Software testing methods: a short guide to quality assurance (QA) models

these years , The concept of software testing is developing and evolving . This evolution requires not only modern testing strategies and tools , You also need a detail oriented process that includes test methods .

However , An important factor in defining the success or failure of a test strategy is the precise choice of tools 、 The techniques and methods are QA Process provides help . This is why most newcomers to the industry tend to find that automated functional testing is a complex operation . Because such an operation requires an accurate system , The system can help achieve the ultimate goal of performance and functionality , And, of course, provide a pleasant user experience .

On the other hand , Many software testing enthusiasts rely on the Internet to access testing practices , But there is still no classified data about software test methods and types .

This article will deeply discuss the software testing methods and focus on QA Brief and important details of various test types in the field .

Differences between software testing methods and software testing types

When it comes to software testing methods , Most of them are described in project management scenarios . And the classification of test types varies according to different perspectives . for example , Testers who need to define test types based on execution time may need to be consistent with a specific set of test methods . Besides , If the tester needs to distinguish the test type according to the test level , They may need to use another method .

The following mining is based on the test target of the tester QA The main test methods the team follows ; It is further divided into two categories , It is called functional test and non functional test .

Software testing methods and approaches

• Agile methods

Agile testing methods include “sprints” Run on the method of , such sprints It can be defined as a short iteration sequence .

In general , Agile practices are conducted by a group of members or small test teams , They will consider sprints Testing requirements for each phase of the , Plan 、 Analysis and testing . Most experts working on agile methods use it to reduce risk . For example, use the knowledge of previous iterations to support each new iteration considered .

Besides , Every in the agile process sprint It's all about scrum, The team aims to discuss progress and plan future tests sprint. To make a long story short , Agile testing principles apply knowledge of completed iterations to ongoing iterations , Make it easier for testers to meet extensible goals .

• waterfall methodology

Waterfall is another popular method , The aim is to gradually . The main phase of the waterfall model is to document the project plan to define the steps , Because no further steps can be planned until the previously defined task is completed .

One of the main disadvantages of using waterfall method is that it can not be modified quickly because of its strict rules .

• Verification and validation

This is another step-by-step model for software testing , The development and testing process are carried out in parallel . Once a specific development part is implemented , The test team will immediately start testing the developed product components . however , This method is beneficial to testers , Because it allows them to make early changes to the product , Thus saving time and resources .

• Incremental method

The incremental testing process follows multiple iterations , Each iteration contains some value related to functionality and product features . Most of the time , The incremental approach consists of three phases ：

① Design and development

② test

③ The implementation of

The significant advantage associated with the incremental approach is that it provides great flexibility for the test team , This makes the testing and editing process much smoother .

• Spiral method

The spiral approach is often referred to as part of the incremental approach , It consists of cycles that follow each other . These include planning 、 risk analysis 、 Engineering and evaluation . This method starts the next cycle at the end of the previous cycle , Enable the test team to get quality feedback quickly . The model even allows the test team to identify and correct errors immediately while determining the cause of the problem .

• Extreme programming (xp)

Extreme programming (xp) (XP) Requires close cooperation between two testers , One of the testers is responsible for writing the code , Another tester reviews the code . The best part is XP Method considers the completion of each phase when testing code . This approach even helps testers develop high-quality code by closely examining the code .

The following discusses the types of tests that testers typically follow when using the methods defined above .

Functional software testing

Functional testing allows testers to examine their relevant business goals and specifications , And don't pay special attention to performance 、 Safety and so on . Functional testing ensures that any developed solution should run according to the requirements shared by business analysts or design teams .

However , Functional tests are further divided into three categories ：

(1) Smoke test

Smoke testing is also known as build validation testing or ingestion testing , Smoke testing is a process designed to test its applications to meet functional requirements . Basically , Smoke test verifies the function of the product according to the set requirements .

(2) Critical path testing

The critical path test aims to analyze the functions that respond to the typical daily behaviors of users . for example , Any e-commerce application that runs on standard operations , Such as searching for products 、 Select by filter 、 Add products to shopping cart 、 Payment to checkout , Critical path testing can ensure that users will not encounter any obstacles in business critical processes .

(3) Extended testing

The extension test aims to explore the functions around the user's business requirements . This type of test is designed to check the lowest priority function . If the customer feels that certain features are not convincing , Then testers and developers need to remake some of them .

Non functional software testing

Non functional test is used to check the performance of the product 、 Security 、 Benchmark for reliability and overall availability . It doesn't need to test the function of the system , Instead, it focuses on testing the operation of the system , Therefore, it is an important part of the process .

Some of the most common types of non functional software testing include performance testing 、 The user interface (UI) test 、 Security testing 、 Compatibility test 、 Localization testing and usability testing .

Conclusion

When it comes to software testing methods , Testers follow many different approaches . Besides , Tools 、 Technology and the choice of technology have the greatest impact .

For all that , Some of the most important software testing methods ( Testers can rely on their project requirements ) Including agile methods 、 waterfall methodology 、 Incremental method 、 Spiral method 、 Extreme programming, etc . Besides , Understand these methods , The tester must understand all the advantages and disadvantages of the testing process .

As long as it is related to testing , Functional testing can meet the compliance objectives related to product requirements and functions . On the other hand , Non functional testing is designed to create high performance 、 Secure and available solutions .

To make a long story short , The choice of method and test process depends entirely on the requirements of the test team and product related objectives . When enterprises need to achieve the benchmark of quality assurance and digital transformation goals , Finding the best combination becomes the task of success .

Original title ：Software Testing Methodologies: Short Guide To QA Models, author ：Hima Pujara