Testing Applications on the Web: Test Planning for Internet-Based Systems [Paperback]

Gray-box testing--a new means to test complex, distributed systems based on server-side components and browser-based clients--is the focus of the book. In the past, while testers might have ignored certain aspects of standalone desktop software, today's Web-based software requires a thorough knowledge of every aspect of multitiered Web applications. To this end, the book surveys the basics of essential computing topics like thin-client computer architectures, networking (including a comprehensive introduction to TCP/IP and related standards), databases and SQL.

This book also outlines the state of the art in software testing. Notable sections include a short guide to no less than 24 distinct types of software tests, how to test browser-based user interfaces effectively and a thorough guide to Web-performance testing. The general discussion of testing methodology is anchored by a case study on actual test documents and tests for a Web-based software application (a tool for tracking software defects). The text closes with a survey of today's testing tools, plus blank templates for creating your own test plans in the field.

With its expert's-eye view of what's involved in software testing, bolstered by real-world examples, Testing Applications on the Web proves itself an extremely worthwhile resource. --Richard Dragan

This is really one of the first testing books to cover the heuristic aspects of testing instead of getting caught up in impractical rigor. It's like climbing into the mind of a grizzled veteran of Web testing. It's nice to see a testing book that addresses a specific problem domain." -- James Bach, Principal, Satisfice, Inc.

"Testing Applications on the Web by Hung Q. Nguyen is an absolute must for anyone who has a serious interest in software testing, especially testing web applications. This book covers nearly every aspect of the error-finding process, moving from basic definitions and terminology, through detailed and easy-to-understand explanations of most testing strategies in use today. It finishes with a chapter on Web testing tools and appendices with test documentation templates. This book is written with the practitioner in mind, but can equally well be used by students in software engineering curriculums. It presents both theory and practice in a thorough and clear manner. It illustrates both concepts and practical techniques with numerous realistic examples. This is a very good book on testing Web applications." -- Steve Schuster, Director, Quality Engineering, Carrier Applications Group, Phone.Com, Inc.

"Testing Applications on the Web contains a wealth of practical information. I believe that anyone involved with web testing will find this book invaluable. Hung's writing is crisp and clear, containing plenty of real-world examples to illustrate the key points. The treatment of gray-box testing is particularly insightful, both for general use, and as applied to testing web applications." -- Christopher Agruss, Quality Engineer Manager, Discreet - a division of Autodesk

"Testing Applications on the Web is a long-overdue and much needed guide to effectively testing web applications. The explosion of e-Commerce businesses in the last couple of years has brought new challenges to software testers. There is a great need for knowledge in this area, but little available. Nguyen's class, Testing Web Applications was the only class I could find of its kind and I was immediately able to put what I learned to use on the job. Nguyen's first book, Testing Computer Software is required reading for my entire test team, and Testing Applications on the Web will now be added to that list. Nguyen provides a combination of in-depth technical information and sound test planning strategies, presented in a way that will benefit testers in real world situations. Testing Applications on the Web is a fabulous reference and I highly recommend it to all software testers." -- Debbie Goble, Software Quality Control Manager, SBC Services, Inc.

If you want to learn about testing Web applications, this book is a 'must-have'. A Web application comprises many parts - servers, browsers, and communications - all (hopefully) compatible and interacting correctly to make the right things happen. This book shows you how all these components work, what can go wrong, and what you need to do to test Web applications effectively. There are also plenty of examples and helpful checklists. I know of no other place where you can get a goldmine of information like this, and it's very clearly presented to boot! -- Bob Stahl, President, The Testing Center

Years ago I was looking for a book like this. Internet software must work in all kinds of configurations. How can you test them all? Which do you choose? How should you isolate the problems you find? What do you need to know about the Internet technologies being used? "Testing Applications on the Web" answers all these questions. Many test engineers will find this book to be a godsend. I do! -- Bret Pettichord, Editor, Software Testing Hotlist