How to test software without any requirements?

You have been handed an application with no requirements. You are supposed to test it. Can you do it? Sure, you can. Just look at the following test ideas or view the video, How to Test Software without Requirements?

• Does the application launch?

• Does the application have a help/ demo file? You can find abundant information in the help/ demo file to help you design your test cases.

• Does the application accept user input?

• Does the state of the application change on accepting each user input?

• Does each control in the application work? Examples of controls include menu items, toolbar buttons, links, text boxes and buttons.

• Does each controls have a consistent look and feel (e.g. style, size, font and alignment)?

• Is each label or text in the application spelt correctly?

• Is it possible to copy/ paste data to/ from the application?

• Does the application show all the displayed data (with or without scrolling)?

• Is it possible to perform the tasks promised by the name of the name of the application?

• Does the application close?

• (If it is a Windows application) Does the application follow the common standards for Windows applications?

• (If it is Web application) Does the application follow the common requirements for Web applications?

I am sure that you can come up with more test ideas. And this is an extreme example. In the real world, even if you know nothing about the application for which you are going to design tests, you may have one or more of the following resources to help you beside the requirements specification:
1. A knowledge transfer (either in person or via a document) regarding the application
2. High level business requirements
3. Design documents
4. Business analyst or product manager
5. Project manager or developers
6. Prior versions of the application
7. Older requirements specifications
8. Past bug reports or customer complaints
9. Installation guide and release notes
10. Your domain/ industry knowledge
11. Laws/ statutory requirements that must be satisfied by the application