Overview

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Test data consists of the user providing some input values and predicting the outputs. This can be quite easy for a simple program and the test data can be used twice.

Test data is developed by using the algorithm of the program. This algorithm is usually documented during the program design with either fowcharting or pseudocode. Here is the pseudocode in outline form describing the inputs, processing and outputs for a program used for painting rectangular buildings.

Example 2.2: Pseudocode using an IPO Outline for Painting a Rectangular Building

Input   display a message asking user for the length of the building   get the length from the keyboard   display a message asking user for the width of the building   get the width from the keyboard   display a message asking user for the height of the building   get the height from the keyboard   display a message asking user for the price per gallon of paint   get the price per gallon of paint from the keyboard   display a message asking user for the sq ft coverage of a gallon of paint   get the sq ft coverage of a gallon of paint from the keyboard  Processing   calculate the total area of the building by:     multiplying the length by height by 2     then multiply the width by height by 2     then add the two results together   calculate the number of gallons of paint needed by:     dividing the total area by the coverage per gallon     then round up to the next whole gallon   calculate the total cost of the paint by:     multiplying the total gallons needed by the price of one gallon of paint Output   display the number of gallons needed on the monitor   display the total cost of the paint on the monitor   pause so the user can see the answer