4.1 System Testing and User Acceptance Testing
Introduction
System testing is a phase in the software testing life cycle where the entire integrated software system is tested as a whole to ensure that it functions according to specified requirements. The primary goal is to validate that all individual components, modules, and their interactions within the system work seamlessly, and the system as a whole meets its functional and non-functional requirements.
Objectives
Conducting a system test has very specific objectives:
- Confirm that each component and module operates correctly within the integrated environment.
- Ensure the correct integration of different components and identify issues related to system interactions.
- Assess the system's performance, scalability, and security features.
How is System Testing Conducted?
There may be many steps in conducting a system test. Here are some of the most common:
-
Plan the test
- Define the scope, objectives, and test strategy for system testing.
- Develop a comprehensive test plan, including test cases, test data, and testing schedules.
-
Set up the test environment
- Create a test environment that closely mimics the production environment.
- Set up databases, servers, and other necessary components to support the integrated testing.
-
Execute the tests
- Execute test cases covering a wide range of scenarios, including positive and negative test cases.
- Conduct both functional testing and non-functional testing such as performance testing, security testing, and other relevant testing types based on the system requirements.
-
Track and resolve defects
- Identify and document defects or issues that arise during testing.
- Collaborate with developers to resolve and retest defects.
How to Determine if System Testing is Successful
Each organization will make its own determination about how successful system testing is. Below are common criteria to use to determine if the system is ready to deploy to production.
- All Requirements Met: Ensure that the system meets all specified functional and non-functional requirements.
- Defect Rate: Assess the number and severity of defects identified and resolved during testing.
- Performance Metrics: Evaluate performance metrics, such as response times, throughput, and resource utilization, against acceptable benchmarks.
- User Acceptance: Obtain approval and positive feedback from end users or stakeholders during the user acceptance testing phase.
- Integration Success: Confirm successful integration of all components and modules without critical issues.
- System Stability: Assess system stability by monitoring for crashes, errors, or unexpected behavior.
- Security Compliance: Verify that the system complies with security standards and is free from vulnerabilities.
System testing is considered successful when the software system demonstrates reliability, functionality, and performance in alignment with specified requirements, ultimately meeting user expectations and business objectives. Successful system testing contributes to the overall quality assurance process and prepares the system for deployment to production.
System Testing vs. End-to-end Testing
Sometimes the term system testing and end-to-end testing are used interchangeably. It is important to understand the key differences between these types of testing.
Scope
System testing verifies the entire integrated software system, including individual components and their interactions. The focus is on internal system functionalities, interactions, and components. By contrast, end-to-end testing evaluates the entire application from start to finish, including integrated components, subsystems, and external interfaces. Focusing on complete user scenarios, external interfaces, and real-world workflows.
Objectives
The objective of system testing is to verify the correct functioning of the entire system, integration of components, and system-wide performance. The goal is to ensure system reliability, security, and performance. However, end-to-end testing validates complete user scenarios, end-to-end workflows, and interactions with external interfaces with the goal of ensuring the application behaves as expected in real-world scenarios.
User Focus
System testing considers the end user indirectly, with a primary focus on the correct functioning of the system. End-to-end testing emphasizes the complete user experience and real-world scenarios.
Success Criteria
System testing considers verification of system reliability, performance, security, and successful integration of components. End-to-end testing values successful execution of user scenarios, seamless integration, and positive user experiences.
Testing Approach
System testing focuses on verifying the internal logic of the system, integration points, and ensuring components work together correctly. End-to-end testing emphasizes testing the complete end-to-end user journey, including external interfaces and third-party integrations.
Challenges with System Testing and End-to-End Testing
Because this testing occurs at the end of the software development life cycle shortly before deployment, there are serious concerns that must be addressed.
- Integration: Coordinating the interactions between different elements to guarantee seamless integration poses a significant challenge.
- Test Environment: Managing and maintaining a test environment that sufficiently replicates the complexities of the actual system is important for effective system testing.
- Data Consistency: Ensuring the accuracy and consistency of data throughout the system during testing requires meticulous planning and execution.
- Performance: Verifying scalability, responsiveness, and performance while handling a large number of concurrent users or transactions adds complexity to system testing.
- Stability: Adapting to dynamic changes and ensuring that the entire system remains stable and functional during and after updates present challenges in system testing.
- Completeness: Identifying and addressing all possible scenarios, ensuring robust test cases, and covering edge cases require careful planning and execution.
- Project Constraints: Balancing the need for comprehensive testing with project constraints and delivering results within specified timelines is a significant challenge.
- Coverage: Designing and executing test cases that represent realistic end-to-end user journeys and ensuring coverage of diverse user interactions pose significant challenges.
- External vendors: Coordinating with external entities, handling variations in third-party services, and ensuring consistent behavior during testing are key challenges.
- Accuracy: Simulating real-world scenarios, handling dynamic user interactions, and ensuring the application's performance under varying conditions present challenges in end-to-end testing.
Despite the challenges, system testing and end-to-end testing are important parts of the software development lifecycle, and should not be omitted whenever possible.
User Acceptance Testing
Once the system has been verified with a combination of system testing and/or end-to-end testing, it is ready to be shown to the customer or other stakeholders for verification.
User Acceptance Testing (UAT) is the final phase of testing in the software development life cycle, where end users or stakeholders evaluate the software to ensure it meets business requirements and is ready for production release. The primary goal is to gain user approval and confidence that the application aligns with their expectations and functions correctly in real-world scenarios.
User Acceptance Testing is typically conducted by individuals who represent the actual users of the software and have a stake in its successful deployment. This may include business analysts, product owners, project managers, and other stakeholders who have a vested interest in the application's success. QA professionals may facilitate UAT, provide support, and assist in defect management.
During UAT the stakeholders verify that the software meets the specified business requirements. They also confirm that the application aligns with end users' needs and expectations. This is done by evaluating the application in a simulated production environment to identify any issues before actual deployment. If all parties are satisfied, this ensures that the software is ready for production release.
Setting up and executing a User Acceptance Test will typically include the following steps:
- Define the scope, objectives, and acceptance criteria for UAT.
- Set up a UAT environment that closely simulates the production environment. Ensure that data and configurations align with real-world usage.
- Develop test cases that cover a range of user scenarios, emphasizing critical business processes. Include positive and negative test cases to thoroughly evaluate application behavior.
- end users or designated stakeholders execute the prepared test cases in the UAT environment. Focus on business processes, workflows, and user interactions with the application.
- Identify and document any issues, defects, or discrepancies during testing. Provide clear and detailed feedback on observed behavior.
- Collaborate with the development team to address and resolve identified issues. Verify that fixes and changes meet user expectations.
- Obtain approval from end users or stakeholders once testing is complete. end users provide a formal sign-off indicating their acceptance of the software.
The successful completion of UAT is an important milestone in the software development process, indicating that the software is ready to be deployed and used in a live environment.
Useful Links: ←Unit 3.4 | Unit 4.2→ | Table of Contents | Canvas