Testing Software Quality: 5 commonly used tests

Under the Agile umbrella, testing software has never been so thorough. Agile’s methodology encompasses development and testing on the go, producing higher accuracy and quality while reducing costs.

QA testing accounts for about 50% of the work required to build a top-grade product, making it indispensable to the software industry. QA tests determine if the product’s code performs as expected, and if the product’s functionality meets requirements. Identified issues and bugs are then further reexamined and resolved. Some minor bugs may be allowed to remain in the system, even after the final release, but they are usually insignificant and invisible to the final user.

There are multiple tests the QA team can use to assess how well the program fulfills its intended purpose. Following are the most prevalent tests:

• Unit TSTs analyze individual components and functions to ensure error-free performance of the code, for instance, the responses for login and password. Mock TSTs are part of Component TSTs and are performed when there is a need to separate a module from dependencies, to verify if the code for that module is viable. Dependencies are replaced by mocks to simulate the behavior of the real thing.
• Integration TSTs test modules as a whole by utilizing Big Bang, top-down, and bottom-up approaches. Big Bang, a non-incremental method, combines all modules and tests them as a group. Top-down and bottom-up approaches are incremental, with new modules added in a linear progression. The top-down method incorporates testing from high to low-level modules, while the bottom-up approach starts with low-level modules. Temporary modules, called “Stubs” and “Drivers,” substitute for files under construction. Finally, the sandwich approach combines both top-down and bottom-up approaches.
• System TSTs incorporate a series of tests to make sure that all increments of the program constitute a fully functioning system. The entire app is checked in an environment that accurately mimics real-life conditions. End-to-end testing involves checking whether the program can withstand the intensity of real-world demands. It also confirms that all necessary functions are in place, and that the system can be easily modified later without problems, if necessary.
• User Acceptance TSTs can be utilized in two ways. Firstly, the customer can screen the entire system by running it through concrete daily scenarios to see how well it handles them. Secondly, the system can be put through an appraisal by a group of people representing the end consumer. If a customer finds a bug during this stage, it’s not good news! Hopefully, the issue is not too serious and can be resolved and retested before the final release.
• Regression TSTs  are implemented to test if new modules, additions, or changes to the system affect the previous components. In this case, the older units undergo testing to confirm that no change has occurred.

Conclusion

After initial development, every system goes through an extensive evaluation to ensure that an outstanding product is ready for release. With the Agile approach, QA tests are performed continuously throughout the development life cycle to maximize error-free outcomes. At the end of the development journey, a high-quality product is what matters most. Therefore, a stellar QA team is essential for every software development project.