Software testing is the process of evaluating and verifying that a software application or system works as intended and meets the specified requirements. The goal is to identify any defects or issues that need to be fixed to ensure the software functions correctly and efficiently.

Here are some key aspects of software testing

Verification and Validation Verification ensures that the software meets its specified requirements, while validation checks if the software fulfills its intended purpose from the user’s perspective.

Types of Testing

Functional Testing on whether the software behaves as expected in terms of functionalities.

Non-Functional Testing Examines aspects like performance, usability, and security.

Manual Testing testers manually executing test cases without automation.

Automated Testing Uses scripts and tools to automatically execute tests and compare outcomes.

Levels of Testing

Unit Testing Tests individual components or functions of the software in isolation.

Integration Testing Checks how different modules or components work together.

System Testing Evaluates the complete and integrated software system to ensure it meets the requirements.

Acceptance Testing Verifies the software in a real-world or simulated environment to ensure it meets the end user's needs and requirements.

Testing Techniques

Black-Box Testing Tests the functionality of the software without peering into its internal code structure.

White-Box Testing Involves testing the internal structures or workings of an application, often with knowledge of the code.

Exploratory Testing Testers explore the software without predefined test cases to identify unexpected issues.

Bug Reporting When defects or issues are found, they are documented and reported for resolution. This often includes detailed information about how to reproduce the issue and its impact on the system.

Test Planning Involves defining the scope, approach, resources, and schedule for testing activities. A test plan outlines the objectives, test criteria, and deliverables.

Effective software testing helps ensure software quality, reduces the risk of failures, and enhances user satisfaction.