What is software testing: Types of testing,Manual vs Automation testing.

What is software testing

What is software testing

"Software testing is the process of activity to check whether the actual result matches with the accepted result or not."

Introduction

Testing is the process of software or system or its component(s) the intention is to find whether it satisfies or completed the specified requirements or not.

Testing is the process of executing a system to identify any gaps,errors,missing requirements to the actual requirements.

By checking core behavior of application find out the bug or error or any missing functionality of application.

So this tutorial will give you a good basic understanding and knowledge on software testing.

What is software testing

"Software testing is the process of activity to check whether actual result matches with the accepted result or not".

Software testing is a process of identifying the correctness of software by considering its all features like Reliability, Scalability, Portability, Re-usability, Usability and by considering this points find out the bugs or errors or defects from the application and provide defect free or bug free application to the customer.

Software Testing Features

Why we need software testing 

Why we need software testing

In software industries before going to any application in market its very important to check quality of software that's why as per market condition and also delivering right and good quality of material to customer software testing is very important.

To identify bugs and error to increase software quality and provide defect free application to customer as per client specification if company provide good quality of material to customer so its coinvent and end use is use the application without any error or bug.

That's why we need software testing to identify bugs and error to increase software quality and provide defect free application to customer.

When we need software testing 

When we need software testing

When we think or here about software testing main question comes in our mind is when start software testing so here its answer so basically after receiving requirement as soon as testing start in short software testing start right from requirement phase and continues till release time.

In software industries main part is providing a good quality of material to customer so that's why it's very important to understand basic concept of software testing.  

So in this tutorial we see What is software testing? Why we need software testing When we need software testing.

Following are different type of Black box testing 

Usability Testing

1.look and feel.
2.Easy to use.
3.Speed of processing

Functionality Testing

Functional Testing

1.Behavioral testing
2.Input domain testing
3.Error handling testing
4.Back end database testing
5.Service level testing
6.Calculation based testing

Non-Functional Testing

1.Recovery testing
2.Compatibility testing
3.Configuration testing
4.Installation testing
5.Intersystem testing
6.Sanitation testing
7.Parallel testing
8.Globalization testing

Advance level Testing

Performance Testing

1.load testing
2.Stress testing
3.Data volume testing
4.Data storage testing

Security Testing

1.Authorized testing.
2.Access control testing.
3.Encryption testing.
4.Decryption testing.

Manual vs Automation testing

Manual Testing

1.In manual testing all work done by manually also in manual testing test case execution done by manually.

2.Manual testing is slow as compared to automation.

3.Here is possibility of human error.

4.Results are not more accurate .

5.Time consuming.

6.At initially required more cost.

7.Easy to work and easy to understand.

8.Required more effort.

Automation testing

1.In automation testing all work done by using automation tools  test case execution done by using testing scripts.

2.In automation testing is fast execution process because of use of automation scripts.

3.In automation testing less possibility if human error.

4.Results are more accurate .

5.Automation testing save the time.

6.Automation testing is costly due to its maintenance of automation tools. 

7.Required skill persons and difficult to understand the tools.

8.Required less effort.

9.100% testing is not possible by automation hence required manual testing.

Why is Software Testing Important?

Software testing is a critical step in the development process. It helps to:

Identify Bugs Early: Testing allows developers to detect and resolve defects early in the development cycle, reducing the cost and effort required to fix them later.

Ensure Quality: A thoroughly tested software ensures high quality, enhancing user satisfaction by delivering a reliable and seamless experience.

Verify Compliance: Many industries require software to meet certain standards. Testing verifies that the software complies with all regulatory and security requirements.

Enhance Performance: By identifying and addressing performance bottlenecks, testing ensures the software operates smoothly under different conditions.

Reduce Risks: Testing helps mitigate risks related to failures, downtime, or security breaches, safeguarding both the users and the organization.

Types of Software Testing

Software testing can be broadly categorized into two main types: Manual Testing and Automated Testing. Within these categories, there are several specific types of testing, each serving a unique purpose:

1. Manual Testing

Manual testing is a process where testers manually execute test cases without using any automation tools. It involves testers playing the role of end users to ensure that all features work as expected.

Exploratory Testing: Testers explore the application without any specific plan, relying on their intuition and experience to find bugs.

Ad-Hoc Testing: Performed without any formal test planning or documentation, focusing on randomly checking functionalities.

User Interface Testing: Ensures that the software interface is user-friendly and functions properly.

2. Automated Testing

Automated testing uses specialized tools and scripts to perform tests. This type is highly efficient for repetitive tasks and large-scale projects.

Unit Testing: Focuses on testing individual components or modules of the software to ensure they work correctly.

Integration Testing: Tests how different modules or components of the software interact with each other.

Functional Testing: Verifies that the software functions as expected, based on the specified requirements.

Regression Testing: Ensures that new updates or changes do not affect the existing functionalities of the software.

Performance Testing: Evaluates the software’s speed, scalability, and stability under different loads.

Security Testing: Identifies vulnerabilities or weaknesses in the software to protect it against malicious attacks.

Steps in Software Testing Process

The software testing process typically follows these key steps:

Requirement Analysis: Understand the requirements and objectives of the software to determine the scope of testing.

Test Planning: Create a detailed test plan that outlines the testing strategy, resources, schedule, and deliverables.

Test Case Development: Write detailed test cases that specify the inputs, actions, and expected results for each functionality.

Test Environment Setup: Prepare the hardware and software environment needed for testing.

Test Execution: Execute the test cases and document the outcomes.

Defect Reporting: Log any defects or issues discovered during testing and assign them to developers for resolution.

Retesting and Regression Testing: Once defects are fixed, retest the software and perform regression testing to ensure no new issues have been introduced.

Test Closure: Evaluate the testing process, document the results, and identify any areas for improvement.

Best Practices for Effective Software Testing

Define Clear Objectives: Establish clear testing goals and objectives aligned with the overall project requirements.

Use a Mix of Manual and Automated Testing: Leverage both manual and automated testing to cover all aspects of the application effectively.

Focus on Test Coverage: Ensure that all functionalities and possible user scenarios are tested.

Prioritize Testing: Prioritize test cases based on the software’s critical functionalities and potential impact on users.

Collaborate with the Development Team: Maintain close communication with the development team to understand changes and resolve issues quickly.

Continuously Update Test Cases: Regularly update test cases to reflect new features, changes, or fixes in the software.

Conduct Regular Reviews: Review the testing process periodically to identify and implement improvements.

Conclusion

Software testing is an essential part of the software development lifecycle that ensures the delivery of a high-quality product. By identifying defects early, enhancing performance, and ensuring compliance with requirements, software testing plays a critical role in achieving customer satisfaction and reducing risks. Understanding the different types of testing and following best practices can help testers efficiently validate software and ensure a smooth user experience.