Test Data Management

Purpose of the Test Data document
A test data document should be developed as part of the testing process. The purpose of the test data document is to help programmers identify coding errors during the initial stages of a project. This allows them to make changes and submit for further testing before its release. Test data documents should capture scenarios with blank data, valid data, invalid data and boundary conditions.  

Ways of Collecting Test Data
Test data can be collected in different ways: 

 1)    Automated 2)    Manual 3)    Data copying 4)    Back-end data injection 5)    Slicing

Practical guideline on how to use test data
1)    Use all combinations of valid and invalid data when testing 2)    Collect data using positive and negative testing. 3)    Give yourself ample time to test data. 4)    Reevaluate data during each phase. 5)    Involve multiple team members in the collection. 6)    Use test data prior to data execution. 7)    Ensure your data files are uncorrupted.