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Software testing is an integral part of the software development life cycle (SDLC). Testing a piece of code effectively and efficiently is equally important, if not more, to writing it. Software testing is nothing but subjecting a piece of code to both, controlled and uncontrolled operating conditions, in an attempt to observe the output and examining whether it is in accordance with certain pre-specified conditions. Different sets of test cases and testing strategies are prepared, all of which are aimed at achieving one common goal - removing bugs and errors from the code and making the software error-free and capable of providing accurate and optimum outputs. There are different types of techniques and methodologies involved in this testing; both mean different things.
Software Testing Methods
There are many different types of testing methods or techniques used as part of the software testing methodology. I have enlisted a few of these.
White box testing
Black box testing
Gray box testing
Unit testing
Integration testing
Regression testing
Usability testing
Performance testing
Scalability testing
Software stress testing
Recovery testing
Security testing
Conformance testing
Smoke testing
Compatibility testing
System testing
Alpha testing
Beta testing
The software testing methods described above can be implemented in two ways - manually or by automation. Manual software testing is done by human software testers, who manually check the piece of code, test and report bugs in it. In case of automated software testing, the same process is performed by a computer by means of automated testing software such as WinRunner, LoadRunner, Test Director, etc.
Different Software Testing Methodologies
These are some of the commonly used test methodologies:
Waterfall model
V model
Spiral model
RUP
Agile model
RAD
Let us have a look at each of these methodologies one by one.
Waterfall Model
The waterfall model adopts a 'top down' approach regardless of whether it is being used for software development or testing. The basic steps involved in this software testing methodology are as follows:
Requirement analysis
Test case design
Test case implementation
Testing, debugging and validating the code or product
Deployment and maintenance
In this methodology, you move on to the next step only after you have completed the present step. There is no scope for jumping backward or forward or performing two steps simultaneously. Also, the model follows a non-iterative approach. The main benefit of this methodology is its simplistic, systematic and orthodox approach. However, it has many shortcomings since bugs and errors in the code are not discovered until and unless the testing stage is reached. This can often lead to wastage of time, money and other valuable resources.
V Model
The V model gets its name from the fact that graphical representation of different test process activities involved in this methodology resemble the letter 'V'. Basic steps involved in this methodology are more or less the same as in waterfall model. However, this model follows both a 'top-down' as well as 'bottom-up' approach (you can visualize them forming the letter 'V'). The benefit of using this methodology is that, both the development and testing activities go hand-in-hand. For example, as the development team goes about its requirement analysis activities, the testing team simultaneously begins with its acceptance testing activities. By following this approach, time delays are minimized and optimum utilization of resources assured.
Spiral Model
As the name implies, spiral model follows an approach in which there are a number of cycles (or spirals) of all the sequential steps of the waterfall model. Once the initial cycle gets completed, a thorough analysis and review of the achieved product or output is performed. If it is not as per the specified requirements or expected standards, a second cycle follows, and so on. This methodology follows an iterative approach and is generally suited for large projects having complex and constantly changing requirements.
Rational Unified Process (RUP)
The RUP methodology is also similar to the spiral model in the sense that entire testing procedure is broken up into multiple cycles or processes. Each cycle consists of four phases namely; inception, elaboration, construction and transition. At the end of each cycle, the product/output is reviewed and a further cycle (made up of the same four phases) follows if necessary. Today, you will find certain organizations and companies adopting a slightly modified version of the RUP, which goes by the name, Enterprise Unified Process (EUP).
Agile Model
This methodology follows neither a purely sequential approach nor a purely iterative approach. It is a selective mix of both approaches in addition to quite a few and new developmental methods. Fast and incremental development is one of the key principles of this methodology. The focus is on obtaining quick, practical and visible outputs rather than merely following the theoretical processes. Continuous customer interaction and participation is an integral part of the entire development process.
Rapid Application Development (RAD)
The name says it all. In this case, the methodology adopts a rapid developmental approach by using the principle of component-based construction. After understanding the different requirements of the given project, a rapid prototype is prepared and is then compared with the expected set of output conditions and standards. The necessary changes and modifications are made following joint discussions with the customer or development team (in the context of software testing). Though this approach does have its share of advantages, it can be unsuitable if the project is large, complex and happens to be extremely dynamic in nature, wherein requirements change constantly.
With applications of information technology growing with every passing day, the importance of proper software testing has grown multifold.
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