Understanding ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119: Software testing made easy

ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119 is an international framework for software testing. It enables tests to be structured, planned and carried out consistently and efficiently. Adopted by companies, it guarantees the quality of software, whatever its complexity.

This standardization acts like a roadmap. It ensures that every stage of testing is covered, from start to finish. The result is safer, more reliable software, no matter who's in charge of testing.

Principles and simplified terminology

In software testing, it's essential to have a clear understanding of the different types of testing and to use a common terminology. This enables all teams, whatever their expertise, to speak the same language and collaborate more effectively.?

Here are some key terms to know, explained simply.

• Functional testing?

This test verifies that each software function works as intended. The aim is to ensure that each part of the software fulfills its role. For example, check that a "send" button actually sends a message.

• Non-functional test

Here, we don't test what the software does, but how it does it. We're interested in aspects such as speed, security or stability. A typical example is to check whether a website loads quickly, even when it's very busy.

• Regression test

This test ensures that recent modifications or corrections have not created new problems elsewhere in the software. In other words, we check that what worked before continues to work after the updates.

• Automated testing?

Rather than performing tests manually, we use tools to run them automatically. This saves time and reduces human error, especially for repetitive tests.

Why standardized tests?

Standardized testing is essential to ensure the quality and reliability of software.?

Software testing is not just about testing whether functionality works. It's about creating a consistent, repeatable approach that everyone can understand.?

Here's why standardized testing is crucial:

• Consistency of results?

Standardized testing ensures that every test is performed in the same way, regardless of who performs it or when. This guarantees comparable and reliable results.?

If each team uses different methods, it becomes impossible to compare results or ensure that everything has been thoroughly tested.

• Risk reduction?

Following a standard reduces the risk of errors or omissions. Tests systematically cover all critical areas of the software, ensuring that no aspect is overlooked.?

This reduces the chances of encountering serious bugs once the software is in production.

• Improved efficiency?

A standard provides a clear roadmap, eliminating improvisation. This saves teams time, as they don't have to reinvent the wheel on every project.?

With a well-defined method, teams know exactly what to do and when, which speeds up the whole testing process.

• Facilitates collaboration

Standardized testing enables several teams, sometimes located in different countries, to work together, speaking the same language. Everyone understands the steps, the tools and the expected results.?

This promotes better collaboration and communication.

• Regulatory compliance

In some industries, software testing must meet strict standards to comply with legal requirements.?

Following standards such as ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119 helps companies to ensure that they meet the standards required by law, particularly in sensitive areas such as healthcare or finance.

Conclusion?

The ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119 standard is an essential framework for guaranteeing software testing quality, offering a clear, structured approach at every stage.

By adopting these standards, companies reduce the risk of errors, guarantee consistent results and strengthen collaboration between teams. Whether you're developing a small application or a complex piece of software, following an international standard is the best guarantee of reliability.?

Would you like to guarantee the quality of your software? Contact us to find out how we can help you implement standards-compliant testing.