Foundations of Software Testing and Validation from Coursera

Software testing and validation are vital because they ensure that the end product meets the design requirements. In just two weeks, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of industry-standard techniques and learn how to design and implement effective test cases.

Through step-by-step guidance and real-world examples, you'll delve into different types of software testing, acquiring the skills to apply industry standards and best practices. You'll learn to design robust test cases and adhere to industry standards, making you a valuable asset in the software development field.

By the end of the course, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and expertise to ensure software quality through rigorous testing and validation processes. Join this course and kickstart your software development career today.

This course is one of many, offered by Click Start, a UK training programme designed to help young people develop digital skills. Click Start offers a limited number of scholarships giving free access to young people in the UK. Check the FAQs to see more detail and follow the link to check if you are eligible for free access today.

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1: Foundations of software testing and validation

Welcome to Foundations of Software Testing and Validation! In the first week, you will be focusing on the basic concepts of software testing, its goals and how it fits into the software development life cycle. During the second week, we'll build on these concepts and explore software validation, quality assurance and dynamic testing techniques. Let's get started!

Week 2: Test design techniques and validation

Week 2 of the continues the journey into the core of software testing – the various techniques and methods used to ensure software is robust and reliable. You will explore dynamic testing, where software is run under specific conditions and observe the results. You will look at how to create appropriate test cases and learn about two crucial techniques: boundary value analysis and equivalence partitioning. Throughout this week, you'll gain practical skills and knowledge that will be essential for your journey into the world of software testing.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers core concepts of software testing and validation, crucial for software engineers

Teaches industry-standard techniques for designing and implementing test cases

Provides step-by-step guidance and real-world examples for practical understanding

Builds expertise in ensuring software quality through rigorous testing processes

Suitable for those seeking to strengthen their foundation in software testing

Taught by industry professionals with extensive experience in software testing

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 Foundations of Software Testing and Validation with these activities:

Create a Personalized Study Plan

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Optimize your learning journey by creating a personalized study plan that aligns with your goals and learning style.

Browse courses on Learning Strategies

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Review the course syllabus and identify key topics.
Set realistic goals for each topic.
Plan the order in which you will tackle the topics.
Identify resources such as books, articles, and online materials.

Review Software Testing Best Practices

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Lay a solid foundation for your software testing journey by reviewing a comprehensive guide to industry best practices.

View Black-Box Testing on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts.
Identify areas where your current knowledge and practices can improve.
Apply the principles and techniques learned to your own projects.

Participate in Peer Review and Code Walk-throughs

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Enhance your learning by engaging in peer review and code walk-throughs, fostering collaboration and critical feedback.

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Join or form a study group with peers.
Regularly review each other's code and provide constructive feedback.
Conduct code walk-throughs to explain complex algorithms and design decisions.
Learn from different perspectives and improve the quality of your work.

Four other activities

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Create Software Test Case Template

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Reinforce your understanding of software testing by creating your own test case template highlighting the essential components and structure.

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Review industry-standard software testing frameworks.
Identify the key elements of a comprehensive test case.
Design a custom template that includes sections for test case ID, description, expected behavior, actual behavior, and status.
Populate the template with real-world examples and scenarios.

Solve Test Case Design Challenges

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Develop your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities by practicing test case design challenges.

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Analyze real-world software requirements and specifications.
Create test scenarios that cover different functionalities and conditions.
Determine the most effective test cases to identify potential bugs.
Review and refine test cases based on feedback.

Explore Advanced Testing Techniques and Tools

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Expand your knowledge and skills by exploring advanced testing techniques and tools to enhance your testing capabilities.

Browse courses on Test-Driven Development

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Research and identify best practices for software testing automation.
Learn about test-driven development methodologies.
Gain hands-on experience with performance testing tools.
Apply advanced testing techniques to real-world projects.

Implement a Software Testing Tool or Framework

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Gain practical experience by implementing a software testing tool or framework, enhancing your understanding of its capabilities and real-world applications.

Browse courses on Test-Driven Development

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Research and select a suitable software testing tool or framework.
Set up the tool or framework in your development environment.
Create test cases and execute them using the tool or framework.
Analyze the test results and identify bugs or quality issues.

Career center

Learners who complete Foundations of Software Testing and Validation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Tester

Software Testers are in high demand as organizations increasingly prioritize software quality. As a Software Tester, you will be responsible for evaluating software to ensure that it meets all requirements and specifications. This course provides you with the essential skills and knowledge to design and implement effective test cases, ensuring that software is robust and reliable. You will also learn how to communicate test results and work effectively with development teams to resolve defects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Tester

Software Engineer

As a Software Engineer, you will be involved in the design, development, and testing of software applications. This course will help you develop the skills to create high-quality software that meets user needs. You will learn how to design test cases, execute tests, and analyze results. You will also gain an understanding of software testing standards and best practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts play a vital role in ensuring that software products are of high quality and meet customer expectations. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a successful Quality Assurance Analyst. You will learn how to plan and execute software tests, analyze test results, and identify and resolve defects. You will also gain an understanding of quality assurance standards and best practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Software Development Manager

As a Software Development Manager, you will be responsible for leading and managing software development teams. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead effective software development projects. You will learn how to plan and manage software development projects, track progress, and ensure that software products are delivered on time and within budget. You will also gain an understanding of software development best practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Development Manager

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, managing, and executing projects. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a successful Project Manager. You will learn how to plan and manage projects, track progress, and ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. You will also gain an understanding of project management best practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for understanding business needs and translating them into technical requirements. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a successful Business Analyst. You will learn how to gather and analyze business requirements, create functional specifications, and communicate with stakeholders. You will also gain an understanding of business analysis best practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Software Architect

Software Architects are responsible for designing and developing the architecture of software systems. This course may be useful for Software Architects who want to learn more about software testing and validation. You will gain an understanding of software testing standards and best practices, and learn how to design and implement effective test cases.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers are responsible for creating user manuals, technical documentation, and other written materials. This course may be useful for Technical Writers who want to learn more about software testing and validation. You will gain an understanding of software testing standards and best practices, and learn how to write effective test reports.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer