Test Data refers to the data used in software testing to validate the functionality and performance of an application. It includes both valid and invalid inputs, covering different scenarios to ensure the system behaves correctly in all situations.
Key components of test data include:
- Valid Data: Inputs that meet the system’s expected format and constraints, used to test the application’s normal functionality.
- Invalid Data: Data that falls outside of valid ranges or formats, used to test how the system handles errors or unexpected input.
- Boundary Values: Test data that represents the edges of input ranges, helping identify issues in handling maximum and minimum values.
- Edge Cases: Uncommon or extreme input values that test the system's ability to handle rare scenarios, like empty fields or long strings.
- Data Types: Data can include strings, integers, dates, and other formats depending on the application's functionality.
- Test Data Generation: Automated tools or scripts may be used to generate large volumes of test data, ensuring comprehensive testing across various conditions.
Test data is essential for thorough testing, helping to verify that the software performs as expected under a variety of conditions.