Much time and effort is wasted both within and between industry, commerce, government and professional and academic institutions when ambiguities arise as a result of the inability to differentiate adequately between such terms as `path coverage' and `branch coverage'; `test case suite', `test specification' and `test plan' and similar terms which form an interface between various sectors and society. Moreover, the professional, or technical use of these terms is often at variance with the meanings attributed to them by lay people.
This document presents concepts, terms and definitions designed to aid communication in software testing and related disciplines.
The current Glossary of Software Testing terms is a 'living' document. It includes all the terms in the original BS 7925-2, but is continuously being updated as new terms are identified that require definition.
Work on producing a glossary of terms in software testing started over 10 years ago. This work led to the production of BS 7925-1, which was published in 1998.
An English-Dutch translation table (edited by Erik van Veenendaal) for the terms in BS 7925-1 is available by clicking download English-Dutch.
New terms (hopefully with suggested definitions) may be submitted to the Working Party using the Feedback Form. These terms and their definitions will be reviewed to decide inclusion in the Glossary at the regular working party meetings in London. Note that changes to current definitions may also be submitted in the same way. Current items for review can be found on the Terms under Review page.
Changes to definitions in the Living Glossary are detailed on the changes page.