Software Testing Explained: Phases, Types, and Its Role in Software Engineering

With transforming digital world, software’s are an ultimate mode of ease. Whether you wish to buy grocery or shopping online or paying bills, dominance of software is in every segment of virtual marketing. Proficient software with awesome features and competent functionality is a winning proposition for companies.
Besides, software error or glitch can cost a huge sum of loss for the company. Hence, software testing is a vital and elementary aspect for effective performance of software. And the best time for software testing is at the developmental stage as it addresses many integral issues and saves an enterprise from incurring heavy cost on testing and identifying issues. Act proactively and consult the software testing company.

What is testing in software testing?

Testing in software testing involves assessment of software’s functional and non- functional defects. Moreover, objective of software testing is to bridge the gap between the expected standards and current scenario.

Firstly, Understand the Software Testing Phases

Various software testing phases systematically resolves the problems of software. Additionally, the different software testing stages provides comprehensive solution.

Assessment of Software Testing Requirement

The initial step of software testing is to assess the project requirement and scope of testing. Set your priorities and know your target audience. Review behavior of target audience and evaluate their expectations. Howsoever, having an idea of different testing types in software testing provides blueprint of software testing.

Planning

After understanding the project details, the second step involves planning of testing methodologies and processes of software testing. It also involves defining roles and responsibilities. While a well defined testing plan helps in fixing the issues systematically. Sticking to software testing plans assists in attaining testing consistency and saves time. Lastly, planning and strategizing testing stage streamlines the software testing efficiently.

Setting Testing Environment

Setting up of testing environment means having adequate hardware, software, networks and databases for executing software testing. Deciding the usage of tools and testing approaches of software testing forms the basis of testing environment. Testing environment aims to create real world scenarios for identifying potential risks and threats.

Execution

Running the test and recording of outcomes. The team processes series of testing methodologies for complete assessment of software’s smooth performance. The various stages of testing checks features, requirements and functions.

Analysis & Reporting

Analysis and observation of test results are initiated. Thereafter, the client is presented the software testing report which includes recommendation and actionable insights. Furthermore, testing report covers test coverage, evaluating criteria, reporting of defects, mentioning of failed tests objectives, etc.

Types of Testing in Software Testing

The aim of software testing is to review software’s functionality, usability and performance.

Functional Testing:

As the name suggests, Functional Testing includes reviewing of software’s function.

Unit Testing:

Unit testing is testing of component and modules.

System Testing:

System testing involves testing of holistic system.

Integration Testing:

Integration testing checks the interactions of different testing modules amongst each other.

Acceptance Testing:

Acceptance Testing observes the software’s performance from the perspective of end user.

Non-Function Testing:

Non- functional testing reviews software’s performance and other non-functional attributes.

Performance Testing:

Performance testing relates to evaluating software’s performance under different loading pressure.

Usability Testing:

Usability Testing assess the ease of usage by the end user.

Security Testing:

Security Testing evaluates software’s security flaws and defects.

Compatibility Testing:

Compatibility testing is all about ensuring that the software runs effectively on different browsers, devices, operating system, and hardware.

Two Broad Categories of Software Testing and Types

White Box Testing:

White Box testing involves examining of software based upon functionality and features. The approach of this test involves understanding of programming skills and source code.

Black Box Testing:

Black Box testing involves assessing of expected output of software. The test focuses on the external behavior of software. No sort of technical knowledge is required for black box testing.

Balancing Manual & Automated Testing

Software Testing involves two approaches and they are manual and automated. Both Manual and automated testing is vital for the effective performance of the software. Manual testing can precisely identify the error where automated testing would fail.
Automated testing happens to be a better testing methodology in case of repetitive and time consuming testing activities. Whereas manual testing is an effective method for checking usability and UX experience.

Role of Software Testing in Software Engineering

Software testing in software engineering is an integral step as it aims to improve technical competency and serves business requirements.

Meeting Quality Standards

Software testing meets the desired the quality standards and helps in achieving excellent software performance. Software testing meets the user expectations. Therefore, don’t let your company’s reputation damages instead act in time and get the software testing done.

Eliminate Expenses

The integrated approach of testing at the development phase is a pivotal step. As software testing identifies probable defects and issues in the software at the development stage which saves significant cost.

Reliability & Assurance

Software testing improves reliability and performance. Software testing anticipates stress and loading issues. Thereby, create positive user experience. Moreover, consistent excellent performance of software helps in attaining loyalty and trust from the end users.

Enhanced User Experience

Software testing enhances user experience with technical accuracy. A seamless user experience eventually leads to happy customers. And satisfied user experience means attaining brand loyalty. Nonetheless, excellent user experience is a competitive edge in the online space.

Reduced Risks

With a comprehensive software testing processes, one reduces the risk of software failure and other future defects. Additionally, with valuable feedback one can improve software’s performance.

Summing Up

Series of software testing process is a full proof assurance to quality, performance and usability. Moreover, wide range of testing strategies, testing planning and reporting is a comprehensive approach towards software testing. Invest in software testing and receive valuable benefits.
Software testing is a continuous approach. The holistic approach to software testing lets you have bug free software. This way an enterprise can have an edge to market competition which will eventually lead to attaining maximum profits and sales.