Data Base and its Testing

Data base

A database is a collection of records stored in a computer in a systematic way, so that a computer program can consult it to answer questions. For better retrieval and sorting, each record is usually organized as a set of data elements (facts). The items retrieved in answer to queries become information that can be used to make decisions.

Some Common Database Brands

4D

Adabas

Corel Paradox

DB2

FileMaker Pro

FirebirdSQL

IMS

Informix

Ingres

Microsoft Access

Microsoft SQL Server

MySQL

OOo Base

Oracle

PostgreSQL

SQLite

Sybase ASE

Database testing

In database testing we test for all the database logic. We test for the table structure, inserts, updates, deletes, triggers and also procedures.

Data bas testing basically include the following:

1) Data validity testing.

2) Data Integrity testing

3) Performance related to data base.

4) Testing of Procedure, triggers and functions.

Prior requirements to test a database:

1) For doing data validity testing, one should be good in SQL queries

2) For data integrity testing one should know about referential integrity and different constraint.

3) For performance related things you should have idea about the table structure and design.

4) For testing Procedure triggers and functions you should be able to understand the same

In DB testing we need to check for,

1. The field size validation

2. Check constraints.

3. Indexes are done or not (for performance related issues)

4. Stored procedures

5. The field size defined in the application is matching with that in the db.

Example of testing a database manually:

Observing that operations, which are operated on front-end is effected on back-end or not.

The approach is as follows:

1) Add a record from front-end.

2) Check back-end that addition of record is effected or not.

3) Try to put different data from front end and see the changes at backend.

4) Check for attribute criteria like type, length,

So same for delete, update.