Using JUnit to Design Software Testing Programs
The testing phase in program design is an important step for software engineers; if a program is not properly tested, its users could end up frustrated when it doesn't work correctly.Copyright 2009 Morburre, Wikimedia Commons {PD} http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Computerposition.jpg
Students focus on the testing phase of the design process by considering how they have tested computer programs in the past and learning about a new method called JUnit to test programs in the future. JUnit is a testing method that is included with NetBeans (Java) installs or can be downloaded from the web and included in the Java build. Students design tests using JUnit and implement those tests.
The software/systems design process, which is a specific use of the engineering design process, is critical to the creation of an effective program in an efficient manner. Software engineers employ this design process in the creation of new software. In fact, they employ mini design processes inside of the larger process. For instance, software engineers must analyze, design, implement and test the testing components to properly be able to test the software being developed. This lesson focuses on the testing phase of the design cycle, specifically, designing and implementing tests for a given software program.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Apply the design process to test software.
- Create JUnit tests to test Java classes.
- Explain the importance of the testing phase in developing software.