For more than seven years, the authorities said, Jose Rodriguez of Brick, N.J., a senior engineer at Amtrak, obtained more than 100 chain saws and hundreds of chain saw parts from the railroad, claiming he needed them for various service projects.
But instead, according to prosecutors, Mr. Rodriguez, 49, sold the equipment either through an online auction service or directly to purchasers — and lined his pockets with the proceeds.
… Mr. Rodriguez took “advantage of his role as a senior engineer at Amtrak, to requisition and sign out” the chain saws and their parts “upon false pretenses” that the equipment would be used for Amtrak projects, according to the charging documents.
Daily Word Challenge
Can you correctly use the word requisition in a sentence?
Based on the definition and example provided, write a sentence using today’s Word of the Day and share it as a comment on this article. It is most important that your sentence makes sense and demonstrates that you understand the word’s definition, but we also encourage you to be creative and have fun.
Then, read some of the other sentences students have submitted and use the “Recommend” button to vote for two original sentences that stand out to you.
If you want a better idea of how requisition can be used in a sentence, read these usage examples on Vocabulary.com.
Students ages 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, can comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff.
The 21st of February is International Mother Tongue Day. It’s all about promoting and preserving linguistic and cultural diversity. The day was first announced back in 1999 by the United Nations and has been celebrated every year since. Here at Alison, we are all about language and diversity. So let’s explore a few mother tongues you can learn for free in our Language Category. So, whether you are just starting out and want to learn a new language to challenge yourself or are a professional who wants to upskill themselves and make that CV even more impressive, Alison has the right course for you.
Let’s get things started with one of the widest spoken mother tongues on the globe, English. It’s spoken by over a billion people as either a first or second language. Many aspects of English can be confusing to someone who isn’t familiar with it, so starting off with the basics and working your way up to fluency is the right way to go. Look at this article on the Alison Blog about our English Vertical and the different courses available.
For those of you who are already pretty good at the language, we offer a Diploma in English Language & Literature. This course is designed as a deep dive into the complexities and nuances (see, you’re learning fancy words already) of the language and the literature it is famous for. In addition, you’ll have interesting things to say at dinner parties.
Languages Of The World
Speaking of dinner, let’s take a trip to the land that literally came up with the word cuisine. I’m talking about France of course. Widely considered the language of love and romance, the French language isn’t all sensual sounding phrases, and delicious words, it is one of the most useful languages to learn. It can open all sorts of doors for the fluent French speaker internationally. Head on over and sign up for the Diploma in French Language Studies.
Sprechen Sie German? You’ll have to excuse the butchery of the language, but it did catch your attention, right? German is one of the most widely spoken languages in the EU and is even one of the mother tongues of Namibia, all the way down in Southern Africa.
Once you have mastered the basics of the German language, including how to order a Pilsner, the national drink of Germany you can move on to becoming fluent in it and using it to advance your European career goals.
If French is the language of love, then Spanish is the language of passion! It conjures up images of flamenco dancers dancing to wild and vibrant music, played by mariachis on cobbled streets. From Madrid to Buenos Ares, Spanish is the fourth most spoken language in the world. This isn’t surprising as it is the official mother tongue for over 20 countries. Take the Introduction to Spanish today!
Lastly, on the subject of learning to speak different languages, there is one that isn’t spoken, sign language. Many Learners are taking this course not just to communicate with loved ones who are deaf, but because of the employment opportunities that come with being able to sign. Whether in broadcasting, the culture industry, or state communication, there are many areas in which sign language is an essential part of connecting with the public. By learning to sign effectively, you’ll be surprised how many opportunities will become available!
The Alison English Vertical is a series of courses designed to be taken in order, with topics ranging from beginner to proficient. Each course was designed with English language learners in mind and focused on specific grammar and vocabulary points while building on the information from previous courses. This structure allows the learner to take the courses in sequential order and reinforce prior knowledge while learning new skills. The English Vertical Courses are built around the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This framework allows learners to gain a solid understanding of English and help them achieve their individual goals.
English Vertical Courses and English Tests
Many standardized English exams also rely on the CEFR to test a learner’s level of English. Since the English Vertical courses align with CEFR standards, they also align with many language proficiency tests, such as Cambridge, IELTS, TOEFL, and TOEIC.
CEFR Levels
English courses on the Alison website are sorted into six categories, one for each CEFR level. These categories, and their corresponding CEFR levels, are:
Basic/Beginner (A1)
Elementary (A2)
Intermediate (B1)
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
Advanced (C1)
Proficient (C2)
Courses with a three-digit number in the name (e.g., Beginner English 101) are part of the Alison English Vertical and were specifically developed to align with CEFR standards.
Cambridge
Cambridge English offers a variety of exams for learners of all ages. Unlike other exams, Cambridge offers tests for specific levels of English. The most common Cambridge tests are:
Cambridge English A2 Key exam (KET)
Cambridge English B1 Preliminary exam (PET)
Cambridge English B2 First exam (FCE)
Cambridge C1 Advanced exam (CAE)
Cambridge English C2 Proficiency exam (CPE)
These Cambridge exams align to English Vertical courses with the same CEFR level.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
The IELTS is a standardized English test that measures the language skills of non-native speakers and is often used for work, study, or migration purposes. The test has a possible score from 0 to 9, scored in half-point (.5) increments. Each level of the English Vertical corresponds to a score range.
Beginner English: 1.0 – 2.5
Elementary English: 3.0 – 3.5
Intermediate English: 4.0 – 5.0
Upper-intermediate English: 5.5 – 6.0
Advanced English: 6.5 – 7.5
Proficient English: 8.0 – 9.0
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
The TOEFL is a standardized English test that measures the language skills of non-native speakers who want to enroll in an English-speaking university. The test has a possible score from 0 to 120, scored in whole-point (1) increments. Each level of the English Vertical corresponds to a score range for the TOEFL iBT.
Beginner English: 0 – 29
Elementary English: 30 – 41
Intermediate English: 42 – 71
Upper-intermediate English: 72 – 94
Advanced English: 95 – 113
Proficient English: 114 – 120
Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)
The TOEIC is an international standardized English test that measures the everyday language skills of non-native speakers working in the international community. The test has a possible score from 10 to 990, scored on a question to point conversion scale. Each level of the English Vertical corresponds to a score range.
Beginner English: 120 – 220
Elementary English: 225 – 545
Intermediate English: 550 – 780
Upper-intermediate English: 785 – 940
Advanced English: 945 – 990
Scores below 120 are considered pre-beginner and do not have a corresponding level. The maximum level for this test is advanced.
Conclusion
The Alison English Vertical can help you grow your skills and prepare for a variety of English tests, regardless of your current level. If you’re new to Alison, start by taking the free English test and get recommended courses based on your results.
Yet if this is an alluring island, it’s also one with a difficult history. In the 19th century, the Gaelic-speaking population was evicted during the so-called Highland clearances when landlords created big sheep farms.
By the end of that century, Rum was the playground of George Bullough, an eccentric English tycoon who built a hunting lodge known as Kinloch Castle, complete with a menagerie that reportedly included a pair of small alligators.
Daily Word Challenge
Can you correctly use the word menagerie in a sentence?
Based on the definition and example provided, write a sentence using today’s Word of the Day and share it as a comment on this article. It is most important that your sentence makes sense and demonstrates that you understand the word’s definition, but we also encourage you to be creative and have fun.
Then, read some of the other sentences students have submitted and use the “Recommend” button to vote for two original sentences that stand out to you.
If you want a better idea of how menagerie can be used in a sentence, read these usage examples on Vocabulary.com.
Students ages 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, can comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff.
Who among us has covertly googled a question that we “should” know the answer to? When you’re learning to code, this happens a lot — whether you’re trying to remember what HTML stands for, spinning your wheels stuck on a specific coding problem, or having an existential crisis about what the internet actually is.
First of all, there’s no shame in having questions, no matter how far along you are in your learning journey. As scientist Carl Sagan put it: “Every question is a cry to understand the world. There is no such thing as a dumb question.”
So, in the spirit of fostering a “no dumb questions” world, we’re answering a handful of common coding questions that pretty much everyone has wondered about.
What’s the difference between coding and computer programming?
Lots of folks use “coding” and “computer programming” interchangeably, but it turns out there’s a slight difference between the terms.
“Programming is the creation of a solution that solves a problem,” and coding is just one step of that process, explains Nik Dolan-Stern, a Curriculum Developer at Codecademy. For example, programming a website involves planning the purpose of the site, translating the plan into code, testing and fixing the code, and reviewing the finished product. The actual coding only goes down in the second step, Nik says.
You might’ve heard the recipe analogy that’s often used to explain programming: Just like a chef writes a recipe for a cook to follow, a programmer writes code for the computer to implement.
Why are programming languages called “languages”?
Programming languages are the medium that humans can use to “talk to” a machine.
Computers “think” in binary, which basically means they only understand strung-together 1s and 0s — humans obviously have more complex ways of communicating. Enter programming languages: Humans use programming languages to write instructions that computers can then translate into 1s and 0s and follow.
Where do you actually write code?
Writing functional code is a little more complicated than opening a Word document and typing.
You need something called an “Integrated Development Environment” or IDE, which is essentially a place for programmers to write, edit, and tinker with code. Unlike your basic text editing app, IDEs have helpful coding-specific features, like syntax highlighting, which highlights terms so code is easier to read, and autocomplete, which saves you a few keystrokes as you type code.
If you’re a Pro learner, you can access your very own IDE called workspaces, which you can use to experiment and practice writing code outside of courses. Workspace currently supports a handful of common programming languages — HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python — and it’s shareable, so you can use it to display your portfolio or work on a project with another programmer.
How many programming languages should I know?
Most programmers learn multiple languages throughout the course of their career. The more you know, the more you can do — and there are hundreds of different programming languages with different use cases.
The best programming language for you completely depends on your goals. For example, someone who wants to build and manage a personal website might want to learn basic markup languages like HTML and CSS in addition to languages that will help make their site more dynamic, like JavaScript, Node.js, or React. Whereas someone who wants to make mobile apps would need to learn Swift, Java, Kotlin, or React Native.
Overwhelmed and don’t have a clue where to start? Take a deep breath, then head to our Sorting Quiz, which will suggest programming languages to learn and courses to take based on your personality and interests. Also, keep in mind that once you have a grasp on the basic foundations of coding, it becomes easier to pick up additional languages.
Do you have to be good at math to learn how to code?
It sounds counterintuitive, but you actually don’t need math skills to excel at coding. Problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity are far more valuable when you’re coding than being able to recall the algebra you learned in school.
Does coding require a lot of memorization?
There’s no need to stock up on index cards to make coding flashcards, because unlike spoken languages, you actually don’t need to memorize terms or concepts in order to learn code.
What’s more important than remembering specific code snippets is understanding how the concepts work in practice — even the most advanced programmers rely on Google to look up terms. Codecademy has a handy resource called Docs, an open-contribution collection of code documentation for popular programming languages. You can reference it when you need a concept explained in simple terms, and even write your own additions.
Hopefully, these answers will provide some clarity on burning questions you have. For more of a refresher, check out our Code Foundations Pro Skill Path to get a comprehensive introduction to coding concepts and the main applications: computer science, web development, and data science.
And remember: Having more questions isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s evidence of all the great world-expanding information you’re learning.
New job jitters are legit, whether you’re beginning your first internship or you’ve held a handful of full-time jobs before. If your new position is fully remote, the good news is you don’t have to keep asking your cubicle mate for directions to the bathroom — but you will have to navigate some new stressors. A big one: How do you actually meet your coworkers?
Lots of people can relate to the awkwardness of starting a new job remotely: Nearly half of Americans are working remotely full time, according to a Gallup poll from last year. And with record numbers of people changing jobs right now, there’s a good chance your coworkers went through a similar experience, too.
Here are some ways to make the process of starting a new remote job more seamless.
Make a list of people to meet
At an in-person job, you might take some time on your first day going around and meeting other people in the office. To manufacture that experience when you’re working remotely, create a list of people who you’d like to introduce yourself to, and set up 1-1 meetings during your first few weeks.
During these meetings, you can ask people to recommend at least one other person for you to meet in the company’s organizational chart, and they can even facilitate an introduction for you. If you’re not sure who the most relevant people are for you to connect with, you could ask your manager for a list.
Find time for non-work conversations
It takes a while to actually build rapport and connect on a meaningful level when the only time you have to chat is during the brief moments before a Zoom meeting starts.
Ask your coworkers if you can find time on their calendar purely to socialize and talk about non-work topics. For example, maybe you watch the same TV show and want to talk about it the morning after it airs? Or perhaps you have kids who are around the same age? Basically, find a way to recreate the watercooler or break room environment.
Meet someone IRL in your neighborhood
With more companies letting employees work from wherever, you might have far-flung coworkers who you never meet, and ones who are practically neighbors. Consider meeting up with a local coworker for an in-person walk or coffee. Sometimes an IRL meeting is just what you need to feel refreshed after back-to-back video calls.
Join Slack channels — and actually participate in them
Most remote companies have robust Slack channels for employees to connect over shared interests and build community. From dog lovers to book clubs to Peloton users, find out what the popular Slack channels are at your company and jump in.
Employee resource groups, aka “ERGs,” often have corresponding Slack channels where members share updates and information about upcoming activities. These voluntary groups are a great way to meet people with common identities, for example, many companies have a LGBTQ+ network or a group for BIPOC individuals.
Identify a new hire buddy
It’s a good idea to befriend someone in your onboarding session who joined around the same time as you. You’ll likely have some of the same questions, and can rely on one another as you get settled — even if you work in totally different sections of the company. For instance, they might be able to answer a question you have about using your new company technology or enrolling in benefits. At the very least, your buddy will be able to commiserate about the confusion of starting a remote job.
Use a virtual “matchmaker”
Cold-messaging someone you’ve never met before can be a little intimidating. But if your workplace uses Slack heavily, there are helpful plug-ins that can facilitate virtual introductions for you.
Donut, for example, pairs you randomly with people across the organization and even helps you find a convenient time to meet based on your schedules. Shuffl is another plug-in that prompts employees to write bios before matching people.
Ask questions
Ultimately, remember that nobody expects you to have everything figured out on your first day. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when they come up — people are usually more than happy to help.
Still searching for that dream job? Check out our Career Center for interview prep, portfolio projects, and more.
Register for the live classroom workshop on March 10 at 1 p.m. Eastern.
Can opinion writing change the world? How can your students’ voices be part of that change?
We’re trying something new to kick off the 2022 Student Editorial Contest, our popular, long-running challenge that invites teenagers to take a stand and make compelling arguments on the topics of their choice.
This year, we’re inviting schools to come together for a live experience in which students from across the globe will both learn and write together.
First, we’ll welcome Mara Gay, a member of the New York Times editorial board, to talk about the role of argumentative writing in the real-world context of a newspaper and the power of that role to effect change. She will also share practical advice that can help your students strengthen their persuasive writing.
Next, we’ll invite classrooms from around the world to write together as Learning Network editors guide your students through prompts designed to inspire their own argumentative pieces on the issues of their choice. Afterward, Ms. Gay and the Learning Network will respond live to their ideas, with tips for shaping them into finished essays.
Sign your class up now, and in early March, we’ll send you additional logistical details about how to integrate this workshop into your classroom, whether you’re planning to participate in our contest or not.
What do you think this image is saying? How does it relate to or comment on society or current events? How might you apply it to your own life?
Tell us in the comments, then read the related article to learn more.
Want more Picture Prompts? Find them all in this column.
Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public.
An Interview with Dr. Jimeng Sun about the new Deep Learning for Healthcare Specialization on Coursera
Artificial intelligence and deep learning are being used to solve important challenges in the field of healthcare, and these innovations are being made possible through the groundbreaking efforts of visionary practitioners who work at the intersection of health and computer science.
With the launch of the new Deep Learning for Healthcare Specialization on Coursera, anyone interested in solving real-world healthcare problems can now explore how deep learning methods can be applied to these pressing global issues.
Dr. Jimeng Sun, the Health Innovation Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, leads the new Specialization.
With his dual expertise in computer science and healthcare, Dr. Sun is a highly influential voice at the intersection of technology and healthcare. He was recently recognized as one of the Top 100 AI Leaders in Drug Discovery and Advanced Healthcare by Deep Knowledge Analytics. Through his roles as both researcher and academic, he is not only driving innovation in the field but is also helping to train new generations of talent.
We spoke with Dr. Sun recently about the new Deep Learning for Healthcare Specialization.
Professor Sun, how does your background in both industry and academia inform your interest in teaching Deep Learning for Healthcare on Coursera?
My previous work in academia was at the College of Computing at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Prior to that, I was on the industry side through my work at IBM.
I have been teaching big data for healthcare for years, and I find that students have always been interested in knowing more about deep learning and its real-world applications. My PhD students are able to do a lot of research and publish their work on the topic of deep learning for healthcare. I think I’m ready to offer this topic to a broader student population.
What background does a learner need to succeed in the Deep Learning for Healthcare Specialization?
This is designed to be an introductory graduate-level Specialization. Students will need a strong Python programming background, but while a machine learning background is recommended, it is not essential. And, students do not need a background in healthcare.
Previously, I have worked with students who are coming directly out of a bachelor’s program, and I have also worked with students who are CEOs of large medical record companies. This Specialization is designed for almost any learner around the world.
The goal here is to help students develop a basic understanding of deep learning and how they might apply it in their own careers.
What excites you about teaching deep learning on Coursera?
I have been providing my courses in an online format for years, but the potential scale and quality of coursework that I can provide via Coursera are particularly exciting. In the past, I’ve had to put a cap on the number of students in my classrooms because I couldn’t find enough teacher assistants, but this Specialization will give me access to broader student populations and relieve that pressure.
Plus, I am able to provide quality content in a condensed time frame through the online delivery of these Coursera modules, which will give both my students and myself more time to focus on our research and projects.
That’s a great segue to our next question—what are some of the key ways learners will benefit from this Specialization?
First off, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has one of the leading graduate Computer Science programs in the country (most recently ranked 5th by US News and World Report in 2018). This is a large, very strong, integrated computer science program that provides ample engagement between students and professors.
Secondly, this Specialization is very method-oriented. In the past, other courses that have focused on AI and healthcare have had more of a “follow-the-problem” approach. But in this Specialization, we will be focusing on methodology. Students will first learn the deep learning method and then apply that method to a healthcare setting.
You mentioned other settings where these skills can be applied. Can you tell us more?
Because the deep learning methods I teach can be applied to any industry, students who have completed my Deep Learning for Healthcare courses have gone on to roles in finance, manufacturing, technology, and more—not just healthcare.
As someone who is leading the way when it comes to applying these transformative technologies to pressing global challenges like those we see in healthcare, is there a message you’d like to share with learners who are interested in building their careers in this field?
I would say that while much of deep learning and the processes within it are still in their early stages, the future of this work—and its real-world impact—is boundless.
~
We are so grateful to Dr. Sun for sharing his insights, and in addition to the many benefits associated with this new program that we discussed above, we also want to highlight the fact that when you enroll in the full University of Illinois’ Master of Computer Science program, the work you complete in this Specialization can be applied towards your degree.
The University of Illinois was the first North American university to offer a full degree on the Coursera platform, and we are thrilled to expand our offerings together to include Deep Learning for Healthcare as one of our newest specializations. Learn more and register today!
In 2020, a survey by Original Software found that almost 90% of respondents agreed that user acceptance testing (UAT) is a key part of achieving high-quality results in software development. But what is user acceptance testing?
User acceptance testing is the final testing stage in software development before production. It’s used to get feedback from users who test the software and its user interface (UI). UAT is usually done manually, with users creating real-world situations and testing how the software reacts and performs. Test-case scenarios can also be automated, simulating a user experience.
As its name suggests, UAT is used to determine if end-users accept software before it’s made public. Client or business requirements determine whether it fulfills the expectations originally set in its development.
Below, we’ll take a closer look at UAT and how it’s performed, why it’s so important, tools and best practices, and some of the careers that utilize it.
Why is user acceptance testing important?
UAT is vital in getting software ready for production. At this point in the development process, testing has gone through a series of phases, and the development team has the following tests:
Unit (or component) testing: Testing of individual modules, units of code, or software.
Smoke tests: Tests to determine the stability of units or modules and their endurance.
Integration tests: Tests of modules or components integrated into groups to verify that they function and communicate as a whole.
Regression tests: Tests to verify that data and functionality haven’t lapsed after changes are implemented.
Security tests: Tests to expose potential vulnerabilities.
Performance tests: Testing the stability and responsiveness of the software as a whole.
API testing: Testing the software’s function within its API framework.
Each test above is crucial, and the results of each verify functionality, integration, and communication while exposing faults and vulnerabilities.
But even if all these tests are successful, it’s still possible that the software doesn’t fully meet the client or business requirements and criteria outlined in its conception. It also may not be as user-friendly as intended.
This is where UAT plays a vital role. It ensures the software meets the business requirements and operates correctly in real-world circumstances by evaluating different situations.
Criteria and best practices for user acceptance testing
Due to the costliness of UAT and the complexity of combining manual and automated testing in this phase, it’s important to prepare ahead and develop a plan. What are the criteria for running user acceptance tests, and what are considered best practices for successful results?
Complete other test phases: Before initiating UAT, it’s best to finish unit testing, integration testing, and system testing. Most faults and vulnerabilities should be resolved and eliminated at this point. The software should be fully functioning prior to end-user acceptance.
Identify your target audience: The most well-designed software or application may fall flat if it doesn’t resonate with its target audience, so it’s crucial to identify and study your market base.
Develop a test plan: Outline the objectives and scope of the user acceptance test and create a timeline. Good preparation is key in minimizing any obstacles and reducing UAT cycles.
Create scripted test cases: Identify scenarios you want to test and document them so that testers can work with scripted test cases. Having this information will make their feedback more useful for the development team. Include goals such as timelines and expectations.
Select testers: Even if in-house analysts are used for running UAT, it’s advisable to include users from the target audience. Both sets of results will have their respective value to the team, but the actual users will give you a picture of the real-world acceptance of the software and its UI.
Test the environment: After selecting testers and providing them with credentials and access, test the environment to make sure it functions as intended. Failure to do this might result in frustration and negative feedback if functionality is less than adequate even before testing begins.
Determine protocols for reports and resolutions: Establish a standard for reporting errors, bugs, and other test feedback. Determine priorities and documentation protocol. Communicate to team members and testers how reports will be handled and how new test cycles will be initiated.
Clearly define acceptance criteria: Clearly defined goals and criteria will determine the effectiveness of the UAT and have a direct impact on the quality and marketability of the end product.
As a testing plan is created and a timeline is established, it’s good to keep in mind some of the challenges that may occur during the process. The team can then plan for and mitigate obstacles to the testing phase. Such obstacles include:
New requirements: Business and client requirements change over time. Last-minute changes can derail planned UAT, so stay on top of any adjustments that could cost time and resources if not implemented promptly.
Poor UAT tester engagement: Testers who lack training or clear objectives will be unable to produce test results that impact a project positively. Plan for training and proper oversight of the testing process to reduce wasted time and resources. Make sure your team can address technical issues and answer questions during the process.
Time constraints: Since UATs are conducted toward the end of a development project, just before it goes live, time may be limited. Proper planning is vital to avoid unnecessary delays.
Communication issues: Good communication removes ambiguity and promotes problem-solving rather than blame. If a clear and simple protocol for communication between testers and developers isn’t established, things can quickly spiral out of control.
Types of user acceptance tests
In general, user acceptance testing refers to testing among simulated and real users. But there are other facets of UAT that play a role in this phase of development as well.
Alpha testing
This is usually done by internal staff members in a controlled environment. It provides early detection of bugs and other issues that can be easily identified by professionals testing in the development environment.
Beta testing
Beta testing can be understood to be “field testing.” It’s done by a selected group of real users in their environment. Their feedback helps further identify bugs and improve the overall product and its features.
Business acceptance testing
This type of test follows the test case parameters, but its function is to ensure the system meets business requirements and assures marketability and profit.
Contract acceptance testing
In contract acceptance testing, the software under development is tested according to the specifications and criteria agreed upon in a predefined contract.
Regulation acceptance testing
This is also called compliance acceptance testing, and it’s used to ensure that the software complies with state and federal laws and regulations where it’s being released.
Operational acceptance testing
This type of acceptance test is also known as production acceptance testing or operational readiness testing. It assures that the software is ready for production and that workflows exist, including maintenance processes, security checks, user training, and backup plans.
Black box testing
Many categorize black box testing, or behavioral testing, as functional testing, but it can also be viewed as a facet of acceptance testing. Testers are unable to see the codebase or structure. They’re only given requirements that the software should satisfy. The results validate that the software meets its functional requirements.
Having a plan in place that’ll help ensure that UATs produce the desired results, the team can now prepare to execute the tests. Tools that are available to augment the process for acceptance testing can be categorized as follows:
Project management and issue tracking
Jira is a tool commonly used for project management and issue tracking. It has features for creating workflows, facilitating communication, tracking issues, and distributing tasks. Other similar products are Rally and Tricentis qTest.
Test management
Tools for creating tests and managing their execution and results are also available. An example is Zephyr, which can be used with Jira to provide test management capabilities. Other similar products are PractiTest, QMetry, and TestRail.
Tools for automated acceptance testing
Tools designed for automating testing or for software written in specific languages are also available. Some examples:
Concordion: Concordion is an open-source tool for automating specification by example for Java. It can be used for earlier stages of testing, such as regression testing, and it also facilitates collaboration and documentation in acceptance testing.
FitNesse: This is an open-source testing framework for major programming languages, such as Java, Python, and C++. It’s used for automating test scenarios and returning the results in a table for analysis.
Watir: This toolkit is designed for automating browser-based tests for programs written with Ruby.
Additional need for acceptance testing
While acceptance testing is typically performed just before production, there are other times when additional acceptance testing may need to be done, such as:
Phased releases: Some organizations release software or applications in phases. In cases like this, the UAT plan needs to include testing before each production phase.
Hotfixes: After release, bugs or vulnerabilities may be discovered that need to be fixed immediately. These patches will need at least minimal acceptance testing.
Additional releases, updates, or modifications: Nearly all software is periodically updated, and some organizations have multiple releases. Take Microsoft as an example. They generally produce Limited Distribution Releases (LDR) and General Distribution Releases (GDR). Each release, modification, or scheduled update requires acceptance testing for quality assurance.
Upgrades: Sometimes software is upgraded, meaning more is done than just an update. They may change features, redesign their UI, or evolve the software to be relevant to new technologies. Since a complete upgrade changes both client and business requirements significantly, extensive acceptance testing will likely be necessary.
Careers using UAT
Numerous careers connected to software development require either the implementation of acceptance testing or the leveraging of its results. Here are some examples:
UAT Contractor: A third-party tester with professional qualifications and a background in computer science, engineering, or IT.
Systems Analyst: A member of the development team who performs tests, analyzes results, and provides support and maintenance.
Business Analyst: A facilitator and mediator between the development team and stakeholders or management, ensuring that development follows the business requirements and criteria for marketability. You can learn business analysis skills by signing up for relevant courses.
Quality Assurance Engineers, Analysts, and Managers: Various positions assuring quality control and assurance within a software development project.
Many tech careers will either directly or indirectly involve acceptance testing. Check out the courses below to start learning some of the languages commonly used for software development and testing:
