Software testing: detailed guide

During software development, errors can occur and it is vital to detect and correct them. Software testing is the stage in the development process when the correct functioning, quality and functionality of the software is tested. In this article you will learn about the theory, benefits, costs and practical steps of software testing. Learn more about the topic! 

What is software testing? What are the key benefits of effective software testing?

Software testing is a complex process that is a separate part of the software development process. During testing, the software is run under predefined conditions and the results are evaluated. The aim is to detect and correct potential errors before the software is put into operation. The main benefits of effective software testing are: 

• early identification and rapid correction of errors 
• reduce repair and maintenance costs, 
• improving usability, 
• enhance the user experience, 
• the ability to meet requirements and specifications, 
• improving reliability,
• preventing sharp systemic errors, 
• IT project design feasibility, 
• increase safety. 

Software testing basics, key concepts

Error (bug)

By bug we mean a precisely defined and detectable error phenomenon. The origin, consequence and resolution of bugs are often unique, but there are certain typical categories and types of bugs that occur frequently. This is the reason why we distinguish many different categories of failures.

Testing (testing)

Testing is a process whereby software is tested and evaluated according to predefined criteria. This testing and verification is usually a test run. The results are documented by the tester. This documentation can then be used by developers to correct any bugs found.

Test environment (test environment)

A good test environment simulates the IT environment of a live application as closely as possible, so that software testing can be carried out reliably. The complexity and characteristics of the test environment can vary significantly depending on the purpose of the project. In general, an effort is made to create an environment similar to real-world use to ensure accurate testing. In many cases, different test environments are running in parallel, each simulating the real environment in a different way (or to a different extent) in order to run different tests.

Test scenario (test scenario)

A test scenario is a written documentation that contains the sequence of activities for running a test and its properties and preconditions. In all cases, the document is prepared taking into account and based on the business requirements.

Test case (test case)

By test case we mean a well-defined sequence of operations performed during a test run. A test case describes in detail each case of execution of a test scenario. The test case contains the expected result, which is compared with the actual result during testing. A software testing project may require the execution of thousands of test cases. 

To facilitate, ensure repeatability and automate the same test case execution, test scripts can be created that contain very detailed step-by-step test procedures and acceptance criteria. 

Requirements (requirement)

A requirement is a predefined set of conditions agreed between the customer and the company responsible for software testing. They play an important role in the development of the software testing strategy, so their precise and thorough definition is essential at the beginning of the project.

Review (review)

A review is a process in which the test results previously performed are checked by another tester. Multiple reviews allow potential errors made during software testing to be excluded (these errors may even occur in the test documentation, e.g. in the definition of test cases). 

What are the types of software testing?

The types of software testing can be categorised according to a number of criteria. The most commonly used classifications are presented below.

White box testing (white box testing)

In white box testing, the tester has detailed knowledge of the internal architecture of the application under test. Also known as structural software testing, the process focuses on the internal workings. Testing focuses on whether the code is implemented correctly (and efficiently). In order to perform testing, the tester must have in-depth development knowledge and be skilled in the subject area.

Black box testing (black box testing)

In black box testing, the internal architecture (code) of the product or function under test is not known to the tester. Functionality is evaluated based on the behaviour of the system. The objective is to test the functionality of the system and not to analyse the internal structure.

Levels of software testing

The levels of software testing can be as follows:

• Unit testing: Component testing is used to test program fragments, modules and software units. As this level of testing often requires programming skills, the developer is often actively involved.
• Integration testing: An integration test is used to test the coordinated operation of parts of a program, cooperating (integrated) programs and systems, or the application and operating system. In complex software development, it is important to perform regular and incremental integration testing to detect incompatibility bugs in a timely manner.
• System testing: The system test involves a thorough and detailed examination in a test environment. This is an essential verification task before the application is deployed in a live system.
• Acceptance testing: The purpose of the acceptance test is to check whether the application is able to work as expected by the customer. This includes user test, alpha test and beta test.

Manual software testing vs. automated software testing: what are the key differences?

Finally, it is worth mentioning the differences between manual and automated software testing: 

• Manual software testing: Manual software testing is a verification process in which tests are performed by a human tester without the use of automated tools.
• Automated software testing (test automation): Test automation is a software testing method that uses automated tools to check the functionality of a program so that it can be run repeatedly (even at regular intervals).

Professional software testing

Since 2016, we have been supporting, testing and coordinating enterprise IT development, as well as developing enterprise-wide testing methodologies and business process automation. In this context, we implement enterprise-wide testing methodologies, develop colleagues and help select and implement the necessary testing and ticketing tools. We also ensure the organisation and delivery of the necessary training and demonstrations, and the preparation of documentation, thus contributing to effective change management.