How to Learn Software Testing from Scratch

Categories: Software Testing

How to Learn Software Testing from Scratch?

Introduction

Software testing is a technique for assessing whether the actual software application satisfies its expectations and is error-free. It includes the manual or automatic processing of software and system components to evaluate its significant features. Software testing's goal is to find inaccuracies, inadequacies, or unsatisfied requirements compared to the requirements as specified.

Some people like to describe software testing as White and Black Box Testing. Software testing is just the evaluation of the application having been tested. Software testing training at Knowledgehut establishes the significance of software testing and can assist you in the introduction and implementation of software testing. Read on to understand what software testing is and its benefits in enhancing the efficacy of your product. 

What is Software Testing?

One of the most crucial and significant stages in the software development process is software testing. Before being released to real users and the market, the testing team establishes the foundation for the quality of the software. The discipline of software quality assurance and testing has changed dramatically over the years because of cutting-edge development methodologies. Software engineers must be aware of the subtleties of new approaches to software quality as new methodologies like TDD (Test Driven Development) gain traction in the industry. In basic terms, software testing is the process of examining various aspects of a software application to validate the software's specifications and ensure its readiness for use.

Let’s assume, you are assigned to run a programming project, writing codes, establishing a protocol, and writing the program. You will run the code to ensure that it accomplishes what it is supposed to do. It is software testing and the whole process that is done before the software is released to the marketplace. There are different categories of software testing and steps on how they are used by developers. Many of the tests are as per their function. So, when we say API (Application Programming Interface) test, that means the tests performed on the APIs used in the source code.

Objectives of Software Testing 

The software can be tested, starting from a single line of program to a part of the program. This is done to:

• Examine the product for flaws and confirm that it meets the specifications.

• Ensuring the product satisfies market standards.

• Close any gaps in the manufacturing process to avoid future product failures.

Attributes of Software Testing 

Following are a few characteristics of software testing:

• Practical 

• Dependability

• Authentic and original

• Ability of detecting mistakes

• Capable of verifying the integrity of the program

When is Software Testing a Must? 

Testing of the software depends on the type of test one wishes to run.

• The program can be tested during the development process, which is while the source coding is being done.

• The program can also be tested after it has been produced.

When Should You Terminate Testing?

You can terminate software testing when:

• All relevant testing has been efficiently completed.

• Conflicts in the source code have been minimized or eliminated.

• The testers have completed their testing.

• The product is completely safe from concerns.

• The product has been released.

Types of Software Testing 

There are two main approaches to software testing:

• Functional Testing

Software testing that examines the software product’s functionality. 

• Non-functional Testing

The testing that examines the software’s performance.

• Regression Testing

This testing involves the maintenance and regression testing of a product.

Functional Testing

The testing of software to evaluate its utility in its specifications is known as functional testing. This includes several tests that are performed on software to ensure its functionality. Functional testing informs the development team whether the software is functioning properly. However, it does not imply testing on unit modules or functions. It involves testing like Unit testing, integration, user acceptance, localization and globalization, and interoperability. 

Functional Testing Examples 

• Unit Evaluation

Individual components or functionality of the software's program code are tested in unit testing. This can be performed either manually (actively by individuals) or automatically (with human support). The distinction between the two approaches is that manual testing involves hard coding, whilst auto testing is fully automated. Unit testing guarantees that each element of the unit works as required.

• API Evaluation

In an Application Programming Interface (API) the program is linked to an outside source. Thus, if the software is required to perform more than what it is coded for, you can use functions and features from another application. For example, if we want a feature in the program (not developed by us) we can utilize one from the publicly available APIs instead of writing it from scratch, this saves time and effort. However, using APIs, particularly from external sources, has advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, to minimize the drawbacks of an external API one needs to perform API testing. Check the API’s reliability, effectiveness, and security before the product is released.

• User Interface (UI) Testing

The User Interface is the interface through which the user communicates with the software. Every  product is built with distinct User Interface requirements. This indicates that the user's interaction with the application is determined before the product is developed. You can perform UI testing to ensure that these standards are porgrammed according to developed design. Various UI aspects can be checked like the loading and working of the Login page, working of submit button, etc.

• Testing for Integration

Integration testing is the process of grouping components for testing. Integration testing entails examining how each component interacts with one another to reach the product's overall goal. Integration testing ensures that components operate in sync, and that component X works well together with component Y.

Non-Functional Testing

Non-functional testing, also referred to as performance testing, is a process in which many tests are performed on a software product to ensure its market readiness. Non-functional evaluations also ensure a product's feasibility and relevance. It also tests the products for performance, endurance, load, volume, scalability, and usability.

Non-functional Testing Examples

• Volume Examination

Every product's strength is in its capacity to manage varying amounts of data and information. Some software is not capable of working properly with a huge database. Volume testing can help you prevent such breakage. Volume testing is supplying a huge database to test its functionality based on the large volume of information. Putting your product to test for varied data volumes demonstrates that it can handle varying amounts of information at a particular time.

• Security Examination

Security testing is an essential and much-debated topic in today's world. Concerns extend from the security of the physical to the virtual world, and everyone needs to feel safe when using the internet. Threats to a program from the world wide web are among many challenges that need to be avoided as a software designer. Run a security test on the program to determine its degree of vulnerability. Authorization, authentication, privacy, and other procedures are included in security testing to safeguard the software from dangers and risks.

Maintenance Testing or Regression Testing

This testing involves the maintenance and regression testing of a product. Software development entails iteration, which is frequently required due to defects in the source code. A program needs to be tested after troubleshooting the code, updating the software program, or making any other changes to the code. This type of testing is known as regression testing. Corrective regression testing, selective regression testing, progressive regression testing, and other types of regression testing are examples.

Where Should Test Files be Placed in a Program Folder?

The test files are required to be kept together during a test subfolder of the project's root folder. This is done to facilitate accessibility and implementation of the same into the project.

Conclusion

The significance of testing in software development is exceptional and having tested a project one can write an error-free code. This lowers the amount of time that is spent correcting defects, thus making the release date of the product more attainable. Finally, all of the test files are required to be kept in the same folder, when testing for non-unit tests.

KnowledgeHut, a renowned IT training company, provides software testing training that comprises fundamental tools, methods, and techniques to successfully test software.  We are confident that after going through the whole list of tutorials in this series, you'll have a vast understanding of Software Testing. We would appreciate hearing from you. Please leave your ideas and suggestions in the comments area below.

FAQs

1. Who is this course for?

This training is intended for QA professionals and Developers that are interested in learning about testing procedures.

2. Is software testing difficult?

Good software testing is a challenging task and high-quality software testing is very diverse to perform. This is due to the large range of learning areas that are affected in some way, as well as the wide range of necessary competencies. However, with the software testing course provided at Knowledgehut, we aim to simplify the procedure and bring about tips and tricks to learn this skill competitively.

3. Is coding required for testing?

Although software testing professionals are not expected to develop software as effectively as the developers themselves, learning new skills is always beneficial. Manual testing, in general, does not require coding experience or writing codes.

4. What should I pursue, being a developer or a tester?

A developer must have programming knowledge and the ability to write code. Typically, development entails constructing prototypes and testing them until they are functional. On the other hand, a software tester is in charge of putting the application through its trials and pushing it to its limitations. Both are entirely different professions and need different skills. One can decide to do both to enhance their resume and work field.