Learn how software testing can help reduce errors and enhance the efficiency of software! Our article introduces the fundamentals of software quality assurance, letting you discover the crucial steps of software testing, including manual and automated testing, as well as functional and non-functional testing techniques.
What is software testing?
Software is prevalent in many areas of our lives, from business applications to everyday consumer devices. However, it's common for software to not function as expected, leading to a wide range of problems including financial losses, damage to business reputation, and in severe cases, injuries or fatalities.
Software testing is an essential method to check the quality of software and minimize the risk of errors during operation. It's a misconception that testing is only about running tests and checking results. In fact, software testing is a complex process involving various activities: from test planning, analysis, design, implementation, monitoring and reporting of results, to evaluating the tested software's quality.
Why is software testing necessary?
Properly tested components, systems, and their documentation can effectively reduce the likelihood of errors during operation. Recognizing and fixing errors significantly improves the quality of components and systems. Moreover, software testing is essential for meeting contractual, legal requirements, or industry standards. With the evolution of computer technology, it's common for flawed software and systems to fail, not meeting stakeholders' expectations. However, if appropriate testing techniques are applied with the right expertise at various testing levels and stages of the software development lifecycle, these problematic cases can be significantly reduced.
Types of software testing
Functional testing focuses on examining the functions the system is supposed to perform. This may include testing functional requirements found in business requirement specifications, user stories, or functional specifications. Functional testing evaluates what the system can do and the correctness and completeness of its functions. The effectiveness of functional testing can be measured by the test coverage of the functions, indicating the extent to which given functions have been tested in percentage terms. Planning and conducting functional testing may require specialized knowledge, such as a deep understanding of the business problems the software solves.
Non-functional testing examines characteristics of the system like usability, performance, or security. This testing aims to assess how well the system behaves. Contrary to common misconceptions, non-functional testing should be conducted at every level of testing and as early as possible. Late discovery of non-functional defects can pose a significant threat to a project's success. Planning and conducting non-functional testing may require specialized expertise, such as knowledge of technological weaknesses or a clear understanding of the target audience.
Regression testing is a process where software that has already been tested is tested again. Its main goal is to confirm that the software's previously working functions are still operating correctly. When a bug is fixed in the software, regression testing is periodically used to check that the fix actually solved the problem and did not cause new issues elsewhere in the software. In Fehér Krisztián: Basics of Software Testing book distinguishes three types of tests.
Types of test execution
Among various testing methods, manual and automated testing are two main categories. Contrary to popular belief, automated tests don't replace but complement manual testing, tailored to special needs.
In manual testing, people carry out tests by hand. This usually means that the tester, sitting in front of a computer, runs test cases following the steps described in them. The flexibility of manual testing allows for modifications at any point during the testing process. It also maximally utilizes human intuition and observation skills. Its disadvantages include high cost and unsuitability for large or complex cases, which are better suited for automated testing.
Automated tests run independently, without intervention. Their technical background is formed by scripts, frameworks, and various specialized tools. These tests can quickly and efficiently handle large amounts of tests and test data, making them suitable in areas where manual testing is inappropriate. Their downside is the need for specialized technical knowledge and time-consuming maintenance. Automated testing is particularly applicable to repetitive tasks where accuracy and speed are crucial, but less suitable for situations requiring testing of user interactions and user experience.
Our article outlined the basics of software testing, showing that testing is not just about filtering out errors but also about improving quality and increasing the success of software. We believe that the quality control and continuous improvement provided by software testing contribute to technological innovation and the development of the digital world.