What is Software Testing in Software Engineering?
Are you interested in a career in software engineering? Software engineering has many components, combining design, development, testing and maintenance of software applications. It offers diverse career opportunities across various industries.
As technology continues to evolve, the demand for software engineers grows. So, now is an excellent time to invest in a career in software engineering.
Software engineers must understand every step in the software development process, including software testing. Let’s dive into software testing, exploring the skills, tools and challenges associated with this evolving field.
What is Software Testing?
Software testing is a key process in the software development lifecycle. It involves verifying and validating a software application to ensure its safety, technical compliance and user satisfaction.
The software testing process identifies and fixes issues to deliver high-performing software that meets expectations. A software tester must find measures to improve the software in terms of efficiency, accuracy and usability while assessing its functionality. Measuring performance against expected and actual performance enables software testers to identify any issues and areas of improvement.
Software testing strategies save time and money for companies launching new software. By identifying bugs early and resolving issues before new software is delivered, companies can ensure the rollout of high-performance, reliable and secure software, increasing customer satisfaction.
Different Types of Software Testing
There are multiple testing approaches in software development, including different techniques and levels of testing. Let’s explore the differences between the types of testing involved in software engineering.
- Functional Testing
This type of software testing validates software systems against functional requirements, checking that the application performs in line with the software’s functional requirements. Examples of functional testing include software system testing and unit testing.
- Non-Functional Testing
This type of software testing checks the application for non-functional requirements, including performance and scalability. Performance tests are the most common examples of non-functional testing.
- Maintenance Testing
Maintenance testing changes, modifies and updates software to satisfy customer needs. It also involves regression testing, ensuring that code changes have not affected the software’s performance.
- Black Box Testing
Black box testing is a technique that involves testing a system with no prior knowledge of its internal structures. The software tester provides input and observes the subsequent output and overall functionality of the application.
- White Box Testing
White box testing is the opposite of black box testing, in which the software tester is aware of the application’s internal workings and performs all actions according to the software’s specifications.
- Grey Box Testing
Grey box testing is a combination of white and black box testing. Software testers will have knowledge of implementation, but they will not be experts in the application.
What is the Difference Between Manual and Automated Testing?
It’s also important to note the difference between manual and automated testing in software engineering, two key parts of the software testing process.
Manual testing involves humans engaging with software applications to identify issues via direct interaction. This human-centric approach is flexible and responsive, facilitating adaptive planning and regular feedback. Manual testing is divided into three types of testing: white, black and grey box testing.
Automated testing uses computer programs and automated tools to test software using a pre-written script. This approach offers volume, efficiency and accuracy.
The main differences between the two types of testing are that manual testing offers greater insight into user experience and doesn’t require programming skills, while automated testing can produce more accurate, reliable and efficient feedback, offering a cost-effective approach and scalability.
What Skills Are Essential for a Software Tester?
In addition to software testing best practices, including continuous testing, in-depth metrics and reporting and regression testing, software testers must develop specific skills to launch a successful career in software engineering.
Here are some of the key skills software testing jobs require:
Technical skills:
- Coding / computer programming
- Knowledge of testing methodologies and tools
- Software development
Soft skills:
- Communication
- Analytical skills
- Attention to detail
How Does Software Testing Contribute to Quality Assurance?
Software testers are known as quality assurance engineers, highlighting the importance of quality assurance in software testers’ day-to-day processes.
Software testing jobs fall under the umbrella term of quality assurance. It ensures that the software meets the required standards of quality, functionality and user expectations.
Software testing contributes to quality assurance by identifying bugs and issues with software, validating requirements and specifications, ensuring performance and reliability, enhancing customer satisfaction and supporting continuous improvement, all while aiming to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
What are the Common Challenges in Software Testing?
Software testers must navigate multiple challenges, from communication issues to limited resources while identifying defects in software applications.
Here are some common challenges in software testing:
Time constraints: Testing takes time, and tight deadlines regularly lead to insufficient time for testing. Project planning and prioritisation are key to dealing with time constraints.
Communication: Miscommunication between the development and testing teams about requirements or features that need testing can negatively impact testing. Maintaining clear and concise communication between teams is essential.
Lack of resources: Limited human and software resources can be a major challenge for software testers. It is important to understand your limitations before testing, whether it’s a lack of testers or software licenses for tools.
Integration and compatibility: Compatibility issues with operating systems, browsers or devices can make testing challenging. Integration and compatibility testing can also be time-consuming, so it is important to use simulations and collaborate with other teams.
Changing requirements: Software testers must be aware of changes to the software during testing. Staying updated with the changes and ensuring the test cases are still valid is essential.
Software Testing Tools
Software testers have many different types of tools available, from flow analysers and path tests to test drivers and emulators.
Software testing tools, including Selenium, JUnit and TestComplete, fall into 10 categories:
- Test Management Tools – Selenium
- Automated Testing Tools – Ranorex
- Performance Testing Tools – Apache
- Cross-Browser Testing Tools –Testsigma
- Integration Testing Tools –Citrus
- Unit Testing Tools – JUnit
- Mobile Testing Tools – Appium
- GUI Testing Tools – AutoIT
- Bug Tracking Tools – Jira
- Security Testing Tools – Vega
These tools can be utilised throughout the software testing lifecycle, which consists of six stages: Requirement analysis, test planning, test case development, test environment set-up, test execution and test closure.
Shape Your Future in Software Engineering at Gisma
If you are ready to launch a career in software development, explore the full-time bachelor’s degree in software engineering at Gisma University of Applied Sciences in Berlin today.
Gisma’s BEng Software Engineering programme offers students the opportunity to develop the technical knowledge, skills and industry connections required in this in-demand field.
From coding to project management, the extensive curriculum prepares students for successful careers in a wide range of tech fields, including software testing.
Invest in your career today and join Gisma’s diverse student body by enrolling in the BEng Software Engineering programme in Berlin here.
FAQs
What does a software tester do?
A software tester evaluates and verifies software to ensure it functions correctly, meets requirements and is free of bugs. While assessing the functionality of the software, they must find measures to improve the application in terms of efficiency, accuracy and usability.
What are the key benefits of automated and manual testing?
Manual testing offers greater insight into user experience and doesn’t require programming skills, while automated testing can produce more accurate, reliable and efficient feedback. It also provides a cost-effective approach and scalability.
Why study software engineering?
A software engineering degree offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for successful careers in various tech fields, including software testing. Pursuing a degree in an in-demand field provides job security, career growth, diverse career opportunities and continuous learning.
Which degree is best for software tester?
A software engineering degree, like the full-time BEng Software Engineering programme at Gisma University of Applied Sciences, is a gateway to software testing jobs, providing the technical knowledge, skills and industry connections required to succeed in the field.
Is a software tester a good career?
Yes, a career in software engineering offers exciting career paths, including data engineering, front-end development and software testing. A software tester is an in-demand career path, offering various opportunities for growth, good salary potential and the chance to work across diverse industries.
Want to explore more?