How to Perform Functional Testing
Functional testing is a type of software testing that verifies the software system against the functional requirements/specifications. Here are the steps to perform functional testing effectively:
1. Identify Requirements
Start by gathering functional requirements from stakeholders. Utilize documentation like requirement specifications or user stories to understand what needs to be tested.
2. Develop Test Cases
Create detailed test cases based on the identified requirements. Each test case should outline the input, execution steps, expected output, and actual result to assess functionality.
3. Prepare the Test Environment
Set up the necessary test environment that replicates the production environment. This includes hardware, software, network configurations, and databases.
4. Execute Test Cases
Perform the tests by executing the test cases. Document the results meticulously to track which tests passed, failed, or require further investigation.
5. Log Defects
If any discrepancies occur between the expected and actual results, log these defects in a defect tracking system. Provide detailed information for developers to reproduce the issue.
6. Retest and Regression Testing
Once defects are resolved, retest to ensure that the fixes work. Conduct regression testing to confirm that new code changes do not adversely affect existing functionalities.
7. Report Findings
Compile the testing results into a comprehensive report summarizing the test coverage, defects, and overall software quality. Share this with stakeholders for informed decision making.