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System Testing in QA
System testing is essential for ensuring that the software system as a whole functions correctly and meets the specified requirements.It tests both the functional and non-functional aspects of the system in an integrated environment, often using a variety of testing types such as performance, security, and usability.
Although it can be resource-intensive and complex, system testing plays a critical role in delivering high-quality software products that are ready for production.
Ensures that all features of the system work according to the specified requirements.
Performance Testing
Assesses how the system performs under expected and peak conditions (load, stress, and scalability testing).
Security Testing
Verifies that the system is secure from threats and vulnerabilities.
Usability Testing
Evaluates the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) to ensure the system is intuitive and user-friendly.
Compatibility Testing
Checks how the system works on different devices, operating systems, browsers.
Recovery Testing
Evaluates the system’s ability to recover from failures or crashes.
Regression Testing
Ensures that new changes haven’t introduced bugs into previously working parts of the system.
Localization and Internationalization Testing
Verifies the system’s functionality across different languages, regions, and cultures.
Tools like Selenium, QTP (QuickTest Professional), Appium, and Cypress can be used to automate system testing for repetitive tasks and large systems.
Performance Testing Tools
LoadRunner, JMeter, and Gatling help evaluate system performance under various conditions.
Security Testing Tools
Tools like OWASP ZAP, Burp Suite, and Nessus are used to identify vulnerabilities and security issues.
Bug Tracking Tools
JIRA, Bugzilla, and Trello are commonly used to report and track issues found during system testing.
User-Centric Testing
Verify that a user can log in successfully with valid credentials, reset their password, and submit forms.
Performance Test
Evaluate how the website performs under 10,000 simultaneous users.
Security Test
Test for common vulnerabilities such as SQL injection or cross-site scripting (XSS).
Usability Test
Ensure that the navigation is intuitive and that the page loads within 3 seconds.
Ensure that users can add items to their cart, proceed to checkout, and complete the purchase using different payment methods.
Regression Test
Verify that recent changes to the checkout system haven’t broken other parts of the platform, such as user login or product search.
Compatibility Test
Check that the e-commerce site works across multiple devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) and browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari).
Key Concepts of System Testing
The primary goal of system testing is to verify that the entire software system works as intended, considering all components, interactions, and dependencies.This test is done after integration testing and ensures that the system functions as a whole.
Functional Testing
Verifying that all features and functions perform according to the requirements.
Non-Functional Testing
Verifying aspects such as performance, security, and scalability.
End-to-End Testing
Functional Testing
Verifying that all features and functions perform according to the requirements.
Non-Functional Testing
Verifying aspects such as performance, security, and scalability.
End-to-End Testing
System testing is often considered an "end-to-end" test because it evaluates the system as a whole, including the interactions between different components, systems, and databases, ensuring that the software can operate in a production-like environment.
Test Environment
Test Environment
The system is tested in an environment that closely mimics the production environment, using production-like data, hardware, and network configurations.
Types of System Testing:
Functional TestingEnsures that all features of the system work according to the specified requirements.
Performance Testing
Assesses how the system performs under expected and peak conditions (load, stress, and scalability testing).
Security Testing
Verifies that the system is secure from threats and vulnerabilities.
Usability Testing
Evaluates the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) to ensure the system is intuitive and user-friendly.
Compatibility Testing
Checks how the system works on different devices, operating systems, browsers.
Recovery Testing
Evaluates the system’s ability to recover from failures or crashes.
Regression Testing
Ensures that new changes haven’t introduced bugs into previously working parts of the system.
Localization and Internationalization Testing
Verifies the system’s functionality across different languages, regions, and cultures.
Tools for System Testing
Test Automation ToolsTools like Selenium, QTP (QuickTest Professional), Appium, and Cypress can be used to automate system testing for repetitive tasks and large systems.
Performance Testing Tools
LoadRunner, JMeter, and Gatling help evaluate system performance under various conditions.
Security Testing Tools
Tools like OWASP ZAP, Burp Suite, and Nessus are used to identify vulnerabilities and security issues.
Bug Tracking Tools
JIRA, Bugzilla, and Trello are commonly used to report and track issues found during system testing.
Benefits of System Testing
Comprehensive CoverageSystem testing ensures that the complete system is validated, including all features, modules, and interactions, ensuring that nothing is overlooked.
Detects High-Level Issues
Detects High-Level Issues
It helps uncover defects that may not be detected in earlier testing phases (like unit or integration testing), particularly issues arising from interactions between components or environmental factors.
Verification of Requirements
Verification of Requirements
System testing is closely aligned with the specified requirements. It ensures that the system satisfies functional and non-functional needs and performs well in real-world conditions.
Real-World Validation
Real-World Validation
By testing the system in an environment that mirrors the actual deployment setting, system testing helps ensure the software will function properly when it is released to end-users.
User-Centric Testing
It evaluates aspects such as usability, UI/UX design, and performance from the user's perspective, ensuring that the system will be user-friendly and efficient.
Challenges of System Testing
ComplexityAs system testing involves the entire system, it can be complex and time-consuming. Managing dependencies, test environments, and test cases across multiple components can be challenging.
Test Environment Setup
Test Environment Setup
Setting up an appropriate test environment that closely mimics the production environment is crucial but can be resource-intensive and may require careful configuration of software, hardware, and network settings.
Test Data Management
Test Data Management
Creating comprehensive, accurate test data that simulates real-world use can be difficult, especially when dealing with large systems that have complex data needs.
High Resource Demand
High Resource Demand
System testing requires significant resources, including both human and hardware resources. This can be a barrier for some organizations, especially if they need to test on multiple platforms or configurations.
Testing a Web Application
Functional TestVerify that a user can log in successfully with valid credentials, reset their password, and submit forms.
Performance Test
Evaluate how the website performs under 10,000 simultaneous users.
Security Test
Test for common vulnerabilities such as SQL injection or cross-site scripting (XSS).
Usability Test
Ensure that the navigation is intuitive and that the page loads within 3 seconds.
Example: Testing a Sales Platform
Functional TestEnsure that users can add items to their cart, proceed to checkout, and complete the purchase using different payment methods.
Regression Test
Verify that recent changes to the checkout system haven’t broken other parts of the platform, such as user login or product search.
Compatibility Test
Check that the e-commerce site works across multiple devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) and browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari).
System Testing in the Development Lifecycle
When is it Conducted?System testing typically takes place after integration testing, once the system components have been integrated and the individual units are functioning properly.
It usually happens before User Acceptance Testing (UAT), which is conducted to confirm that the system meets the end user's needs and requirements.
Regression Testing
It usually happens before User Acceptance Testing (UAT), which is conducted to confirm that the system meets the end user's needs and requirements.
Regression Testing
During system testing, regression testing is often performed to ensure that recent code changes haven't unintentionally broken any existing functionality.
User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
While system testing focuses on verifying technical and functional requirements, UAT focuses more on validating the system from the user’s perspective, ensuring that it meets business needs.