What is Software Testing?

The key to delivering high-quality software is through the journey of testing. Over the years, Software Testing s become a necessity in all software development projects. It is virtually unthinkable to deliver a project that hasn’t been previously tested before its release.

What is Software Testing?

Software testing is the process of executing a program or application with the purpose of finding errors and obtaining information about the quality of the software product or service. In essence, software testing verifies a software application, program or system to identify gaps, missing requirements, inconsistencies, and risks in implementation.

The main areas covered in software testing include:

• Requirement compliance from design and development phases.
• An accurate response to all kinds of inputs.
• Acceptable performance of functions in a suitable time frame.
• Usability.
• Ability to run as intended.

Therefore, the answer to “what is software testing” is finding software bugs, errors or defects that can shed light on coding errors, gaps in requirements, omissions, and more. Software testing is paramount because software bugs, errors or defects can potentially lead to expensive or dangerous consequences in the software program. For example, in 1996, over 823 customers of major U.S. banks were credited with over $920 million dollars due to a software bug (Unfortunately, we weren’t part of the lucky bunch). It’s safe to say that customers didn’t complain about the bug but the banks certainly did.

Software Testing Methodologies

There are multiple software testing methods available in the market. Software testing methods are strategies used to test a software product or service to make sure it performs and behaves as desired. These software testing methods are used by quality assurance professionals to ensure the development process  Leads to a successful software release.

Next, we are going to talk about the main software testing methodologies available:

• Black-box testing: Common type of testing, also known as functional testing, that is solely concerned with inputs and outputs. This type of test is not concerned with the type of code or how it operates. Instead, it focuses on a specific set of outcomes that should be produced as a result of specific inputs. It delivers a yes or no answer.
• White-box testing: This test, also known as structural testing, concentrates on the internal structures of the software application or program, instead of focusing on the client-exposed functionality. In a nutshell: as opposed to black-box testing, white-box testing centers on internal aspects of the system.
• Grey-box testing: Its focal point includes internal data structures and algorithms to design and execute tests at the black-box level (user level).
• Agile testing: Methodology that follows the Agile principles.
• Ad hoc testing: Casual methodology process that is conducted without a specific plan or documentation in place. In this method, the tester attempts to break the software’s functionality by testing random operations.
• Static testing: This methodology solely focuses on examining or proofreading the syntax, data flow, and source code structure.
• Dynamic testing: This methodology ensures the software application matches the business requirements. It uses multiple test types to make sure each software piece performs as expected by exposing the application to cases from the design team or business analyst. These software testing methodologies include:
  • Unit testing
  • Integration testing
  • System testing
  • Acceptance testing
  • Smoke testing
  • User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
  • And more
• Non-functional testing: This methodology is centered around the operational aspects of the software application. It includes the following software testing activities:
  • Performance testing
  • Endurance testing
  • Load testing
  • Security testing
  • Usability testing
  • Compatibility testing
  • And more

Types of Software Testing

As the universe of testing and quality assurance continues to expand, more options are available for the types of software testing that can be performed to ensure a fully functioning software application.

With over 100 types available, these are some of the most common types of software testing:

• Unit testing: First level of testing that ensures individual elements of software at code level are functional and work as originally designed. Unit testing can be performed as a manual test or an automated test. Oftentimes, automating the test accelerates the delivery of the software and expands the test coverage.
• Integration testing: This type of software testing determines if independently developed units of software work correctly when connected to each other.
• System testing: This test focuses on the integrated system of hardware and software to verify it meets business requirements.
• Regression testing: Testing type that verifies the software application or system still functions correctly after implementing or adding new features incrementally.
• Performance testing: Test type used to verify the performance of an application under specific scenarios.
• Acceptance testing: Formal testing to determine if the software application or system meets the acceptance criteria as defined by the customer.
• Security testing: This test is focused on the security of the software application or system. The tests are designed to identify vulnerabilities that could pose a risk for the functionality of the software.
• Load testing: This test saturates the software application or system to ensure it performs correctly under a heavy load.
• Smoke testing: Used as a build verification test, it performs minimal attempts to operate software. It is designed to determine if there are basic problems with the software application or system that can prevent it from working at all.

Software Testing Process

In a nutshell, the software testing process is comprised of these activities: Create a test plan, design the test, write the test, perform the test, identify bugs, fix bugs, and deploy software.

As mentioned above, the software testing process begins with the development of a test plan. Test plans are usually based on requirements, functionalities or features of the software application.

The test plan should detail the following information:

• Define which testing methodology to use
• Define testing strategy
• Define the type of testing that is going to be performed
• Determine the features that are going to be tested
• Determine the schedule for the entire testing process

The tester or the business analyst defines the software testing process and design use cases to run. Next, they determine under which conditions the software should be tested.

The tests are written prior to executing them to ensure all the necessary details of the test are included. Then, tests are executed and the resulting outcomes are evaluated to identify risk areas. After bugs, errors or defects are identified a log is created to track problems and sent to developers for correction.

Once developers fix the bug, error or defect, the software application is re-tested as many times as necessary until the software application is compliant with the quality standard criteria.

Conclusion

In today’s exceptionally competitive environment, testing is the key to success in an industry that is driven by experiences and functionality. End users want a software application or system that works seamlessly for them, without hiccups or challenges.

Careful software testing is the best ally to ensure a high-quality product or service is delivered to customers.

At Svitla Systems, you will find a team of highly specialized software testers and quality assurance specialists who are aware of various types of software testing and are ready to help your company or project build a suitable software testing process.

To learn more about our software testing offerings, please feel free to reach out. One of our experts will be happy to provide more details.