Test Execution in Software Testing

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Test execution means running test cases on a software to test if it meets the expected results. It is an important phase of the software testing life cycle (STLC). It helps to find the quality attributes of your software product or service.

Test Execution Examples

• A tester executes a test case to verify the login functionality of a web application. He enters valid credentials and clicks on the login button. He validates that he is redirected to the home page and his username is displayed correctly.
• A tester executes a test case to check the performance of a mobile application. She uses a tool to simulate multiple users accessing the application at the same time. She measures the response time, throughput, and resource utilization of the application under different load conditions.
• A tester executes a test case to validate the security of an e-commerce application. He tries to inject code into the input fields and observes if the application prevents it or not. He also tests that the payment transactions are encrypted and secure.
• A tester executes a test case to verify the compatibility of a software application with different browsers, operating systems, and devices. She runs the application on various platforms and checks if it functions properly and consistently.

Tips for Test Execution

• Review the test plan before starting test execution. It defines the scope, objectives, approach, and resources for testing.
• Use the test management tool to organize, execute, and track test cases. It helps to generate test reports and test metrics.
• Follow the defect management process (in test plan) for logging and reporting defects. Use the standard defect tracking tool to assign, prioritize, re-test and close defects.
• Execute test cases based on their priority (higher priority test cases first), dependencies, and risk level
• Execute regression test cases after fixing defects or making changes in your software.

FAQ (interview questions and answers)

1. What are the prerequisites for test execution?
   Test environment, software tester, test cases, test data, and test tools
2. What types of test execution have you performed?
   Manual testing and automated testing
3. What are the outcomes of test execution?
   Test results, test logs, defect reports (bug reports), test metrics, status report (during test execution) and test summary report (after test execution is complete).
4. What are the factors that affect test execution?
   Complexity of the software application, detail in the test cases, skill and experience of the software tester, and schedule.

Remember to just comment if you have any doubts or queries.