Software Testing Principles
Have you ever wondered how tested software programs are made dependable and error-free? Software testing principles make it happen. Software testing is a crucial aspect of software development that assures the quality and reliability of software applications. It comes in various types, including unit testing, integration testing, etc. Each of these types has a particular function in the testing process.
But how can one ensure that their testing efforts are effective and efficient? That’s where the principles of software testing come into play. In this article, we will explore the 7 principles of software testing. We will go through every aspect to build high-quality software that satisfies user requirements and business objectives. So, let’s dive into the realm of software testing principles.
What is Software Testing?
Software testing is a technique to check if the actual software product meets the expected requirements. It also ensures that the software product is error-free. It provides security, high performance & readability, which results in customer satisfaction, time-saving, and cost-effectiveness.
Types of Software Testing
Before we get to the principles of testing, we should first understand the types of software testing. Mentioned below are the various types of software testing:
- Unit Testing – Unit testing is used by developers who write codes for given units written in the same language as the software. To run unit tests, the unit testing library provides various tools. These tools include assertion libraries to verify the intended output of a test, mocking frameworks to simulate external dependencies, and code coverage tools to calculate the amount of code covered by tests.
- Integration Testing – Integration testing is done by test engineers and developers. They carry it at the module level after the unit testing is done. In this type of testing, the different components are combined and tested as a group to validate the interactions between them.
- Regression Testing – Regression testing ensures there are no bugs in the software and that the software is functioning properly. It is performed after integration testing. When new functions are added, it ensures the new features have not introduced any new bugs. It also ensures that these bugs have not intruded into the functionalities of the already existing features of the software.
- Smoke Testing – Smoke testing is also called Build Verification Testing or Build Acceptance Testing. It is performed on the software to determine if they are ready for further testing or not. They are automated sometimes and can run as part of the software too. If the building of the software is not stable or reliable, smoke testing identifies the issues and isolates them.
- System Testing – In system testing, the entire system is tested as a whole to check its overall functionality and specifications. It makes sure that the software is functioning and performing well, its security is top-notch, and its usability meets all standards.
7 Principles of Software Testing
Software testing should deliver optimal results without straying from the ultimate goal. It is important to follow a testing strategy and adhere to testing principles to ensure testing remains on track. Here are the commonly employed seven principles of software testing:
1. Exhaustive Testing is Impossible
The ideal amount of testing should be determined by assessing the risks associated with the application. To achieve comprehensive testing, the software’s functionality is evaluated using all conceivable valid or invalid inputs and preconditions.
However, exhaustive testing is impossible. It means that no software can test every possible test case. Instead, the software tests a selection of test cases to ascertain whether it is functioning correctly. This ultimately saves time and resources.
2. Defect Clustering
It is the application of the Pareto Principle that 80% of the problems are found in 20% of the modules where there is a whole cluster of defects. It means that the majority of defects are present in a small number of modules. Therefore, testing should focus on these areas.
3. Pesticide Paradox
When you keep using the same pesticide on the insects to get them eradicated, the insects get used to the pesticides. After some time, the pesticide stops affecting the insects.
Similarly, repeating the same test on software to find defects eventually leads to the test becoming ineffective. To tackle this, the tests have to be revised by adding new cases so that more defects can be found to make the software better.
To get more in-depth knowledge of these software testing principles, you can opt for a software testing course.
4. Testing for Defects
Software testing aims to reveal defects rather than to confirm their absence. Running tests on the software uncovers defects. There may be instances where no defects are present. However, the absence of defects does not necessarily equate to perfect software.
5. Absence of Errors (fallacy)
If the software does not meet the needs of the user, it cannot be considered usable. The absence of errors cannot assure its usability. Even if the software appears to be 99% free of bugs, it may still not be usable.
6. Early Testing
Early testing helps reduce the number of defects, including the cost of reworking and producing software that is bug-free. It is much cheaper to fix a defect in the early stages of testing.
7. Testing is Context Dependent
There are different methods, techniques, and approaches applied to testing different applications. For instance, testing an ATM is different from testing a POS system since they are designed differently and perform distinct functions.
Conclusion
Software testing principles ensure software programs are dependable and error-free. The seven principles of software testing offer an approach to delivering optimal system performance. These aspects of software testing help build high-quality software that satisfies user requirements and business objectives.
