Test Metrics in Software Testing - What are test metrics in software testing?

Great job on starting a new lesson! After reading this lesson, click Next button at bottom right to continue to the next lesson.

What are test metrics in software testing?

Test metrics are numbers that measure the quality, performance, and progress of the software testing process. They help you to make data-driven decisions about the software testing process and improve its efficiency. Test metrics in software testing have two main types: base metrics and calculated metrics. Base metrics are the raw data that you collect during the test case development and execution, such as number of test cases, and number of defects. Calculated metrics are derived from the base metrics using formulas, such as defect density, and test coverage.

Test metrics in software testing examples

• A web application that allows users to book movie tickets online: the base metrics are number of test cases written (200), number of test cases executed (180), number of defects found (20), number of defects fixed (15), etc. The calculated metrics are defect density (0.11), test coverage (90%), defect removal efficiency (75%), etc.
• A mobile game that challenges users to solve puzzles: the base metrics are number of test cases written (150), number of test cases executed (140), number of defects found (10), number of defects fixed (8), etc. The calculated metrics are defect density (0.07), test coverage (93%), defect removal efficiency (80%), etc.
• A desktop software that helps users to edit photos: the base metrics are number of test cases written (100), number of test cases executed (90), number of defects found (5), number of defects fixed (4), etc. The calculated metrics are defect density (0.05), test coverage (90%), defect removal efficiency (80%), etc.
• A machine learning software that helps users to analyze data: the base metrics for this software are number of test cases written (300), number of test cases executed (270), number of defects found (25), number of defects fixed (20), etc. Some of the calculated metrics for this software are defect density (0.09), test coverage (90%), defect removal efficiency (80%), etc.

Tips for test metrics in software testing

• After you define clear and measurable goals and criteria for your software testing process, you should use only the relevant metrics to track your process.
• Use standard tools and consistent methods to collect and analyze your software testing data.
• Use both base metrics and calculated metrics to get a fuller view of your software testing process.
• Use graphical and numerical representations to present your software testing metrics to the stakeholders.
  
• Review your software testing metrics regularly and use them to improve your software testing process.

FAQ (interview questions and answers)

1. How do you calculate defect density?
   Defect density = Number of defects / Size of the software
2. How do you calculate test coverage?
   Test coverage = Number of test cases executed / Number of test cases selected for test execution
   
3. What is the difference between base metrics and calculated metrics?
   Base metrics are the raw data collected during the test case development and execution, such as number of test cases, number of defects, etc. Calculated metrics are derived from the base metrics using formulas, such as defect density, test coverage, etc.

Remember to just comment if you have any doubts or queries.