AbstractMARTIN WOODWARD aims to provide a brief insight into some of the many aspects of software testing. The various stages required when testing large software systems are outlined and then a selection of possible testing techniques are described and illustrated. Given the increased use of formal specifications in software development, one could exploit such a specification during testing and some of the ways this might be done are indicated. Similarly, the nature of the design approach used in the development of the software or even the nature of the particular application being developed can lead to particular test strategies. Finally, testing is not purely a technical matter; people issues and management of the process have a significant impact on the success or otherwise of this activity. A brief discussion of these topics rounds off this review. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.