Test Types in Software Testing

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Test types in software testing are the different types of software testing that have specific objectives, foci, and strategies. Test types help to validate your software for various quality attributes, such as functionality, performance, security, and usability. Test types of software testing are different from test levels in software testing.

What are the different types of testing? Test types examples include

• Functional testing: It is a test type that tests the functionality and features of the software against the requirements and specifications. The testers may use tools like Selenium, UFT and SoapUI for functional testing.
• Regression testing: It is a test type that validates that the software works as expected after any changes. The testers may use tools like Jenkins, Maven, etc.
• Performance testing: It is a test type that measures the response speed, scalability, stability, and reliability of the software under various load conditions. The testers may use tools like JMeter, LoadRunner, etc.
• Security testing: It is a test type of testing that tests the security of the software against various threats or attacks. The testers may use tools like Nmap, Burp Suite, etc.
• Usability testing: It is a test type that evaluates the user-friendliness and ease of use of the software. The end users or customers may use tools like UserTesting, Usabilla, etc.
• Compatibility testing: It is a test type that tests the compatibility and interoperability of the software with different browsers and browser versions, operating systems, devices, etc. The testers may use tools like BrowserStack, Sauce Labs, etc.
• Exploratory testing: It is a test type that involves exploring the software without any predefined test cases but with a test mission. It is done by the testers using their curiosity, creativity and intuition.
• Database testing: It is a test type that validates the data quality of the database used by the software. Depending on the DBMS, the testers use tools like SQL Server Management Studio, Oracle SQL Developer, etc.
• Localization testing: It is a test type that tests the localization and internationalization of the software for different languages, cultures, regions, etc. The testers may use tools like Google Translate, Linguee, etc.

Tips for test types

• Perform the necessary test types mentioned in scope of your test plan.
• Use automated testing to achieve more coverage and efficiency.
• Use suitable tools and techniques for each test type, based on your preferences and skills, specific project needs, and technological advancements.
• Follow industry and project best practices and standards for each test type.
• Report your test results appropriately for each test type that you perform. For example, report your performance test results with business transactions tested and response times observed.

FAQ (interview questions and answers)

1. What are the advantages of automated testing over manual testing?
   It saves time and resources, it reduces human errors and biases, it increases test coverage and reliability, and it supports continuous integration and delivery.
2. What are the challenges that you faced in functional testing?
   It requires correct, and complete requirements and specifications, it may not cover all possible scenarios and edge cases, and it may not detect non-functional issues such as performance or security.
3. What are the benefits of exploratory testing?
   It allows creativity and flexibility in testing, it uncovers unexpected defects, it enhances learning and understanding of the software, and it's supplements scripted testing (with documented test cases).
   
4. What factors do you consider for compatibility testing?
   The target browsers and their versions, operating systems, devices, platforms, the hardware and software configurations and dependencies of the software, and the industry standards and guidelines for compatibility testing.

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