Databases : Testing a Database

What To Test

After you have created a database you need to test it to ensure that it is working properly. There are three main areas that you need to test. They are :

1.	Test that the database will accept reasonable inputs and (if you have carried out validation) rejects inputs that are not sensible.
2.	Test that the outputs the database produces are correct. These outputs might be on forms or reports or be the results of running queries.
3.	If you have created any macros you will need to test that these perform the correct actions at the correct times.

The Test Plan

You should created a test plan that lists all of the tests you will carry out on your database. In the test plan you should state :

• What the purpose of the test is.
• What test data the test will use.
• The type of test data that will be used (you should use all three types of test data).
• What results you expect to get when the test is carried out.

If your database is being produced as a piece of coursework it is a good idea to give each test a number.This will allow you to link the tests in your plan to evidence you later produce to show that you have carried them out.

Test Results

When you carry out the tests of your database you need to check that the actual results you obtain match the results you expected to get. If they do not then you will need to work out why not and try to correct the problem. You will then need to carry out the test again.

If your database is being produced as a piece of coursework you should collect evidence to show that you have carried out the tests and cross-reference this evidence to the descriptions of the tests in the test plan.

GCSE ICT Companion 04 - (C) P Meakin 2004