Step 4 -  Program Test

 

All programs must be tested for errors after they are keyed into the computer

  1. Debugging is a programmer's word for testing.

  2. All errors in program code and logic must be eliminated.

  3. A phrase used to define the process of eliminating errors in a program is "getting the bugs out".

  

  

There are two types of errors that must be eliminated from a program before it can be used in a real-time computing environment

  1. Syntax Error

    1. An error which violates the rules of the language which the program is written in.

    2. Statements used as program instructions must use the exact format of any command or punctuation as dictated by the program language.

    3. Syntax errors are found during the process of translation from English-like code to binary code.

    4. All syntax errors must be corrected before a program can be executed.
        

  2. Logic Error

    1. An error, which occurs when programming instructions do not follow a logical sequence that produces correct results.

    2. Logic errors can occur during execution of a program - run-time logic errors.

    3. Logic errors can occur after execution of a program - output logic errors.

  

  

TESTING PROCESS - There are several methods of debugging a program

  1. Desk Checking

    1. Programmer sits at a desk and proofreads a printout of the program.

    2. Programmer goes through list line by line looking for syntax and logic errors.
        

  2. Manual Testing with Sample Data

    1. Both correct and incorrect data is run through the program manually.

    2. The computer is not used - testing is done at a desk with a printout of program.

    3. Testing for correct processing results.
        

  3. Attempt at Translation

    1. Program is run through a computer using a translator program.

    2. Testing for syntax errors (errors in the rules of the language).
        

  4. Testing sample data on the computer

    1. Program is run through a computer using sample data after it is free of syntax errors.

    2. Testing for logic errors (run-time and output).
         

  5. Testing by a select group of potential users

    1. Sometimes called beta testing.

    2. It is usually the final step in testing a program.

    3. Potential users try out the program and provide feedback.

 

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