Software test types

There's no shortage of ways to test software. Quality assurance engineers can rely on functional, performance, exploratory and many other software test types, many of which run without human intervention. In this section, we provide tips, features, guides and more to explain these different kinds of tests, and how to use them.

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March 10, 2017 10 Mar'17
The solution to speedy mobile app delivery? It's crowdsourced testing

Sometimes you just need a lot of users playing with your app to find out how it's really working. Enter crowdsourced testing. It's the latest strategy to speed up your mobile dev.
January 30, 2017 30 Jan'17
What's the future of software testing? Start with data science

In the rapidly changing world of software testing, one thing is certain: You're going to need new skills. And you're going to need to understand the business.
October 28, 2016 28 Oct'16
Are you a bad software test manager? Or do you have one? Here's help

If you want to up your game as a test manager, you'll need to listen and offer to serve others. Expert Jennifer Lent has spot-on career advice for software test managers.
March 17, 2016 17 Mar'16
Drunk user testing changed HubSpot's approach to UX research

Giving a drunken UI designer a user test changed HubSpot's UX research and UI design practices. The results were stunning, said UX designer Austin Knight at the Fluent Conference.

Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content

These software testing techniques save time

Software testing evolves, but test durations don't tend to get any shorter. To improve results, use these tips to find and fix the most troublesome areas of testing. Continue Reading
system testing

System testing, also referred to as system-level tests or system-integration testing, is the process in which a quality assurance (QA) team evaluates how the various components of an application interact together in the full, integrated system or ... Continue Reading
black box (black box testing)

Black box testing assesses a system solely from the outside, without the operator or tester knowing what is happening within the system to generate responses to test actions. Continue Reading

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

How software prototyping beats requirements gathering

How do you know which features to code into the software you're developing? Application teams share tips on how to deliver ROI with prototyping, UX research and a design week. Continue Reading
Web and mobile testing faceoff: Sauce Labs vs. BrowserStack

Two automated testing platforms enter; only one tool leaves. IT consultant Tom Nolle examines how Sauce Labs and BrowserStack each test apps across mobile devices and web browsers. Continue Reading
Evaluate load testing tool features and vendors

Application load testing products come in a variety of forms and their features vary. Read through these specs to find the tool that's right for you. Continue Reading

Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

Which code quality metrics should devs track?

Developers and testers strive to create quality, reusable code to deploy apps faster and keeps users happy. But what metrics should they track to evaluate code quality? Continue Reading
6 ways to accelerate automated software testing

Reducing software test time requires a change in approach. Consider ways to simplify test setup, eliminate redundant aspects of your procedures and override failures. Continue Reading
Why you need to start thinking about accessibility testing today

With 19% of Americans reporting some kind of disability, accessibility testing is increasingly important. Expert Gerie Owen explains how to get started. Continue Reading

We’ve gathered up expert advice and tips from professionals like you so that the answers you need are always available.

What goes into a user story vs. use case for Agile development?

Developers refer to software requirements to code a good product, but there are different ways to categorize user needs. What's the difference between a user story vs. a use case? Continue Reading
Smoke tests are fine, but sometimes soak testing is the answer

Some software applications can really benefit from a long testing time, and that's where soak tests come in. Expert Gerie Owen explains how and why to use that type of test. Continue Reading
How API testing is evolving as a regular part of application development

Whether it is obvious in an organization or not, API testing exists. Learn why API testing is necessary in the application world. Continue Reading