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Tuesday, September 13, 2016

A Quick Primer on Multi-Level Software Testing

As you know, software, like all products, needs to be tested before it hits the market. If you’re working with an offshore development company, the need might be even greater as you determine whether or not you and your remote team are on the same page about how the software should be. 

That’s why it’s important you don’t miss a beat when it comes to testing – a process which, in fact, does not only happen towards the end of a project. Here’s a quick overview of the phases of testing you’ll need to oversee.

Unit testing

This is evaluation at the most basic level. Programmers do it while they’re writing code, running assessments to know whether basic commands or software units function. As a product owner, you won’t have to delve into the specifics of unit testing, but it’s important you know that your team is doing it.

Integration testing

If unit testing tells programmers whether Part A and Part B work individually, integration testing lets them know if Part A and Part B work together as intended – and if, necessary, whether they also work with all other parts through to Part Z. Aside from functionality, this level of evaluation also checks how efficiently software units in combination.

System testing

When everything is integrated and the entire software is tested as a whole, you, as product owner, would definitely need to come in. In this third level of testing, you and your team determine if a product has met agreed-upon requirements and standards, encompassing the technical, functional, and business sides of a product. System testing is usually conducted by independent testers.

User acceptance testing

Last but definitely not least, your software will be evaluated by your customers or end-users. They will be the final judge of whether your concepts and your team’s designs truly make a software a product worth selling – and buying.

If your product clears this final round, you would be set for release. If not, you’ll be back to the drawing board – and the same round of multi-level software testing.

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