Day 4: Types of Testing
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Manual vs. Automation Testing
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Today, we're discussing the difference between manual and automated testing. Manual testing is when testers execute test cases without the use of automation tools. Can anyone tell me why manual testing might still be essential despite the existence of automation?
I think it's because manual testing is better for exploratory tests.
Exactly! Manual testing is crucial for exploratory and usability testing, where human intuition is necessary. Now, who can summarize the benefits of automation?
Automation is faster for repetitive tasks and increases test coverage.
Correct! Remember the acronym RACE: Repetitive, Accurate, Cost-effective, and Efficient. These are key advantages of automation!
Functional Testing
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Functional testing focuses on specific functionalities of a software application. Can anyone provide an example of a functional test case?
How about checking if a user can successfully log in with valid credentials?
Perfect! A functional test case would be to check if the login box accepts valid credentials and responds correctly. Now, who can explain what non-functional testing entails?
It tests the application's performance, usability, and reliability.
Right! A mnemonic to remember this is 'P.U.R.E': Performance, Usability, Reliability, and Efficiency. Great job!
Examples of Testing Types
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Let's look at some examples to differentiate testing types. If I were to verify that a search button returns results, what type of testing would that be?
That would be functional testing.
Correct! Now, if I'm checking that a web page loads within 2 seconds under normal conditions, what kind of testing is that?
That would be non-functional testing.
Exactly! Remember these distinctions as they help us create targeted and effective test strategies.
Choosing the Right Type of Testing
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When choosing the type of testing, how would you decide between manual and automated testing for a project?
If it's a project with many repetitive tasks, I would choose automation.
Good insight! For new features, manual testing may be preferred initially. Who can name one scenario where automation might not be suitable?
If the feature is still changing frequently, automation might not be effective.
Correct! Flexibility is critical in testing strategies.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
In this section, students will explore the major categories of software testing, focusing on manual versus automation and functional versus non-functional tests. Each type is defined with practical examples, helping students distinguish between different approaches and understand which scenarios require each type of testing.
Detailed
Day 4: Types of Testing
This section introduces the fundamental types of software testing, a crucial topic for Quality Assurance (QA) professionals. Testing can be broadly categorized into:
1. Manual vs. Automation Testing
- Manual Testing involves human intervention to execute test cases. Testers manually verify the functionality of the application.
- Automation Testing employs scripts and tools to run tests, making it more efficient for repetitive tasks.
Example: Manual testing is suitable for exploratory and usability testing, while automation is ideal for regression testing.
2. Functional vs. Non-Functional Testing
- Functional Testing verifies specific functions of the software (e.g., checking if a login feature works as expected).
- Non-Functional Testing assesses aspects like performance, usability, and reliability (e.g., testing how fast the login page loads).
Example: A functional test might check if the search function on a website yields results, while a non-functional test might check if the search function returns results within 2 seconds.
Understanding these testing types aids QA professionals in selecting the appropriate testing strategy based on project requirements, contributing to better software quality.
Audio Book
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Manual vs. Automated Testing
Chapter 1 of 4
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Chapter Content
Testing is categorized as:
- Manual vs. Automation: Manual involves human execution; automation uses scripts.
Detailed Explanation
In software testing, you can either have manual testing or automated testing. Manual testing means that a tester runs the tests by hand, carefully checking the product's behavior on various scenarios. On the other hand, automated testing means that scripts or software tools run the tests automatically, which can save time and reduce human error. This distinction helps teams decide how to approach testing based on resources, time, and project requirements.
Examples & Analogies
Think of manual testing like a chef tasting each dish before serving. The chef uses their skills and senses to assess the taste, texture, and presentation. In contrast, automated testing is similar to having a machine that samples each dish and provides feedback based on set criteria without the chef needing to taste them.
Functional vs. Non-Functional Testing
Chapter 2 of 4
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Chapter Content
- Functional vs. Non-Functional: Functional tests features (e.g., login); non-functional tests performance (e.g., load time).
Detailed Explanation
Functional testing focuses on testing the specific functionalities of the software product to ensure that it performs the required tasks correctly. For example, verifying that a login button works as intended falls under functional testing. In contrast, non-functional testing evaluates aspects such as performance, usability, and reliability. An example would be checking how quickly a web page loads under a heavy user load. This distinction helps ensure that both the internal mechanics and the user experience of the software are up to standard.
Examples & Analogies
Consider functional testing like a mechanic checking if a car engine starts and drives properly, while non-functional testing is akin to checking how fuel-efficient the car is or how smoothly it drives when fully loaded.
Examples of Functional and Non-Functional Testing
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Chapter Content
Example: Functional: Verify a search button returns results. Non-Functional: Ensure the search loads in under 2 seconds.
Detailed Explanation
It's crucial to provide clear examples when discussing testing types. A functional test would involve taking a specific action, like clicking a search button, and checking if it produces the expected results. In contrast, a non-functional test measures how quickly the system can handle that search request, focusing on performance rather than correctness. Both types of testing are vital in delivering a well-rounded product that meets user expectations.
Examples & Analogies
You can think of this as ordering food online. The functional test is ensuring that when you click 'Order,' your order is processed correctly. The non-functional test checks how long it takes from clicking the order button to receiving a confirmation, which impacts your experience as a customer.
Exercises to Reinforce Learning
Chapter 4 of 4
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Chapter Content
Exercise:
- Classify three testing scenarios as Functional or Non-Functional.
- Explain one benefit of manual testing over automation.
Detailed Explanation
Exercises help reinforce the concepts learned. By classifying testing scenarios, students practice distinguishing between functional and non-functional tests, honing their analytical skills. Additionally, explaining a benefit of manual testing over automation encourages critical thinking about the advantages of being able to apply human judgment and intuition in certain situations, such as when testing usability and user experience.
Examples & Analogies
It's like practicing your swimming skills in a pool where you can feel the water and adjust your strokes manually versus a quick metric report on your swimming stats provided by a smart swimming device. The human touch often catches what numbers can't, especially in contexts like user experience testing.
Key Concepts
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Manual Testing: Human-executed testing without automation.
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Automation Testing: Uses scripts to execute tests efficiently.
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Functional Testing: Tests specific functionalities of the application.
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Non-Functional Testing: Tests non-functional aspects like performance.
Examples & Applications
Example of a functional test: Verifying if the login button works.
Example of a non-functional test: Checking the loading time of a web page.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
Testing is two, it's clear as day, Manual's for hands, Automation leads the way.
Stories
Imagine a company launching a new app. They decide to test the login feature manually first, as they need real users' impressions. Once satisfied, they set up automated tests to ensure every new feature remains functional as they proceed with updates. This captures both exploratory insights and ensures reliability.
Memory Tools
FOAM: Functional, Operational, Adaptive, and Measure for Non-Functional Testing.
Acronyms
RACE
Repetitive
Accurate
Cost-effective
Efficient for remembering automation benefits.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Manual Testing
A software testing process where tests are executed manually without the use of automation tools.
- Automation Testing
A testing process that uses automated tools or scripts to execute tests, enhancing speed and efficiency.
- Functional Testing
A type of testing that verifies if specific functions of an application operate according to requirements.
- NonFunctional Testing
A type of testing concerned with the non-functional attributes of the application such as performance, usability, and reliability.
Reference links
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