Test Metrics and Measurement

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Test metrics and measurement are the methods of quantifying and evaluating the quality, effectiveness, efficiency, and performance of software testing processes and deliverables. Test metrics and measurement help to monitor and align the testing activities, identify areas of improvement, and provide input data for future testing projects.

Test Metrics and Measurement Examples

• Defect Density measures the number of defects detected in a software module or product, relative to its size. It is calculated by dividing the total number of defects by the total number of lines of code or function points. Defect density helps to assess the quality of the software or compare its quality with that of other software.
  
• Test Coverage measures the extent to which the software features or requirements are covered by the test cases. It is calculated by dividing the number of features or requirements tested by the total number of features or requirements. Test coverage ratio helps to know the completeness of testing.
• Test Effectiveness measures the ability of testing to find defects in the software. It is calculated by dividing the number of defects found by testing by the total number of defects found by testing and users. Test effectiveness ratio helps to evaluate the quality of current software testing.
• Test Efficiency measures the productivity and resource utilization of testing. It is calculated by dividing the number of test cases executed by the total time or effort spent on testing. Test efficiency helps to know the testing process.
• Test Progress measures the status and rate of completion of testing activities. It is calculated by comparing the actual and planned test cases executed, defects reported, and test results with the planned. Test progress helps to track and adjust the testing schedule.

Tips for Test Metrics and Measurement

• Choose test metrics that are relevant for your testing objectives, and stakeholders.
• Your test metrics should be actionable.
  
• Collect test data from the specific reliable sources, such as your test management tool, defect tracking tool, and test automation tools.
• Visualize the test metrics as graphs, charts, tables, and analyze them.
• Report test metrics promptly, using summary, visualization, and recommendations.

FAQ (interview questions and answers)

1. What is the purpose of test metrics and measurement?
   Find out and improve the quality and efficiency of software testing processes and deliverables.
2. What are the benefits of test metrics and measurement?
   They provide quantitative data about software testing. They help in monitoring and controlling testing activities, identify strengths and weaknesses of testing processes and provide data for future testing.
3. What challenges do you face with of test metrics and measurement?
   They require investment in terms of cost, time, resources, and skills. They may not capture all aspects of software testing quality. They may indicate a distorted view of software testing progress. They need personalization according to the stakeholders' needs.
   
4. How do you evaluate a test metric or measurement?
   By determining its relevance, validity, usefulness; simplicity and reliability.
   

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