5 Important Steps to Take when Testing a Software Application

Testing is a critical step in the software development cycle. By thoroughly assessing software, developers and clients can be sure that the software meets all the requirements and goals set at the beginning of the development process. Testing is also used to identify errors and defects in the software before it is released or used on a wide scale. There are lots of ways to approach software testing. We are going to look at the most important steps in software testing, although some developers might not complete them in the order listed below.

Basic Testing

Basic testing is used to ensure that everything on the screen works. For example, buttons need to be clickable and input fields need to accept data although they do not have to do anything with this data at this stage. Basic functionality testing is done first to ensure that the application does not fall apart as soon as it is subjected to more intense testing.

Code Review

Some developers want a fresh pair of eyes looking at their code before it is submitted for further tests. After the unit testing is done, a developer can invite another to take a look at their code to ensure it meets quality requirements.

Unit Testing

Unit testing is usually the next stage of testing and here, the developer will check every component of their software to ensure that they work as expected. Unit testing can be used to check the structure of the code as well as individual components of that code, like functions and classes. These individual components are tested to ensure that they work as expected when provided with different valid and invalid inputs. Many software developers choose to run unit tests as soon as they commit code to a repository.

Integration Testing

Here, software developers test how components work as individuals and as part of a group. This allows them to identify any issues that can come up as different modules and functions interface. No matter how well a single component works, developers have to be sure that it works well as part of the overall software.

Acceptance Testing

Acceptance testing, also known as UAT Testing, is usually the final stage in the software testing cycle and is the one that determines if the application or software is ready for release to users. UAT Testing is usually performed in collaboration with representatives of the company who represent the real users of the software or application.

The main advantage of doing UAT Testing is that it allows a developer to see how the larger public is likely to use its software while not releasing the software just yet. This way, they can check if the software performs as expected. UAT testing helps save time, money, and the client’s reputation if there are any serious bugs caught during this stage.

Acceptance testing also ensures the developer adhered to the business requirements and that the final software meets the needs of the target customers.

While it is a great idea to run as many tests as possible, testers should find a balance between doing enough tests and spending too much time running tests. While leaving bugs in software is disastrous, spending too much time finding bugs can lead to delays which can affect client satisfaction and their perception of the developer.

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