Software Testing Types
Overview
Software Testing, being an integral part of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), is used to help identify the correctness, completeness, security, and quality of developed computer software. It is an inherent process to ensure that all the quality standards are met and that the software stands good against the defined business requirements ensuring quality assurance, verification and validation, or reliability estimation.
Training Objective
In this series of articles, we will be looking at different Testing methods, e.g. Ad-Hoc, White Box, Black Box, Unit, Regression, Acceptance, etc. that are used by testers to help aid in validating all the qualities of a software/product. These methods could either be performed manually or automated by means of scripts using automation tools. You will be learning about various software testing types along with advantages and disadvantages.
Target Audience
Software Testing tutorials provides concrete self-learning platform for beginners and will strengthen the fundamentals for intermediate software testing professionals.
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What exactly is Ad Hoc Testing? When Will you use Ad Hoc Testing ? Ad-hoc testing is an unscripted software testing method. Often, people confuse it with the exploratory, negative and monkey testing. In the domain of software testing, the word “ad-hoc” means that the test is for a particular purpose at hand only. You cannot use the same test another time. It is almost like a “single-use” test. Thus, it has to be very effective and efficient. The following characteristics will provide the real meaning of ad-hoc testing: Ad-hoc testing is a random and unscripted test, performed without a…
Acceptance testing is the last important test among many tests that a developed software system undergoes. Acceptance testing facilitates the end-users to test the software created and ascertain if the developed software, actually meets their requirements or not. The functionality of the software is most likely acceptable, as software system produced at this stage, would have already undergone many tests like unit testing and integration testing. Acceptance test is neither a test that checks the software functionality nor a test that is run to expose bugs and errors. Rather, the clients themselves conduct acceptance testing, so both parties will know…
Alpha Testing Essentials Alpha testing makes use of prototypes to test the software in its beta stage. However, you cannot expect the software to possess complete functionality for which it is designed especially at this stage. This is because alpha testing is usually conducted to ensure that the software that is being developed provides all necessary core functions and that it accepts all inputs and gives out expected outputs. Alpha tests are conducted in the software developer’s offices or on any designated systems so that they can monitor the test and list out any errors or bugs that may be…
Beta testing is the last important step that software developers conduct before they launch new software. Software systems at their beta stages are not fully developed. Hence, you should not expect it to be completely functional. However, it does give you a first look and a brief glimpse of what it can do for the users before its final launching in the market. Testing a software before it is commercially released into the market is not only vital but also very critical. The released software should ensure there are no errors and bugs and the software application must work without…
Black box testing is a curious kind of testing as it is somewhat mysterious to the person who is testing the product. The tester will not have any prior knowledge or information about the internal mechanisms of the system that will be tested. In a typical software testing environment, the tester will only know what the inputs are and the expected output. However, the tester will have no idea about the types of programs used to make the output possible. Anyone can conduct black box testing because no programming knowledge is required to run the test. However, both software developer…
Comparison Testing – Comparing the Software with Other Products In simple words, comparison testing is a type of testing, where testers compare a software product’s strengths and weaknesses with other software that are currently available in the market. Comparison test is a very good indicator of how competitive and useful the software product will be to the end users soon after its commercial release. In fact, comparison test will let you know whether the software project is marketable or not. You can perform comparison testing to ensure that the software has a fair chance to be profitable; good software will…
Computer software has become an integral part of people’s lives although many people are still not really aware of it. Various software have been developed to help people in the way they do their jobs, transact business, study, travel, shop, and in many other important activities. Manufacturing operations are more efficient and less costly, transactions are faster and convenient, medical examinations are more thorough and less painful or invasive and many hazardous activities are now safer because of the various software and hardware installed in the machines used. The use of software, be it an application software or a system…
Computerization has become an integral part of human life in the modern world and so is the software that runs them. Human interactions with these systems software are very complex. Modern appliances and gadgets at home, cars, banks, factories, schools, airplanes, and critical life-support devices use software products to run their functions. System failures will not only cause inconveniences and bitter experiences, they can also have serious consequences like loss of lives and properties. It is imperative that software developers develop numerous specifications for software reliability. Testing is still the best way to ensure software reliability and viability. Software developers…
A web page is created to have an online presence. Visitor traffic is a very important factor for online success. One of the variables that significantly affect the web pages’ accessibility to the targeted visitors is the web browser. However several browsers are currently in use and each of these web browser interprets the HTML tags differently, thus affecting the web pages’ appearance and accessibility. Web pages may appear and function differently, depending on the computer hardware and software configurations. There is always an ongoing and concurrent innovation or development of hardware, operating systems, browsers and screen resolutions. There are…
Database testing is perhaps the most important test that can check the overall functionality of the software. A complete software system will enhance functionality of different aspects like stored functions, stored procedures, and triggers. Database testing is almost similar to regression testing as it can run automatically to ensure the integrity and robustness of the database layer of the software. There are enough reasons that compel us to conduct database testing on a regular basis. Data sets are an essential feature of a software product. It is very important to test and validate your data to keep it valid and…
Dynamic testing or dynamic analysis is an intricate process of inspecting and evaluating software applications as the user uses them. In sharp contrast, static tests are conducted on an application when it is not in use. Dynamic testing evaluates the software applications that work under different environments. Software testing is an intricate process of inspecting, evaluating and examining software during and after the developmental process. However, dynamic test is very important to evaluate software, before its release to market, so that you can verify that all its features are working. You may also need to ensure that there are no…
Software testing is an important aspect of software quality assurance. It represents the final process to ensure the correctness and fineness of the product. A quality software product always increases the customer confidence and satisfaction. In other words, a premium product means zero defects, bugs and errors, which are derived from a better quality process in testing. Designing and creating a software is a difficult process, because it needs proper testing by using different methods. Many software products are very complex and they have different concurrent subsystems that perform different functions almost simultaneously. As software developers work hard to assemble…
Is exploratory testing similar to an ad-hoc test or monkey testing? Among software testers, there is admittedly, still some confusion with regard to the term "exploratory testing". The confusions lie in its technicalities; An exploratory test is almost similar to monkey testing or an ad-hoc testing and these 3 testing methods are unscripted in their nature. The term ‘exploratory testing’ was first publicly used by Cem Kaner in the book “Testing Computer Software”. Another known pioneer of exploratory testing is James Bach. The definition provided by Bach states that, “Any testing to the extent that the tester actively controls the…
September 12, 2011
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Functional testing is an efficient method of testing an application to validate its stability. It is almost similar to black box testing. Functional testing is a common method that almost all software testers use to validate a given set of software applications. This is a popular testing method just like white and black box testing. Topics Importance of Functional Testing Problems with Functional Testing Effective Functional Testing Practices Functional Testing Guidelines Functional Testing Tools Conclusion Functional testing is even more popular than other kinds of testing techniques, because this is one of the first tests conducted during the software development phase….
Incremental integration testing encompass the basic concepts of integration testing. It is continuous or repetitive testing of a software application as new and fresh functionality is advised. You may need different aspects of software application’s functionality that are independent to work separately before you complete all parts of program. Programmers, software engineers, or test engineers may carry out this type of testing. Topics Integration Strategies Incremental Integration Testing Principles Conclusion Under usual circumstances, the incremental integration testing is done whenever the software needs to have its various aspects of functionality work independently of each other. The whole functionality of the application will…
Installation and Uninstall testing is generally accomplished by a software test engineer with the concurrence of a configuration manager (CM). It is also known as Implementation testing and is typically characterized by a testing which comes about while utilizing compile version of codes inside the testing or pre-production environment. This procedure normally takes place beyond the development environment so as to restrict code corruption from future delivery. Topics Performance of Implementation Performance Essentials Implementation Parameters Test Implementation Gadgets Installation testing will check and inspect whether the installed feature are working in a proper manner – including icons, buttons, support documentation,…
December 10, 2011
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Before understanding the complexity that is involved in testing the software using load testing methods, it is important to know that load testing is part of performance testing first. It is also crucial for you to understand that unlike other kinds of testing, the main purpose of performance testing is not to find bugs and errors in this system. Rather, the concept revolves around eliminating the different bottlenecks that are involved in a system process. Topics Examples of Load Testing Advantages of Load Testing Conclusion Having a streamlined set of system will enable it to make a baseline where for…
December 12, 2011
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Monkey testing is a random type of testing carried out by automated testing tools. There are both “smart monkeys” and “dumb monkeys” in testing and they work randomly. Topics How to use Monkey Testing tool? Types of Monkey Testing Cost Associated with Monkey Testing Advantages of Monkey Testing Disadvantages of Monkey Testing Conclusion Smart monkey testing is very good for load and stress testing because it has the capability to find a number of bugs; however, they are very expensive to develop. On the other hand, dumb monkeys are quite cheaper to develop and they can perform some basic testing. Dumb…
December 17, 2011
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As the demand for software grows, so is the complexity of the design. The more complex a software is, the higher will be the testing needs, quality assurance and customer satisfaction. Although testing is, an integral part of the software development process the issue is still on what is sufficient or adequate testing still open. Topics What is Mutation Testing? Mutation Testing Procedure Mutation Score Analysis Mutation Testing Advantages Mutation Testing Disadvantages Automation of Mutation Testing Conclusion If your tests cannot find a bug, can you believe that there are no bugs? Is it possible to trust your unit tests? Can…
December 21, 2011
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The main objective of conducting a series of tests on a software product is to make it foolproof so that it will run on any type of system and under any computing environment. Quality conformance testing is an essential part of the software developmental process. Various tests are performed along different development stages and also on the finished product before it is delivered to the client or end user. These tests for verifying and validating the product are often referred to as positive tests. However, as stated, positive testing can only confirm that the software works as it should in…
December 27, 2011
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Performance testing is a kind of testing that determines the speed and effectiveness of a software application or suite. This process will involve many quantitative tests carried out in a laboratory like the measurement of the response period or the number of millions of instructions per second (MIPS) at which the system will function and perform. Software testers also evaluate and inspect many qualitative parameters like reliability, fidelity, trustworthiness, scalability and inter-operatability. Topics Performance Testing Considerations Performance Testing Vs Stress Testing Performance Testing Guidelines Conclusion Performance testing has the ability to verify that a particular system meets all specifications as…
Recovery testing an intricate system test that compels the software to come down in a number of ways, later ascertains, and verifies that recovery is performed as soon as possible. An automated recovery will ensure re-initialization mechanisms, data recovery, and restart, which are evaluated for correctness. However, if the recovery needs active human intervention, the average time to repair should be well within the acceptable limits. Topics Basic Principles Why is Recovery Testing important? Tips and Suggestions for Effective Recovery Testing Recovery Testing Issues Conclusion Basic Principles Computer systems should recover from unforeseen faults and later resume their functions within the…
Regression test is a powerful tool designed to test the application after the introduction of changes. The basic concept behind regression testing involves testing procedures that ensure the software’s ability to perform intended tasks even with improvements or modifications. Regression testing is also a form verification test because it will help us determine if the software works as expected even after undergoing critical modifications to its architecture. By using this testing procedure, you can prevent unforeseen errors in the finished software product or application. Whenever you add new features or introduce modifications, you may need to conduct regression test without…
Sanity testing is a cursory test to confirm if a particular software produces the desired results or not. This implies that the software has already passed other kinds of testing before they can undergo sanity testing. It is important to note that sanity test is not as in-depth as other kinds of testing. Topics Why Sanity Testing is Important? Disadvantages of Sanity Testing Sanity Testing vs. Smoke Testing Sanity Tests Process Conclusion Sanity testing can be categorized under regression testing because the procedures for both these tests are basically the same. Before we go any deeper into sanity testing, let us…
The basic principle of security testing is to ensure that the software is safe and secure. Security testing makes sure that the software is not easily hacked by malicious codes. Security testing helps software developers identify and remove loopholes in the software to ensure that the system will not be attacked by hackers and other third party intruders. Security testing for software has recently migrated beyond the domain of network port scanning to include checking the software’s intrinsic behavior. This test goes far deeper than a simple black box test that probes on the presentation layer and it goes even…
In software industry and according to Microsoft Inc, the term smoke testing defines the process of ascertaining or validating code changes before the changes are introduced into the product’s source tree. Topics Smoke Testing Advantages Role of Smoke Test in Software Development Implementing Smoke Testing Conclusion Once you make the code reviews, smoke testing will become the most useful and cost effective testing method for finding out and fixing defects in the software. These tests can confirm changes in the codes as expected and ensure that the changes do not bring about a state of instability to the entire build. …
A simple static test is necessary to detect possible defects and errors during the design phase of a software application and to verify in a precise manner, the various tasks for synthesis of program modules and test plans. Topics Static Testing Vs. Dynamic Testing Static Testing Methods and Techniques Goals of Static Testing Conclusion A software tester conducts static test with a minimal package that is just sufficient. Testers will get a comprehensive test plan that allows them to ascertain the operation of the product as per the criterion of how the product works and not how it was supposed…
February 10, 2012
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Stress testing is a complex test in which testing is conducted under reduced machine and system resources conditions. The resources that undergo stressing may include internal memory, CPU availability, disk space, and network bandwidth. Stressor utility is generally used to reduce internal resources. Topics Is Stress Testing Practical? Benefits of Stress Testing Stress Test Result Data Conclusion In principle, stress testing tries to break the software by either overwhelming the software with too many tasks. The concept behind stress testing is to let the system fail intentionally to see how it will recover over time. This test will let the…
February 15, 2012
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As the name, it suggests, the term usability means in what manner an application can be used for the purpose it was created. In other words, can we create something that looks and feels better for general usage? Topics Need of Usability Testing Usability Testing Procedure Usability Testing Advantages Usability Testing Techniques Usability Testing Methods Conclusion Usability testing in its broad meaning refers to a way to quantify or measure how users find it to interact with a given set of applications and how they can the system by keeping the overall purpose for which the product was created. Finding…
White box testing is a significant security testing method that testers use to ascertain whether the codes follow the intended or planned design. This test also validates implemented security functionalities and discovers existing vulnerabilities in the system. Topics White Box Testing Advantages Unlocking White Box Testing Secrets White Box Testing Steps White Box Testing Coverage This article will help you know what exactly white box testing is and how testers can perform this test by using tools and techniques designed for the test. This test combines principles from two different areas of testing: traditional white box testing techniques and security…
