Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting System Testing in Software Engineering

System Testing in Software Engineering is an important part of software engineering that checks a whole software system’s behavior and performance as a whole.

During this testing process, the system’s functionality is checked against a list of requirements to make sure it meets the quality standards that are wanted. System testing tries to find problems and fix them before the software is given to end users.

It does this by simulating real-world situations and running a lot of tests. System testing is a key part of making sure that software solutions are reliable and stable. It does this by using thorough validation and verification techniques.

Types of System Testing in Software Engineering

When you do system testing in software engineering, you test the whole software application instead of just a few parts or units.

This check is meant to make sure that the software works right in the setting it was made for and meets the requirements that were given. System testing comes in a few different forms, such as:

• Usability Testing primarily focuses on the application’s ease of use, control flexibility, and system’s capacity to achieve its goals.
• Load Testing is necessary to know how a software solution will perform under real-world loads.
• Regression Testing is testing done to make sure that none of the changes made during the development process caused any new bugs. It also makes sure that no old bugs come back as new software modules are added over time.
• Recovery Testing is done to show that a software solution is reliable, trustworthy, and can recover from possible crashes.
• Migration Testing is done to make sure that the software can be moved from older system infrastructures to current system infrastructures without any problems.
• Functional Testing – Functional Testing, which is also called “functional completeness testing,” involves trying to think of any possible missing functions. During functional testing, testers might make a list of extra features that a product could have to make it better.
• Hardware/Software Testing: Hardware/Software testing is called “HW/SW Testing” by IBM. During system testing, this is when the tester focuses all of their attention on how the hardware and software interact.

How To Perform System Testing

Steps to Perform System Testing:

1. Requirements Analysis: Understand the system requirements thoroughly.
2. Test Planning: Develop a comprehensive plan outlining scope, objectives, resources, and schedule.
3. Test Environment Setup: Prepare necessary hardware, software, and network configurations.
4. Test Case Design: Create detailed test cases covering various scenarios.
5. Test Execution: Execute test cases, observe outputs, and compare with expected results.
6. Defect Reporting: Document discrepancies as defects with relevant details.
7. Defect Verification: Re-test to ensure reported defects have been addressed.
8. Regression Testing: Verify that new changes haven’t affected existing functionality.
9. Performance Testing (if applicable): Evaluate system performance under different conditions.
10. Security Testing (if applicable): Assess system security measures.
11. User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Involve end-users to validate the system.
12. Documentation: Maintain detailed records of all test cases, results, and defects.
13. Test Closure: Summarize testing process, achievements, and issues encountered.

Explanation:

System testing is an important part of making software. It makes sure that all parts of the system, both hardware and software, meet the requirements. There are a number of steps to the process:

1. Understanding Requirements: Thoroughly grasp the system’s requirements to create effective test cases.
2. Planning: Create a detailed plan outlining what will be tested, the resources needed, and the schedule.
3. Setting up Environment: Prepare the necessary environment with appropriate hardware, software, and network configurations.
4. Creating Test Cases: Develop detailed test cases covering different scenarios, including normal operation and error conditions.
5. Executing Tests: Run the test cases, observe the outputs, and compare them with expected results.
6. Reporting Defects: Document any discrepancies found between actual and expected outcomes as defects.
7. Verifying Defect Fixes: After developers address reported defects, re-test to ensure they have been resolved.
8. Regression Testing: Ensure that new changes or fixes haven’t adversely affected existing functionality.
9. Performance Testing (if applicable): Evaluate how the system performs under various conditions, like high load or stress.
10. Security Testing (if applicable): Assess the system’s security measures to identify vulnerabilities.
11. User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Involve end-users or stakeholders to validate that the system meets their expectations.
12. Documentation: Keep detailed records of all test cases, results, and defects. This serves as a reference for future testing efforts.
13. Closing the Testing Phase: Summarize the testing process, highlighting achievements and any issues faced. Evaluate if the system is ready for deployment.

System Testing Real Time Example

A web browser like Google Chrome is a common piece of software that can be used to show how system testing works in real time.

A real-time example of system testing can be illustrated in the context of a widely used software application, such as a web browser like Google Chrome.

1. Requirements Analysis: The software engineers and quality assurance (QA) team examine the specifications and user requirements for Google Chrome. This includes features like fast browsing, security, extensions, and cross-platform compatibility.
2. Test Planning: The QA team creates a test plan outlining what aspects of Google Chrome will be tested. This could involve testing functionalities like page loading speed, tab management, security protocols, and compatibility with various operating systems.
3. Test Environment Setup: The testing environment is set up with a range of devices and operating systems. This could include different versions of Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as various mobile platforms like Android and iOS.
4. Test Case Design: The QA team designs detailed test cases covering different scenarios. For instance, they might have test cases for loading a complex webpage, using browser extensions, ensuring secure HTTPS connections, and checking compatibility with web standards.
5. Test Execution: The QA team executes these test cases. They open the browser, visit specific webpages, test extension functionalities, and check for any anomalies in the behavior of the browser.
6. Defect Reporting: If any discrepancies are found (e.g., a webpage doesn’t load properly or an extension malfunctions), the QA team documents these as defects. They include steps to reproduce the issue, screenshots, and system information.
7. Defect Verification: After the development team addresses the reported defects, the QA team re-tests the specific scenarios to ensure the issues have been resolved.
8. Regression Testing: The QA team performs regression testing to confirm that any changes made to fix defects haven’t negatively impacted other functionalities. This ensures that new updates don’t break existing features.
9. Performance Testing: The team might conduct performance testing to assess the browser’s speed and resource consumption under different conditions, like loading multiple tabs or running JavaScript-heavy applications.
10. Security Testing: Security experts examine the browser for vulnerabilities, ensuring it can protect users from malware, phishing attacks, and other security risks.
11. User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Beta versions of the browser may be released to a limited user group for testing. Feedback from these users helps validate that the browser meets their expectations.
12. Documentation: Throughout the process, the QA team maintains detailed records of all test cases, results, and defects. This documentation provides a clear audit trail and aids in future testing efforts.
13. Test Closure: At the end of the testing phase, a summary report is generated, outlining the testing process, achievements, and any outstanding issues. The decision is made whether the browser is ready for deployment.

System Testing Checklist Template

• Project Name: [Project Name]
• Version: [Version Number]
• Test Phase: System Testing
• Test Start Date: [Start Date]
• Test End Date: [End Date]
• Tested By: [Tester Name(s)]

System Testing Entry And Exit Criteria

Entry Criteria for System Testing:

1. Completion of Unit Testing
2. Successful Integration Testing
3. Availability of Test Environment
4. Availability of Test Data
5. Approved Test Cases
6. Requirement Specification Document
7. Test Plan and Test Strategy
8. Test Design Specification

Exit Criteria for System Testing:

1. All High and Medium severity defects are fixed and retested.
2. All critical test cases have been executed and passed.
3. Traceability Matrix is up-to-date.
4. Test Summary Report is prepared.
5. Customer/User acceptance is obtained (if applicable).
6. Test Environment is cleaned up and restored to its original state.
7. System Testing Sign-off is obtained from stakeholders.
8. Test Closure Report is prepared.

System Testing Benefits

Here are a few major advantages of system testing

1. Comprehensive Testing: System testing evaluates the entire software system, ensuring that all components and modules work together as intended.
2. Requirement Verification: It verifies that the software meets the specified requirements outlined in the project’s documentation.
3. Integration Testing: System testing helps identify any integration issues between different modules or components of the system.
4. Defect Detection: It uncovers defects, bugs, and other issues that might not have been apparent during earlier phases of testing (e.g., unit testing).
5. Business Logic Validation: System testing verifies that the business logic and functionality of the software are implemented correctly and deliver the expected outcomes.
6. Performance Evaluation: This phase allows for the evaluation of the system’s performance under various conditions, helping to identify performance bottlenecks and optimize the system.
7. Security Testing: System testing includes testing for security vulnerabilities, ensuring that the software is resistant to various types of attacks.
8. Stress Testing: It assesses how the system performs under extreme conditions or peak loads, helping to identify and address potential issues related to scalability and performance.
9. User Acceptance: System testing provides a basis for user acceptance testing (UAT) where end-users validate whether the system meets their requirements and expectations.
10. Reliability and Stability: It helps ensure that the system is reliable and stable, minimizing the likelihood of crashes or unexpected behavior.
11. Regulatory Compliance: System testing can verify whether the software complies with industry-specific regulations or standards.
12. Risk Mitigation: By identifying and addressing issues early in the development process, system testing helps mitigate the risks associated with deploying faulty software.
13. Documentation Verification: It ensures that all necessary documentation, such as user manuals and technical guides, are accurate and complete.

System Testing For Ecommerce Websites

1. Functional Testing:
   • Search Functionality: Ensure that users can search for products using keywords and filters.
   • Product Catalog: Verify that products are displayed correctly with accurate details and images.
   • Shopping Cart: Confirm that users can add, remove, and update items in their shopping cart.
   • Checkout Process: Validate the process of entering shipping details, payment information, and completing the purchase.
   • Order History: Ensure that users can view their order history and track their shipments.
2. User Account Management:
   • Registration and Login: Verify that users can register, log in, and recover/reset passwords.
   • Profile Management: Ensure users can update their personal information, including shipping addresses and payment methods.
3. Payment and Checkout Process:
   • Payment Gateway Integration: Confirm that payment processing is secure and functional.
   • Validation of Payment Methods: Test different payment options (credit card, PayPal, etc.) for accuracy and security.
4. Search Engine Optimization (SEO):
   • URL Structure: Ensure that URLs are user-friendly and optimized for search engines.
   • Meta Tags: Verify that meta tags (title, description) are appropriately set for products and categories.
5. Performance Testing:
   • Load Testing: Test the website’s performance under heavy traffic to ensure it can handle high user loads.
   • Response Time: Verify that pages load quickly, especially for critical areas like product listings and checkout.
6. Security Testing:
   • SSL and Encryption: Confirm that sensitive information (e.g., payment details) is encrypted using SSL.
   • SQL Injection and Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Checks: Test for vulnerabilities that could lead to security breaches.
7. Compatibility Testing:
   • Browser Compatibility: Ensure the website functions correctly on popular browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.).
   • Device Compatibility: Test on various devices (desktops, tablets, mobiles) to ensure responsive design.
8. Usability Testing:
   • Navigation and User Interface: Verify that the website is easy to navigate and user-friendly.
   • Accessibility: Confirm that the website is accessible to users with disabilities.
9. Content Testing:
   • Product Descriptions and Images: Ensure that product information is accurate and images are displayed correctly.
   • Product Reviews and Ratings: Verify that user-generated content (reviews, ratings) functions properly.
10. Inventory Management:
    • Stock Availability: Confirm that the website accurately reflects product availability.
    • Out-of-Stock Handling: Ensure that users are informed when a product is out of stock.
11. Order Processing and Fulfillment:
    • Order Confirmation Emails: Verify that users receive confirmation emails with accurate order details.
12. Integration Testing:
    • Third-party Services: Test integrations with payment gateways, shipping providers, and other external services.

System Testing Scenarios For Flipkart

1. User Registration:
   • Scenario: A new user wants to create an account on Flipkart.
   • Explanation: Verify that the registration process works smoothly, including validation of user input, email verification, and successful account creation.
2. User Login:
   • Scenario: A registered user attempts to log into their account.
   • Explanation: Ensure that users can successfully log in with correct credentials and are denied access with incorrect ones.
3. Password Reset:
   • Scenario: A user requests a password reset.
   • Explanation: Verify that the password reset functionality sends a reset link to the user’s email and allows them to set a new password.
4. Product Search:
   • Scenario: A user searches for a product using the search bar.
   • Explanation: Confirm that the search functionality returns relevant results based on user queries.
5. Product Details Page:
   • Scenario: A user clicks on a product to view its details.
   • Explanation: Ensure that the product details page displays accurate information about the product, including description, price, availability, and related products.
6. Add to Cart:
   • Scenario: A user adds a product to their shopping cart.
   • Explanation: Verify that selected products are correctly added to the cart and the cart total is updated accordingly.
7. Cart Management:
   • Scenario: A user edits the contents of their shopping cart.
   • Explanation: Confirm that users can edit quantities, remove items, and see updated totals.
8. Checkout Process:
   • Scenario: A user proceeds to the checkout page.
   • Explanation: Ensure that the checkout process includes steps for entering shipping information, selecting payment methods, and reviewing the order before confirmation.
9. Payment Gateway Integration:
   • Scenario: A user makes a payment for their order.
   • Explanation: Verify that the payment gateway securely processes payments and returns confirmation messages.
10. Order Placement:
    • Scenario: A user successfully places an order.
    • Explanation: Confirm that orders are placed accurately and users receive order confirmation emails.
11. Order History and Tracking:
    • Scenario: A user checks their order history and tracking information.
    • Explanation: Ensure that users can view their past orders and track the status of current orders.
12. User Profile Management:
    • Scenario: A user updates their profile information.
    • Explanation: Verify that users can edit their personal details, such as name, address, and contact information.
13. Wishlist Management:
    • Scenario: A user adds/removes products to/from their wishlist.
    • Explanation: Confirm that users can create, update, and delete items from their wishlist.
14. Product Reviews and Ratings:
    • Scenario: A user submits a product review and rating.
    • Explanation: Ensure that users can submit reviews and ratings, and that they are displayed accurately on product pages.
15. Search Filters and Sorting:
    • Scenario: A user applies filters and sorting options while browsing products.
    • Explanation: Verify that filters refine search results, and sorting options arrange products as expected.

System Testing Vs Integration Testing

In this article, we will see difference between System Testing and Integration Testing, Click here to see that page.

System Testing Using Recovery In Software Engineering

System testing using recovery in software engineering involves evaluating how well a software system can handle and recover from unexpected failures or errors.

This type of testing is crucial to ensure that a system can maintain data integrity and continue functioning properly even when faced with unexpected events.

1. Failure Scenarios: Testers deliberately induce various types of failures, such as software crashes, hardware malfunctions, network interruptions, or input errors.
2. Recovery Mechanisms: Evaluate the effectiveness of the recovery mechanisms built into the software. This includes features like checkpoints, transaction logs, and error handling routines.
3. Data Integrity: Verify that critical data remains intact and consistent after a failure and subsequent recovery process.
4. State Restoration: Ensure that the system can return to a known, stable state after a failure. This may involve reloading configuration settings, re-establishing connections, or reverting to a previous state.
5. Resource Cleanup: Check that resources (memory, files, connections, etc.) are properly released and cleaned up after a failure.
6. Performance Impact: Evaluate how recovery operations impact the system’s performance. Ensure that recovery processes do not overly tax system resources.
7. User Experience: Test the system from a user’s perspective to ensure that the recovery process is transparent and does not disrupt the user’s workflow.
8. Logging and Reporting: Verify that adequate logs are generated during the recovery process. These logs should be sufficient for diagnosing the cause of the failure and verifying the success of the recovery.
9. Failure Injection Techniques: Use techniques like fault injection or chaos engineering to simulate various failure scenarios. This can involve randomly injecting faults or systematically testing specific failure conditions.
10. Regression Testing: After a recovery scenario is tested, conduct regression tests to ensure that the system still functions correctly under normal conditions.
11. Documentation and Training: Ensure that recovery procedures are well-documented and that relevant personnel are trained to carry out recovery tasks effectively.

Final words

System Testing in software engineering – Through this process, integration issues are unearthed, defects are detected, and the system’s reliability and performance are scrutinized.

Security testing is a crucial facet, fortifying the software against potential vulnerabilities and safeguarding sensitive data. Moreover, System Testing plays a vital role in mitigating risks, as it identifies and rectifies defects early in the development cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions