What is testing in software engineering and its types?

Software testing validates the functionality of a software program before its launch. It detects errors. It confirms that the software meets predefined criteria. It plays a vital role in delivering top-notch products to end-users.

Importance of Software Testing:

Software testing evaluates code to identify bugs and issues before product launch. This helps in checking the quality of products. It helps in enhancing customer satisfaction and trust.

Advantages of Online Software Testing:

Identifying Defects Early:

Testing during development helps find and fix errors before product delivery.

Improving Product Quality:

Testing ascertains products meet user specifications and pass quality assurance.

Increasing Customer Trust:

Testing builds confidence in products by identifying strengths and weaknesses.

Detecting Security Vulnerabilities:

Thorough testing prevents security breaches by identifying and fixing vulnerabilities.

Scalability Testing:

It helps to check if applications can handle increasing workloads without issues.

Cost Savings:

Addressing issues early in development saves money compared to fixing them after product launch.

Software Testing Types

Software testing can be classified into two main categories. This is based on objectives and deliverables. These are

• Functional Testing

Functional Testing checks if the application delivers expected outputs.

• Non-functional Testing.

Non-functional Testing testing verifies aspects like stability, security, and usability.

Functional Testing includes:

• Unit Testing: Testing individual units in isolation.

• Integration Testing: Testing units or components together to ensure they work as expected.

• Acceptance Testing: Evaluating the application against real-life scenarios.

• Visual Testing: Verifying the Graphical User Interface (GUI) presentation.

Non-functional Testing comprises:

• Security Testing: Checking software security against unauthorized access or threats.

• Performance Testing: Assessing speed, stability, and resource usage.

• Load Testing: Evaluating software performance under expected and peak loads.

• Usability Testing: Measuring user-friendliness.

• Compatibility Testing: Checking if the software works across platforms, devices, or environments.

The choice of testing type depends on test scenarios, resources, and business requirements.

Types of Applications Under Test

There are four main types of Applications-Under-Tests (AUTs):

• Web Testing

• API Testing

• Mobile Testing

• Desktop Application Testing

Web testing is the most popular. It has up to 81% of respondents incorporating web automation practices according to the State of Quality Report. API services automation follows closely behind.

Automated Testing Advantages:

• Continuous Testing: Ensures error detection throughout development.

• Virtualization of Service: Simulates unavailable services for early testing.

• Bug and Defect Tracking: Detects bugs quickly and notifies developers.

• Reporting and Metrics: Provides detailed test results and status reports.

• Configuration Management: Offers visibility and centralized management of test assets.

Best Practices for Software Testing:

• Incorporate Security Testing: Protect products from digital threats.

• Involve Users: Gather feedback to improve user experience.

• Plan for Scalability: Ensure products can adapt to future demands.

• Avoid Programmer-written Tests: Prevent bias and ensure thorough testing.

• Perform Thorough Reporting: Provide detailed bug reports for easy resolution.

• Divide Tests into Smaller Fractions: Save time and resources with smaller, focused tests.

• Use Two-tier Test Automation: Combine quick sanity checks with extensive regression testing.

• Don't Skip Regression Testing: Ensure application functionality before production release.

Software testing is a very important aspect if you want your product to be successful. If you have software testing requirements then get in touch with Askme Technologies. We provide the best testing services.