Main functions of software testing

Software testing is an important part in software development and is essential for high-quality results. Bugs and technical pitfalls are to be expected when developing software and can only be found and eliminated through extensive software testing.

Main functions of software testing

Software testing is done with a target/actual comparison to see if the software satisfies the requirements. The following questions play a main role:

  • Does the software meet the functional requirements through the proper semantics?
  • Does the software work with the desired performance or only under laboratory conditions?
  • Does the user experience meet the needs of the users?

To be able to answer these questions, software testing usually includes two different approaches during the development process. In software that is developed according to the waterfall or v model, software testing only comes to fruition after completing individual parts or artifacts. The errors will then be patched if necessary.

Modern software development is increasingly relying upon Scrum/Agile approaches which allows software testing earlier in the process because the individual tasks and results are described here in detail. Appropriate test scenarios are developed in parallel to the development work with a test first approach.

The typical problems or error sources that are found and eliminated during software testing are similar in the two approaches. Often disagreements with specifications, redundancies and mathematical mistakes or the complex interplay of modules which are not optimally coordinated are to blame.

So-called black box software testing then comes into play, in which only the output or results are tested. White box testing tests the programming code itself for errors with automatic tools.

Requirements for software testing

There is a vast diversity of programming languages, as well as the applications they can create. This will also affect the requirements of a software tester. A wide range of test tools is used to systematically test from the program code up to the manual handling on the keyboard and mouse.

The infoportal Test Tool Review, which specialises in software testing, has a long list of software test tools in a searchable database. From test automation, test management and error and change management, up to test specification, load and performance test, continuous integration to code and coverage analysis – you will find around 150 tools for nearly everything. The manufacturers and distributors ensure that the data of the tools remains current.

When selecting a software tester you should pay attention to make sure they have a comprehensive knowledge of the necessary test tools. In addition, certifications such as those from the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) prove that a software tester is able to handle unknown test scenarios and has sufficient test experience.

You will find testing professionals at the ISTQB expert level who are very experienced in creating and leading test teams, in addition to designing, improving and automatising test routines.

Software testing: Outsourcing to India

Developer teams like to outsource tasks that are easily standardised. This is especially useful if there is not enough staff or time, which might endanger the proper implementation of the software testing.

You can find software developers with extensive testing experience at much lower rates in India than software testers in Europe who do not have any development experience. Using such experts in software development will lead to an increase in quality, as well as cost savings.

Outsourcing4work can provide you with an experienced software tester from India if needed. Just share your specific needs with us and we will take care of the rest. Thanks to our project managers who are trained in Scrum/Agile, we ensure that no problems will arise during software testing.