The criteria of ISO 9126
- Functionality: Does the software provide the functions that meet user needs?
- Reliability: Can the software maintain its performance over time and under defined conditions?
- Usability: Is the software easy to understand, learn, and use?
- Efficiency: Does the software provide good performance without wasting resources?
- Maintainability: How easy is it to modify the software for changes or fixes?
- Portability: Can the software be easily transferred to different environments?
Each characteristic is associated with a set of metrics that can be used to measure the quality of the software in that aspect.
How is ISO 9126 standard useful for testers?
- From a tester’s perspective, the ISO 9126 standard is highly beneficial. It offers clear guidelines and criteria for assessing software quality, making it easier to identify any shortcomings or areas for improvement.
- By evaluating a software product against these defined characteristics, testers can ensure that the software meets the required standards of quality, thereby aiding in delivering a product that ensures user satisfaction and robust performance.
- The distinct criteria of ISO 9126 also help in streamlining the testing process, facilitating focused and efficient testing practices.
FAQ
The replacement for ISO 9126 is ISO 25010. The ISO 25010 expanded upon ISO 9126 by defining eight major software quality characteristics, introducing a detailed “Quality In Use” model, differentiating between system and software quality, and considering data and information quality.
ISO 9126 and ISO 25010 are standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to assess software quality. While ISO 9126, established in 1991, offers 6 primary characteristics and 27 sub-characteristics, its successor, ISO 25010, expands on this with 8 primary characteristics and 31 sub-characteristics, providing a more comprehensive framework. Botella et al. (2004) identified limitations in ISO 9126 due to its general applicability, making ISO 25010 a more complete and specific tool for assessing software quality.
