Software Quality Topics
ALM
Application lifecycle management (ALM) refers to the processes, models and tools that manage an application from idea conception through end-of-life. ALM includes the management of the software development lifecycle (SDLC) including requirements management, design, code, test, release management and software maintenance, but goes beyond SDLC and includes management of governance and operations processes. ALM tools facilitate adherence to software development processes and help to provide an integrated approach to application development. More about ALM
Models and Methodologies
Software development models and methodologies describe the processes that are followed in a software development lifecycle (SDLC.) Traditional approaches include the phased waterfall methodology that includes requirements, design, implementation, verification and maintenance phases. The traditional approaches typically require that each phase is complete before the next one starts. Agile methodologies such as XP and Scrum work in shorter iterations and promote a collaborative approach where project teams include members representing business, development and test work closely together throughout the entire lifecycle. More about Models and Methodologies
Project Management
Software performance management is a critical component of application lifecycle management. Software applications need to be tested to see if they'll be able to withstand the anticipated load and be scalable for future growth. By including software performance management as a component of the application's lifecycle, the team can perform the testing necessary to determine the application's thresholds and proactively code for optimal performance. With software performance management included in the overall plan, performance can be predicted and eliminate any unpleasant surprises due to slow performance. More about Project Management
Requirements
Software requirements engineering is a crucial element in software engineering. Requirements analysis includes three types of activity: eliciting requirements, analyzing requirements and recording requirements. Eliciting requirements is the task of communicating with customers, users and stakeholders to determine which functions and features of an application. In analyzing the requirements, customers, users, and stakeholders help clarify and prioritize those features and functions. Documenting requirements can be done in different ways or with different tools. Traditional methodologies use a requirements specification. Agile methodologies document requirements with use cases or user stories. More about Requirements
Security Testing and QA
Software security testing and quality assurance is used to provide protection for data managed and controlled by software applications. Security testing needs to be done to prevent harm that could result from the loss, inaccuracy, alteration, unavailability or misuse of data. Information is categorized by severity of impact and security requirements such as those that address access control, data management and access, audit trails and usage records must be validated. Security defects are often a result of non-conformance or an error or omission in the software requirements. More about Security Testing and QA
Software Testing
Software testing is used to determine whether a software application is producing the expected results. Depending on the methodology used and the type of testing that's being done, software testing can happen at any time in the software development process. There are a variety of types of tests that are performed at different stages of the software development lifecycle such as unit tests, integration tests, systems tests and acceptance tests. Each of these can be further divided into types of testing such as functional, performance, regression, or usability tests, just to name a few. There are many tools that are used in software testing both to help find defects as well as to help track defects so that the end result is a high-quality product. More about Software Testing