With all of the technological breakthroughs and digitalization, we are becoming increasingly reliant on software and machines. Testing is required for optimum operation and seamless interaction. Software testing models solve all problems and assure complete client satisfaction.
The term “Software Testing Methodology” refers to the techniques and types of testing used to guarantee that the Application Under Test meets the client’s expectations. To validate the AUT, functional and non-functional testing approaches are utilized. Furthermore, each testing technique has its own test strategy, test objective, and deliverables. Because software testing is a necessary component of any Development Methodology, many companies use the words Development Methodologies and Testing Methodologies interchangeably.
This blog will discuss the top five commonly used software testing methodologies used by industry leaders.
Waterfall Model
The waterfall model is the most common software development life cycle (SDLC) process which is widely adopted in the industry. In this approach, the complete software development process is divided into various phases. The model follows the sequence of phases downwards towards the ultimate objective like an actual waterfall and the output of one phase acts as an input for the next phase. The next phase in sequence only begins when the previous one is completed. You will not be able to adjust the prerequisites once you have progressed to the next phase. So, it’s crucial to determine the end-user requirements with precision and clarity.
Testing Approach with Waterfall
The requirements phase is the first step in the waterfall approach, in which all project needs are properly determined before beginning testing. The test team brainstorms all the possible scope of testing, test strategy, and creates a detailed test plan during this phase.
The team can then move on to the test execution stage once the design of the software is finalized, to ensure that the developed software stands on the required criteria. As the next phase in the sequence can only be unlocked once the prior one is completed.
Advantages
- Easy to plan and manage.
- The resources required are minor, as testing is performed once each process is completed.
Disadvantages
- Updating requirements at a later stage is impossible.
- It is mandatory to complete the previous phase to proceed to the next phase.
- Once you move on to the next phase you can’t go back.
Hence, the projects which clearly stated the requirements beforehand are best suitable for this methodology.
Agile Model
The previous outdated software development methodologies work on the assumption that the project’s requirements will remain consistent. However, as complexity increases, the requirements alter and evolve in a variety of ways. Often times the client is unsure of what he wants. Although the iterative model addresses this problem, it is still built on the waterfall approach.
The Agile methodology relies on the collaboration of many cross-functional teams to produce requirements and solutions. It emphasized the interaction between the client, developer, and tester rather than the tools and processes. The agile model is more suitable for responding to change.
Testing approach with Agile
The agile approach is sometimes referred to as an incremental model also. Because agile development methodologies include incremental testing, each project release is properly tested. This ensures that any system flaws are addressed before the next release.
Advantages
- Higher customer satisfaction.
- Rapid and continuous development of deliverables.
- A flexible model with constant interaction between the customer, tester, and developer.
- Incremental testing minimizes risk.
Disadvantages
- Continuous client interaction can add time pressure on developers and testers.
- For large and complex software development cases, estimating the effort required at the start of the cycle is difficult.
Iterative Model
This model is a tweak of the waterfall model. A large project is broken into small portions in this model, and each part is subjected to several iterations of the waterfall methodology. At the end of an iteration, either a new module is created or an old module is improved.
This module is incorporated into the software architecture, and the whole system is thoroughly tested.
Testing approach with Iterative
Once the iteration process is completed, the entire system is tested. Testing feedback is immediately available and is integrated into the next cycle. The testing time required in succeeding rounds might be reduced based on previous iterations’ experience.
Advantages
- Progress is easily measurable.
- More control over risk.
- Errors and risks identified in one iteration can be avoided in subsequent sprints.
Disadvantages
- Needs more resources than waterfall.
- Even at the end of the project, the risks may not be totally determined.
- Managing the entire is difficult.
V Model
This software testing methodology is considered much superior to the waterfall because of its flexibility. In the V Model, the development and testing phases execute in the shape of uphill and downhill. The testing activities and development are carried out at the same time, side by side.
Testing approach with V Model
In this architecture, testing begins at the unit level and advances to the system’s integration.
Advantages
- Saves time.
- Enhance the success rate.
- Easy to use as testing activities are done before coding.
- Prevents the downward bug flow.
Disadvantages
- Because the software is being built during the implementation phase, there are no early prototypes of the product available.
- It is an inflexible methodology.
- To make a change midway, the entire test document needs to upgrade.
Extreme Programming Model
Extreme programming is a form of agile technique that promotes rapid development cycles. It then divided a project into simple engineering duties. Programmers create a simple piece of software and then provide feedback to the client. The customer’s feedback is included, and the engineers move on to the next assignment.
This approach is highly suitable where the requirements of a project are constantly changing.
Testing Approach with Extreme Programming Model
This Extreme programming model follows Test-driven development. The process starts with adding a new test case to the test suite to ascertain new functionality, running all tests (obviously the added new cases fail as the functionality is yet to code), writing the code to implement functionality, and running the test suite one more time.
This time all the test cases should pass as the functionality codes are already written.
Advantages
- Continuous testing and continuous integration ensure the high quality of the delivered project.
- Can use extreme programming for projects having vague ideas.
Disadvantage
- Time restrictions are exacerbated by meetings between the software development team and clients.
Takeaway
Making use of an inappropriate testing methodology for your client can delay the overall delivery of the project which can further hamper your relationship with the customer. So, choosing the right model which perfectly fits the requirements of the customer is important.
Seeking a QA consultant service can help you in mitigating this issue.
ImpactQA can prove to be an ideal QA consulting partner for your upcoming project, thanks to our decade-old testing expertise we maintain a client-centric approach to offer the best solutions.
Originally published at https://www.impactqa.com on February 17, 2022.
