Software Testing Methodologies for 2020 Share: Concetto Labs Date Published 22 October 2020 Categories Blog Reading Time 6-Minute Read The testing process is an essential part of any Software Testing Company. A robust software product can deliver using standard testing methodologies which help to predict the timeline of the software system. The software can turn even more complicated with many devices and platforms. What Are the Software Testing Methodologies? A Software Testing Methodology defines strategy and testing types with meeting client expectations. The methods include functional and non-functional testing. A few examples are unit testing, system testing, integration testing, performance testing, etc. The testing methodology defines the test objective, deliverable, and test strategy. Methodologies consider a set of testing mechanisms used in the software development lifecycle. Choose an appropriate testing methodology that can view as a core of the testing process. Let’s explain the available testing techniques. Testing Techniques Three testing methodologies use testing. White Box Testing Black Box Testing Grey Box Testing We’ll study each in brief for a better understanding of the methodologies. White Box Testing It’s a technique that examines program structure and builds business logic. The code validates the program of an application, so it’s called exact box testing or open box testing. The technique includes statement coverage, path coverage, and branch coverage. Black Box Testing It is mainly used to test the functionalities of an application based on the requirements. As for white box testing, black box testing does not focus on the internal structure of the application. The technique adds decision tables, domain tests, boundary value analysis, state models, and exploratory testing. Grey Box Testing It’s a testing method used with less information about the internal structure of the application. It performs like a black box, but for some critical areas, it can used as white box testing. The techniques include the waterfall model, v model, spiral model, agile model, and RAD. Let’s take a closer look at each software development methodology: Waterfall Model It’s a basic model developed by Winston Royce in 1970. It represents multiple stages in a sequential manner that flow progressively downward. The waterfall model is used when requirements are well-known, and the technology is understood. Requirement Gathering: This is the first step in order to analyze and capture all requirements. Check that the data is testable or not before using it. System Design: A design document is created, based on requirements. Later one can define hardware and software requirements. Implementation: Now, based on system design, create robust code for documents as per the design and later integrate them. System Testing: Using the integrated components, this step ensures that the system is working as per requirements. Now track and report the testing progress. System Deployment: If a system is stable with zero bugs, then make sure the test criteria are met, and it ensures environment setup. System Maintenance: Make sure that your application is working as per your requirements and within a suitable environment. In case there’s a defect then fix and deploy in the environment. Advantages of the Waterfall Model It’s simple and easy to understand Deliverables are easy to handle in each phase It works well for small projects Overlapping stages can be avoided Disadvantages of Waterfall Model Increases the level of uncertainty and risk Does not work well with complex projects Not suitable if your requirements keep changing V Model The V model is an extension of the Waterfall Model as the process takes place in a sequential style. It is known as the verification and validation model. There is a direct association between every single phase of the development cycle. The model is more cost-effective and beneficial than the Waterfall Model as testing is performed at every stage rather than at the end of the cycle. It comes with three phases: the verification phase, coding phase, and validation phase. Advantages of the V Model It’s easy and simple to use Easy to manageable and suitable for small projects Overlapping is avoided and executed one at a time. Disadvantages of the V Model Increases the level of uncertainty and risk Does not work well with complex projects Not suitable if your requirements keep changing Agile Model This model uses an interactive and incremental approach that breaks down the process into units called iterations. In this model, each iteration represents steps such as planning, requirement gathering, design, coding, and unit testing. The Agile Model uses continuous iterations, the results of which are assessed at regular intervals. Advantages of the Agile Model It uses a realistic approach to software development Eliminates mismatch between requirements and test cases Suitable for long-term projects Requires a minimum amount of resources. Good for changing requirements Easy to manage and understand Disadvantages of Agile Model It’s doesn’t work well for complex projects It can increase maintainability risk It requires a massive number of interactions Spiral Model The model works with the iterative development approach along with the systematic approach and waterfall model. It works on an incremental model that emphasizes risk analysis. It uses four stages – planning, risk analysis, engineering, and evaluation. Advantages of the Spiral Model Avoids high levels of risk Rapid development Changes in requirements accommodated with ease Disadvantages of the Spiral Model Not suitable for small projects It’s costly compared to other methods It requires a high level of risk analysis RAD Model RAD (Rapid Application Development) is a type of incremental model. It uses an approach where components are developed in parallel. It is a rapid approach that quickly delivers a product to the customer and gathers feedback. Phases of RAD include business modeling, process modeling, testing turnover, and application generation. Advantages of the RAD Model Results measured easily It can increase reusability It reduces development time Quick initial reviews Enhances customer feedback Disadvantages of RAD model Comes with high-cost estimation Need highly skilled resources With a modularized system, you can build using RAD How To Choose the Right Software Testing Services There are a lot of methodologies to choose from in software development. But when it comes to software testing methodologies, we need to consider our requirements, project size, budget, and scope. For smaller projects, it’s clear that the Waterfall Model performs well. But if you have larger projects, then agile methodologies have substantial benefits. Wrap Up We would recommend using SDLC as soon as possible so as to catch bugs at an early stage and incorporate testing feedback into the design and build sets. Achieve better quality products and shift your focus towards making quality assurance your priority. However, it’s your choice to choose single or multiple software developments that lie at the core of the testing process. We can call it a versatile activity that changes according to the business requirements and software, given the timeline. If you’re looking for a software testing company or want to hire QA analysts, then connect with us and let’s discuss your requirements