Software Testing Methodologies: Short Guide To QA Models

Over the years, the whole idea of software testing has evolved. And the evolution not only has called for modern testing strategies and tools but a detailed-oriented process with the inclusion of test methodologies.

However, the only thing that defines the success or failure of a test strategy is the precise selection of tools, technology, and a suitable methodology to aid the entire QA process. This is why most newbies entering the industry tend to find automated functional testing a complex operation. As working on such an operation needs a precise system that can aid the ultimate goal of performance, functionality, and of course a pleasing user response.

On the other hand, many testing enthusiasts rely on the Internet to have access to testing practices but still have no classified data on methodologies and types of software testing. This leads to inconvenient testing.

In this blog, we will dive into the brief yet essential detail of software testing methodologies and various testing types surrounding the QA landscape.

Let’s begin!

Software Testing Methodologies and Types Of Software Testing: The Difference

When it comes to software testing methodologies, most of them are described in the context to project management. On the other hand, the classification of the testing types changes based on perspective. For instance, testers that need to define types of testing based on time for execution may need to align with one specific set of test approaches. Besides, if testers need to distinguish the testing types based on testing levels, they likely need to stick with another approach.

Let's dig all the major testing methodologies that are followed by QA teams based on their testing objectives; which are further categorized into two major groups called functional and non-functional testing.

Software Testing Methodologies and Approaches

• Agile Methodology

Agile testing methodologies run on an approach that contains ‘sprints’ that can be defined as the sequence of short iterations.

Usually, agile practices are worked by a group of people or small testing teams that consider testing requirements on every stage of the sprint, I.e., planning, analysis, and testing. Most experts working on the agile approach use it to reduce risks. Every new iteration considered can be backed using the knowledge of the previous iteration.

Besides, every sprint in the Agile process involves scrum, where the teams aim at discussing progress and planning future test sprints. All in all, the agile testing principles make it easier for testers to meet scalability goals by using the knowledge of completed iterations for the iterations under progress.

• Waterfall Methodology

The waterfall is another popular methodology which aims at a step-by-step approach. The primary stage of the waterfall model is documenting the project plan to define the steps as no further steps could be planned until the previously defined task is achieved.

One of the major disadvantages of the use of the waterfall approach is the inability to make rapid corrections due to its regimented nature.

• Verification and Validation

Another step-by-step model of software testing, where development works in parallel to the testing process. As soon as a specific part of development is achieved, the team immediately aims at testing the already developed components of the product. However, the approach works in favor of testers as it allows them to make early changes in the product, saving time and resources.

• Incremental Methodology

The incremental testing process follows several iterations where every iteration holds some value related to functionality and product features. Most of the time, the incremental methodology consists of three stages:

1. Design and development
2. Testing
3. Implementation

The most significant advantage associated with Incremental methodology is the extreme flexibility which it offers to the testing teams, which makes the testing and editing process smooth.

• Spiral Methodology

Often talked about as a part of the incremental methodology, the spiral methodology consists of cycles that follow each other. These include planning, risk analysis, engineering, and evaluation. The approach works as the next cycle begins when the previous one ends, allowing the team to get quick feedback on quality. The model even allows the testing team to identify and rectify errors immediately while identifying the cause of the issue.

• Extreme Programming

Extreme Programming or XP demands close cooperation between two testers where one is subjected to work on code while the second works on reviewing it. The best part is XP methodology considers each stage complete when a code is tested. The approach even aids testers in developing high-quality code by keeping a close check on code.

Now let’s discuss the types of testing that testers usually follow when working on the above-defined methodologies.

Functional Software Testing

Functional testing allows testers to keep a check on their business objectives and specifications associated and does not deliver any specific attention to performance, security, etc. Functional testing assures that any developed solution should behave as per the requirements shared by the business analysts or design teams.

Nevertheless, functional testing is further categorized into three major categories:

1. Smoke Testing

Also known as build verification testing or intake testing, Smoke testing is a process meant to test your application for meeting functional requirements. Basically, smoke testing authenticates the features of the product according to set requirements. 

2. Critical Path Testing

Critical path testing aims at analyzing the functionality in response to typical daily actions of the users. For instance, any eCommerce application that runs on a standard operation like searching a product, making selection through the filters, adding the product to the cart, and making payment to checkout, critical path testing ensures no hurdle must be observed by the user in the business-critical process.

3. Extended Testing

Extended testing works at exploring the features surrounding the user’s business requirements. This type of testing aims to check even the lowest priority features. In case the customer doesn’t find some specific features convincing, it would need testers and developers to redo that every part.

Non-Functional Software Testing

Non-functional testing works at checking products for their performance, security, reliability, and overall usability benchmarks. It does not need testing the system’s functions but rather focuses on testing the system operation and therefore is an important part of the process.

Some of the most common types of non-functional software testing include performance testing, UI testing, security testing, compatibility testing, localization testing, and usability testing.

The Crux

When it comes to software testing methodologies, there are so many different approaches that are followed by testers. Besides, it is the selection of tools, techniques, and technology that creates the most impact.

Nevertheless, some of the most significant software testing methodologies on which testers could rely depending on their project requirements include agile, waterfall, V-model, Incremental Methodology, Spiral Methodology, and Extreme Programming. Besides, knowing these methodologies, testers must understand all the pros and cons of the testing process.

As long as it is concerned with testing, functional testing works at meeting the compliance goals related to product requirements and functionalities. On the other hand, non-functional testing aims to create solutions that are high-performing, secure, and usable.

All in all, the selection of the methodologies and the testing process entirely depend on the requirements of the testing teams and the product-related objectives. And when you need to achieve the extraordinary benchmarks of the Quality Assurance and Digital Transformation objectives, finding the best combination becomes a mandate to attain success.