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QA and Testing – How do I Know What Sort of Testing is Right for My Project?

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Testing for quality assurance is vital for the project success as it pinpoints any problems or issues which need to be avoided, making it cheaper for companies to correct problems earlier on in the development phase, rather than later on in the process. However the question remains: How can I know what sort of testing is right for my project to ensure quality?

Now there is a range of testing types and all depend heavily on a project type, success criteria and objectives of the project at hand. To help you make a more qualified decision on what type of testing is right for you, we’ve assembled a list of quality tests which are available to assess the quality of a project’s output.

Not all tests are appropriate for every project, however here is where you should rely on using the quality team of your hired contractors as a resource to help you determine your project goals and to help choose which tests will provide the best data for your unique project. It should be remembered, though, that the best result is achieved while combining several types of software testing. Another key to successful testing lies in determining very early on in the project stage which testing techniques will work best with the budget and timing estimate.

Smoke and/or Sanity testing. 

This is the most basic-level testing of software to check the base functionality. If this test is not passed, other tests which require greater effort will not be passed either. Therefore this is a test which is done early on to try and create efficiencies in the event that it is not passed.

Verification and Validation. 

This is a test used to confirm that the software is built to specifications and according to project goals.

Functional and non-functional testing. 

This is a test used to check if the main functionalities are working as expected and that non-functional requirements are met.

Regression testing. 

Here the purpose of the testing activities is to confirm that new bugs do not arise after changes have been made to the software. Typically, previously conducted tests are rerun to ensure the same results are achieved.

Installation testing.

This type of testing activity is conducted if the application will be installed on the operating system by automated installer. Installation testing concentrates on what needs are necessary to install the software successfully.

Compatibility testing.

This type of testing is conducted to ensure the software is compatible with the environment it is intended for. This type of testing will typically occur if multiple software/hardware packages are used.

Security or Penetration testing.

This type of testing occurs when there is a need to evaluate computer and network security from internal and external threats by simulating attacks.

Performance testing.

This type of test is performed if the performance of an application is identified as a computable requirement. Typically this type of testing determines the responsiveness and scalability of the software.

Usability testing.

This technique allows the actual users to ensure that the application is performing to its intended purpose and is user-friendly.

Localization testing.

Localization of a program ensures that the software functions in its intended market properly, including proper language, date/time formatting, symbols, etc.

API testing.

An Application Programming Interface (API) allows software to “talk” to other software. In the event that your project uses an API, it is tested to ensure that it’s communicating properly. API testing is broken down into three categories: parameter selection, parameter combination and call sequencing.

If you need help with any testing activities or would like to find out more about what type of testing activity would work best with your project, get in touch with us today at contactus@psa-software.com

PSA Marketing Team

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