What testing disciplines fall under functional testing?
There are numerous methods and categories. We may begin by discussing exploratory or scripted testing, for instance. Different functional testing methods exist for creating pertinent test cases or test data that may be utilized in both exploratory and scripted testing, albeit they are frequently referred to as test case design methods because they are frequently employed in scripted testing.
The unique feature of exploratory testing is that it offers a straightforward external structure in which a tester interacts with a product to achieve a mission’s goal for a set amount of time (no longer than two hours).
On the other side, we can categorize based on the test level we use or the stage of the development cycle. This allows us to differentiate between unit testing, component testing, smoke testing, integration testing, system testing, regression testing, user acceptability testing, and more. Here, I’ll concentrate on a few of them:
- During unit testing, several units are tested separately. Here, we often discuss units at the code level. These tests must be very particular, and you must isolate a section of code that only pertains to the thing you wish to test. The great majority of the time, developers are in charge of performing this kind of testing.
This kind of testing aims to find mistakes early and stop them from getting worse.
- When we need to add functionality to the system and test it with the other system components we are evaluating, we conduct integration tests to determine whether they function properly together. This can occur while merging changes to various components at the level of the unit code, the service level (at the API level of a layered system), or even the system level.
- Regression tests are a subset of planned tests that are chosen to be run regularly, for instance, at the time of every new product release. They are used to make sure the product hasn’t gone backward.
In other words, and in keeping with the preceding argument, regression testing is necessary if we want to ensure that the integrations we carry out have not impacted other previously tested functions. Additionally, these tests are crucial for confirming that what previously worked well is still functioning.
What methods are available for creating test cases for functional testing?
They are numerous. Equivalence partitions, boundary values, pairwise combinations, and decision tables are examples of well-known approaches. There are even more sophisticated methods, such as those that use state machines.
- White-Box:
We are considered to be using a white-box technique if we use knowledge that is internal to the system we are testing to develop tests, such as code, database schema, etc. The most typical method for achieving specific degrees of coverage is to base the design on the source code. In order to determine this, we can state that the most basic level would entail attempting to cover every line of code.
Sometimes, a “transparent box” is used in place of a “white box.” This alludes to the fact that this strategy’s objective is to enable us to see what is included within the test box.
- Black Box:
Unlike the term “white box,” “black box” refers to a system whose interior cannot be seen from the outside. In this method of operation, we just rely on the observation of the system’s inputs and outputs. This may occur at the level of a system, unit, component, API, etc.
With white-box, we could say that we are interested in what takes place inside the box, whereas with black-box, we are interested in what takes place outside the box. While the boundary is frequently unclear or we may be using a “black box” strategy, as soon as we have some understanding of what is happening within, we may use that knowledge to our advantage.
- both general and detailed test cases
This classification pertains to how specifically the test scenario is described.
The intended inputs and outputs for an abstract test case are not known in advance, thus variables are employed and logical operators are used to express certain properties that they must satisfy.
An example of an abstract test case that uses precise values for each input variable and each expected output is called a specific test case. It is not the same to precisely state that the product with identifier XYZ, for example, is put to the shopping cart in a test case where its worth exceeds $100. should be added, which is already known to have a set price higher than $100.
At the time it is executed or constructed at a low level, each abstract test case can be instantiated with a variety of values (using the example, of any product worth more than $100). As a result, there may be several specific test cases.
At the time of execution or low-level design, there could be several unique test cases. Each variable, both input, and output, is given a particular value based on the features and logical limitations it has identified.
- Testing using Data:
It is a method for creating test cases in which the application’s flow is segregated from the input and output data in general. The test cases are parameterized, in other words. To do this, the expected input and output data are saved in a typical external source (in a CSV file, spreadsheet, or database), and the flow (the sequence of steps to execute the test case) is described.
By simply entering new anticipated input and output values that are used to carry out the same flow, it is possible to easily add additional test cases.
When executed with a particular piece of data, abstract test cases that define the application flow somehow transform into concrete test cases.
What testing disciplines fall under non-functional testing?
A quality factor is connected to each sort of testing. The most notable ones include:
- Usefulness testing
This kind of testing assesses how well the system can be utilized by certain users effectively, efficiently, and satisfactorily within a particular usage scenario. There are various methods for studying usability, which look for potential enhancements in user-experience characteristics including, among other things, making a system more user-friendly and intuitive.
- Accessibility evaluations
Although it is a component of usability assessment, its main objective is to ensure that everyone can use the system, including everyone who has a disability—contextual, temporary, or permanent.
This kind of testing aids in finding potential flaws and barriers in the program that might otherwise go undetected if specialized tests weren’t run to look for them. The need to include accessibility at every stage of the software development lifecycle is discussed by accessibility specialists.
- Security examinations
Searching for potential threats or vulnerabilities that could compromise the security, usability, and integrity of data or system performance is the goal here. Security testing is crucial as a preventative measure to look for any flaws.
However, as nothing can be completely avoided, it is essential to have precise processes to follow in the event of potential computer attacks.
- Performance evaluation
Analysis is done on response times as well as resource usage. For this, numerous concurrent users are simulated, and the test application’s performance is examined. Performance testing becomes increasingly crucial when an application becomes more exposed, with more users and circumstances surrounding it.
The system is typically subjected to a high volume of concurrent users while resource utilization is monitored to identify bottlenecks in order to study these behaviors. We can discover load, volume, and stress tests among others in this category.
Conclusion:
Explore the nuances of software testing with a focus on manual testing in “Learn Manual Testing in Software Testing.” Dive into the intricacies of Functional and Non-Functional Testing, unraveling their key distinctions. Discover how Functional Testing validates specific functions of a software system, ensuring it meets specifications, while Non-Functional Testing assesses aspects like performance, usability, and scalability. This insightful guide equips you with the knowledge to discern between these crucial testing types, empowering you to make informed decisions in your software testing journey. Elevate your testing expertise and gain a comprehensive understanding of the critical differences that shape robust software quality assurance practices.