Non-functional testing is concerned with user expectations, while functional testing is concerned with user requirements. Non-functional testing looks at how a system works rather than specific functions or behaviors.
What is the need for Non-Functional Testing?
When we acquire a new feature to test in QA, we are frequently provided with information such as acceptance criteria and requirements on which to base our test cases. We create happy routes and failure cases so that we may test the new feature from many perspectives. Then we’d run it through the regression suite. Due to time constraints, this is frequently the only testing possible before the following feature is ready for testing.
Aside from these required tests, there is much more to QA when evaluating a new product. We should assess the entire system to achieve higher test coverage for a product.
Functional and non-functional testing are both required. Consider testing a login for a new website. The tester inputs a genuine login and password, press Enter and is logged in after two minutes. The login feature might operate, but the wait would be unacceptable to a user. What is causing the lengthy processing time? QA could uncover the root cause by running some non-functional tests.
The Dangers of Not Conducting Non-Functional Testing
The product is in danger of failure if non-functional testing is not undertaken. Non-functional test data can be used to establish optimum to stressful loads on a system. Without this information, unexpectedly excessive use could result in a crash. Alternative test results could reveal security flaws that hackers could use to get access to a system. It is unusual for such dangers to be detected during functional testing.
Non-Functional Testing Varieties
Non-functional testing is white-box testing in which the tester works without knowing how the system works internally or physically. There are various types of non-functional tests, and their importance will vary depending on the project.
Performance Testing is a broad word for describing how a system performs under various conditions, most commonly by employing the two tests stated below:
- Load testing is done by performing typical operations under normal settings and then measuring the system’s performance as the conditions are magnified.
- Stress testing entails starting with standard conditions and gradually increasing the load to assess how the system operates under stress.
Security Testing seeks to uncover flaws that could be exploited. These tests are frequently carried out by a cyber security team.
Compatibility Testing a program across multiple browsers, operating systems, devices, networks, or versions to identify any significant differences.
Installation/Upgrade Testing entails installing or upgrading/updating a program and ensuring that the procedure runs well.
Compliance Testing is the process of determining whether a system fulfills certain technical standards, regulatory regulations, and contractual expectations.
Accessibility Testing to establish how well a system can accommodate the demands of people with specific disabilities.
Disaster Recovery / Failover Testing is going through each phase of a disaster recovery plan to guarantee that the system will function properly in the case of a disaster or failure.
Non-functional Testing Test Planning
You might be asking where non-functional testing fits into your test strategy. Some businesses have a product-readiness procedure in place that may include some non-functional testing before a system goes live. If your project is already up and running, you should schedule some of these tests during upcoming sprints.
Conclusion
Non-functional testing is a vital strategy for improving your product’s user experience because it tests the system’s operations. It may not be easy to find the time or learn new software, but it is still advantageous. There are various sorts of non-functional testing, and only some of them will apply to some projects. Non-functional testing, on the other hand, is critical for obtaining comprehensive test coverage and a superior product.
Quality professionals 