subject: Software Testing - The Complete History [print this page] In 1947 the story of software testing beganIn 1947 the story of software testing began. The first software error was discovered in a Harvard University computer. It was a real moth in a Mark II relay that was causing the dysfunction and is where the term 'bug' in IT vocabulary comes from. During 1949, two years later, Mr. Alan Turing published an article on software testing. It explained the effectiveness of a computer routine check for any errors.
The 1950's saw more evidence on how effective software testing could be. This included the description by Charles L. Baker, on the de-bugging and testing practices and their differences. In 1960, the trend for such information continued. Gerald Weinberg and Herbert Leeds, established computer programmers in the USA, wrote a chapter on testing in the book 'Programming Fundamentals'. William Elmedorf also wrote a white paper on the subject. Detailing a more focused approach to software testing.
Since the use of computer programs began to increase, so did the number of errors. This was due to the absence of any quality control. In 1970, people began to lose trust in the computer industry as the writing of code, held no clear standards. Fortunately, at that time when there was further material on software testing methods being produced. 'The Art of Software Testing' by Glenford J. Myers was published in 1979. Allowing greater knowledge on the principles of effective software testing.
During the 1983-1987 the testing cycle became apparent. 'The Institute for Computer Sciences' and 'Technology of the National Bureau of Standards' produced guidelines on the testing cycle. There book was entitled 'Guideline for Life-Cycle Validation, Verification and testing of software'. Their articles describe a cycle of software testing that should guarantee success. It serves as a means of detecting defects through test requirements, design and implementation.
In 1988 the most significant software testing book became available. 'Software Testing Techniques' by Boris Beizer, indicated not only the importance of detection but prevention in the software testing cycle as a whole.
