Software Testing Practice: Test Management

11 Test Metrics

Test metrics allow quantitative statements regarding the quality of a product and its development and test processes. They must therefore be built on solid measurement theoretical foundations. Metrics form the basis for transparent and traceable test process planning and control. Based on different measurement objects, we can create test-case-based metrics, test-basis and test-object-based metrics, defect-based metrics, and cost- and effort-based metrics. One added value of such metrics is that statements can be made regarding the best possible test finishing date, using on the one hand experienced-based estimates on the probability of residual defects and on the other hand statistical failure data analysis and reliability growth ...