1. INTRODUCTION

This document is to discuss general test specification issues for SQL server back end testing and to provide testers a test design guide that includes test methodology. Most systems, i.e. Forecast LRS, Delta, KENAI, KBATS and so on, that are developed by ITG have client-server architectures. However, only a few projects have their back end completely tested.

1.1 Why back end testing is so important

A back end is the engine of any client/server system. If the back end malfunctions, it may cause system deadlock, data corruption, data loss and bad performance. Many front ends log on to a single SQL server. A bug in a back end may put serious impact on the whole system. Too many bugs in a back end will cost tremendous resources to find and fix bugs and delay the system developments. It is very likely that many tests in a front end only hit a small portion of a back end. Many bugs in a back end cannot be easily discovered without direct testing. Back end testing has several advantages: The back end is no longer a "black box" to testers. We have full control of test coverage and depth. Many bugs can be effectively found and fixed in the early development stage. Take Forecast LRS as an example; the number of bugs in a back end was more than 30% of total number of bugs in the project. When back end bugs are fixed, the system quality is dramatically increased.

1.2 Differences between back end testing and front end testing

It is not easier to understand and verify a back end than a front end because a front end usually has friendly and intuitive user interfaces. A back end has its own objects, such as, tables, stored procedures and triggers. Data integrity and protection is critical. Performance and multi-user support are big issues. Slowness in operation can be vital to the project’s future. There are no sufficient tools for back end testing. SQL language is mainly a testing tool. MS Access and MS Excel can be used to verify data but they are not perfect for testing. However, there are a large number of test tools available for front end testing. To be able to do back end testing, a tester must have strong background in SQL server and SQL language. It is relatively difficult to find testers who understand both SQL server and SQL testing. This causes a shortage of back end testers.

Source: http://www.vietnamesetestingboard.org/zbxe/?mid=download&category=17246&document_srl=590218&listStyle=&cpage=