Software testing is the process of evaluating the quality of a software product by examining its functions, features, and requirements. In this article, we will provide an overview of testing and principles to keep in mind when performing testing. These principles will help you establish an efficient, professional testing process and ensure high quality for your product.

What is software testing?

Software testing – Software testing is essentially the process of evaluating the quality of a software product by testing its features, functionality, reliability, maintainability, safety and performance. Software testing can be performed by developers, users, or independent third parties.

Why is software testing important?

The goal of software testing is to find errors, defects or deficiencies in software and make recommendations to improve it. Software testing also helps ensure that the software meets the requirements and expectations of customers and users.

The software testing process also helps detect potential risks that may affect the quality, safety and security of the software product. Some basic benefits of software testing include:

• Increase customer and user satisfaction and trust with software products.
• Reduce costs and time for developing, maintaining and repairing software products.
• Improve the efficiency and performance of software products.
• Increase competition opportunities and market share of software products.
• Comply with industry standards, regulations and quality processes.
  

Software testing principles

To perform software testing effectively and accurately, testers need to follow software testing principles. Software testing principles are basic, general and important rules that testers need to master and apply during the testing process. Below are some of the most common software testing principles.

Testing shows the presence of errors, not the absence of errors

This is the most basic principle of software testing. It says that, no matter how thorough the testing, it is impossible to be sure that the software is error-free.

The testing process can only help detect and eliminate known errors, but cannot confirm that no new errors appear. Therefore, testers should not be complacent with test results, but always try to find hidden errors in the software.

Test early and often

This is an important principle to ensure software quality. If you only start testing when the software is complete, it will be very difficult to fix errors that arise, and will cost a lot of money and time.
Therefore, testers should start testing from the design stage, and continue testing continuously throughout the software development process. Testing early and regularly will help detect and fix errors at the earliest stage, minimizing risks and improving the performance of the testing process.

Contextual testing

This principle states that there is no single testing technique or method that can be applied to all types of software. Each type of software has different requirements, characteristics and goals, so different testing strategies and standards are needed. Testers need to determine the context of the software to choose the most appropriate testing techniques and tools.

Testing by priority

According to this principle, there are not enough resources to test the entire software with all possibilities. Therefore, testers need to prioritize testing the most important, sensitive and high-risk parts of the software. Prioritizing testing can be based on criteria such as level of impact, frequency of use, complexity, reliability, newness, difficulty of repair…

Test by target

Each testing activity must have a clear and specific goal. Testers need to identify the testing objective before starting testing, and evaluate the test results based on that objective. Testing goals can be to check the features, functionality, performance, security, compatibility, etc. of the software.

Test according to standards

Software testers need to follow established standards and procedures for the software testing process. Following testing standards will help testers have a clear and consistent guide for testing activities, from planning, test case design, test execution, to reporting test results. Testing standards will also help testers improve the quality and efficiency of testing work.

Test for continuous improvement

Software testers should not be satisfied with the current results of the testing process, but always seek to improve and perfect the testing process. Testers need to self-evaluate and reflect on their testing work, identifying strengths and weaknesses, successes and failures, risks and opportunities. From there, testers can apply corrective measures and improvements for subsequent testing activities

Software testing methods

There are many different software testing methods, depending on the goals, audience, and testing strategy. Some popular testing methods include:

• White box testing: is a testing method based on the internal structure of the software, such as source code, data flow, control flow, interface, database…
• Black box testing: is a testing method based on the functions and requirements of the software, regardless of the internal structure.
• Gray box testing: is a combination of white box testing and black box testing, using both information about the internal structure and external functions of the software. In gray box testing, testers have access to design documents, such as data flow diagrams and functional requirements descriptions.

See more: The different among Black box vs. White box vs. Gray box testing

Types of software testing

There are different types of software testing, depending on the purpose, scope and method of the testing process. If based on the goal, it will include the following basic types of testing:

• Functional Testing: Checks whether the software meets the defined functional requirements.
• Performance testing: Check the software’s ability to meet performance requirements.
• Security testing: Test the software’s security against hacker attacks.
• Usability testing: Check if the software is easy to use and learn.
• Test maintainability: Check whether the software is easy to maintain or not.

Levels of software testing

Software testing levels are classified based on the level of detail of testing and the level of interaction between software components. Software testing levels are often classified into the following types:

Unit testing

Unit testing is the most basic level of software testing, in which individual components of the software are tested independently of each other. The goal of unit testing is to verify that each component functions according to its design and requirements. Unit testing is typically performed by programmers using automation tools and techniques.

Integration testing

Integration testing is the next level of software testing, in which unit-tested components are combined into modules or subsystems and tested interactively. The goal of integration testing is to verify that components cooperate with each other properly and that there are no interface errors. Integration testing can be performed by programmers or test engineers using automated or manual tools and techniques.

System testing

This is a higher level of software testing, where the entire software system is tested as a single block. The purpose of system testing is to ensure that the software system meets all identified functional and non-functional requirements. Common errors at the system testing level include user interface errors, performance errors, and security errors.

Acceptance testing

Acceptance testing is the final level of software testing, where the software system is tested by the end user or customer to confirm that it meets their standards and expectations. The goal of acceptance testing is to verify that the system fits business needs and delivers value to users.

Software testing is an important process in ensuring the quality of software. By performing complete and effective testing, errors can be detected and corrected early, helping to minimize risk to users. Understanding software testing principles is essential to perform effective testing and ensure the quality of the software.