A “test execution technique” refers to a specific approach or method used during the execution of test cases in software testing. These techniques guide the actual process of running test cases, interacting with the software under test, and assessing its behavior, functionality, and performance. Test execution techniques help ensure that testing is carried out systematically, comprehensively, and in accordance with the test objectives and requirements.
Various test execution techniques can be applied depending on the type of testing, the testing objectives, and the specific needs of a project. Here are some common test execution techniques:
- Manual Testing: Manual testing involves human testers following predefined test cases, test scripts, or test scenarios and interacting with the software as end-users would. Testers input data, navigate the user interface, and verify that the software behaves as expected. Manual testing is suitable for exploratory testing, usability testing, and ad-hoc testing.
- Automated Testing: Automated testing uses automated test scripts and test execution tools to perform testing tasks. Test automation is especially useful for regression testing, load testing, and repetitive test cases. Automated test scripts are executed automatically, and results are compared to expected outcomes.
- Exploratory Testing: Exploratory testing is an unscripted and ad-hoc approach where testers explore the software without predefined test cases. They use their knowledge and creativity to identify defects and issues. It is often used to uncover defects that scripted testing might miss.
- Monkey Testing: Monkey testing involves randomly or systematically providing inputs to the software, attempting to trigger unexpected behaviors or defects. This technique is particularly useful for assessing the software’s robustness and error-handling capabilities.
- Smoke Testing: Smoke testing, also known as build verification testing, is a technique where a basic set of test cases is executed on a new build or release to ensure that it is stable enough for further, more detailed testing.
- Sanity Testing: Sanity testing is a quick and shallow test of specific functionalities or components to verify that they are working as expected after changes or fixes have been made. It helps ensure that the software remains sane or logically sound.
- Non-functional Testing: Non-functional testing techniques, such as performance testing, security testing, and usability testing, focus on assessing non-functional aspects of the software, such as speed, security, and user-friendliness.
- Boundary Value Testing: This technique involves testing the software with values at or near the boundaries of input domains, often aimed at identifying boundary-related defects.
- Ad-hoc Testing: Ad-hoc testing is unstructured and unplanned testing where testers use their domain knowledge and intuition to identify defects. This is often used for quick checks and issue identification.
- Compatibility Testing: Compatibility testing involves executing test cases on different browsers, devices, or operating systems to verify that the software works as expected in various environments.
- Scenario Testing: Scenario testing involves the execution of test cases that simulate specific user or system scenarios. These scenarios often correspond to common real-world usage patterns.
- Pair Testing: Pair testing is a collaborative approach where two testers work together to execute test cases and provide different perspectives, potentially uncovering defects more effectively.
The choice of test execution technique depends on factors such as the testing objectives, project requirements, the nature of the software being tested, and the available resources. Combining multiple techniques can help achieve comprehensive test coverage and ensure that the software meets quality and functionality standards.