Different Types of Software Testing (Based on What They Check) - 8.1 | Deep Dive into Design & Testing Essentials | Software Engineering Micro Specialization
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8.1 - Different Types of Software Testing (Based on What They Check)

Practice

Interactive Audio Lesson

Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.

Functional Testing

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Today, we'll discuss Functional Testing. To start off, can anyone tell me what functional testing aims to verify?

Student 1
Student 1

I think it checks if the features work as the requirements say.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! We focus on evaluating if each feature operates as specified without delving into the inner workings of the code. Let’s look at some examples. What do you think a 'Smoke Test' is?

Student 2
Student 2

Is it a quick check to see if the program can run?

Teacher
Teacher

Yes, great answer! It ensures the most basic functionalities are working before more rigorous testing is conducted. Remember: 'Smoke Test leads to a clearer sky of testing'! Next, let's consider 'Regression Testing.' What do you all know about that?

Student 3
Student 3

Isn't that about checking if new changes break old features?

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! It's crucial to confirm that previous functions remain intact after updates. Let’s summarize: Functional Testing checks feature compliance through methods like Smoke Testing and Regression Testing.

Non-Functional Testing

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Now, let’s transition to Non-Functional Testing. Can anyone differentiate it from Functional Testing?

Student 4
Student 4

Non-Functional Testing is about assessing how well features perform rather than if they work.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! It's focused on attributes like performance, usability, and security. Can you name any types of non-functional tests?

Student 2
Student 2

Performance Testing should be one!

Teacher
Teacher

Right! Performance Testing involves assessing how the application behaves under stress or load. To help remember, think: 'Speed and Security' guides Non-Functional Testing. What’s another example?

Student 1
Student 1

Usability Testing looks at how user-friendly the software is.

Teacher
Teacher

Perfect! Usability Testing evaluates the ease of use and satisfaction for end users. Remember, Non-Functional Testing is just as critical as Functional Testing.

Combining Testing Types

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

We've learned about Functional and Non-Functional Testing; how do you think they work together?

Student 3
Student 3

I guess they both help us understand different aspects of software quality?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! They provide a holistic view of the software's quality. Can anyone provide scenarios where one might take priority over the other?

Student 4
Student 4

For a banking app, I think security testing is more essential than just checking if the buttons work.

Teacher
Teacher

Great example! Security is vital due to sensitive data. However, we must not underestimate that all functions work just as expected. Let's recap: Utilizing both tests ensures both functionality and performance, giving users a complete, reliable product.

Introduction & Overview

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

Quick Overview

This section examines the different categories of software testing based on specific aspects they verify, such as functionality and performance.

Standard

The section categorizes software testing into functional and non-functional types, explaining their goals, approaches, and common test examples. It highlights the significance of choosing the appropriate test type based on the requirements of the software and the desired outcomes.

Detailed

Different Types of Software Testing (Based on What They Check)

Software testing is essential to ensure that applications function correctly, meet user expectations, and remain reliable. In this section, tests are categorized primarily into two groups: Functional Testing and Non-Functional Testing.

1. Functional Testing

Functional testing aims to verify whether each feature of the software operates as specified in the requirements. It treats the software as a "black box," meaning the internal workings are not examined, but rather the input and output are observed. Common types of functional tests include:

  • Smoke Testing: A preliminary check to verify the basic functionality of the application to ensure it runs.
  • Sanity Testing: A quick check to confirm that a small change or bug fix did not introduce new issues.
  • Regression Testing: Testing old functionality after a change to ensure that existing features remain unaffected.
  • Re-testing: Running a specific test that previously failed to verify that the issue is resolved.

2. Non-Functional Testing

On the other hand, non-functional testing focuses on evaluating the quality and performance of the software. This includes:

  • Performance Testing: Assessing how well the system performs under various conditions, including load and stress.
  • Security Testing: Checking for vulnerabilities and weaknesses against potential exploits.
  • Usability Testing: Evaluating how user-friendly and intuitive the software is.
  • Reliability Testing: Ensuring consistent operation over time.
  • Compatibility Testing: Confirming that the software works across different devices, browsers, and operating systems.

Overall, understanding these testing types is crucial to develop a comprehensive testing strategy that assures software quality, usability, and functionality.

Audio Book

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Functional Testing

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1. Functional Testing:

Goal:

To check if every feature of the software works exactly as described in the requirements. "Does the button save the customer record correctly?"

How:

You treat the software as a "black box" – you don't look at the code inside, just its behavior.

Common Functional Tests:

  • Smoke Testing: A quick "sanity check" after a new version is built. Does it even turn on and do the most basic things? (e.g., "Can I log in and see the main screen?")
  • Sanity Testing: A quick, narrow check after a small change or bug fix. Did that fix break something obvious?
  • Regression Testing: Running old tests to make sure new changes or bug fixes haven't broken any existing features that used to work. This is super important to prevent old bugs from reappearing.
  • Re-testing (Confirmation Testing): Running a specific test that previously failed, just to confirm that the bug is fixed.

Detailed Explanation

Functional testing focuses on verifying that the software behaves according to the functional specifications provided at the start of the project. The goal is to ensure that all the features operate correctly as clients expect. Functional tests are typically performed without knowing the internal workings of the application, treating it like a black box. Smoke testing checks essential functions after new builds, sanity testing verifies specific changes, regression testing ensures that previous functionalities remain intact after updates, and re-testing confirms issues are resolved.

Examples & Analogies

Think of functional testing like testing a microwave. You want to know if it can heat food, cook popcorn, or defrost meat, but you don't need to understand how the microwave's electronics work. You simply push the buttons and observe if it performs these tasks correctly.

Non-Functional Testing

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2. Non-Functional Testing (Testing "How Well" it Works):

Goal:

To evaluate how well the system performs, its usability, security, reliability, etc. "Is it fast? Is it secure? Is it easy to use?"

Types of Non-Functional Tests:

  • Performance Testing:
  • Load Testing: How does the system behave under normal and heavy expected user traffic?
  • Stress Testing: How does the system behave when you push it beyond its normal limits (e.g., 1000 users when it's only designed for 100)? Does it break gracefully?
  • Scalability Testing: Can the system handle more users or data if the business grows?
  • Security Testing: Checks for weaknesses that hackers could exploit (e.g., weak passwords, unauthorized access).
  • Usability Testing: Involves real users to see how easy and intuitive the software is to learn and use.
  • Reliability Testing: Checks how consistently the system works without failing over a long period.
  • Compatibility Testing: Does the software work correctly with different browsers, operating systems, or devices?
  • Installation Testing: Does the software install and uninstall properly?

Detailed Explanation

Non-functional testing examines how well the software performs outside of its basic functions. This includes assessing characteristics like performance under various conditions, security against potential threats, ease of use, reliability over time, and compatibility with different devices or systems. Performance testing can involve load and stress tests to see how the software reacts under heavy use. Security testing seeks out vulnerabilities, usability testing involves assessing user experience, and reliability testing checks for consistent performance.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a restaurant. You not only want to know if they serve food (which would be functional testing), but you also care about how quickly the food is served, if the dining area is clean and easy to navigate (usability), if they keep the food safe from contamination (security), and if they can handle a busy Friday night service (performance). Non-functional testing evaluates these factors.

Definitions & Key Concepts

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

Key Concepts

  • Functional Testing: Verifies if features operate per requirements.

  • Non-Functional Testing: Evaluates performance, usability, and reliability.

  • Smoke Testing: A quick check of basic functionality post-build.

  • Regression Testing: Ensures unchanged features remain functional after updates.

  • Performance Testing: Assesses how software performs under various conditions.

  • Usability Testing: Tests software from the user's experience.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

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

Examples

  • A banking application subjected to security testing to identify vulnerabilities.

  • A shopping cart tested through usability testing to ensure easy navigation.

Memory Aids

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

🎡 Rhymes Time

  • Smoke test the code before it unfolds; new changes checked, let the old stay bold.

πŸ“– Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a restaurant checking dishes (Functional) to ensure they taste good, while also ensuring the ambiance (Non-Functional) is enjoyable for guests!

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Remember 'SPLURP' for Non-Functional Testing: Security, Performance, Load, Usability, Reliability, Portability.

🎯 Super Acronyms

For the types of Functional Testing, think 'SMRR' - Smoke, Manual, Regression, Re-testing.

Flash Cards

Review key concepts with flashcards.

Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Functional Testing

    Definition:

    The process of verifying that each feature of the software operates according to specified requirements.

  • Term: Smoke Testing

    Definition:

    A preliminary test to check basic functionalities of a software after a new build.

  • Term: Regression Testing

    Definition:

    Testing old functionality after changes to ensure it remains unaffected.

  • Term: NonFunctional Testing

    Definition:

    Testing that evaluates aspects of the software's performance, usability, and security.

  • Term: Performance Testing

    Definition:

    Assessing how well the system works under varying conditions.

  • Term: Usability Testing

    Definition:

    Evaluating how user-friendly and intuitive software is.