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Have you ever wondered what journey the app makes before you install it to your phone? How do the developers determine that a new app meets the required characteristics? How can you be sure that your user data is kept safe? These are the issues that the QA engineers address during the software testing process.
Modern computer technology has an increasing impact on our everyday life. The software keeps track of our work, routines, household chores, and even communication with beloved ones. However, we often encounter software defects: the text editor freezes on a certain word, the ATM eats your credit card, or the navigator shows the wrong direction. To avoid unpleasant surprises, developers conduct software testing.
Software testing is necessary to exclude the risk of system failures or inconsistencies in the parameters set by the client. Surely, programmers test their product during the development process, but it does not always guarantee proper quality. This is when IT companies, such as IDAP, are at your service to carry out full-scale testing. If the quality issue for your company comes first, then you can benefit from this service.
Types of Testing: Manual or Automated
Today, there are two types of testing: manual and automation. Manual testing is performed by hand using various tools. QA engineers use apps and check the basic functions manually. This method of software testing has both advantages and disadvantages. For example, a tester has a chance to estimate the functionality from the user’s perspective. However, considering the human factor, a tester may miss hidden defects.
Automation testing is performed by a special tool. It has a pre-written test scenario and implements it. Such testing has a large spectrum of possible defects and different levels of complexity. The developers consider that automation testing makes fewer errors and is a more reliable testing method. However, the result depends on the quality of the test scenario.
The automation testing type is a great way to improve the QA process while adding new functionality to your application. Although manual testing can also bring quality additions to application development. That is why the question of what is better is rhetorical.
Software Testing Goals
In fact, the goals of testing are very simple. The QA engineers ask whether everything works as it should. Does the program behavior meet the expectations and requirements? If the answer is positive, then everything is fine. If it doesn’t, it means that the development team must fix the bugs in the software.
Software testing has become the norm because anyone can make a mistake. Some defects can be less noticeable, and some defects can destroy the functionality of the app. That’s the way things are. Humans make unintentional mistakes quite often. You must test any product to make sure that a user can use your app safely and according to their expectations.
First of all, the testing team performs a demonstration of how the software functions. This is an important phase both for developers and for the client. The next goal, which can be achieved through testing is to identify the particular weaknesses of the final product. At this stage, developers can define defects, address them, and improve the overall performance of an app.
To conclude, the task of the testing team is to make sure that the software meets the general requirements. Since even minor bugs can be a great loss for the company, these requirements do not necessarily have to be numerous but limited.
Still in doubt, whether software testing is fundamental for your business? We give you 5 reasons why companies should seek the help of qualified testers:
1. Product quality check
An experienced tester can professionally assess the sustainability of your product. They will check whether the app functions properly and meets the expected requirements.
2. Reliability check
Even first-rate and multifunctional software should be reliable. Before launching, you have to be sure that the app will perform according to your needs and be safe for the users.
3. Performance monitoring
Surely, no one wants to have an application that loads for too long, constantly freezes, or slows down. It means that the testing team has to assess the product’s performance. The received results can enhance the efficiency output of your app.
4. Detecting hidden defective functions
No one wants to deal with software with hidden bugs. That’s why you should perform testing to detect hidden defects in advance. Additionally, such care about your users will stand you out among the competitors.
5. Development Acceleration
Software testing is also necessary for developers to detect errors and possible scenarios if they occur. The developers can foresee a problem and deal with it faster. If you conduct testing parallel to development, it speeds up the process significantly.
6. Use of Testing Tools
One of the things that make testers good at their job is the fact that they use expert software testing tools. They also understand how and when to use them, no matter how complicated your system might be. In addition, they keep up with technology advancements, ensuring that they are not only using the latest tools but also the best in terms of performance.
For instance, qualified testers can extend visibility throughout your technology stack using flexible observability solutions that support your software applications. This is crucial in making sure that your business services can deliver the required user experience and meet service objectives.
What Are the Other Benefits of Software Testing?
Let’s not forget that different software has specific features which means that the defects cab can bring different risks and consequences. Software testing here to predict potential issues and develop strategies to deal with them. That is to say, an error might not occur, but the tester can foresee a possible scenario.
When testing, it is important to consider the strategy and the activities of the client. After all, a small error will have different outcomes for different clients:
- a typo in the description of interests in the personal application form will be an insignificant aspect;
- a simple typo made in the description of a large company’s product has more serious consequences. However, it speaks only about the incompetence and inattention of the staff;
- a typo in the program code to calculate the results of medical examination has very serious consequences. It can be harmful to health if a doctor prescribes the wrong treatment based on such results.
Thus, the risks related to software defects may have different outcomes. From this point of view, companies should get a good look at the development process and choose a reliable testing team.
How Does Software Testing Work?
Nowadays, there are numerous professional companies like IDAP that perform quality software testing. You can be sure that they will take responsibility and use the cutting-edge tools for the testing process. The range of testing methods, approaches, levels, and types is diverse:
- Static and dynamic testing;
- Manual and automation testing for various scenarios;
- Testing of the full functionality and user experience;
- White Box, Black Box, and Grey Box testing;
- Integration and acceptance testing;
- Security testing;
- Software integration testing.
As a result of the work performed, the client can receive a detailed technical overview with a set of recommendations. There will be instructions for software development, tips for improvement of certain elements, and reports on key indicators identified during the testing process. This approach is very convenient for companies that value their customers and want to produce a high-quality product. Not the least of which is cost-efficiency.
Summary
Computer technology has a great impact on our lives. Every day we use dozens of programs at work, as well as for entertainment. Software isn’t just applications on your mobile. There are various programs for medical equipment, transport systems, and security alerts. It is impossible to assess the extent to which we are used to these benefits of modernity.
However, any software development, regardless of its scale and functionality, must undergo the testing process. With its help, QA engineers can identify various defects and breakdowns in the software and provide the reports with the recommendations to the development team. Fortunately, IT specialists have invented a lot of helping tools for software testing. They facilitate the process of testing and make it simpler.