How do you apply decision table testing to different types of software systems?

1 What is a decision table?

A decision table is a tabular representation of the logic of a software system. It consists of four parts: conditions, actions, rules, and test cases. Conditions are the input variables that affect the behavior of the system. Actions are the output or the expected results of the system. Rules are the rows that define the relationships between the conditions and the actions. Test cases are the columns that specify the values of the conditions and the expected actions for each rule.

2 How to create a decision table?

Creating a decision table requires you to identify the conditions and the actions of the system, as well as list all the possible values of the conditions and the actions. You must then determine the number of rules and test cases based on the combinations of the values, and fill in the table with the values and expected actions for each rule and test case. To finish, simplify the table by eliminating redundant or contradictory rules or test cases.

3 How to apply decision table testing to web applications?

When testing web applications with decision tables, you must take into account the web browser and server, the user input, server response, and display output, and the scenarios that reflect the normal, alternative, and exceptional flows of the web application. All of these factors play a role in determining the behavior of the web application and should be taken into consideration when developing test cases. These rules and test cases will help to ensure that the logic of the web application is accurately represented.

4 How to apply decision table testing to desktop applications?

When applying decision table testing to desktop applications, it is important to consider the operating system and hardware configuration as conditions that may influence the application's behavior. Additionally, user input, application output, and file operations should be taken into account as actions that demonstrate the expected results of the desktop application. Lastly, scenarios covering functional, non-functional, and usability aspects of the desktop application should be considered as rules and test cases that represent the logic of the software.

5 How to apply decision table testing to embedded systems?

Embedded systems are software systems that run on dedicated devices and interact with physical components. To apply decision table testing to embedded systems, you must consider the sensors, actuators, signals, commands, and feedback as the conditions and actions that affect the behavior of the system. Additionally, you need to take into account the scenarios that cover normal, abnormal, and emergency situations of the embedded system as the rules and test cases that represent its logic. These factors are essential for meeting performance, reliability, and safety requirements.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?