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Software Testing Process

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What is software Testing Process?

The way to ensure that the end product matches the expected standards is known as Software Testing and its aim are –

Evaluate the functionality

Identify bugs & defects

Identify gaps between existing and expected conditions

An impartial and independent view of the software is what Software Testing Process provides, which assists in understand its pros and cons.

Why is Software Testing Process is Important?

There are several advantages in doing Software Testing and it plays a crucial step before delivering the final product to the customer.

Saves Money

Software Testing makes the process of Software development a little cost-effective. During software development, a lot of money can be saved by doing software testing as it makes sure that your software does not need continuous fixing. Releasing a faulty software can cost you numerous investments, users, and clients.

Quality

Guaranteeing high-quality software to your clients can be achieved by software testing, as it aims to remove bugs and defects in your software to ensure smooth functioning. Quality software is key to building a brand image and attracts more customers with higher payments.

User Experience

It is essential to test software rigorously, as user will only use a software
continuously if it is basic and straightforward. Software testing ensures that
software needs to be simple, direct, easy to use and ensure good user
experience, so that it leads to flawless user experience.

Quality

By doing rigorous software testing it ensures high quality and efficient software, resulting in good user experience, client satisfaction and good word-of-mouth. Removal of as many bugs as possible in the early stages of development, long-run investments in debugging reduce. Eventually it leads you to retain old clients as well as gain new ones and increases the Return of Investment by ensuring good quality.

User Experience

Business optimization can be achieved by delivering quality software which can be ensured only with careful and continuous Software Testing. As happy users, client retention, low servicing costs, increased profits, better quality and superior brand image can only come when you offer flawless software. Implications of faulty software can be avoided by help of Software Testing.

What are the types of Software Testing?

There are two types of methods in Software Testing.

1-Manual Testing

Manual testing is the software testing done only by means of human intervention
and for testing periods it may include detailed step-by-step test cases.
Some advantages which manual testing offers are-

Cost-Effective

It may save the costs of using automatic tools to test software.

Advantage of human eye

Automated tool might unsee some but human eye catches that and that can be immediately be rectified by the tester. Automated tool can’t be relied entirely to provide you with the best user experience, like visual or design bugs, can be identified more effectively by the human eye. The advantage of flexibly rectifying bugs is added in manual testing.

2- Automation Testing

Automation Testing is done by using testing software and to assist you in automatically testing your software there are various tools accessible

Scheduled test execution

Scheduling a software test anytime during the day from anywhere can be done using automation testing and you don’t have to be physically present for the testing as this provides flexibility which automation tools do

Regression testing is easy

Running functional and non-functional tests repeatedly to ensure the smooth functioning of the software after a change has been made is referred to as regression.
Scheduling and conduction of the regression test can be performed automatically at any time using automation testing. Automation testing enables to reuse the test scripts

Time Saving

As you do not have to overlook the testing process so automation testing increases the speed. A lot of time which takes on testing scripts and repeated
testing gets freed which leads to efficiency and offering you a chance to work on other aspects of the software.

What are the methods of Software Testing?

Statistic Testing

This testing is usually performed at the initial stages of development to debugthe software easily, where testing happens in software for bugs without running the code and it involves both manual and automation testing.
 
Things which are tested in static testing are –
Business Requirements Document
Unit test cases
Functional requirements
Use cases
Test data
Prototype
Prototype Specification Document
Traceability Matrix Document
User Manual
Automation Scripts
 
Benefits static testing offers are –
It helps to identify defects in the code
It is a fast and easy way to identify and rectify errors
It is possible to find mistakes at initial stages with Static Testing

Dynamic Testing

he software for the functionality, memory usage and overall operation by running the code is called as Dynamic testing and with dynamic factors or non-constant variables its mains to assess software performance. Ensuring the smooth functioning of the software after and while installing it is the
aim of dynamic testing.
 
Dynamic testing offers some advantages which are –
It supports the analysis of applications
It reveals errors missed out by Static Testing
It ensures the quality of the software by making it mostly bug-free
It validates the findings of Static Testing
It can be implemented with any application

What are the approaches to Software Testing?

Whitebox Testing

Known as clear box testing/glass box testing/structural testing/open box testing, it is used to know the design or code of the software. The aim of Whitebox testing is to check the software’s functioning based on the code and it analyses the inner functioning of the system.
 
Some of advantages which Whitebox testing offers are –
It can be performed at the initial stages
It is more thorough
It allows us to find hidden defects
It helps in code optimization
Maximum coverage is ensured due to knowledge of code

Blackbox Testing

Also known by name of Behavioural Testing, which aims to find bugs in the
functions, interface, data structures, behaviour, initialization and termination.
 
Advantages of Black box testing are –
Tests may be tough to design
Many bugs can go undetected

Functional Testing

To verify that there are no gaps between developed features/functions and
required features/functions is the aim of Functional testing.

Non-Functional Testing

To focus on the non-functional parts of the software is the aim of Non-functional testing

Grey Box Testing

Grey box testing combines of white-box testing and black-box testing, where
detailed design documents and requirements are accessible to you.
 
Advantages of Grey box testing are –
It provides combined benefits of white box testing and black-box testing.
Grey box testers can develop more intelligent tests.
Developers and testers have clear goals while testing.
The overall quality of the software is enhanced.

What are the levels of Software Testing?

Unit Testing

The tiniest testable component of the software is the Unit and individual units of the software are tested at this level. To ensure the proper functioning of each unit is the aim and usually it has a few inputs and a single output. At this level White Box Testing and Functional Testing are applicable.
 
Some of advantages of unit testing are –
For unit testing, easier codes are made
It increases the confidence to modify and maintain codes
It ensures faster development
It is cost-effective
The process is made agile
It improves the quality of code
It simplifies debugging

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Integration Testing

Integrated Testing aims to detect errors in the integrated units’ interaction where individual units are grouped for testing.
 
Integrated testing gives following advantages –
It ensures that units function together
It can be done at the initial stages
It can be done with individual modules of the software
It conveniently finds issues at the system-level

​

System Testing

System testing aims to assess the conformity of the software with the established requirements and end-to-end testing where integrated software is tested wholly.
 
System testing provides with following advantages –
It assesses the system against the user’s work, practical and technical
requirements
It assists in identifying maximum bugs
It heightens the team’s confidence by ensuring that the software is
functioning smoothly as a whole
It detects bugs missed out by Unit Testing and Integration Testing

Accepted Testing

Acceptance testing involves the verification of software against the requirements to ensure it is adequate for delivery, where it is assessed for acceptability.
 
Acceptance testing offers advantages which are –
It ensures that the present conditions meet the expected needs
It reduces the risk of identifying major bugs during production
It identifies bugs left out during the earlier levels
It ensures the proper functioning of the end product

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What are the different Software testing process models?

Traditional Waterfall Development Module

Waterfall development model is sequential model   that pre-defines all stages of the Software Development Life Cycle and is one of the oldest models.
 
According to Waterfall Development Model –
An independent group of testers does test
Each stage must be finished for the next step to begin
Stages cannot overlap
Testing is done once all the functional requirements have been developed

Agile Development Module

Agile Model focuses mainly on breaking down tasks into smaller iterations and not involving long term planning and is emerging approach to Software
Development. To support continuous integration and decrease defect rates the main aim of Agile model.
 
Agile model presents with some advantages which are –
Frequent deliveries
Constant communication with clients
Efficient designs
Requirement fulfilment
Changes can be made anytime

V Module

V Model is a rigid model and it carries out the development and test execution operations parallelly. V Model is time effective and increases the odds of success, as planning and designing are done before coding, this model is convenient to use.
 
Software testing process gets divided into five stages under V model which are –
Unit Testing
Integration Testing
Regression Testing
System Testing
Acceptance Testing

​

Spiral Module

Spiral Model focuses on risk analysis, but very much similar to the Agile model. For complex software, Spiral model is a preferable model, as new functionalities can be added later. Upper spirals form over, as the assembly of needs and risk analysis is done at the base. Nevertheless, this model is costly and requires experts to perform the risk analysis.

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What are the various tools for Software Testing?

Selenium

It helps to create complicated and progressive automation scripts, which is used as a testing tool for web applications. Selenium is an open-source tool, that supports a significant amount of programming languages and is usually the base of most of the software testing tools. By supporting parallel test execution, itsaves time.

Appium

Appium is easy to install and use, which is used as a testing tool mainly for mobile applications. Appium has become one of the best mobile automation testing tools, as it supports the automation of native, hybrid, and mobile web applications for both IOS and Android. It is an open-source tool, which automates any mobile app supported by any language and test framework.

Katalon Studio

Katalon is an automation testing tool that supports both web and mobile-based applications, also it can be integrated with various tools like Jira, Git, Slack, qTest, etc. To develop a variety of test cases, it has numerous built-in keywords and by running on Windows, macOS, and Linux, it displays versatility. People with minimum programming skills can use this tool.

Cucumber

It is an open-sourced Behaviour Driven Development Tool and has remarkable users like PayPal and Canon. In a web-based environment, it supports numerous languages, whose code be executed on different frameworks and is written in simple English which is known as Gherkin​

IBM Rational Functional Tester

It makes functional testing easier and less costly by providing developers and
testers with a common platform. Its scripting language is VBScript and it backs data-driven testing and gives great automation testing solutions, which also offers cross-browser and multi-platform compatibility.
 
Many applications can be automated by it and some of them are –
Web
Desktop
SAP
Java
Oracle
Mobile

Worksoft

It is an automation testing tool for SAP, which provides the only code-free platform for continuous test automation. Even in the implementation, maintenance, and up-gradation stages of the SAP project, this tool can be deployed. Worksoft offers an in-built test-data management tool, which is primarily built to meet the requirements of large firms that handle crucial business processes. Worksoft offers DevOps and Agile continuation automation platforms.

IBM Rational Functional Tester

This is a commercial tool offered by IBM and it provides a storyboard testing feature that helps you visualize and modify tests using application screenshots and natural language. IBM Rational Functional Tester supports scripting languages like Java and VB. Net along with that it also supports many development environments like Net, SAP, Java, etc.
 
Primarily concerned things with this tool are –
Automated Functional Testing
Regression Testing
Graphical User Interface Testing
Data-Driven Testing

Worksoft

Teleric Test Studio supports the testing of desktop, web, and mobile applications, with an extensive test automation solution. It enables scheduled tests, parallel test execution and strong test reporting features as Teleric Test Studio is an automation testing tool. Compatible with Graphical User Interface (GUI), Performance, Load, Application Programming Interface (API) Testing, and also has a feature of “Record and Playback Tool”. Two scripting languages – C# and VB.Net are supported by it.​

Soap UI

It is an open-source tool for functional testing, which even though it is not a testing tool for web or mobile app testing, it can be used for API Testing. It allows easy reuse of scripts and unsynchronized testing, along that it also has features like drag-and-drop and point-and-click test generation.

Test Complete

It is an automation testing tool used to test desktop, mobile, and web applications which is compatible with numerous scripting languages like JavaScript, Python, and VBScript. TestComplete is compatible with numerous scripting languages like Javascript, Python, and VBScript. Without writing code, it creates complex automated scripts, which is easily reusable and it has replay features that assist in building and running working UI tests. Various testing techniques like data-driven testing, regression testing, distributed testing, and keyword-driven testing are also supported.

What are the Software Testing deliverables?

Test Strategy

Based on the business requirement specifications, Test Strategy is chosen and it is an essential, high-rank management document developed by the test manager. The overview of the software development cycle’s approach is provided by Test Strategy and it must include –

Test Objective

Test Scope

Testing Types

Testing Efforts and Costs

Test Plan and Estimation

It is an elaborate document that acts as a road map for the whole project and it enables developers, managers and clients to understand the testing process in detail. Throughout the project it also guides the testing team.

Things which it describes are –

Test Strategy

Test Objective

Test Criteria

Resource Planning

Schedule & Estimation

Test Estimation

It is a document that estimates the amount of effort needed in the project while the whole project is divided into smaller components where each component’s required effort is estimated. The formation of a test-schedule is lead by Test Estimation which is also known as project management.

Test Scenario

It is an elaborate document of test cases that includes all functionalities of the software and similar requirements are grouped to be performed. Generally, from user’s point of view test scenarios are prepared. Test Scenarios are prepared from the user’s viewpoint; therefore, it is preferable to take inputs from clients, developers or users. It is easy to maintain, as the modification of test scenarios is convenient and independent. 

Test Cases

To evaluate one feature of the software, test cases are performed which are a group of actions. Test cases are generally derived from test scenarios. Test cases which assist the testing team in ensuring that the actual and expected results match include particular conditions.

Test Data

The data used to perform tests refers to Test Data. To find errors and bugs properly, it needs to be accurate and comprehensive.

Requirement Traceability Matrix

It assists the testing team in setting every requirement with a test case and helps the testing team to ensure that all the needs of the client have been met. To check on the testing process quickly, it comes as very helpful to clients.

Test Summary Report

It summarizes the executed tests along with their results and assists the client to understand and evaluate the entire testing process.

Test summary report must include some of information which are –

Testing Members, Objectives, Scope, Client Details, Test Approach used, Test Results, Defect Report

Test Closure Report

The detailed assessment of the entire testing process can be obtained by this report and it implies that the testing procedure is coming to an end after executing tests and fixing bugs. Usually, test manager makes this report and also mentions all the exit criteria

Incident Report

An incident report is generally made when a bug is found while executing the final software.

What are the Principles of Software Testing?

Testing shows the presence of defects

Exhaustive testing is not possible

Early Testing: Testing should be started early to find detects first

Defect Clustering: A small number of modules usually contain most of the defects

Pesticide Paradox: Repeatedly conducting the same tests won’t find new flaws. Test cases should be regularly reviewed and revised to avoid the pesticide paradox

Testing is context-dependent

Absence of errors fallacy – Identifying and fixing bugs is useless if the system built is unusable

What qualities should you look for in your Software testing team

Contextual Adaptivity

Openness to adapt different software testing approaches according to the project’s context, is the foremost thing a testing team must has, as such flexibility comes in handy to increase the efficiency of the software.

Programming Knowledge

The testing team should have a certain amount of programming knowledge to assess and rectify the bugs more effectively, no matter what testing type is being used.

Understanding of Testing Techniques

Hired testing team must have knowledge of the variety of testing techniques available and has a fair idea about all the options available.

Understanding Business Requirements

A testing team must be having a clear understanding of the purpose of the software being tested, as being aware of client’s requirement can gain them upper hand in identifying and rectify bugs in a better way.

Good Communication Skills

The team must possess exceptional verbal and written communication skills to eliminate the scope of misunderstandings in the requirements, as it can directly affect the understanding between the testing team and the client, therefore is very crucial. 

Constant Learning

Being a constant learner is always helpful as, world is transforming digitally, new technologies and techniques are introduced every day. Therefore, remaining open to learning to stay updated about all the latest available options, this will help them do a better job.

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