Software Testing Strategy

Data is an important asset to any business. Maintaining data integrity of company operating systems is very high priority for IT personnel. Database testing is the mechanism and procedures that are put in place to ensure that appropriate read and write executions store and retrieve the data correctly. Conventional test methodology involves performing database testing on database schemas and to visually inspect the database during construction, after modification and, most importantly, the test phase at the end of the project development lifecycle.

A common best practice for database testing is to have a "sandbox" to test the application. A sandbox is an isolated environment where simulation of real world data interaction can take place without affecting mission critical real time stored records. Essentially, the test schema which forms part of the documentation of the application development lifecycle, outlines the range of performance, stress, integrity and security checks that the test database is to be subjected to. The primary advantages of sandboxes is that they reduce the risk of technical errors impacting a wider than necessary audience and permit stage development and deployment.

Setting up a database testing sandbox can involve establishing several layers before production integration takes places. These layers form a bridge between the live applications and allow database changes to be moved through stages of checks and balances before deploying the live version. This is a form of risk management that is structured to isolate development, project integration, pre-production integration and final production integration. In the development sandbox, new functionality is implemented, existing functionality refractored, changes are validated through testing and then moved to a project integration sandbox. The integration sandbox allows you to run test scripts to ensure the desire functionality performs correctly and that any modifications that have made don't compromise the existing structure.

Part of the database testing framework involves sourcing test data, developing and maintaining scripts. This allows the formulation of database test cases which comprise known variables. External testing tools for performing interface and internal database tests can be utilized and will depend on the database construction and development tools used in the development environment. The database testing format will also need to accommodate simulated real world conditions. This is to subject the database testing to a wider range of variables and data inputs that would ordinarily not be encountered in an isolated test environment. Application developers and database administrators don't always scope and bound the full range of database testing considerations. Allowing personnel independent from the development environment to participate prior to project deployment is a prudent measure to capture potential errors not perceived by the development team. Adhering to best practice standards and a consistent framework helps to protect your database assets.

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