Software Testing Methodologies: Learn The QA Methods

Software Testing Methodologies determine the strategic planning in order to validate the quality & performance of an application. Further, it assures that software meets clients’ expectations across various operating systems, browsers, and environments.

We are a reliable and top software testing company in India and USA. Gathering our decades of experience, we are sharing what is a software testing methodology and its types. So, let’s learn the QA methods and tools.

The Testing Methodology covers functional & non-functional testing approaches to analyze the AUT (Application Under Test) is fulfilling the expectation of clients. Moreover, each QA Testing Methodology has a defined aim, strategic planning & deliverables.

Functional Testing: The objective of functional testing is to validate the performance of an application based on the requirement document. The various testing types used during functional testing are:

• Unit Testing
• Integration Testing
• Acceptance Testing
• System Testing

Non-Functional Testing: The approach of non-functional testing revolves around user experience. It is more focused on the operational aspects. Methods followed during non-functional testing are:

• Compatibility Testing
• Security Testing
• Performance Testing
• Usability Testing

Types of Software Testing Methodologies

Development methodologies are an integrated part of Software Testing and IT companies use the terminologies altogether as software testing methodologies. This is the reason, various QA models like Agile, Waterfall, etc. are also included in it.

We have already learned about what is testing and the types of software testing. Repeating the same stuff will not add anything to your skills. Hence, we will emphasize types of software QA methodologies.

Waterfall Model

Waterfall Model is one of the most common approaches to the software development lifecycle. The model is also referred to as the linear sequential life cycle model. While following this model, the technical team needs to complete the current phase before moving to the next.

The sequential flow of the waterfall model includes Requirement Collection & Analysis, System Design, Code Implementation, Integration & Testing, Deployment, and Maintenance. When software development starts, it follows the same pattern.

Testing Approach:

Once the software is developed completely, only then testing team can start. Also, the testing has to be performed in a sequence, they can move to the next phase only when the testing for the existing phase is completed.

Advantages of Waterfall Model:

• Easy to understand & simple to access
• Because of rigidity, the model is easy to manage.
• One phase is completed at a time.
• Easy task arrangements
• Well documented results

Disadvantages of Waterfall Model:

• The model demands all the steps to be followed in a sequence and hence this can’t entertain unplanned events.
• Developers cannot work following the waterfall model if the requirement is constantly changing. Hence not suited for long or ongoing projects.
• Tracking progress is difficult within stages.

Iterative Development

Under the iteration development model, the steps of the software development lifecycle are divided into smaller sections and each section has an iteration. These iterations are tested thoroughly.

Further, the Iteration development model allows access to the previous phase. As a result, software having constant change can work well following the software development & testing model.

Phases involved here are Requirement Analysis, Design, Implementation, Quality Testing, Review, and Maintenance.

Testing Approach:

Once an iteration is complete, the whole system can be validated and tested. Whatever feedback is generated, will get incorporated into the next iteration. With every test cycle, the number of iterations reduces.

Advantages of Iterative Development Model

• Testing and Debugging are easier because of partition.
• Allows parallel development.
• Adapt frequent changes in the requirement.
• Risk identification and resolution is quick.

Disadvantages of Iterative Development Model

• Smaller projects can’t be done.
• You may need more resources.
• Budget increases when there are frequent changes in the requirement.
• No dedicated deadline.

Agile Model

The Agile model is different from traditional methodologies of software development. As we have studied above, the shortcomings of the waterfall model are covered by the iteration model but the problem is yet not solved.

Hence the model came with a new concept that works following the incremental and iteration methods. The agile model emphasizes interactions between customers, developers, and other members. It is more on communication rather than processes.

Testing Approach:

Quick changes are made on the given feedback, as a result of which quality projects are delivered to the clients. The methodology also ensures testing all bugs before moving to the next phase.

Advantages of Agile Model:

• New changes are possible to implement at any point of development.
• The risk is minimized due to incremental method.

Disadvantages of Agile Model:

• Constant client feedback sometimes increases pressure on the development and testing team.

Extreme programming

Extreme programming (XP) is a software development framework of the agile model. Smaller codes are built and shared with clients for feedback. Shared feedback is implemented in the code and the process goes on.

Using the method ensures the quality and responsiveness of an application. Under this model, developers follow working in pairs usually. If your client’s requirements are changing at regular intervals, you should go with this methodology.

Testing Approach:

Test-driven development is followed here. Steps involved in Extreme Programming are:

• Add the new feature to the test suit that is yet not developed.
• Make sure to run all the tests and your new test must not be successful because it is yet not built.
• Write code for the implementation of the feature.
• Now run all the tests again and it should pass as a whole because you have implemented the new feature.

Advantages of Extreme Testing:

• Vague requirements can be accommodated with Extreme Programming.
• Continuous testing and integration ensure high-quality software.

Disadvantages of Extreme Testing:

• Frequent changes in requirements may stretch the deadline.

How to set up testing methodologies

QA methodology and tools ensure the quality of an application. But in order to meet the primary goal, one should know the way to set up software testing methodologies. Being a leading company, we follow testing methodologies in software testing. Here are the steps:

Scheduling: Right scheduling is the main aspect of a successful testing methodology’s implementation. Also, while scheduling, one should ensure the expectations of all the participating members.

Defined Variables: As we know, multiple members are involved during the software testing process, hence we need to use well-defined deliverables in order to keep everyone on the same page. Also, there should not be ambiguity because it creates unnecessary confusion.

Testing Approach: After implementing the correct scheduling and variables, the team should put focus on the right test approach. Do proper discussion and brainstorming to get the best testing methodology depending on the requirement of the project.

Reporting: If reporting is perfect, the entire process becomes crystal clear. Hence always put attention building right and effective report following each minute detail.

Conclusion:

We have mentioned software testing methodologies in detail and the selection of the best methodology depends on the nature and requirement of the project. Hence if you are thinking, which is the best software testing methodology, firstly determine the demand of your project.

Apart from that, being a reliable QA company in Ahmedabad India, we always encourage QA engineers to keep upgrading their testing skill set. Further, you can hire QA testers in India from the panel of our experts.

We deliver bug-free and robust business applications. You will definitely feel the difference after using our service. Feel free to contact us if any issue comes regarding software testing methodologies.

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