Describe the term Software Testing ? How does Software Testing relates to
software reliability? Differentiate between Functional testing and Non-functional testing.
Software Testing is a process of evaluating a software application or system to identify any discrepancies or defects and ensure it meets the specified requirements. It involves executing the software with the intention of finding bugs, errors, or any deviations from expected behavior.
Software Testing relates to software reliability in the sense that it helps in determining the reliability of the software by minimizing defects and errors that may affect its performance, functionality, and user satisfaction. By conducting thorough testing, software developers can identify and fix any issues before the software is released to users, ensuring a higher level of reliability.
Different types of software testing can be categorized into functional testing and non-functional testing:
1. Functional Testing: This type of testing focuses on verifying the software's behavior and functionality against the specified requirements. Functional testing aims to ensure that the software performs as intended and covers various aspects, such as input validation, user interface functionality, data manipulation, and system integration. It validates if the software meets user expectations and fulfills its purpose.
2. Non-functional Testing: Non-functional testing focuses on evaluating non-functional aspects of the software application, such as performance, reliability, security, usability, and scalability. Unlike functional testing, non-functional testing doesn't involve testing specific functionality but instead targets the software's overall characteristics. This type of testing helps validate aspects like response time, load handling capacity, security vulnerabilities, user experience, and compatibility with different devices or platforms.
Both functional and non-functional testing are essential to ensuring software reliability. While functional testing assesses whether the software performs its intended functions correctly, non-functional testing ensures the software's overall quality, stability, and usability. Combining both types of testing helps in delivering a reliable software application that meets customer expectations and operates efficiently in various environments.