Testing ensures that the software is free of faults and fits the requirements. In any software development project, testing is essential. The fundamental purpose of software testing is to ensure that the software in testing generates the correct result for a given input. Testing does not automatically repair the software. It reflects software quality by providing critical feedback to developers, who then correct any discovered issues.
In the complete process of software testing, there are various levels included such as there are 4 Levels of Software Testing:
1. Unit Testing
2. Integration Testing
3. System Testing
4. Acceptance Testing
System testing is one of the many variables that should be tested while developing software. As we know, the Unit, integration, system, and acceptance are four levels of software hierarchy. Each phase assesses the program at different stages, such as when it is being programmed, when it is being evaluated for features when the features are implemented, and so on.
Maaret Pyhäjärvi quotes it quite well:
“As I grow in career age, I realize that the nature of software creation is not a series of tasks of execution but a sequence of learning. Learning isn’t passed in handoffs, with a specialist doing their bit telling others to take it from there. Learning is something every one of us chipped away a layer at a time, and it takes time for things to sink into an actionable level.”
Testing, in the same way, assists us in perfecting the software by assessing every level and receiving feedback to improve any defects.
What is System Testing?
System testing examines the entire system, its functionalities, reliability, and other features based on System Requirement Specification or Functional Requirement Specification. This type of testing is essential as the majority of testing activities take place in this phase. The test ensures that the product adheres to all the client requirements. The components which are tested in integration testing are taken as inputs for system testing. The reason for integration testing is that it identifies any discrepancies between the components that are linked together. In comparison, system testing looks for the errors both in individual parts as well as the complete system.
Among the types of testing, system testing and acceptance testing are combinations of both black box testing and white box testing. We say combination as some tests can be conducted without internal knowledge(backend). However, some of the tests, such as performance testing and security testing, require backend knowledge. In system testing, the tests are conducted in two types; Requirements specification and system specifications.
The former type uses project documentation as a set of main criteria for the inspection, while the latter aims to closely mimic user behavior. Tools used for such type of testing include various commercial and open-source tools. These tools may design, organize, and automate tests and test cases, including functionality other than system testing, such as requirements management.
Types of System Tests
System testing has more than 50 types; however, only a few significant types are put to practice. Which type will be used is determined by various factors such as type of organization, time available for testing, resources available, testing budget, etc.
Learning is always beneficial, so why stop! Let’s continue to know these types in brief.
Functionality testing – This type of testing focuses on features and checks whether every feature works according to the requirements. It can be carried out both manually and with automated tools.
Performance testing – This is known as compliance testing in regards to performance. It checks how multiple users use the application at one time and how the app is performing.
Load Testing – This examines the behavior of the software under a variety of load conditions. Load testing, stress testing, and scalability testing are all examples of performance testing.
Scalability testing – The scalability testing tests the software in terms of user scalability, geographic scalability, and resources. It is a non-functional testing method. It takes place on a hardware, software, or database level.
Reliability testing – When the system is put through its paces in a controlled setting, it is checked to see if it is free of errors. Reliability testing assures that the software is bug-free and reliable.
Configuration testing – Configuration testing means testing software to verify the system’s development performance against various software and hardware combinations to see how the system can be best configured to work with its functional requirements without any defects and problems.
Security testing – Security testing is a software evaluation that identifies defects, hazards, and risks in a product and helps to prevent security breaches. The purpose of security testing is to identify any flaws that could result in data loss, money loss, or the loss of other useful or sensitive information.
One comes to know the result of system testing once it’s complete. System testing is conducted after Unit and integration testing, and it tests the entire system.
Objectives of System Testing
System testing falls in black-box testing, wherein knowledge of the inner design of the code is not a prerequisite and is done by the testing team. Here the testers are not aware of the backend of the program; they conduct the test using the frontend only. Because users interact with software in the same way, this allows for more accurate user behavior modeling.
System testing aims to lessen the risk associated with how a system would behave in a typical environment. The test is performed in a specific environment. Testors use the environment to install a product similar to that on which they have released it. There are various checkpoints in system testing that allow for the delivery of an error-free system.
As each Unit is tested individually, there is a doubt of when all components will work complete. Conducting system testing reduces the risk and also checks if the product is according to client specifications. A test carried out efficiently gives a bug-free system that reduces the risk.
Stakeholders utilize system Testing results to make release decisions. The Entry criterion for User Acceptance testing is the basic completion of System Testing. Legal or regulatory regulations or standards may also be followed during system testing.
It also checks the functional as well as non-functional aspects of the system to match the customers’ needs. It also validates that the system is complete.
Process for conducting system testing
For a complete test process, the client requirements must be clear, and the testers must be aware of the way the software will be used in the real world. As it is an essential part of Custom Software development, the test must be included in the plan. While testing the system, having a clear picture of how the software will be used and what kinds of obstacles it can face in actual environments can be helpful.
The test strategy should be carefully developed to perform the tests flawlessly. System Testing is performed in the following manner:
- Environment Setup for test – The test begins by creating a testing environment for better quality testing. Yes, the tests are conducted in different environments.
- Test Case Creation – Generate test cases for the testing process.
- Test Data Creation – Create the data that is to be tested.
- Perform Test Case – Once the test case and the test data are ready, test cases can be executed.
- Defect Reporting – Detection of flaws takes place.
- Regression Testing – This is conducted to see if there are any side effects of the testing conducted.
- Fix Defects – Defects are fixed in this step. Also can be said as flaws are corrected
- Retesting – The test is repeated if it is not conducted successfully at first.
Important factors deciding the type of System testing
There are over 50 different types of system testing, the specific types used by a tester depend on several variables. Let’s look at variables include:
Type of company: One of the major factors in determining the types of system testing a tester will use. Here how big or small the company is the deciding factor for the type of testing. As the methods used by larger companies are different from medium or small-sized companies.
Time for testing: A tester can use all 50 types of system tests. However, time often limits the use of only the most relevant types of software.
Resources available for testing: The paid high-end software may influence the type of testing that one organization has and the other does not. Hence, the resources made available for the testing also affect the type of testing.
Experience of Tester: A separate learning curve exists for each type of software testing. A test tester has to understand how to use some software.
Cost for Testing: The budget which is decided for the testing also defines which testing type can be conducted. This involves the cost of software which will be used for testing.
Conclusion
As we are about, to sum up, the topic of system testing, it becomes important to know the goal. The reason for conducting the system testing is to have a complete check of the application. After the product has been through the unit and integration testing, it is performed. The major benefit of this type of testing is that it tests one feature or functionality and the complete product even when the features are implemented. Hence, system testing should be carried out if you look to achieve and deliver a flawless user experience.