What is Integration Testing?
Integration testing is a vital stage in the software development process, falling under functional testing within the broader category of software testing. Its primary purpose is to verify that different components or modules of a software application work together as intended. After individual modules have been unit tested, integration testing focuses on their interaction and data flow.
Objectives of Integration Testing
- Ensure that combined components function correctly.
- Identify interface defects between modules.
- Validate the overall system design and architecture.
Types of Integration Testing
There are various approaches to integration testing, including:
- Big Bang Integration Testing: All modules are integrated at once, and the entire system is tested.
- Incremental Integration Testing: Modules are integrated and tested one at a time, progressively building up to the complete system.
- Top-Down or Bottom-Up Testing: These methods integrate and test components in a top-down or bottom-up approach, respectively.
Conclusion
Effective integration testing is crucial as it helps detect issues that may not be apparent during unit testing. By ensuring that all components work together seamlessly, it aids in delivering reliable and functional software products.