Functional testing is a sort of software testing that compares the system to its functional requirements and specifications. Functional testing verifies that the application satisfies all user requirements.
It is not concerned with the application’s source code. Developers test the application’s functionality by supplying the proper test input, anticipating the result, and comparing the actual output to the expected outcome.
Non-functional testing is a sort of software testing performed to validate the application’s non-functional requirements. It verifies whether the system’s behavior conforms to the specifications. It examines all areas not covered by functional testing. Developers use it to evaluate the readiness of a system based on non-functional criteria, which functional testing does not always test. Non-functional testing is equally as essential as functional testing.
Functional Testing Types
Smoke Testing
Developers run smoke testing before running the actual system test to ensure that the essential functionalities are operating correctly before conducting more detailed testing. This process saves time reinstalling the new build and eliminates the need for additional testing if the critical functionality does not work.
Sanity Testing
Sanity Tests evaluate only a specific functionality or a fixed defect to ensure that the functionality is working correctly and that there are no other issues due to modifications to the connected components. It is a specialized method of application testing.
Integration Testing
Integration tests involve integrating software modules logically and testing them as a group. This test aims to identify defects between the modules after integration.
Regression Testing
Developers perform regression testing after obtaining the software build that has been bug-free after the initial round of testing. It tests whether the bug is fixed and checks if the entire software is working correctly with the changes.
Localization Testing
Localization Testing is a procedure that verifies the software’s functionality after converting it into an application using a different language, per the client’s specifications.
User Acceptability Testing
User Acceptability testing evaluates an application based on the user’s comfort and acceptance, considering the application’s usability.
Organizations provide end users or clients with a trial version to utilize in their office environment to determine whether the program meets their requirements. They conduct this testing before the final release, known as Beta Testing or end-user testing.
Non-Functional Testing Types
Load Testing
Developers evaluate an applicant’s ability to manage workloads in a real environment by simulating a specific workload to test its reaction time, ability to perform properly during a specified timeframe, and capacity to withstand the load.
Stress Testing
During stress testing, the application is subjected to an increased workload to determine if it functions well and can withstand stress as required.
Stress testing aims to examine these conditions using automation methods to simulate a real-time workload and identify any problems.
Volume Testing
Under Volume testing, developers evaluate the application’s real-time capacity to handle large volumes of data. They examine the application’s correctness and dependability under adverse conditions.
Endurance Testing
In Endurance testing, testers examine the software’s durability by subjecting it to a steady and recurring load flow in a scalable pattern. It evaluates the software’s endurance when subjected to a regular workload.
All these testing forms ensure that the program is bug-free and crash-free in real-world scenarios by addressing concerns and finding remedies accordingly.
Usability Testing
Usability testing involves evaluating the user interface’s usability and user-friendliness.
Security Testing
Security testing determines the software’s security against malicious assaults on networked data. It will test users’ authorization, authentication, and access to data depending on responsibilities such as administrator, moderator, composer, and user level.
Conclusion
There is no universal testing method for software programs. Some teams prefer non-functional testing, while others may prefer automated functional testing. However, many teams rank non-functional testing as a lower priority than functional testing because its benefits are less profound. This is because, when the app’s functionality is damaged, consumers may not be able to use the required capabilities at all. Functional tests fix this issue; with shorter execution times and reduced costs, functional tests are the core of software testing methods for many teams.
Nonetheless, non-functional tests are essential; your team must discover ways to incorporate them. A comprehensive collection of non-functional qualities and components, including performance and usability, will be validated by a superior testing suite.
To ensure organizations include functional and non-functional tests in their testing strategy, they take the help of test automation platforms. These testing platforms come with pre-installed architecture that organizations can leverage for their benefit.
HeadSpin is one such platform. Users can leverage the HeadSpin platform from anywhere in the world by accessing real devices with active SIM cards. Additionally, through comprehensive metrics, users receive AI-based testing insights. These detailed insights provide users with details on significant issues in their app. The AI gives users actionable insights that they can use to build robust applications.
