What is ISO 29119-4:2018?

ISO 29119-4:2018 is a part of the ISO/IEC 29119 series, which provides a set of international standards for software testing. It focuses on the keyword-driven testing technique, also known as action-based or table-driven testing. This technique allows test cases to be written in a structured and efficient manner, making it easier to manage and execute tests.

The Key Components of ISO 29119-4:2018

ISO 29119-4:2018 consists of four main components:

Keywords: These are predefined actions that represent operations to be performed during the testing process. Examples include "click," "input," and "verify."

Test Data Levels: ISO 29119-4 specifies different levels of test data, including input, intermediate, output, and required data.

Test Tables: Test cases are organized into tables, where each row represents a specific test case and each column represents an input value, expected result, etc.

Test Procedures: ISO 29119-4 defines guidelines for creating test procedures, ensuring consistency and comprehensiveness across a testing project.

The Benefits of ISO 29119-4:2018

Implementing ISO 29119-4:2018 offers several advantages:

Increased Efficiency: By using predefined keywords and standardized test case structures, testing teams can save time and effort in designing, documenting, and executing tests.

Improved Clarity: The use of keywords and test tables makes test cases more readable and understandable, facilitating communication and collaboration among team members.

Enhanced Test Coverage: ISO 29119-4 helps ensure that test cases cover all necessary scenarios and requirements by providing guidelines for creating comprehensive test procedures.

Better Maintainability: With a standardized approach to testing, it becomes easier to update and maintain test cases, especially in large and complex projects.

Conclusion

ISO 29119-4:2018 is a valuable standard for software testing, particularly for organizations looking to improve their testing processes and achieve higher efficiency and effectiveness. By adopting the keyword-driven testing technique and following the guidelines provided by this standard, testing teams can ensure consistent and high-quality results while saving time and effort.