Functional testing
Unit and integration tests are two common functional testing types. With these checks, software testers guarantee that application features work correctly, in accordance with their requirements. Functional tests fit into end-to-end testing and test automation to fully assess applications. Get started with expert tips and learn the benefits and limitations of each approach.
Top Stories
-
Tip
25 Feb 2022
Where requirements-based tests fit in software testing
Requirements-based testing has its upsides and downsides, and it's not right for every software project. But certain dev teams should still adopt the method. Learn which ones. Continue Reading
-
Tip
14 Feb 2022
The crucial role of test scenarios, especially in automation
Test scenarios are often touted as a key part of effective software testing strategies. But what exactly do they do and how can teams ensure the ones they develop are effective? Continue Reading
-
Tip
12 Feb 2021
The main types of database testing explained
Most software testers know about ACID for database testing. But the importance of databases means software teams should perform functional and nonfunctional testing in addition to verifying ACID adherence. Continue Reading
-
Answer
12 Nov 2020
Why is unit testing important for developers?
Through unit testing, software developers know source code works at the atomic level. Read why unit testing is important and valuable, as well as how it can ease the debugging process. Continue Reading
-
Answer
08 Oct 2020
Regression testing vs. UAT: Goals and techniques
Regression tests and UAT ensure software quality and both require a sizeable investment. Learn when and how to perform each one, and some tips to get the most out of your effort. Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 Aug 2020
Common functional testing types explained, with examples
Not sure what to check during an integration test, or whether to combine regression and user acceptance testing? Learn what these functional test types cover, and when to do them. Continue Reading
-
News
12 Jun 2020
GitLab makes two acquisitions to shift fuzz testing left
GitLab has scooped up fuzz testing startups Fuzzit and Peach Tech, a move that will shift fuzz testing left in the DevSecOps toolchain. Continue Reading
-
Answer
11 Mar 2020
What is the difference between SIT and UAT?
User acceptance testing and system integration testing differ in one key way: the person who does the testing. Learn when to apply UAT vs. SIT. Continue Reading
-
Tip
20 Jan 2020
Dive into functional testing and non-functional testing approaches
Don't get trapped in a white or black box -- or the gray area in between. Here's why functional and non-functional app testing are complementary ways to ensure end user satisfaction. Continue Reading
-
Tip
22 Aug 2019
Serverless testing in CI eliminates surprises in production
Writing in a functional language without intuitive unit test coverage? Don't have control over resources or scaling? Here's how to make serverless testing work anyway. Continue Reading
-
News
24 Jul 2019
Compliance-as-code tool hits DevSecOps sweet spot for MSP
There are almost as many tools to assist with DevSecOps as there are definitions for the term – how one managed service provider that serves federal agencies chose a compliance-as-code vendor. Continue Reading
-
News
19 Jul 2019
Kubernetes policy project takes enterprise IT by storm
A Kubernetes-friendly compliance as code project hosted by the CNCF has caught on among large enterprises in the first half of 2019, largely through word of mouth. Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 Jun 2019
Contract-driven testing syncs API providers, consumers
To check if the APIs your software depends on meet expectations, apply a consumer-driven contract testing framework. Let's examine the syntax, tooling and examples of this approach. Continue Reading
-
Answer
19 Jun 2019
Which code quality metrics should devs track?
Developers and testers strive to create quality, reusable code to deploy apps faster and keeps users happy. But what metrics should they track to evaluate code quality? Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 May 2019
Boost QA velocity with incremental integration testing
The longer it takes to perform tests, the less Agile your team is. Here are four common approaches to integration tests that help reduce bottlenecks and delay. Continue Reading
-
Feature
22 May 2019
6 ways to accelerate automated software testing
Reducing software test time requires a change in approach. Consider ways to simplify test setup, eliminate redundant aspects of your procedures and override failures. Continue Reading
-
Tip
13 Mar 2019
How to implement a winning interoperability testing strategy
From security to data transfers, network complexity and testing environments, development teams have a lot to address to perform effective interoperability tests. Continue Reading
-
Photo Story
12 Dec 2018
5 software development trends propel innovation in 2019
Get ready to jettison your comfort zone and dive into shift-right testing, IoT development and other emerging skill and coverage areas for software developers and testers. Continue Reading
-
Tip
30 Oct 2018
Construct a better build-deploy pipeline with these 6 measures
Developers can launch code to production faster than ever, and still do it safely, with careful attention to the build-deploy pipeline, tests and monitoring metrics. Continue Reading
-
Tip
26 Sep 2018
Craft an integration testing plan with quality before quantity
When it comes to integration testing, the end user is more important than the test volume. Increase test efficiency to please both application users and owners. Continue Reading
-
Answer
30 Aug 2018
What are the top software testing methodologies?
Whether you want to discover new software testing methodologies or rejuvenate test cases, QA is all about efficiency. Evaluate these testing techniques and strategies to meet QA goals. Continue Reading
-
Tip
24 Aug 2018
What the CI process can and can't do for software delivery
Continuous integration, software delivery and deployment are distinct software lifecycle stages, but they are far more complementary than competitive in modern dev methodologies. Continue Reading
-
Feature
02 Mar 2017
Exploring the three major types of software testing tools
Application testing tools make enterprises' app development more efficient. Learn more about automation, coverage and bug tracking tools. Continue Reading
-
Tip
08 Mar 2016
Master interrupt testing on mobile devices
Since mobile devices were made to be interrupted, the challenge is to create -- and test -- an app that rolls with it all. Yvette Francino explains how interrupt testing works. Continue Reading
-
Answer
29 Mar 2012
Integration testing: What are the challenges?
Expert Pete Walen describes common problems with integration testing and offers insights into implementing it correctly, so that both internal and external users can benefit. Continue Reading
-
Answer
26 Mar 2012
Exploring integration testing in the Agile development lifecycle
Agile expert Lisa Crispin explores the various meanings and offers tips to testers on how to work integration testing into the Agile development lifecycle. Continue Reading
-
Tip
13 Jan 2012
Software development bugs: How to identify and prevent them
With strong Agile practices such as unit testing, code reviews and proper attention to requirements, bugs can be prevented or found early in the application lifecycle. Continue Reading
-
Tip
22 Feb 2011
Embedded software testing: Five messaging event styles
In testing embedded systems, timing can often cause trouble. In this tip, consultant Scott Allman describes the five different types of event styles that can occur when two events are executed. A good test plan will cover each of those event styles by executing the conditions to create the different styles and then checking for appropriate messaging. Continue Reading
-
Answer
12 Nov 2010
Software retest, regression, smoke and sanity testing: What's the difference?
Understanding the nuances between different types of test efforts can be a challenge. In this expert response, Karen Johnson explains what is meant by retesting, regression testing, smoke testing and sanity testing. Find out the purpose of these types of tests and a few other terms that some organizations use for testing efforts. Continue Reading
-
News
24 Jun 2009
Social engineering training could disrupt botnet growth
Social engineering has become such an integrated part of our lives that it is accepted without question. Its over usage has made it an easy tool for attackers. It has led to the creation of botnets, which feed on controlling social behavior to spread more malware and steal sensitive information. Continue Reading
-
Answer
11 Nov 2008
Integration testing: Is it black box or white box testing?
Integration testing of software systems can be black box or white box testing. Learn how each can be used in this Ask the Expert Q&A with testing expert Mike Kelly. Continue Reading
-
Tip
09 Sep 2008
Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship, Chapter 1 -- What Is Clean Code?
Agile software development calls on developers to write clean code, according to Robert "Uncle Bob" Martin. This free chapter introduces the concepts and methods programmers can adopt to write truly clean code. Continue Reading
-
Report
07 Mar 2008
Six functional tests to ensure software quality
According to a recent Info-Tech report, six types of functional tests can be used to ensure the quality of the end product. Those tests are unit tests, functional tests, systems tests, regression tests, system integration tests and acceptance tests. Continue Reading
-
News
20 Feb 2007
Find software bugs, defects using code coverage
Software testing is uselss if it isn't complete. Statement and branch coverage can uncover glaring problems in unexecuted blocks of code, but they often miss bugs in the logic of your code. Path coverage, however, is a more comprehensive technique that helps reveal defects early in software development. Continue Reading