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The procedure of completion of the testing stages from the point the product idea is conceived to the time the software is launched to the users, goes through a plethora of phases. Some organizations hire specialized teams excelling in each testing phase while others have a single testing team catering to all the phases. The different stages usually follow a particular order; however, some phases may concurrently run once the risk is adequately analyzed, thereby saving on the time to market. Whatever the case may be, software testing almost always involves a verification and validation procedure.

The process of verification ensures that the product meets the conditions set at the beginning of the development phase while validation guarantees that the product caters to the particular requirements towards the end of the development stage. Here we bring to you different kinds of software testing that can be considered. But before that, let’s have a peek into the basics.

Software Testing Basics

The basics of software testing boil down to Black box testing and White box Testing. Black box testing is the technique that overlooks the system’s internal mechanism and concentrates on the output obtained against any kind of system execution or input. Also called functional testing, Black box testing is mostly utilized for validation. White box testing, also known as glass box testing or structural testing, is the technique that takes into consideration the system’s internal mechanism. It is frequently used for verification.

Kinds of Testing to be considered

1. Unit Testing: A component of white box testing, unit testing pertains to an individual unit or a set of related units. It helps the programmer to test whether the implemented unit is generating the desired output against a given input.
2. System Testing: It is a kind of testing that guarantees the usability of the software in diverse environments. Done within comprehensive environments and complete system implementation, system testing falls under the category of black box testing.
3. Functional Testing: This ensures that the particular functionality needed within the system is in a workable condition. It is considered within black box testing.
4. Stress Testing: Used for the evaluation of system behavior with respect to unfavorable conditions, stress testing is carried out beyond the specification limits. It is a component of black box testing.
5. Integration Testing: In this kind of testing, a set of components join together to produce an output. Moreover, the interaction between hardware and software is also tested in this case if any relation exists between the hardware and software components. Integration testing may be a part of both black box testing as well as white box testing.
6. Acceptance Testing: This is performed by the client to make sure that the final product that has been delivered is in line with the requirements and works as per client expectations. Acceptance testing is a part of black box testing.
7. Software Performance Testing: This refers to the testing done to evaluate the effectiveness and speed of the system and to ensure that the results are generated within the stipulated time as per the performance requirements. Performance testing is considered under black box testing.
8. Usability Testing: This is used in order to estimate the user-friendliness of the GUI and to judge the convenience with which the client can learn. A component of black box testing, usability testing also judges the performance proficiency of the client.
9. Regression Testing: This testing follows once a component, system or set of related units are modified, to ensure that the performed modification is done correctly and is not influencing other modules to come up with abrupt results. It is a kind of black box testing.
10. Beta Testing: This testing is carried out by end users, a team external to development, or publicly, launching complete pre-version of the product called beta version. Categorized under black box testing, beta testing aims to cover unforeseen errors.

Carrying out the right testing for your software makes room for understanding whether the application or product is capable of meeting the expectations.

We provide qa and software testing services. If you would like to talk to one of our expert software testers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.