What are the best ways to identify risk in software development using functional testing metrics?

1 Test Coverage

Test coverage is a metric that indicates how much of the software functionality, features, and requirements are covered by the test cases. Test coverage can be measured at different levels, such as unit, integration, system, and acceptance testing. Test coverage can help identify risk in software development by revealing the gaps and weaknesses in the test plan and the software design. A low test coverage means that there are potentially many untested scenarios, conditions, and paths that could lead to errors, failures, or vulnerabilities. A high test coverage means that the test cases are comprehensive, thorough, and aligned with the user expectations and business goals.

2 Defect Density

Defect density is a metric that measures the number of defects found in the software per unit of size, such as lines of code, function points, or modules. Defect density can help identify risk in software development by indicating the quality and reliability of the software code and the testing process. A high defect density means that the software has many bugs, errors, or flaws that could affect its functionality, performance, or security. A low defect density means that the software has few or no defects, or that the defects are minor, trivial, or non-critical.

3 Defect Severity

Defect severity is a metric that classifies the defects found in the software based on their impact and urgency. Defect severity can be categorized into different levels, such as critical, major, minor, or cosmetic. Defect severity can help identify risk in software development by prioritizing the defects that need to be fixed and resolved. A high defect severity means that the defects are serious, harmful, or unacceptable, and that they could compromise the functionality, usability, or security of the software. A low defect severity means that the defects are insignificant, harmless, or tolerable, and that they have little or no effect on the software quality or user satisfaction.

4 Defect Resolution Time

Defect resolution time is a metric that measures the time taken to fix and close the defects found in the software. Defect resolution time can be calculated by subtracting the date of defect detection from the date of defect closure. Defect resolution time can help identify risk in software development by assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of the defect management process and the software maintenance process. A long defect resolution time means that the defects are taking too long to be fixed and closed, and that they could delay the software delivery, increase the project cost, or reduce the customer satisfaction. A short defect resolution time means that the defects are being fixed and closed quickly and smoothly, and that they could enhance the software quality, speed up the project completion, or improve the customer loyalty.

5 Test Effectiveness

Test effectiveness is a metric that measures the ability of the testing process to find and remove defects from the software. Test effectiveness can be calculated by dividing the number of defects found during testing by the total number of defects found during testing and after software release. Test effectiveness can help identify risk in software development by evaluating the quality and value of the testing process and the software product. A low test effectiveness means that the testing process is missing or overlooking many defects, and that the software product is likely to have many defects that could affect its functionality, performance, or security. A high test effectiveness means that the testing process is finding and eliminating most of the defects, and that the software product is likely to have few or no defects that could enhance its functionality, performance, or security.

6 Customer Satisfaction

Customer satisfaction is a metric that measures the degree to which the software product meets or exceeds the customer expectations and requirements. Customer satisfaction can be measured by using various methods, such as surveys, feedback, reviews, ratings, or referrals. Customer satisfaction can help identify risk in software development by reflecting the quality and success of the software product and the software development process. A low customer satisfaction means that the software product is failing or underperforming, and that it could lead to customer complaints, dissatisfaction, or churn. A high customer satisfaction means that the software product is delivering or exceeding, and that it could lead to customer satisfaction, loyalty, or advocacy.

7 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?