Automated Software Testing: Model and State-based Testing from edX

Software testing gets a bad rap for being difficult, time-consuming, redundant, and above all - boring. But in fact, it is a proven way to ensure that your software will work flawlessly and can meet release schedules.

In a two-course series, we will teach you automated software testing in an inspiring way. We will show you that testing is not as daunting a task as you might think, and how automated testing will make you a better developer who programs excellent software.

This second course builds upon the first course's material. It covers more advanced tools and techniques and their applications. Key topics include state-based and web testing, combinatorial testing, mutation testing, and property-based testing.

This is a highly practical course. Throughout the lessons, you will test various programs by means of different techniques. By the end, you will be able to choose the best testing strategies for different projects..

If you are or want to become a five-star software developer, QA engineer, or software tester, join this course. Testing will never be the same again!

What's inside

Learning objectives

The key ideas behind advanced software testing techniques, such as mutation and property-based testing
The current state-of-the-art in software testing research, such as the usage of artificial intelligence to automate testing activities

The limitations of current testing techniques, and how todetermine the best testing strategies for a given context

The key ideas behind advanced software testing techniques, such as mutation and property-based testing
The current state-of-the-art in software testing research, such as the usage of artificial intelligence to automate testing activities
The limitations of current testing techniques, and how todetermine the best testing strategies for a given context

Syllabus

Topic 1: Model-based testing and decision tables

Create decision tables to represent complex decisions of your software.

Apply different coverage criteria in the decision table to generate test cases.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops key skills that are important to learners or industry software development engineers in test (SDETs) or software quality engineers (SQEs) in the computer science field

Led by Arie van Deursen and Maurício Aniche, who are known in the field of software engineering and testing

Creates a bridge between the course's theoretical and practical knowledge by providing hands-on experience with testing techniques

Focuses on advanced software testing techniques, making it ideal for learners seeking an in-depth understanding

Examines the state-of-the-art in current software testing research, including topics such as AI in testing activities

Reviews summary

Course is valuable.

Learners say this course is valuable.

Students indicated that they found the course valuable.

"I would like to study online this course in your university and also i hope to improve myself during and after i finish the course i really need it"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Automated Software Testing: Model and State-based Testing with these activities:

Create a Comprehensive Course Summary

Show steps

Enhance your understanding by compiling key takeaways from the course, creating a valuable resource for future reference and reinforcing your comprehension of the material.

Show steps

Review Course Notes and Materials
Identify Key Concepts and Techniques
Organize and Summarize Information

Practice Test Case Generation

Show steps

Develop your proficiency in generating test cases by engaging in targeted practice exercises, improving your analytical abilities and ensuring thorough testing coverage.

Show steps

Study Test Case Generation Techniques
Attempt Sample Test Case Generation Problems
Review and Refine Your Solutions

Go Over Mutation Testing Concepts

Show steps

Deepen your comprehension of the core ideas behind mutation testing, providing a solid theoretical foundation for your practical endeavors.

Show steps

Explore Mutation Testing Resources
Read Mutation Testing Research Papers
Attend a Mutation Testing Webinar

Six other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all nine activities

Study Property-Based Testing Techniques

Show steps

Expand your testing arsenal by exploring advanced property-based testing techniques, empowering you to write more robust and reliable tests.

Show steps

Review Property-Based Testing Literature
Watch Property-Based Testing Tutorials
Experiment with Property-Based Testing Tools

Attend a Test Case Generation Workshop

Show steps

Accelerate your learning journey by participating in a workshop dedicated to test case generation, enabling you to acquire expert knowledge and practical skills in a collaborative environment.

Show steps

Research and Identify Workshops
Register and Prepare for the Workshop
Actively Participate and Engage with Experts

Mutation Testing Exercises

Show steps

Solidify your practical skills in mutation testing, equipping you with hands-on experience to tackle real-world challenges confidently.

Show steps

Utilize Mutation Testing Tools
Create and Run Your Own Mutants
Conduct Mutation Analysis

Attend a Property-Based Testing Workshop

Show steps

Accelerate your learning through immersive workshops, enabling you to network with experts and gain practical insights into property-based testing.

Show steps

Identify Relevant Workshops
Register for a Workshop
Attend and Participate Actively

Develop a Mutation Testing Framework

Show steps

Enhance your problem-solving abilities by designing and implementing a framework for mutation testing, tailoring it to specific project requirements.

Show steps

Research Mutation Testing Frameworks
Design Your Own Framework
Code and Test Your Framework

Participate in a Property-Based Testing Competition

Show steps

Put your skills to the test by participating in a competition, challenging yourself to solve complex testing problems and potentially earning recognition for your achievements.

Browse courses on Testing

Show steps

Discover Property-Based Testing Competitions
Prepare for the Competition
Participate Enthusiastically

Career center

Learners who complete Automated Software Testing: Model and State-based Testing will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer

A critical part of any software development team, QA Engineers make sure that new features and programs are working as they should before they reach customers, and are capable of identifying and reporting on bugs. Those who are successful in this career role combine a sharp eye for detail with the ability to think critically and work independently to not only discover bugs, but to find their root causes as well. This course helps build the conceptual understanding and technical skills necessary to write test cases and select the right testing technique for the job.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer

Software Developer

Capable of working independently to translate customer needs into functional, well-performing software solutions; Software Developers are critical to any technology company. The course's emphasis on using testing techniques to ensure flawless, on-time software is especially relevant to this career path. It especially may be helpful for Software Developers who are interested in taking on increased responsibility and leadership in their role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Software Test Engineer

This role will require a deep ability to execute test strategies, verify and document results, and report on bugs. Successful individuals in this role will be comfortable with complex software systems and have an understanding of the software development lifecycle. This course will provide those interested in a career in this role a foundation in automated software testing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Test Engineer

Software Tester

Software Testers perform a critical role on any software development team, but are particularly essential for Agile development, as their work can contribute to uncovering potential risks to quality early on. This course can provide the knowledge of automated testing techniques that are essential for working on these teams and having an immediate impact.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Tester

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts help businesses improve their efficiency by proposing technological improvements, which they may help to implement as well. As such, they need to understand how processes work, as well as how to apply new technologies to optimize performance. This course may be helpful for individuals who may not have a computing background preparing for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Data Analyst

Responsible for collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data, Data Analysts help organizations use data to understand their customers, optimize their operations, and make better decisions. This course may be helpful for those who want to explore the foundational concepts of testing in advance of preparing for a role in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts must be able to understand how businesses work, and to create solutions that help them to run more efficiently. They interview stakeholders, document processes, and help to design and implement new systems and applications. This course may be helpful for those who want to explore the foundational concepts of testing in advance of preparing for a role in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create instruction manuals, how-to guides, and other documentation that explains complex technical information to non-technical audiences. While the primary focus of this role is to create instructional materials for products and services, Technical Writers must be familiar with the products they are writing about, and must have the ability to simplify difficult concepts into clear, concise language. This course may be helpful for those who want to explore the foundational concepts of testing in advance of preparing for a role in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Automation Engineer

Automation Engineers design, develop, and maintain automated systems and equipment to optimize processes and improve efficiency. They must have a strong understanding of both hardware and software, as well as the ability to write and interpret code. This course may be helpful for those who want to explore the foundational concepts of testing in advance of preparing for a role in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Automation Engineer

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the overall success of a product. They work with engineers, designers, and marketers to define the product vision, roadmap, and features. They also track the product's progress and make sure that it meets the needs of customers. This course may be helpful to aspiring Product Managers who want to strengthen their understanding of software testing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

IT Project Manager

IT Project Managers plan, execute, and close IT projects. They work with stakeholders to define the project scope, budget, and timeline. They also manage the project team and track the project's progress. This course may be helpful to aspiring IT Project Managers who want to strengthen their understanding of software testing.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Project Manager

IT Consultant

IT Consultants help organizations to improve their IT systems and processes. They work with clients to identify their needs, develop solutions, and implement change. This course may be helpful for those who want to explore the foundational concepts of testing in advance of preparing for a role in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Consultant

Quality Manager

Quality Managers are responsible for developing and implementing quality assurance programs. They work with teams to identify and mitigate risks, and to improve the quality of products and services. This course may be helpful for those who want to explore the foundational concepts of testing in advance of preparing for a role in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Manager

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. They collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. They also develop models to predict future outcomes and make recommendations. This course may be useful for those who want to gain a basic understanding of automated software testing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Software Architect

Software Architects design and develop the overall architecture of software systems. They work with stakeholders to define the system's requirements and to create a blueprint for how the system will be built. This course may be useful for those who want to gain a basic understanding of automated software testing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect