Application Testing – Into the Basics of Software Testing!

Start Your Journey with Application Testing

The process of Application Testing is an established practice in the world of software verification. Regardless, this process has extensive scope and touches upon a myriad of components. In this tutorial, our focus will be on the pivotal aspects of application testing, with the intention of providing a thorough insight.

In essence, application testing involves assessing the functionality, user-friendliness, and uniformity of a complete application.

Software Testing 101: The Basics of Application Testing

Types of Applications

Applications are generally categorized into three groups:

• Desktop
• Web
• Mobile

Testing for Desktop applications requires evaluation for aspects like user interface, operational logic, databases, reports, access permissions, integrity, usability, functionality, performance, security, hardware & software compatibility, and data streamlining.

Web applications demand testing in areas like performance, load, security, functionality, cross-browser compatibility, user acceptance testing (UAT), beta testing, regression testing, and stress testing.

Mobile applications enlist testing for user interface, rule-based validation, regression, functionality, and security.

The application undergoing testing (AUT) can be either a desktop software, web-based platform, or a mobile app.

Approaches to Application Testing

The most commonly-employed methodologies in testing include:

#1) Black Box Testing: This approach emphasizes the validation of an application considering its requirements and expected results, without delving into the internal code or architecture.

Design hacks for black box testing can be achieved by employing methods like Boundary Value Analysis (BVA), Equivalence Partitioning (EP), Decision Tables, and State Transition Tables.

This method is frequently used for functional, non-functional, and regression testing.

#2) White Box Testing: This approach prioritizes the validation of the application’s internal codes and structures.

Testing practices for white box testing incorporate techniques such as Code Coverage and Path Coverage.

#3) Grey Box Testing: This method is a blend of the black box and white box testing techniques. It involves black box testing for the majority of the application regions and resorts to white box testing for crucial or susceptible modules.

Application Testing Gadgets

The market is crammed with a plethora of application testing gadgets, including paid options and open-source versions. These tools are designed to cater to specific testing requirements, such as UI examination, functionality tests, database verification, load assessment, performance tests, safety audits, and link validation inspections.

Testing tools for functionality typically come equipped with features like record and play, parameter value adjustment, script modification, proficiency in testing and debugging, alongside reporting facilities.

Prominent names amongst functionality testing tools include HP QTP, Selenium, IBM Rational Robot, Test Complete, Push to Test, and Telerik.

Draft for Software Testing (STP)

Planning plays an important part in application testing. An efficient test plan is a must-have to facilitate appropriate testing activities, alongside diminishing risks.

5 Pillars of an Effective Test Plan

#1) Scope

• An outline of the application under testing (AUT)
• Parts of the application to be tested
• Sections left out along with justifications
• Dependencies amid diverse testing activities

#2) Objectives: Aims and targets of the testing procedure

#3) Focus: Regions of the application to be prioritized during testing

#4) Approach: Testing strategies to be used for separate parts of the application

#5) Timetable: Roles, duties, and schedules for testing procedures

Once the test plan is finalized, test cases can be designed and documented. Techniques for test case design could include black box, white box, and grey box testing.

Cycles of Application Testing

Application testing generally encompasses several testing cycles. The primary testing cycles entail:

#1) Smoke Testing: This is an initial test to ensure the stability of the application and its suitability for advanced testing.

#2) Sanity Testing: A test more focused on the validation of certain modules of the application ahead of extensive testing.

#3) Functional Testing: An extensive testing procedure ensuring the business logic performs as expected.

#4) Regression Testing: Testing aimed at validating bug rectification and updates, ensuring there are no regressions in any other sections of the application.

The demarcation lines between testing cycles may not always be stark, with overlapping testing activities. For instance, regression testing might also encompass functionality testing.

Issues and bugs are recorded and tracked throughout the testing cycles.

Effective Practices in Application Testing

Application testing best practices comprise:

• Detailed Planning
• In-depth Testing
• Articulate and Complete Bug Recording
• Productive Regression Testing
• Upgradation of Testing Abilities

Prioritizing test cases and focusing on key business flows is also advised.

Culmination

Application testing is a comprehensive field and serves as a critical task for software testers. In this tutorial, we have given a snapshot of the vital areas of application testing, incorporating strategies, methodologies, tools, and best practices.

Having these concepts ingrained and utilizing them effectively will enable testers to ensure the quality and dependability of applications.

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