Software testing can generally be divided into two types: Functional testing and non- functional testing. Functional testing refers to verifying the actual features and functions of a software application whereas non-functional testing goes beyond functionality to explore aspects such as usability, performance, security, reliability, etc.
Both functional and non-functional testing are important aspects of the software testing process. A combination of the two approaches, streamlined with the help of a test management tool for test case management, can result in high-performing software and an ideal end-user experience.
Although both approaches are important, today we will explore specifically the role of non-functional testing in software testing and learn why it is essential.
Simply reading the term “Nonfunctional Testing” can give you an idea of what it is about – a type of software testing that is not related to functions and features. Then what exactly does it entail? We can gain further clarity on this question by exploring the various types of non-functional testing. All types of non-functional testing require strict test case management and utilization of test management tools for smooth execution. Some of the types of non-functional testing include:
Let us examine these in more detail.
Imagine this: You are on an urgent deadline for work. While you are uploading some critical data on your application, the application crashes, forcing you to start all over again. Such experiences can be incredibly frustrating: they cause customers to lose trust and switch to competitor applications. However, by performing thorough performance testing with the use of test management tools, we can proactively identify and address these issues.
Performance testing is a type of non-functional testing technique that tests the system’s overall performance, capability, and reliability. It consists of various subtypes such as:
Performance testing is important for optimizing resource usage, making sure that the system can handle increasing workloads and demands, and identifying any performance issues that might impact user experience.
Another type of non-functional testing in software testing is security testing. The security of data is of utmost importance for both individuals and organizations in today's digital age. Organizations have a responsibility towards their customers to protect their data. This is where security testing comes in. Security testing is especially critical for protecting systems from malicious attacks and safeguarding sensitive data and information. By conducting thorough security testing, software testers ensure that the application or system is safe from any data breaches or threats that can disrupt operations. Failure to conduct proper security testing can lead to data leakage and cyberattacks that can cause huge financial losses, legal repercussions and penalties, and loss of reputation and trust.
As a user, when you download a new app on your mobile phone, what do you look for? You want to make sure that you are easily able to navigate through the app and find relevant features. You want the user interface and design to be aesthetically pleasing as well as intuitive. And of course, you want to make sure that the app delivers on its promised features without misguiding or confusing you. Usability testing is there to ensure all of this. Usability testing is a type of non functional testing that involves real users giving feedback on their experience with an application or system to ensure ease of use and superior user experience.
When you design a software system or application, you want it to be accessible to as many users as possible. However, you do not know which device or browser the users will be accessing your application from. Compatibility testing is a type of non-functional testing that ensures that your application is compatible with and accessible from multiple browsers, platforms, and operating systems, as well as their various versions, so your users can have a seamless experience no matter where they access your software. With effective test case management and the right test management tool, you can perform compatibility testing to ensure that your application can reach a wider audience and provide a superior experience everywhere.
At first glance, when we consider any application or software, the first thing we want is that it performs the functions that we need it to. However, if we were to think about it in more detail, there are many other aspects that make software effective and trustworthy. These are features that we expect so naturally that we might not even consider the work that goes into creating them. Without thorough non functional testing, even functional software becomes redundant. For example, imagine you are using a cloud storage service such as Google Drive or Dropbox. The software may offer various functions such as file management, folder creation, sorting, file sharing, etc. But what if the software stops working after you upload too much data? Or response time becomes incredibly slow, making you wait hours for your files to upload? What if a hacker got into your system and got access to all your data because it was not protected properly? Or you need to access the data on the go, but you realize the application is available on Android but is not updated to work on your iPhone? Would you continue to use the service? Of course not! Despite the wide range of functionality offered, without these additional benefits of security, reliability, and accessibility, the application becomes worthless. This is why non functional testing in software testing is a crucial and indispensable process that ensures that the software offers a quality experience. Using test management tools for test case management can help your team organize your software testing process to ensure thorough - testing.
Testworthy is a robust and highly reliable test management tool that offers both functional and non functional benefits of test case management. It is carefully designed and tested for superior performance that supports easy scalability, protects your data, and provides an intuitive and seamless user experience that allows you and your teams to manage your software testing efforts with ease. Enhance your non functional testing techniques with the best test management tool in the market. Try for free today.
Both functional and non-functional testing are important aspects of the software testing process. A combination of the two approaches, streamlined with the help of a test management tool for test case management, can result in high-performing software and an ideal end-user experience.
Although both approaches are important, today we will explore specifically the role of non-functional testing in software testing and learn why it is essential.
Nonfunctional Testing and Its Types
Simply reading the term “Nonfunctional Testing” can give you an idea of what it is about – a type of software testing that is not related to functions and features. Then what exactly does it entail? We can gain further clarity on this question by exploring the various types of non-functional testing. All types of non-functional testing require strict test case management and utilization of test management tools for smooth execution. Some of the types of non-functional testing include:
- • Performance Testing
- • Security Testing
- • Usability Testing
- • Compatibility Testing
Let us examine these in more detail.
Performance Testing
Imagine this: You are on an urgent deadline for work. While you are uploading some critical data on your application, the application crashes, forcing you to start all over again. Such experiences can be incredibly frustrating: they cause customers to lose trust and switch to competitor applications. However, by performing thorough performance testing with the use of test management tools, we can proactively identify and address these issues.
Performance testing is a type of non-functional testing technique that tests the system’s overall performance, capability, and reliability. It consists of various subtypes such as:
- 1) Load Testing: Stimulating an increasing number of users to see how many users the system can handle.
- 2) Stress Testing: : Subjecting the system to extreme conditions to see how robust it is and what its breaking points are.
- 3) Scalability Testing: Testing whether the system can scale effectively if users, data volume, etc. are increased.
Performance testing is important for optimizing resource usage, making sure that the system can handle increasing workloads and demands, and identifying any performance issues that might impact user experience.
Security Testing
Another type of non-functional testing in software testing is security testing. The security of data is of utmost importance for both individuals and organizations in today's digital age. Organizations have a responsibility towards their customers to protect their data. This is where security testing comes in. Security testing is especially critical for protecting systems from malicious attacks and safeguarding sensitive data and information. By conducting thorough security testing, software testers ensure that the application or system is safe from any data breaches or threats that can disrupt operations. Failure to conduct proper security testing can lead to data leakage and cyberattacks that can cause huge financial losses, legal repercussions and penalties, and loss of reputation and trust.
Usability Testing
As a user, when you download a new app on your mobile phone, what do you look for? You want to make sure that you are easily able to navigate through the app and find relevant features. You want the user interface and design to be aesthetically pleasing as well as intuitive. And of course, you want to make sure that the app delivers on its promised features without misguiding or confusing you. Usability testing is there to ensure all of this. Usability testing is a type of non functional testing that involves real users giving feedback on their experience with an application or system to ensure ease of use and superior user experience.
Compatibility Testing
When you design a software system or application, you want it to be accessible to as many users as possible. However, you do not know which device or browser the users will be accessing your application from. Compatibility testing is a type of non-functional testing that ensures that your application is compatible with and accessible from multiple browsers, platforms, and operating systems, as well as their various versions, so your users can have a seamless experience no matter where they access your software. With effective test case management and the right test management tool, you can perform compatibility testing to ensure that your application can reach a wider audience and provide a superior experience everywhere.
Why is - testing important?
At first glance, when we consider any application or software, the first thing we want is that it performs the functions that we need it to. However, if we were to think about it in more detail, there are many other aspects that make software effective and trustworthy. These are features that we expect so naturally that we might not even consider the work that goes into creating them. Without thorough non functional testing, even functional software becomes redundant. For example, imagine you are using a cloud storage service such as Google Drive or Dropbox. The software may offer various functions such as file management, folder creation, sorting, file sharing, etc. But what if the software stops working after you upload too much data? Or response time becomes incredibly slow, making you wait hours for your files to upload? What if a hacker got into your system and got access to all your data because it was not protected properly? Or you need to access the data on the go, but you realize the application is available on Android but is not updated to work on your iPhone? Would you continue to use the service? Of course not! Despite the wide range of functionality offered, without these additional benefits of security, reliability, and accessibility, the application becomes worthless. This is why non functional testing in software testing is a crucial and indispensable process that ensures that the software offers a quality experience. Using test management tools for test case management can help your team organize your software testing process to ensure thorough - testing.
About Testworthy
Testworthy is a robust and highly reliable test management tool that offers both functional and non functional benefits of test case management. It is carefully designed and tested for superior performance that supports easy scalability, protects your data, and provides an intuitive and seamless user experience that allows you and your teams to manage your software testing efforts with ease. Enhance your non functional testing techniques with the best test management tool in the market. Try for free today.
FAQs
Functional testing makes sure that software meets functional requirements and is working as expected. It includes unit testing, integration testing, system testing, and user acceptance testing. Non-functional testing goes beyond simple functionality to assess software quality on various parameters such as performance, accessibility, scalability, security, etc. Test management tools like Testworthy are ideal for performing and managing both types of software testing.
Non-functional testing in software testing can be divided into various types such as performance testing, usability testing, security testing, reliability testing, compatibility testing, and much more.
The answer to this question depends on how big the organization is and how complicated the software is. Non-functional testing consists of various subtypes such as security testing, compatibility testing, reliability testing, etc. For larger organizations and complex software, there might be dedicated software testing teams or individuals with specialized knowledge for each of these areas such as security testers, performance testers, etc. However, for smaller organizations or projects, a single tester or team might be enough to handle all aspects of non-functional testing. Test management tools can help teams collaborate and coordinate their non-functional testing efforts better.