Advice from Karen N. Johnson

Ask the Expert Center:Software Testing and QA

Software Testing and QA

Advice from Karen N. Johnson

Karen N. Johnson is an independent software consultant who believes in the context-driven school of testing. She has 14 years of experience in software testing and test management.

Display in sets of:

  • Functional testing: Unit testing, integration testing and beyond

    Ask the Expert -  Integration tests and unit tests both test the functionality of software, but they alone cannot replace functional testing. Expert Karen N. Johnson explains how integration and unit tests work and offers ideas for other functional tests.

  • Regression testing: How to select test cases

    Ask the Expert -  Regression testing must cover certain conditions in order to be effective. Expert Karen N. Johnson explains how to write a thorough regression test script.

  • Boundary analysis and equivalent partitioning

    Ask the Expert -  Equivalent partitioning and boundary analysis can make testing more thorough and manageable. Expert Karen N. Johnson explains how these methods work.

  • Tools for testing Web sites

    Ask the Expert -  Testing Web applications requires more than just the right tools -- especially in regard to performance testing. Expert Karen N. Johnson discusses how to approach Web site testing.

  • From manual tester to automated tester

    Ask the Expert -  Manual testing and automated testing require different skills. Expert Karen N. Johnson explains how to make the transition from manual to automated tester.

  • How testers can convince developers of software errors

    Ask the Expert -  If a tester fully understands the software errors found and can show the impact of them, then he is more likely to get developers to fix them.

  • The value of documenting test case results

    Ask the Expert -  Expected and actual results of test cases should be documented for a number of reasons. Software testing expert Karen N. Johnson details the benefits.

  • Usability testing vs. user acceptance testing

    Ask the Expert -  Usability testing and user acceptance testing may sound similar, but these tests have different focuses and are executed at different times in the SDLC. Expert Karen N. Johnson explains how these tests work.

  • Test coverage: Finding all the defects in your application

    Ask the Expert -  Software testing ideally uncovers all of the defects in your code. Expert Karen N. Johnson explains why a test coverage tool like a trace matrix isn't enough for optimal testing.

  • The benefits of user acceptance testing

    Ask the Expert -  User acceptance testing is an important part of the software development lifecycle. Expert Karen N. Johnson explains why UAT is beneficial for testers, users and virtually everyone involved in a software project.