Software testing is an essential practice that every type of developer needs to take seriously. Otherwise, you will inevitably encounter situations where your users will be unable to properly interact with your program.
In many cases, this can result in severe consequences — especially if your users are paying clients.
Let’s take a deeper look at software testing and what it involves.
What Exactly Is Software Testing?
It should come as no surprise that software testing involves conducting a comprehensive analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of a particular application. In context, software testing is performed by determining the consequences of certain actions during specific circumstances.
This provides valuable insight into how the software functions and allows developers to resolve issues before the application becomes available to the public.
Why Is It Important?
Although there are countless reasons why software testing is important, a handful stands above the rest. In fact, these are often the primary focus of software testing.
Let’s take a look at a few of the most noteworthy.
Ensure Compatibility
As you might guess, software that is not compatible with commonly used devices or operating systems simply won’t be a viable option for many users. For example, imagine if a certain application was unable to run on Apple computers.
This would significantly impact the total number of people who are able to take advantage of the application.
However, it’s also possible for compatibility issues to arise when you run other programs concurrently. In some circumstances, this can virtually eliminate all possibilities of using the software effectively.
Prevent Security Issues
The cybercrime industry is projected to be worth more than ever before by the end of the decade. In fact, experts estimate that its total value will exceed $10 trillion.
So, it’s imperative that developers extensively test the security capabilities of the software they create. This is especially true with applications that collect sensitive information, such as medical patient data.
In some circumstances, developers who do not conduct their due diligence when it comes to security may also have legal action taken against them.
You can visit Qualitylogic.com to learn more about software testing.
Maintain Quality
Releasing a low-quality product is a surefire way to minimize your sales numbers and even damage the reputation of your brand. So, testing for quality is just as important as testing for compatibility and security.
In context, quality testing involves analyzing the content, functionality, and overall user experience. If these factors are not optimized, then it is highly likely that changes will need to be made in order to improve the overall product.
What Types of Testing Are There?
Interestingly, many people are unaware of the fact that there are multiple different types of software testing. However, it’s necessary that the software testing process is diverse so that it can provide comprehensive results.
Listed below are some of the key types of software testing.
Functional Testing
When conducting functional testing, you are analyzing each independent function of the application in order to ensure they meet the proposed requirements. This could involve testing the software on different systems, how the program manages unexpected user inputs, and even how adding a new layer of functionality impacts the rest of the program.
Functional testing is often highly involved and provides valuable results for the developers.
Non-Functional Testing
On the other hand, nonfunctional testing focuses more on usability and performance. This means that key factors include security, speed, and compatibility.
Both the functional and non-functional attributes of a particular application need to be optimized in order for the program to run as intended.
Blackbox Testing
For those who are unfamiliar with this term, a black box refers to an instance in which you do not have knowledge of how input is converted into an output. This means that black box testing is conducted in order to view situations from the consumer’s point of view.
In context, this means that testing occurs while having the same level of knowledge that the average user would. This will provide valuable insight into how your users will experience your program.
How Is Software Testing Performed?
The software testing process is relatively straightforward. It can be broken up into three primary segments, each with an equal level of importance.
Let’s take a look.
The Planning Phase
The planning phase will serve as the foundation for the entire testing process. Here you will determine what you will test and how you will do it.
Without proper planning, there’s a strong chance that you will miss key details and be unable to provide a comprehensive report at the end.
The Execution Phase
The execution phase simply involves conducting the tests. You test various aspects of the program based on what you previously planned, and you record whether these tests were passed or failed.
Afterward, you will begin compiling this information.
The Reporting Phase
Once you consolidate the data that you have acquired, it’s time to report it to the appropriate party. More often than not, this will be a project manager or client who is facilitating the development of the software.
During the reporting phase, it’s essential that you outline any issues the application had while also providing details about how to re-create the problem.
Proper Software Testing Is Essential
It is imperative that you take this responsibility seriously. Otherwise, you may find that you encounter a significant number of consequences in the future. Fortunately, the above guide will help ensure that the software testing process goes as smoothly as possible.
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