An introduction to the practice and the tools of software dynamic testing

In this paper we provide a brief, yet comprehensive, introduction to the practice of dynamic testing of computer software and to currently available automated testing tools. We first expose the basic concepts of testing, pointing out its properties and its limitations. Then we propose a control flow diagram for the testing process. Following this diagram step by step, we describe all the activities involved and the relative tools. Quite obviously, testing must be prepared through an accurate and well-documented specification phase.