The software has become an important part of any organization performing complex tasks efficiently. Software isn’t just limited to designing and development phases, instead, go through a complete Software Development Life Cycle. There are several phases in SDLC, each of which contains unique importance in the whole process. The software may contain several defects, issues and errors which need to be identified, monitored and removed quickly. Software testing examines the project from every aspect and identifies defects and errors that may affect the project in future.
Software testing assures the quality of a software project and makes sure every feature is functioning properly. It ensures whether the system is satisfying user requirements and performing operations as required. Software testing involves a certain set of methods that may be applied to the project, top 5 effective software testing methods are described below.
1. Black Box Testing
In Black Box testing, testers are unaware of the internal structure of the software application. Source code is hidden from the testers, so they test the functionalities of the software system. In this type of testing, certain inputs are entered into the software and current outputs are compared against expected outcomes. It makes sure that the entire software is working correctly and each feature is performing as expected meeting user demands. Black box testing doesn’t require knowledge of programming or any implementation, needs only testing skills with a focus on a validating system for requirements and specifications.
2. White Box Testing
Just like black-box testing, white-box testing is another method, however, the tester can see the internal structure and source code. Due to the transparency of this testing method, it is also known as glass box testing, clear box testing and open box testing. White box testing requires knowledge of programming and different languages to test the source code, it is often performed by software developers. This type of testing can be applied to different levels but is usually performed in the unit and integration testing. It focuses on improving the security of software, enhancing interface design, the flow of inputs and usability of the software application. It identifies the hidden errors and optimizes the code at an early stage in SDLC.
3. Agile Testing
Agile testing is a software testing method that is based on agile principles of software development. It identifies defects and issues within the system following agile principles and receiving quick feedback. Getting feedback over testing different modules helps in making the software development process faster and better. It focuses on delivering quality and valuable products early and continuously, satisfying the needs of customers. With agile testing, the entire project isn’t affected as it supports changing requirements giving customers a competitive advantage. In this type of software testing, developers and stakeholders work together throughout the project finding flaws and issues in advance. It saves much time and money, doesn’t need large documentation and reviews projects frequently from the end-user.
4. Grey Box Testing
Grey Box testing is another method for software testing that is the combination of both black box and white box testing. In this type of testing, the tester has partial knowledge about source code and internal structure of software application. Based on the programming knowledge, test cases are designed which are further tested on the user level often known as black box side of grey testing. This testing method involves integration testing level as it requires code knowledge as well as needs functionality testing. Grey box testing finds improper usage or structure within the software application. This method involves other testing techniques like matrix testing, pattern testing, regression testing etc.
5. Ad-Hoc Testing
Ad-Hoc testing is the least formal method which is performed without test planning and documentation. In this testing, method testing is often random and results aren’t expected which gives it the informal look. Without any preparation, the tester creates steps for testing and executes each with random selection. Defects that are identified using this method are hard to reproduce as the test cases aren’t being documented. Software services company give the advantage of finding errors that are hidden and can’t be identified using a formal method. This method is run once until the defect is found discovering interesting issues that were left unattended from other testing methods which follow strict procedural steps.
Conclusion
Just like other software life cycle phases, testing holds major importance and can’t be ignored. If steps to resolve these errors aren’t taken on time, it may cause the failure of the whole project making the software non-functional. Though it is considered to test the software system at the end in beneficial ways, testing can be performed side-by-side along with the development. Several testing methods test the entire project at a whole or even the slightest unit of software making sure it performs according to the user specifications.