SOFTWARE TESTING

What is Software Testing?

Software testing is the process of evaluating and verifying whether a software application or system meets specified requirements and functions correctly. It involves executing the software to identify defects, ensure quality, and confirm that it behaves as expected under various conditions. Testing helps detect errors, bugs, or missing functionalities before deployment.
Key objectives of software testing:

1. Verification & Validation: Ensuring the software meets business and technical requirements.
2. Bug Identification: Detecting defects to improve software reliability.
3. Performance Evaluation: Assessing speed, stability, and scalability.
4. Security Assurance: Checking for vulnerabilities and data protection.
5. User Satisfaction: Delivering a seamless and error-free experience to end-users.

## What Do We Need to Know About Software Testing?
To understand software testing effectively, one should be aware of:
1.Types of Software Testing:
Functional Testing:
-Unit Testing
-Integration Testing
-System Testing
-User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
Non-functional Testing:

• Performance Testing
• Security Testing
• Usability Testing
• Compatibility Testing Manual vs Automated Testing: -Manual Testing (Human-based)

2.Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC):
o Requirement Analysis
o Test Planning
o Test Case Design
o Test Execution
o Defect Reporting
o Test Closure

3.Common Testing Techniques:
o Black-box Testing (Based on specifications, without looking at code)
o White-box Testing (Based on internal logic and code)
o Grey-box Testing (Combination of both approaches)
4.Testing Tools & Frameworks:
o Selenium, JMeter, Postman, Cypress, etc., for automation and performance testing.
5.Test Documentation:
o Writing test plans, test cases, test reports, and defect reports.
6.Agile and DevOps Testing Approaches:
o Continuous Integration and Continuous Testing in Agile and DevOps environments.

## What is the Relevance of Software Testing?
Software testing plays a critical role in the software development lifecycle (SDLC) for several reasons:
1.Ensures Quality:
o Testing ensures that software meets business and user expectations by delivering a reliable product.
2.Cost Reduction:
o Early defect detection reduces the cost of fixing issues in later stages of development.
3.Security Assurance:
o Helps in identifying vulnerabilities and protecting against cyber threats.
4.Improves User Experience:
o A well-tested software provides a smooth and error-free experience, leading to customer satisfaction.
5.Compliance with Standards:
o Many industries (e.g., healthcare, finance) require rigorous testing to comply with regulations.

1. Supports Business Reputation: o A bug-free and well-performing software helps in maintaining the trust of users and stakeholders.
2. Facilitates Continuous Improvement: o Testing provides insights for continuous software improvement and innovation.

Conclusion:
Software testing is a crucial aspect of software development that ensures quality, performance, and security. Understanding its various aspects, techniques, and tools is essential for delivering robust and user-friendly software solutions.