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This lesson covers testing strategies as required by OCR J277 Section 2.4. Testing is the process of checking that a program works correctly and meets its requirements. OCR requires you to understand both iterative testing (testing during development) and final/terminal testing (testing the completed program).
Testing is essential because:
A program that has not been thoroughly tested may contain hidden bugs that cause crashes, security vulnerabilities, or incorrect results.
Iterative testing is testing that takes place during development, after each new section of code is written. The programmer tests individual modules or features as they build them, fixing errors before moving on.
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Early bug detection | Errors are found close to when they were introduced, making them easier to fix |
| Easier debugging | Only a small amount of new code needs to be checked |
| Continuous improvement | Code quality improves throughout development |
| Reduced risk | Problems are caught incrementally rather than all at the end |
A programmer building a quiz application might test:
Each feature is tested individually before the next one is built.
OCR Exam Tip: When describing iterative testing, always emphasise that testing happens DURING development, not just at the end. The key word is "iterative" — meaning repeated cycles of code, test, fix, re-test.
Final testing (also called terminal testing) takes place when the program is complete. The entire program is tested as a whole to ensure all components work together correctly and the program meets all its requirements.
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