5 Universal Testing Methods for Bespoke Software

Posted by PriyankPanchal on January 29th, 2015

There are two general testing methodologies used by software developers to ensure the quality of each program they design and create, under which are several other processes that help further develop or fix errors within the created system.

Black box testing are techniques used to get feedback from a tester who is completely oblivious to the architecture and structure of the system and does not have any access to its source code. This testing is done with the respondent, not having any knowledge, whatsoever of the internal workings of the application. During a black box test, the tester inputs data and interacts with the system's user interface and then examines its outputs.

White box testing, on the other hand, is a more detailed investigation of the inner workings of the system, including its internal logic and the structure of the code. Otherwise called open box testing or glass testing, the tester requires knowledge of the inner workings of the system so that he can identify which unit or chunk of the code is causing errors or is behaving inappropriately.

Grey box testing is another technique that combines the benefits of both white and black box testing. Here, the tester has limited knowledge of the inner workings of the application. They rely on functional specifications and interface definitions in place of the source code. 

Each type of testing method offers great advantages for different kinds of programs being developed. White box testing, for one, helps optimise code, while black box testing allows developers to gain insights from the user's perspective. 

Other types of bespoke software testing methods commonly used by developers include:

• Unit testing – This test examines individual components of software or modules, done by developers with detailed knowledge of the program's internal design and coding.

• Incremental integration testing – This is a bottom up approach to testing where in the application is continuously tested as new features or functionalities are added.

• System testing – This is an overall testing of the system as per its requirements. This test is based on the overall requirements, specifications, and all the combined parts of the system.

• Acceptance testing – This testing verifies if the system meets consumer-specified requirements.

• Load/stress testing – These are types of performance tests to check the system's behavior under normal and heavy load. This also determines the point at which the system's response time fails or degrades.

About the Author

This article is written by Priyank Panchal who is head of development at Schnell Solutions Limited.  He leads several teams of multi-skilled software developers which work with Schnell's customer around the globe on their IT transformation and modernization initiatives including bespoke software applications.  He is also responsible for various services offered by Schnell viz. Bespoke Software Development and Consulting, Web and Mobile App Development, IT Audit and Ebase Xi. Prior to working with Schnell, Priyank has worked for a large multi-national organization which specializes in Integration and Automation, and responsible for creating and delivering innovative web and service transformation projects across the globe.