Types of Testing
The Importance of Testing
There are a couple of aspects that testing can help with:
- Quality Assurance: Ensures the software functions correctly and performs as intended
- Resource reduction: Fixing bugs early is more cost-effective than fixing them after release
- User satisfaction: A well-tested product works smoothly, which builds trust
- Increasing Confidence: Provides stakeholders with assurance that the software is ready for deployment
"Make mistakes cheap and fast!"
Note- Testing is not a one-time activity.
- It should be integrated throughout the software development lifecycle, from initial design to final deployment.
Types of Testing
Debugging
The process of identifying and fixing errors or bugs in the code
Functional testing
Process of verification that each software function operates according to its specifications
Data testing
The process of testing involves inputting normal, boundary, abnormal, and extreme data to ensure the system handles all scenarios
Data Testing inputs different kinds of data to see how the system reacts:
- Normal: Usual values (e.g., 75%)
- Boundary: On the edge (e.g., 0, 100)
- Extreme: Outside normal (e.g., -10, 110)
- Abnormal: Wrong type (e.g., letters instead of numbers)
Sometimes, not the usual kind of data is referred to as the Edge Case.
TipAlways test edge cases, such as entering the maximum allowed characters in a text field, to ensure robust functionality.
Alpha testing
Testing conducted by developers in a controlled environment to catch major bugs before release
Beta testing
Testing that involves a group of real users testing the software in real-world conditions to provide feedback and identify issues
Beta testing often reveals issues that developers might miss, as real users interact with the software in unexpected ways.
Dry-run testing
A manual process where developers simulate the execution of code to predict outcomes
Unit testing
Testing individual components or modules of the software in isolation
Integration testing
Testing that ensures that different modules or components work together as expected
User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
Validation process that ensures the software meets user needs and requirements before final deployment
Neglecting user acceptance testing can result in a product that meets technical specifications but fails to satisfy user needs.
Automated testing
Testing that uses software tools to execute tests, compare results, and report outcomes automatically without human interaction
