As in the earlier book, this one clearly shows the differences between traditional testing and web testing, which will provide QA professionals who are moving from older environments into web-based systems an orientation and direction. For new QA professionals the chapters on software testing basics, networking and web application components provide a solid foundation. The chapter on mobile web application platforms is unique to this book, and adds true value. Other core material includes test planning, and a sample application and test plan to add realistic scenarios to the material.

Web-specific test advice encompasses UI, functional, server-side, database, help, installation, compatibility, security and performance testing. These cover all facets of the test process and associated procedures in a web-centric environment. Additional chapters include using test scripts, testing mobile web applications, and web testing tools.

While the core content is on the mark and accurate, the appendices are as invaluable. These include a test plan template, weekly status report template, error analysis checklist (with error examples), UI test-case design guidelines (common keyboard navigation/shortcut matrix and mouse action matrix web), test-case design guideline: input boundary and validation matrix, display compatibility test matrix, and browser/OS configuration matrix.

If you test web systems this is the most complete book you can read, and it is destined to attain the same 'classic' status as the first edition.