The software testing process involves the various strategies or approaches used to test an application to ensure that it behaves and looks as expected. They cover everything from the initial test to the end, including unit and system tests. This article was developed to highlight the myriad of testing techniques used by quality assurance professionals.
What is Software Testing
Testing is a process for evaluating the functionality of any software with the intention of finding out whether the developed software has met specified requirements or not. Testing is also occurring to identify defects to ensure that the product is free from defects in order to produce a quality product.
Software Testing Process Step by Step
Testing is a process, not a single activity. The test must be planned and requires discipline to act on it. Testing activities can be divided into the following basic steps:
- Planning and control
- Analysis and Design
- Implementation and Execution
- Evaluating exit criteria and Reporting
- Test Closure activities
1. Planning and Command
Planning
Test planning involves producing a document that describes a general approach and the objectives of the test. Based on the analysis of test items, writing test cases, and designing the test environment, it involves reviewing the test basis, identifying test conditions. Completion or exit criteria must be specified so that we can know when the test (at any stage) is complete.
Aim
To determine the scope and risks and identify the objectives of the test.
To determine the required test resources, such as people, test environments, etc.
To schedule design tasks and test analysis, test implementation, execution, and evaluation.
Command
This is the activity of comparing actual progress against the plan and reporting status, including deviations from the plan. It involves the execution of actions necessary to fulfill the mission and objectives of the project.
2. Test Analysis and Test Design
To review the test basis. Such as requirements, design specifications, product risk analysis, architecture, and interfaces, the test basis is the information on which the test cases are based.
- To identify the test conditions
- To design the tests
- To design the test environment configuration and identify the necessary infrastructure and tools
3. Implementation and Execution
Execution of the test actually involves running the specified test on a computer system, either manually or using an automated testing tool. It is a fundamental testing process in which the real work is done.
The test implementation has the following main task:
- To develop and prioritize test cases using techniques and create test data for those tests.
- To create test suites from test cases. (Test suite is a collection of test cases used to test a software program)
- To re-run tests that previously failed to confirm a correction.
- To estimate the result of the test run. (Test log tells the status of the test case whether it passes or fails).
- To compare with the expected results to the actual results.
4. Evaluating Exit Criteria and Reporting
Evaluating the exit criteria is a process that defines when to stop the test. It depends on code coverage, functionality, or risk. Basically, it also depends on the business risk, cost, and time and varies from project to project. The exit criteria come into play when:
- Maximum test cases are performed with a certain percentage of approval
- The bug rate drops below a certain level
- When we meet deadlines
The evaluation of the exit criteria has the following main tasks:
- To assess whether further testing is needed or whether the specified exit criteria should be changed
- To write a test summary report for stakeholders
5. Test Closure Activities
Test closure activities are performed when the software is ready to be delivered. The test may end for other reasons as well:
- When a project is canceled
- When some goal is reached
- When a maintenance or update version is made
Test closure activities have the following main tasks:
- To check which planned deliveries are actually delivered and to ensure that all incident reports have been resolved
- To conclude and archive testware such as test environments, scripts, etc. for later reuse.
- To deliver the testware to the maintenance organization. They will support the software.
- To assess how the tests went and learn lessons for future versions and projects.
Advantages of using Software Testing
Cost-effective: Testing any IT project on time helps you save money in the long run. In case the bugs are detected at the previous stage of software testing, it costs less to fix.
Security: It is the most vulnerable advantage of software testing. People are looking for reliable products. Helps remove risks and problems earlier.
Product Quality: The essential requirement of any software product is quality. Tests ensure that a quality product is delivered to customers.
Customer Satisfaction: The main objective of any product is customer satisfaction. UI / UX testing is a very crucial part because it ensures the best user experience.
Process of testing the software is important because if an error or bug is detected in the software, it can be detected early and the software can be resolved before shipping the product. A properly tested software product provides reliability, security, and high performance, resulting in additional time savings, cost-effectiveness, and customer satisfaction.
