Software testing is crucial in any development process and here are some of the facts that you should know
- Purpose: The purpose of the software testing is to ensure quality, security, completeness and correctness of a computer software. The testing phase is not only about finding errors, but also to ensure that all features are included. The whole process is about improving and monitoring the process. Testers need to make sure that all agreed-upon procedures and standards are followed. Software testing can be seen as an early prevention mechanism. So mistakes can be avoided before the software is deployed.
- How it works: Testing is performed under controlled conditions and results are evaluated constantly. It’s about accurate detection through a detailed process. Software testing may be performed regularly, not only at the beginning of the development phase. Each team new updates are delivered. It’s not only to determine whether the updates properly, but also to make sure that the update won’t interfere with other existing components.
- Testing in software development life cycle: Testing should integrate deeply in the development process. Typical life cycle is initial concept, requirement gathering and analysis, design for functionalities, design for internal components, documentation creation, planning for tests, coding, integration of components, first major test, bug fixes and improvement, second major test, bug fixes, early deployment, user-level test and final deployment.
- Test bed: Test bed is a special environment for software testing. It is consisted of hardware configuration, operating system, network and other applications. Test plan needs to work well with the test beads.
- Test data: Test data simulate the actual data that will be used during real life implementation Test data need to be similar with real data.
- Software bugs: Programming errors could happen because programmer will eventually make mistakes, regardless of how experienced and capable they are. Changing requirements could also make bugs more likely to happen, because original structure and design of the program may not be readily adaptable. Numerous redesign and restructure may also cause bugs to appear. It is frustrating if completed components are thrown out and replaced with new ones. Software preparation is already difficult at best. Deadlines make everyone works in a hurry and mistakes will happen.
- Bugs, errors and defects: These three terms may seem similar, but there are differences. Errors are deviation between expected and actual results. Bugs are errors found in the development phase, before the finished products are deployed to clients. Defects are errors found after finished products are deployed to clients.
- Verification and validation: Verification is frequent evaluation to appraise specifications, requirements, code, policy and document. Tools used for verifications are walkthroughs and checklists. Validation is performed during testing and takes place when verification process has been completed.
- Structural and functional testing: Structural testing is also called white box testing, which is performed based on specific code or algorithm. Functional testing or black box testing is perform to verify specific functions.