Importance of Software Testing and Why you should Implement it

Software and application revolutionized the way we live. People have entirely integrated software in their lives, employment, education, and even simple things like doing chores. It enhances how a business operates and makes tasks easier for everyone. That is why reliability and quality are necessary when creating software to augment the demand of consumers and businesses.

However, creating an application is not that easy. It involves several steps, processes, and experts for software to come together. And during this process, a lot of issues arise that are usually undetected by developers. Likewise, this article will help you understand the importance of software testing in the development cycle.

What is Software Testing?

Software testing analyzes and evaluates if an application or a software product meets all specifications and business requirements. Usually, this process is carried using manual or automated testing tools to find gaps, errors, or defects.

Aside from delivering bug-free software, testing helps developers increase the functionalities and usability of the software. It helps them identify chunks of the software that are impractical and check the compatibility of the software in different platforms.

Software testing involves different types, methods, and techniques such as the following:

Types of Software Testing

Software testing can be executed and validated using two types of tests – namely Manual and Automation Testing.

• Manual Testing involves testing software manually. This process does not rely on any automated tools. Instead, the tester assembles the software and performs the test from a user point of view. The tester will then look for errors and bugs manually from different levels of testing. It is usually done as follows: plan, case, and scenario-based execution.
• On the other hand, Automation Testing is done with the script and executing the software using a tool to perform the test.

Though automation testing is easier and faster, most testers still manually test products to double-check the quality of the software. Therefore, making manual tester better assures more excellent reliability, accuracy, and efficiency for the company.

Methods of Software Testing

Likewise, there are various ways to test software such as – Black Box, White Box, and Grey Box.

• Black Box is used to test the functionality of the application. Basically, it’s an interface-level test to see if the input-output data-driven functions are working well.
• White Box, also called Structural Testing, is based on the software source code structure. It is a unit-level test that ensures that all software’s internal performances are aligned with the specifications.
• Grey box testing is a combination of white and black box tests. The tester is required to test both the accessibility and accessibility of the program. They need to have access to the database and design document.

What is the Importance of Software Testing?

Software Testing is essential due to several reasons. As mentioned earlier, software testing is critical to software development. It ensures that any errors or bugs are identified and solved early and minimizes any mishap in the future when the product is finally released.

In addition, adequately executed software testing ensures the product’s reliability, performance, and security. Likewise, here are six benefits of software testing in development.

1.    Saves time and resources

Although software testing may take extra time throughout the software development life cycle, it could save you development costs in the long run. Software development involves many stages. And suppose an issue is detected and fixed early on.

In that case, it could cost lesser than having to go back multiple steps back and repeat the development process. Likewise, testing should be done as soon as possible throughout the life cycle, not just at the end of the deployment stage.

In addition, software testing helps detect errors that may affect the business delivery of service. For example, British Airways was struck with an IT glitch in August 2019, resulting in the cancellation of more than 100 flights. According to this report, the system failure has cost more than £8 million as compensation for stranded consumers due to the incident.

2.    Maintain high product quality

One of the primary purposes of software is to perform general tasks and their purpose. As such, software needs to work as planned. It’s imperative that it properly works and ensures that customer experience is beyond expectation.

And here is where software testing comes. Application development includes processes such as designing, prototyping, building, and deployment. Testing makes sure that all functions developed in these processes are intuitive and functioning.

All issues detected by testers are then fixed by developers, enhancing the quality of the product deployed to the market. Hence, creating a compelling customer experience for the user.

3.    Enhances user and customer experience

User experience defines the overall interaction of users with your applications – whether it’s good or bad. Several factors can affect it, such as the system’s interface, syntax, loading time, navigations, and other design elements like colors, images, and branding.

This element can directly impact how to attract and retain customers with what they perceive from your application. With QA Testing, these elements are usually checked, together with their usability, accessibility, and functionality.

4.    Customer satisfaction

Another primary objective of applications is to accommodate the needs of consumers and conveniently deliver services through these programs. Customer trust is not easy to earn, especially if your application glitches and crashes most of the time.

Giving importance to software testings can help develop a flawless application that can help your company gain confidence and establish a long-term relationship with your clients.

5.    Protects company brand and reputation

Software is an extension of your brand. In today’s technology-centered world, software, application, and website represents your company. It’s a bridge between you, your customers, and your product.

That is why it’s essential to make sure that your application is tested and works well. When a customer finds your software reliable, it creates an image that your brand is dependable and steadfast in providing excellent service.

On the other hand, an undependable application may equate to irresponsible business, and therefore ruin your brand’s image. Customers then may switch to a competitor company and can result in income loss.

6.    Ensures security

A lot of application today collects a lot of personal information from users. That’s why developers need to ensure that all data collected are safe from hacking or stealing by a threat actor.

Still, there have been many IT system failures in the past few years where customers’ data and information have were taken and used by attackers online. In August 2021, Accenture faced a cyber-attack involving ransomware. The attacker demanded US$50 million in exchange for more than 6TB of data.

Likewise, software testing is of tremendous importance because it can help identify and discover any vulnerabilities or flaws in security that threat actors can exploit. Vulnerability testing can prevent software from dangers like being hacked by eliminating holes beforehand.

Conclusion

Developers should not take the importance of testing in software development lightly. It is essential in maintaining a harmonious relationship with customers and building the company brand. Moreover, the process refines the whole quality of the product, prevents further issues, and reduces the cost of maintenance. 

Remote Developers offers the best quality assurance testing services in Australia and New Zealand. Connect with us today.