Most manuals assume software testing is being performed as part of a well-defined, structured development cycle based on clearly stated requirements and standards. Unfortunately, this is not often the case in the real world. Indeed, the one true constant in software development is change.

PDCA/TEST presents a continuous quality framework based on Dr. Edward Deming's famous rapid application "spiral" development model for quality through a continuous improvement process to promote effective testing methods in both structured and unstructured environments.

William E. Lewis shows you Deming's spiral approach as an alternative to the traditional waterfall method. In the waterfall method, one set of predefined sequential steps is followed with clearly enumerated requirements. But the spiral approach is one where these rigid sequential steps may, to varying degrees, be either lacking or different as circumstances demand. Starting from this fundamental building block, Lewis shows you how to:

• Apply the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) quality wheel to the software testing process
• Integrate a continuous quality framework into all phases of software development, including requirements analysis, logical design, physical design, program unit design, and coding
• And choose the right testing tool (such as Bender & Associates Softtest) for the right test.

The book also details the spiral methodology for software testing broken down into parts, steps and tasks documented with extensive checklists, templates, and technical discussions. You will also learn to:

• Master black box, white box and gray box testing
• Incorporate continuous improvement into inspections and walkthroughs
• Verify the logical design, physical design, program unit design, and coding phases
• And more.

In sum, PDCA/TEST: A Framework for Software Testing gives you all the tools and knowledge you need to assure quality software testing throughout all stages of development, no matter how unstructured that process may wind up being.