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4.4 - Summary Table of Testing Types

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Manual Testing vs Automation Testing

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Teacher
Teacher

Today, we'll explore the differences between Manual and Automation Testing. Manual Testing is conducted manually by individuals, while Automation Testing utilizes tools to perform tests automatically. Can anyone provide examples when we might prefer Manual Testing over Automation Testing?

Student 1
Student 1

I believe Manual Testing is preferred for UI testing when we need to assess user experiences directly.

Teacher
Teacher

That's correct! Manual Testing is indeed better for exploratory testing scenarios where a human's judgment is invaluable. What are some challenges we face with Manual Testing?

Student 2
Student 2

It can be very time-consuming and not scalable, especially for repetitive tasks.

Teacher
Teacher

Good point! Time consumption and scalability are significant downsides. Now, what types of tests do you think would benefit from Automation Testing?

Student 3
Student 3

Regression Testing seems like a great candidate, since it involves running the same tests repeatedly.

Teacher
Teacher

Absolutely! Automation excels in scenarios like Regression Testing and Performance Testing due to its speed and accuracy. Let's summarize: Manual Testing is intuitive but limited in repeatability, while Automation Testing brings speed and consistent results but requires upfront setup.

Functional vs Non-Functional Testing

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Teacher
Teacher

Another critical distinction in testing is Functional vs Non-Functional Testing. Can anyone define what Functional Testing is?

Student 2
Student 2

Functional Testing verifies what the system does and the expected outcomes based on requirements.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! It verifies specific functionalities like login or payment processes. Now, what about Non-Functional Testing? How does it differ?

Student 1
Student 1

Non-Functional Testing looks at how well the system performs, like its speed and usability.

Teacher
Teacher

Right! Non-Functional Testing addresses performance criteria, such as load handling and accessibility. Why might both types be needed?

Student 4
Student 4

We need to ensure not only that the application works as intended but also that it performs well under various conditions.

Teacher
Teacher

Well said! Both aspects are crucial for delivering a quality software product.

Common Types of Testing

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Teacher
Teacher

Next, let’s dive into common types of testing: Regression, Smoke, Sanity, UAT, and Performance Testing. What is the purpose of Regression Testing?

Student 3
Student 3

It checks that new changes haven’t broken existing functionalities!

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! And when is it typically performed?

Student 2
Student 2

After every code change or bug fix.

Teacher
Teacher

Nicely done! Now, how does Smoke Testing differ?

Student 1
Student 1

Smoke Testing is a quick set of tests to verify the essential functions work before more detailed testing.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Think of it as an initial check to see if the system is stable enough. Now, Student_4, can you explain the purpose of User Acceptance Testing?

Student 4
Student 4

UAT ensures the system meets business needs and verifies that users can perform real-world tasks.

Teacher
Teacher

Great job! UAT is crucial for validating the application from the users' perspective before production. Lastly, can you summarize the difference between Performance Testing and the other types?

Student 3
Student 3

Performance Testing focuses on how the system behaves under load, while most other tests check functionalities.

Teacher
Teacher

Excellent observation! Performance Testing is indeed key for ensuring reliability and stress management. In summary, these various testing types have specific roles and are integral to successful software deployment.

Introduction & Overview

Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.

Quick Overview

This section categorizes the various types of testing in software quality assurance, detailing distinctions between manual and automation testing, functional versus non-functional testing, and several common types of testing.

Standard

The Summary Table of Testing Types consolidates crucial categories of software testing, contrasting manual, automation, functional, and non-functional testing. It underscores the importance of selecting appropriate testing methods based on the project’s requirements, emphasizing various testing types including regression, smoke, sanity, UAT, and performance testing.

Detailed

Summary Table of Testing Types

Software testing is essential in quality assurance (QA), with various methods tailored to specific project needs. This section develops an understanding of the differences between manual and automated testing, as well as functional and non-functional testing, and outlines several common types of testing employed across projects.

Manual Testing vs Automation Testing

  • Manual Testing involves human testers executing tests without the aid of automated tools, best for exploratory or UI tests.
  • Automation Testing allows scripts/tools to automatically execute tests, ideal for repetitive and regression tests.

Functional vs Non-Functional Testing

  • Functional Testing checks the application’s capabilities against defined requirements focusing on actions and outputs.
  • Non-Functional Testing assesses the quality attributes of the system like performance and usability.

Common Types of Testing

Includes Regression, Smoke, Sanity, UAT, and Performance Testing, each serving distinct purposes such as ensuring functionality post-update (Regression) or validating user requirements (UAT).

Overall, the type of testing chosen should be aligned with the contextual needs, project stage, and business priorities.

Audio Book

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Overview of Testing Types

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The summary table below categorizes different types of testing based on whether they are functional or non-functional, manual or automated, and when they are typically used.

Detailed Explanation

The summary table serves as a quick reference for QA professionals. It provides a clear breakdown of testing types under two main categories: functional and non-functional, and further classifies them based on whether they are manual or automated. This organization helps testers quickly identify which type of testing is appropriate for their needs based on the context of the project.

Examples & Analogies

Think of this summary table as a menu in a restaurant. Just as a menu lists different types of dishes based on categories (like appetizers, main courses, desserts), the testing types table lays out various testing methodologies based on their functionalities and methodologies, making it easier for testers to pick what they need.

Manual Functional Testing

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Manual Functional/Non-Functional Testing
Use Case: Manual UI, ad-hoc, exploratory testing.

Detailed Explanation

Manual functional testing involves human testers performing tests without the aid of automation tools. This type is especially helpful for user interface (UI) evaluations, ad-hoc scenarios where testing requires flexibility, and exploratory testing where testers can use their intuition to find issues that structured tests might miss. It allows for subjective assessments of usability and design.

Examples & Analogies

Consider this like a chef tasting a dish. A chef will taste and adjust seasonings based on their knowledge and experience rather than following a strict recipe. Similarly, manual functional testing allows testers to use their insight and experience to evaluate the software.

Automated Functional Testing

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Automated Functional/Non-Functional Testing
Use Case: Automated regression or repeated test cases.

Detailed Explanation

Automated functional testing uses scripts and tools to run tests automatically, which is efficient for regression testing and repetitive test cases. This type of testing is highly valuable for tasks that need to be repeated often, such as after every code update, where automated tests can quickly verify that existing functionalities remain intact.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a factory assembly line where robots perform the same task repeatedly. Just as automation in factories speeds up production and ensures quality, automated testing speeds up the testing process and enhances reliability in software development.

Regression Testing

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Regression Testing
Functional Both
When: After updates or bug fixes.

Detailed Explanation

Regression testing is performed to ensure that recent code changes have not adversely affected existing functionality. This testing is crucial during software development because it helps catch any new bugs introduced during updates or fixes. The process usually involves running a suite of tests on the application after changes are made.

Examples & Analogies

Think of regression testing like checking your entire house after making renovations. Just as you would want to make sure that the new painting work hasn’t caused any leaks or issues elsewhere, regression testing checks to ensure that the new code does not disrupt the existing system.

Smoke Testing

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Smoke Testing
Functional Both
Use Case: Early tests after deployment.

Detailed Explanation

Smoke testing refers to a preliminary test that checks the basic functionality of an application. It aims to identify simple failures that could stop further testing. This is usually done after a new build is deployed to ensure the core functionalities work correctly before proceeding further with more detailed testing.

Examples & Analogies

You can compare smoke testing to turning on a light bulb. When you flip the switch, the first thing you want to check is whether the light turns on—this shows that the basic power supply is working and that you can move on to the next steps, like adjusting the brightness or adding lamps.

Sanity Testing

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Sanity Testing
Functional Manual
When: Post-fix validation.

Detailed Explanation

Sanity testing is a focused form of testing that checks whether a specific function or bug fix works properly. This differs from regression testing, as it typically does not involve retesting the entire application but is instead aimed at validating specific functionalities that are relevant to the recent changes.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine you fixed a leak under your sink. Sanity testing is akin to running the faucet for a bit to ensure that the repair worked, rather than inspecting every pipe in the house. You’re just checking the relevant area that was supposed to be fixed.

User Acceptance Testing (UAT)

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UAT
Functional Mostly Manual
Use Case: Final business validation.

Detailed Explanation

User Acceptance Testing is a crucial phase where real business users test the system to ensure it meets their needs and requirements. This testing serves as the final validation before the software goes live and is often performed in a real-world environment by the end users.

Examples & Analogies

It's like taking a new car for a test drive before buying it. Potential buyers want to ensure it feels right and meets their expectations before making a significant investment, similarly, business users need to make sure that the software satisfies their operational needs before it’s officially deployed.

Performance Testing

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Performance Testing
Non-Functional Automated
Use Case: Load/stress evaluation.

Detailed Explanation

Performance testing evaluates how the application behaves under various conditions of load and stress. This includes different subtypes, such as load testing (validating normal capacity) and stress testing (checking the limits). It is crucial for identifying potential bottlenecks and ensuring a smooth user experience.

Examples & Analogies

Consider performance testing as training for a marathon runner. Just as a runner practices under increasing distances and varying conditions to understand their limits and prepare for race day, performance testing helps the application understand how it will perform under real-world stress and heavy user loads.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Manual Testing: Human-executed testing without automated assistance, suitable for exploratory tasks.

  • Automated Testing: Testing performed using scripts or tools for efficiency and scalability.

  • Functional Testing: Validation of system behaviors and outputs based on specifications.

  • Non-Functional Testing: Assessment of quality attributes like performance and usability.

  • Regression Testing: Testing to ensure recent changes haven't negatively impacted existing functionalities.

  • Smoke Testing: Preliminary testing to confirm essential system functions.

  • Sanity Testing: Focused testing post-bug fixes to validate specific functionalities.

  • User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Testing by end-users to verify that their needs and requirements are met.

  • Performance Testing: Evaluation of system performance under varying load conditions.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.

Examples

  • Manual Testing is often used in exploratory testing, where testers assess the user interface directly.

  • Automation Testing tools like Selenium are ideal for regression testing due to their speed and ability to run repetitive tests.

  • Functional Testing can include scenarios such as validating login processes or payment transactions.

  • Non-Functional Testing can assess how quickly a webpage loads under stress or how secure a login system is.

  • Regression Testing verifies that new code changes don’t disrupt established functionalities, like ensuring an old login feature still works after an update.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • In Manual Testing, humans do the work, / But Automation makes it fast with a perk.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine you're baking a cake; Manual Testing is like tasting each layer yourself, while Automation is like using a mixer to quickly combine ingredients.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • FIND - Functional checks Inputs, Navigates, and Displays outputs or actions.

🎯 Super Acronyms

PARSER - Performance, Acceptance, Regression, Sanity, Exploratory, Regression - key types of testing.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Manual Testing

    Definition:

    Testing performed manually without automated tools, often relying on human intuition.

  • Term: Automation Testing

    Definition:

    Using scripts or tools to automatically execute tests, allowing for faster and repeatable testing.

  • Term: Functional Testing

    Definition:

    A type of testing that verifies specific functionalities of the system based on requirements.

  • Term: NonFunctional Testing

    Definition:

    Testing that examines the performance, usability, and reliability aspects of a system.

  • Term: Regression Testing

    Definition:

    Testing conducted to ensure that recent changes haven't adversely affected existing functionalities.

  • Term: Smoke Testing

    Definition:

    Basic tests to check if the major functionalities of a system are working after a deployment.

  • Term: Sanity Testing

    Definition:

    Focused testing to verify specific bug fixes or functionality to ensure it works as intended.

  • Term: User Acceptance Testing (UAT)

    Definition:

    Testing performed by end-users to ensure the system meets their needs before it goes live.

  • Term: Performance Testing

    Definition:

    Testing that evaluates the system's performance under a load and ensures it operates efficiently.