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Functional Testing – Informative tutorial for Beginners

By doing Introducing Functional Testing Informative, we aim to provide you with a deeper understanding of this essential testing approach and equip you with the knowledge to effectively apply it in your software development projects.

What is Functional Testing?

Moreover, Functional Testing is a crucial type of testing that focuses on verifying the software application against the functional requirements and specifications outlined in the SRS (Software Requirement Specification) document. The primary objective of Functional Testing is to thoroughly test each function of the software application by providing valid input and validating the output based on the specified functional requirements.

Functional Testing predominantly employs Black Box testing techniques, which are independent of the application’s source code. It encompasses the verification of various aspects such as the Graphical User Interface (GUI), APIs, Database, Security, and Client/Server communication, among other features of the Application Under Test. This type of testing can be performed either manually or with the assistance of automation tools, depending on the specific requirements and resources available.

Scope of Functional Testing?

The main objective of Functional testing is to check the functionalities of the software application. It mainly focuses on –

  • Functional Testing thoroughly validates the core functions of the software, ensuring their proper functioning and validating the essential features of the application.
  • During Basic Usability testing, the system’s user-friendliness is assessed, evaluating factors such as ease of navigation, clarity of instructions, and overall usability to deliver a seamless and intuitive user experience.
  • The evaluation of Accessibility in Functional Testing verifies the ease of access and interaction for users, ensuring compliance with accessibility standards to accommodate individuals with disabilities or impairments.
  • Error Conditions are meticulously examined in Functional Testing, employing testing techniques to validate error handling and proper validation prompts, guaranteeing the display of appropriate error messages when the system encounters invalid or unexpected inputs.
  • By incorporating these aspects into the Functional Testing process, organizations actively ensure the reliability, usability, and accessibility of their software applications, ultimately enhancing user satisfaction and overall quality.

How to perform Functional Testing

Below are the steps to test the functionality of an application:

Functional Testing – Informative tutorial for Beginners
  • Understand the Software Requirements
  • Identify test data
  • Evaluate expected result with selected Test Data
  • Execute test cases
  • Compare Actual Result with evaluated Expected Result
Functional vs Non-Functional Testing:

There are several key differences between Functional Testing and Non-Functional Testing that are important to understand:

Definition: Testers actively verify whether a software application meets the functional requirements specified and behaves as expected.Definition:This comprehensive evaluation helps ensure that the software meets the required standards and delivers a high-quality user experience.
Purpose:Functional Testing serves to verify if the application functions correctly according to the specified requirementsPurpose:Non-Functional Testing focuses on assessing the quality attributes and performance of the application.
Focus: In Functional Testing emphasizes the features and behaviors of the application, ensuring that each function operates as intended.Focus:On the other hand, Non-Functional Testing evaluates the application’s performance, usability, security, and other non-functional aspects.
Testing Criteria: In Functional Testing is based on the functional requirements provided by the client, aligning with their expectationsTesting Criteria:In contrast, Non-Functional Testing follows quality attributes and industry standards, ensuring that the application meets desired benchmarks.
Test Techniques:In this set of conditions, rules, or requirements that define the scope and objectives of the testing process.Test Techniques:Conversely, in this may involve techniques such as load testing, stress testing, security testing, and more.
Test Coverage:Its aims to cover all functional requirements specified for the application, ensuring that each aspect is thoroughly tested.Test Coverage:Conversely, Non-Functional Testing concentrates on specific non-functional aspects being tested, based on the project’s priorities and objectives.
Examples: Unit TestingSmoke TestingSanity TestingIntegration TestingWhite box testingBlack Box testingUser Acceptance testingRegression TestingExamples: Performance TestingLoad TestingVolume TestingStress TestingSecurity TestingInstallation TestingPenetration TestingCompatibility TestingMigration Testing

Functional Testing Tools

There are so many tools available in the market for functional Testing. They are explained as below: 

  • Selenium – Open Source Functional Testing Tool
  • QTP – User-friendly Functional Test tool by HP
  • JUnit-Mainly works on Java applications and can be used in Unit /System Testing
  • SoapUI – Open source functional testing tool, mainly used for Web service testing. It can work on multiple protocols such as HTTP, SOAP, and JDBC.
  • Watir – Functional testing tool for web applications. Tests can be executed at the web the browser and use a ruby scripting language
  • In summary, these functional testing tools actively play a crucial role in enhancing testing processes, ensuring efficiency, and achieving comprehensive test coverage. Selenium, QTP, JUnit, SoapUI, and Watir actively contribute their unique features and capabilities to meet diverse testing requirements. Testers can leverage these tools to actively validate and verify the quality and reliability of software applications. By utilizing their functionalities, testers can efficiently design and execute test cases, automate repetitive tasks, validate functional requirements, and generate comprehensive test reports. These tools empower testers to actively enhance the overall testing process and deliver high-quality software products.

Conclusion:

Functional testing plays a critical role in the software development process by validating the system’s adherence to functional requirements provided by the client. It actively verifies that the system operates as intended, ensuring the correct implementation and proper functioning of desired functionalities. This type of testing serves as a reliable measure to identify any gaps or inconsistencies between the system’s actual behavior and the expected functional behavior. By actively scrutinizing the system against functional requirements, functional testing acts as a quality assurance mechanism, assuring that the software meets the specified functional criteria.

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