Software testing methodologies refer to different approaches or strategies which are beneficial in testing the application for ensuring that it looks and behaves as expected. This article focuses on different methodologies and techniques of software testing
Non-functional vs functional testing
The ultimate objective of using several testing methodologies during the development process is ensuring that the software can operate in a wide array of environments across various platforms successfully. In functional testing, the application is tested against the requirements of the business.
It is inclusive of different test types which are designed for ensuring that every part of the software behaves as expected with the use of user cases, that are conferred by the business analyst. The methodologies of testing are inclusive of unit testing, system testing, integration testing, and acceptance testing.
The nonfunctional testing procedures are inclusive of different test types which are inclusive of security testing, performance testing, compatibility testing, and usability testing.
Unit Testing
Unit testing refers to the prime level of testing in which it is ensured that different components of the software are working and functioning properly. The developers in the phase write as well as run the tests before the software is passed to the test team. Though it is possible to conduct the testing manually, you can go for the automation process to enhance the delivery cycle and expansion of the test coverage.
With unit testing, it is possible to make the process of debugging easy as issues are detected at the early stage. Thus, it takes reduced time to fix the bugs.
Integration Testing
Once every unit is tested thoroughly, it goes into integration with different units for the creation of components and modules which are designed for performing certain activities and tasks. After this, they are tested as the group via integration testing for ensuring that the complete segment of the application behaves as expected. The tests are known to be framed with the aid of user scenarios like the opening or logging into the application.
System testing
It is essentially a black box testing process which is useful for the evaluation of the integrated and completed system to make sure that it accomplishes certain requirements. The software functionality should be tested from one end to the other.
Acceptance testing
It is considered to be the final stage of functional testing which is crucial to assess whether the final product is ready for launch. Hence, you should ensure that the product is in compliance with the primary business criteria’s and it satisfies the needs of the end user.
Performance testing
It is essentially the nonfunctional testing process by which it is possible to determine how a specific function behaves under specific situations. The ultimate objective is testing the stability and responsiveness in the real user situation.
It is possible to break performance testing in the below-mentioned types which are
- Load testing
- Stress testing
- Endurance testing
- Spike testing
Load testing
It is recognized to be the procedure to put an enhanced amount of stimulated demand on the website, application or software for verifying that it is capable of handling the requirements.
Stress testing
It is useful in figuring how the software will be responding to the peak load. The ultimate goal is overloading the application on purpose till it breaks by the application of realistic as well as unrealistic loading scenarios. With the aid of stress testing, it is capable of finding the failure point of the software.
Endurance testing
Also known as soak testing; it plays a vital role to analyze the behavior of a certain application under the specific stimulation load amount for a high time duration. The objective is having an understanding how the specific system will be behaving under a specific process. This is effective in covering certain memory leaks.
Spike testing
It is considered to be a kind of load test which helps in determining how the software will be responding to a larger burst of the recent system or user activities over a specific amount of time.
Security testing
With the increase of cyber-attacks and testing platforms, there is a requirement for data security, to be stored and used in the software. Security testing is recognized to be the non-functional testing process which is beneficial for determining whether the data and information in a specific system are protected. The objective is finding the specific security risks and loopholes in the system which may lead to unauthorized access.
There are different kinds of the testing process, which is useful to verify the principles of security which are inclusive of availability, authorization, authentication, confidentiality, integrity, non-repudiation.
Usability Testing
Usability Testing is recognized to be a testing process which measures the ease of use of a specific application from an end-user point of perspective. It is performed during the acceptance testing. The objective is determining if the visible aesthetics and design of the application accomplish the required workflow for different procedures like logging into the specific application. Usability testing refers is a great option for the teams for reviewing unique functions.
Compatibility Testing
Compatibility testing plays a vital role to determine if the specific application or software will function in different environments. It is useful in checking if the product has high compatibility with different resolution configurations, browsers, platforms, operating systems. The objective is ensuring that the functionality of the software is supported across the environment, in which the targeted audience is going to use.
In software development, it is a prerequisite to double-check every aspect before the release of the product. It is crucial to appoint a tester who will be testing the software and investing knowledge and effort for ensuring that the product is free from defects, errors, and bugs. With software testing, it is possible to determine the errors that occur at the development phase. When the delivered product is of top quality, it is useful to gain the confidence of the customers. With the aid of software testing, it is possible to detect defects which help to prevent losses in the businesses.
