5 key Software Functional Tests to Consider

Although a software system is designed based on a set of data and numbers that would seem to guarantee its operation, it is not exempt from possible defects or failures in the future.

By depending on human development and configuration, software systems are subject to modifications made by people and, therefore, to errors made by their developer. Hence, the need to create software functional tests that make it possible to detect and prevent risk scenarios.

If failures are not detected in a timely manner, the impacts on an organization can be considerable, ranging from loss of credibility to flight of funds or economic resources.

Why apply software functional tests?

Regardless the size of the failure in a software system, the implications may be significant. An example of this is the launch of the Mars Climate Orbiter (MCO) space probe which, after being released to Mars for climate measurement – in 1998, had a failure in the conversion from the decimal metric system to the English system.

The laboratory in charge of programming navigation systems used the metric system, while the MCO design center relied on measurements based on the English system. This failure to convert kilometers to miles resulted in the crash of the spacecraft on Mars and the loss of $125 million.

A global study by CA Technologies revealed that 49 percent of the companies surveyed consider it essential to implement continuous software tests to know the evolution, needs, and expectations of organizations.

Companies with a culture that favors change are more likely to invest in advanced technology solutions that help them compete effectively, an example of which, according to the report findings, is functional testing.

When should I perform functional software tests?

Every software has a development cycle (Systems Development Lifecycle, or SDLC), which is segmented into processes for its proper operation; this allows to offer a better user experience, a better distribution of the costs, and to foresee scenarios to deliver of optimal results.

Communication, planning, feasibility, analysis, design, coding, integration, testing, implementation, maintenance, and operation are some of the phases that make up this cycle, always ready to adapt to the structure and needs of each organization.

All stages are essential, as they contribute to the software quality and lifetime; however, the functionality tests can contribute to the final decision-making before delivery or commissioning.

These are usually run before the application launch or system start-up, to test a specific action by reading the code.

Functional testing

This type of testing ensures that the components of a system comply with the functionalities and operate properly during operation. Whether they are performed during the development phase or at the end of the software lifecycle, the design of this type of testing is based on the features of each system.

Non-functional testing

The non-functional tests allow for a quality control, and to know if the software system works correctly and under what circumstances it could fail.

Poor performance, response time and server load are some of the aspects that can be known with this type of testing.

For example, if 100 users wish to access the platform simultaneously, the system will be subject to a load, for which it could fail if it is not equipped with the right functionalities.

How to choose between functional or non-functional testing?

Whether functional or non-functional tests, all will favor the proper operation of the software system and the user experience; however, the application times depend on the stage of its development.

They can be combined for better performance and product quality, so it is necessary to define the needs to be solved when applying a software test.

If you are looking to implement functional software testing from inception to the completion of your project, in Testing IT, we can guide you through the process and take your application or organizational software system to the next level.