deals with / processes normal / expected data • Extreme / boundary data to test how the system reacts / deals with / processes data at the boundaries of acceptable data • Live / realistic data to test how the system reacts / deals with / processes actual data from a working system.

This question in 9626/33 Oct/Nov 2024

1 A new database has been developed to manage the stock in a warehouse. The new database is to be tested. (a) Explain the purpose of a test plan for this database. … … … … … … [2] (b) Describe the types of test data that could be used to test the database. … … … … … … … … … … [4]

6 marks

Mark scheme: Question Answer Marks 1(a) TWO from: 2 • to know what is to be tested • act as a guide/set of instructions for testing • to ensure that the new system has been developed to the specifications • works exactly how the client / analysts / designers / stakeholders / warehouse expected • tests that it deals with normal / abnormal / extreme data 1(b) FOUR from: 4 • Manually generated data by testers to check specific files / rules / messages • Computer-generated data sets that represent ‘live’ data / expected amount / type of real data • Normal / valid data that is accepted / processed by the database without error • Extreme data to ensure it is processed normally • Abnormal / invalid data that should be / is rejected by the database / causes error • Blank / no data to ensure appropriate error messages are generated

This question in 9626/31 May/June 2025

6 Test plans are written early in the development cycle of new systems. Describe the tasks that are carried out when creating a test plan. … … … … … … … … … … … … … … [6]

6 marks

Mark scheme: 6 SIX from: 6 • analysis of the end-product / determine what has been created • defining the test strategy • aim of testing • what is to be tested • the types of tests to be carried out / what kind of testing • specifying who is to carry out the tests • specifying when the tests will be done • create / choose the test data • specifying the criteria for pass / fail of the tests • specifying the criteria for suspension of testing • create a means to record the test / test results // draw the table • writing the test schedule

This question in 9626/32 May/June 2025