In the software development work cycle, testing plays a special role and often touches the deployment and launch phases. As you know, there are two categories of testing: functional and non-functional. The latter includes monitoring the application in terms of general requirements: performance, stability and ease of use. By the way, the last option is very closely related to the functions of the consumer interface, which means it is closely related to functional testing.

When it comes to testing the functionality, first of all, we mean a test for the compliance of the software with the set business tasks. In simple terms, the features of the application must ensure that the needs of the user are met. Functional testing includes checking the correctness of functions, their basic purpose and expediency.

Technically, testing covers the user interface, database, application programming modules, API interfaces, security functions and basic integration components, https://u-tor.com/services/qa-outsourcing.

The purpose of functional testing is to check the functions of the software for correct and stable operation. As practice shows, fixing bugs is easier and cheaper at the initial stages, before the official release. In the post-sales environment, mistakes have a significant negative effect on the project, even if it has great potential.

Functional testing models

Developers identify approximately six models of functional testing. Each type has its own characteristics and depends on the purpose of the software. Technically, testing is built on the principle of interdependent stages, where the implementation of each stage depends on the completeness of the implementation of the previous one. Simply put, in order to proceed to the next stage, you must complete the current one. https://u-tor.com/services/user-acceptance-testing 

In order for the module assembly to succeed, six tests must be performed:

• Smoke test. Traditionally considered the first step. The test got its name based on the analogy with checking water pipes. To monitor the integrity of the pipes, builders launched smoke into the cavity. In the event of a seal failure, the smoke escaped, and the builders could fix the location and size of the damage before the water was launched.

In functional testing, the term includes a superficial check of the application for build errors that may affect the quality of work.

• Regression check. When the initial test is successful, the software needs to be checked for minor errors. In simple words, regression testing is needed to check the software for minor bugs that are, in principle, not typical for this build.

Regression testing is necessary in order to check the correctness of the assembly and make sure that previously identified errors are eliminated and do not occur again.

• Integration testing. As the name suggests, the application is tested for the quality of integrations of updates and additional components. In real conditions of functioning, updates and additions accompany the life cycle of the application every 4-5 days. With the help of an integration test, the developer must establish that each new module does not negatively affect the “root” folders and integrate normally with the software base.

• Unit test. Testing of each individual module is necessary for detailed monitoring of software components. In addition to a holistic test, the developer needs to make sure that the modules work correctly in a standalone format. At this stage, developers identify software fragments with the most dynamic changes, where the percentage of errors is especially high.

• Beta check. The final part of functional testing. This is the final step between code review and mass market launch.

Given that beta testers don’t know the product’s features and have never used it, this channel of information has the best credibility. Also, beta testers are recruited from various location and consumer groups, which has a positive effect on objectivity of information.