The Business Benefits of Functional and Non-Functional Testing
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More chaptersWhen you are launching software for your business, you want the assurance that it is working as intended. Testing your software prior to launch is vital to achieve this outcome. There are many types of testing methods, but the two most important ones are Functional and Non-Functional testing. Read on to better understand the difference between functional and non-functional testing, and how each of them contributes to the success of your software launch.
What is functional and non-functional testing?
Functional testing verifies that each function of a software application works properly. It involves testing the various functionalities within the software and confirming that each function achieves the desired outcome.
Functional testing also verifies that a software application meets the specific requirements of the client. A good example of functional testing would be to make sure that multiple users can place an order for a specific product at the same time.
Non-functional testing verifies the performance of each function in a software application. It determines how well the software can perform each function.
Non-functional testing requires extensive knowledge of the source code, as it involves testing parameters within the software that are more complex than that of functional testing.
Examples of non-functional testing
Non-functional testing is an umbrella term used to describe different types of testing methods. Below is a quick breakdown of each one.
- Accessibility testing – Determines how accessible and easy to use the software is to a wide range of users. In particular, users with disabilities such as vision impairment.
- Compliance testing – Ensures that the software is compliant with the specific industry guidelines of the client.
- Security testing – Determines how vulnerable the software is to various cybersecurity risks, and what can be done to enhance the many layers of security.
- Endurance testing – Confirms how well the software can cope under pressure. For example, testing how well the software performs when multiple functions are being performed at once.
- Internationalization testing – Makes sure the text and layout of the software application is consistent with each language. For example, some translations may cause text to overlap in parts of the app where it is not supposed to.
- Performance testing – Tests how quickly the application can respond to user input.
Why do businesses need to properly test their software system?
Testing your business software is vital to launching a product that your end users will love. Performing functional and non-functional testing will ensure that your software is safe, secure, easy to use, and also easy to maintain and update. It will also reduce the risk of a major software malfunction disrupting your business.
There are many real-world examples of business being disrupted by software malfunctions. In 2017, Nissan recalled over 1 million cars from the market due to a software failure in the airbag sensory detectors.
Starbucks famously had to close up to 60 percent of their stores due to a sudden outage of their POS (Point of Sale) systems. This cost the company millions of dollars in lost sales and baristas were forced to hand out thousands of free drinks, much to the surprise (and delight) of customers.
So, as you can see, even the largest companies in the world are not immune to the effects of software failure. Ask yourself: Can your business afford to experience a similar kind of disruption?
How to make sure your business software is tested and up to standards
When you approach a custom software development company to build your software, ask about their testing methods.
What kind of software testing tools do they use? Do they perform manual and automated testing? What kind of parameters do they test for? How many times do they perform testing throughout the development cycle? And how do they communicate the results of each test back to you?
By asking these questions, you will gain a deeper understanding of what their approach is like and whether it fits your needs. You should also approach multiple vendors to make sure that the vendor you are choosing has the best testing methods for your needs.
Most importantly, any company you approach should be transparent about their testing procedures. If you find a company being vague or wishy-washy, look elsewhere. Any software company should be able to explain to you in plain and simple terms what their testing approach is and what the benefits are to you.
Final thoughts on software testing
Software testing is an important component of the software development cycle. By using the right tools, methods, and procedures, performing functional and non-functional testing can help you release the best possible business software for your audience. It can also help raise your professional brand and image by launching a product that satisfies your target users and helps you stand out from the crowd.
Whether you are launching a software application for consumers or other businesses, make sure any company you hire has a thorough testing approach in place. This way, you can be confident that they have a strong quality assurance procedure, and that the product you receive will meet your unique requirements.
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