Complete Functional Testing Guide With Its Types And Example

An in-depth walkthrough of functional testing covering its classifications, methodologies, and sample scenarios:

Definition of Functional Testing:

Functional testing is a form of black-box evaluation carried out to confirm if a program or system operates as anticipated.

 It is intended to check the entirety of an application’s functions.

The following Tutorials are part of this series:

Tutorial #1: Mastering Functional Testing (this tutorial)
Tutorial #2: Common Queries in Functional Testing
Tutorial #3: Highest-rated tools for Automating Functional Testing
Tutorial #4: A Basic Understanding of Non-Functional Testing
Tutorial #5: Fundamental Differences Between Unit, Functional, and Integration Testing
Tutorial #6: The Need for Parallel Functional and Performance Testing

Tools:

Tutorial #7: Functional Test Automation utilizing Ranorex Studio
Tutorial #8: UFT Functional Tool Upgraded Features
Tutorial #9: Functional Automation Across Browsers Using Parrot QA Utility
Tutorial #10: Instructional guide on Jubula Open Source Tool for functionality testing

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Functional Testing Introduction

Functional testing is conducted to confirm that a product’s features align with customer requirements. It focuses on specifications as outlined by the customer, such as the operating system, system specifications, and supported browsers.

Functional testing assures the delivery of a top-tier, bug-free product that aligns with customer expectations. It plays a significant role in mitigating risk and certifying the product’s stability.

Functional Testing Classification

Functional testing includes various categories that can that are applicable as per the situation. The notable types include:

• Unit Testing: This includes testing individual code segments to validate specific functionality.
• Sanity Testing: It validates that all the system’s major functions work correctly.
• Smoke Testing: This test is conducted after every build release to ensure build stability.
• Regression Testing: It validates that new code additions or bug fixes don’t disrupt existing features.
• Integration Testing: This test checks how functional modules collaborate to fulfill end-to-end scenarios.
• Beta/Usability Testing: Customers evaluate the product in a production-like atmosphere, providing feedback on user-friendliness.

Procedure

The process of functional testing includes three main phases:

1. Understanding the product’s functionality under test and creating input and expected output data based on the requirement document.

2. Running the designed test cases and comparing actual and expected outcomes.

3. Spotting and documenting any glitches or problems encountered during testing.

Entry/Exit Criteria

Entry Criteria:

• Approval of requirement specification document.
• Design of test cases and test data.
• Availability of necessary testing environment and utensils.
• Completion of development and unit testing.

Exit Criteria:

• Completion of all functional test case execution.
• Nonexistence of critical or high level bugs.
• Recognition and resolving of documented bugs.

Included Steps

The steps included in functional testing are as mentioned below:

1. Comprehend the functionality to be evaluated and create input data.
2. Determine the expected result for the functionality.
3. Execute the test cases.
4. Compare the actual output with the expected outcome to validate functionality.

Strategy

Functional testing can be approached using various methods such as:

• User-based/System Tests: Scenario testing based on user and business process perspectives.
• Analogous Tests: Segmenting test data into analogous data classifications to confirm similar conduct within each class.
• Limit Value Tests: Testing application actions at data limits to validate proper functioning.
• Decision-related Tests: Testing different outcomes based on variable conditions.
• Alternative Flow Tests: Validating alternative pathways to accomplish a function.
• Random Tests: Implementing unorganized tests to reveal inconsistencies.

Functional Test Automation

Functional tests can be automated to minimize manual labor, save time, evade bug slippage, and enhance efficiency. Nonetheless, not all tests can be automated, hence picking the proper test cases for automation is critical.

Automation tools like Selenium, QTP, JUnit, and TestComplete help in automating functional test cases. Automation requires significant consideration, specialized automation teams, and organized test data. UI alterations should not disrupt existing tests, and frequent testing should be implemented to develop automation frameworks and expose more bugs.

Benefits

The benefits of functional testing include ensuring the delivery of top-quality, bug-free product that satisfies customer demands. It focuses on the functional system, hence reducing presumptions and risks.

Restrictions

Functional testing includes certain restrictions like potential duplicate testing, skipping of logical errors, and complications in complex or incomplete conditions. It does not contemplate the product’s performance aspect.

End Note

This tutorial holistically covers all that you should know about functional testing. Functional testing plays a central role in delivering products of high quality that meet customer expectations. It’s important to consider automation, pick the right test situations, and effectively utilize tools to guarantee effective functional testing.

Author’s Details: Sanjay Zalavadia is the Customer Service VP for Zephyr with more than a decade and a half of experience in IT and Technical Support Services.

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