The world needs effective software testing. In fact, research shows that:
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Ninety percent of users stop using an application if it performs poorly.
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Eighty-six percent delete an app if they have problems with its functionality or design.
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Eighty-eight percent of consumers are less likely to return to a site after a bad experience.
In this blog, we’ll run through some software testing basics, showing you seven of the most common QA tests available.
1. Unit testing
Unit testing is a series of tests written and run to make sure that every single method, function and procedure in your software works. This guarantees that each section of your software/application in isolation meets design standards and behaves correctly.
Developers carry out this type of testing during the early stages of any software build, because it takes place at the code level. QA engineers are rarely involved at that level, so it’s not something you should expect from your QA team. That said, it is an important part of the development and quality process.
2. Integration testing
Integration testing verifies that individual modules or services in your software work well together. This type of testing combines the individual units of your software and tests them as a group to reveal any problems in the interfaces and interactions between them.
3. End-to-end testing
End-to-end testing verifies your software works correctly from the beginning to end of a particular user flow; for example an e-commerce site might have an end-to-end scenario consisting of: choosing a product, viewing the details, adding to cart, and checkout. It replicates expected user behavior and journeys to ensure your software works as whole. It may also include integrations your software has with external interfaces.
4. Acceptance testing
Acceptance testing comes after all other testing in the software creation process. Unlike most other types of testing, the acceptance tests are carried out by the end-users, and typically while under close observation. As they interact with the software, misunderstandings around the user interface or confusion about features are noted and can be redeveloped, thereby making certain the app satisfies all requirements and expectations before launch.
5. Regression testing
Regression testing ensures that any recent code additions don’t negatively affect existing software features that have already been tested and approved. The regression test plan therefore grows with every development sprint, covering the entire product aside from the immediate development effort; this is understandably a neglected part of testing because of the immensity of the task, and is one of the primary candidates for automation.
6. Functional Testing
Functional testing focuses on changes to the code occurring in the current development cycle. It validates software against functional requirements whether existing within Word docs, Confluence pages, or Jira tickets. Essentially, it checks to confirm all features and functions within the software work as expected. Both functional and regression testing are a fundamental part of any platform of continuous improvement for your software.
7. Performance testing
Performance testing measures your software’s speed, scalability and stability under both expected and unexpected workloads. Unlike the previous tests we’ve mentioned, performance testing isn’t about finding functional or UX defects but rather exposing performance bottlenecks, by running gradually increasing numbers of virtual users against the software system while monitoring various performance metrics.
Test software, not your patience
Software testing is necessary for releasing a good product, but it can be difficult and time consuming to organize in-house.
If your next project is ready for testing, why not download our latest guide ‘5 steps to plan and manage a QA testing project’? In it we run you through a full testing project, breaking down each vital stage so you can run yours smoothly.
Or, if you’d like to talk about how OnPath Testing can help you with your next round of QA testing, get in touch today.
