Non-functional testing is a type of software testing that focuses on testing the non-functional aspects of an application, such as its performance, security, usability, reliability, and scalability. Unlike functional testing, which focuses on testing whether an application meets its functional requirements, non-functional testing focuses on testing how well the application performs under different conditions and how well it meets non-functional requirements.
Non-functional testing is equally important as functional testing against the client’s requirements.
Some examples of non-functional testing include load testing, stress testing, security testing, and performance testing. Non-functional testing is typically done in conjunction with functional testing, which verifies that the system is capable of performing the required functions as specified in the requirements.
Why Non-Functional Testing?
In software testing, functional testing and non-functional testing are important to developed software or web/mobile application. Functional testing checks the features of software where non-functional testing checks performance of the software.
In non-functional testing, main focus on the behaviour of the software product or services. Non-functional testing helps reducing the risk of production. It also helps to reduce the costs of the software.
Important of non functional testing
Non-functional testing is important because it helps ensure that a system or software application is able to meet the requirements for performance, reliability, security, and other non-functional aspects. These requirements are often critical for the success of the system, as they can significantly impact the user experience and the overall quality of the system.
For example, if a system is not able to handle the required workload, it may become slow or unresponsive, leading to a poor user experience. Similarly, if a system lacks security measures, it may be vulnerable to attacks that can compromise sensitive data. Non-functional testing helps identify and address these issues before the system is deployed, ensuring that it is able to meet the non-functional requirements and provide a high-quality experience to users.
Overall, non-functional testing is an essential part of the software testing process, as it helps ensure that a system is able to perform effectively and reliably in the real world.
Non-Functional Types
In non-functional testing, there are some types for perform non-functional testing. It shows below:
- Performance Testing
- Reliability Testing
- Cross-Browser Testing
- GUI Testing
- Usability Testing
- Load Testing
- Stress Testing
- Volume Testing
- Localization Testing
- Globalization Testing
- Compatibility Testing
1. Performance Testing:
In performance testing, checks the stability and response time with applying numbers of load called performance testing.
In this testing, Software speed should be as fast as possible.
2. Reliability Testing:
In this testing, checks the system is running well or not under specific condition. If there is failure in system under some specific condition at that time reliability testing will be fail.
3.Cross-Browser Testing:
In cross browser testing, checks the software, web or mobile application is working properly or not in different types of browsers. The browsers are Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer and Safari.
4. GUI Testing:
In GUI (Graphics User Interface) testing, checks the Graphics User Interface of the software, web or mobile application. The main focus of this testing is checking the software as per customer’s specifications like menus, buttons, and buttons.
5. Usability Testing:
Usability testing is also known as User Experience (UX) Testing. In this testing, main focus of the how easy to use a software or an application for users. It also includes how user-friendly a software or an application.
6. Load Testing:
In this load testing, checks the stability and response time by applying some more then number of loads is called load testing. This testing is also considered in the performance testing.
7. Stress Testing:
In this stress testing, checks the stability and response time by applying some more then number of loads and check the where actually software or an application is breaking. This testing is also considered in the performance testing.
8. Volume Testing:
Volume Testing is also called as flood testing. In this testing, checks the stability and response time by applying huge amount of data on software or an application and checks that software or application should not be break.
9. Localization Testing:
Localization testing is a one the techniques to ensure the application behaviour, accuracy and suitability as per the specific locations or regions.
10. Globalization Testing:
Globalization is one of the techniques that verify that software application is able to work of any geographical and cultural environment.
11. Compatibility Testing:
In Compatibility testing, testers test the software application in different types of the hardware, operating systems, mobile devices and network environments.
Non Functional Testing Tools
There are a variety of tools that can use for non-functional testing, depending on the specific attributes evaluated and the type of system or software application tested. Some common types of tools that are used for non-functional testing include:
Load testing tools: These tools simulate large numbers of users or transactions accessing the system concurrently, to evaluate its performance and scalability under heavy workloads. Examples include Apache JMeter and LoadRunner.
Stress testing tools: These tools evaluate the system’s behavior when it is pushed to its limits, such as when it is subjected to a heavy workload or resource constraints. Examples include Apache JMeter and LoadRunner.
Security testing tools: These tools scan the system for vulnerabilities and test its defenses against cyber attacks. Examples include Burp Suite and Nessus.
Performance testing tools: These tools measure the system’s response time, throughput, and other performance-related metrics. Examples include Apache JMeter and LoadRunner.
Compatibility testing tools: These tools test the system’s compatibility with different operating systems, browsers, and other software. Examples include Browser Stack and Sauce Labs.
Usability testing tools: These tools help evaluate the user-friendliness and ease of use of the system. Examples include User Testing and Crazy Egg.
It’s important to note that these are just a few examples of the types of tools that can be used for non-functional testing. There are many other tools available, and the appropriate tool for a particular testing scenario will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the system being tested.
Advantages
Improved system quality: It helps to identify and address issues related to performance, security, usability, compatibility, and other non-functional aspects of the system. This improves the overall quality of the system and ensures that it meets the user’s needs and expectations.
Increased reliability: It helps to ensure that the system is reliable and performs consistently under different conditions. This reduces the risk of system failure and downtime, which can have a negative impact on users and the organization.
Better user experience: It helps to ensure that the system is user-friendly and easy to use. This improves the user experience and can lead to higher user satisfaction and adoption rates.
Cost savings: It helps to identify issues early in the development cycle, which reduces the cost of fixing issues later in the cycle or after the system deployed. It also helps to avoid costly system failures and downtime, which can result in lost revenue, productivity, and customer loyalty.
Compliance with standards and regulations: It helps to ensure that the system complies with industry standards and regulatory requirements, such as HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or GDPR. This reduces the risk of legal and financial penalties and helps to build trust with customers and partners.
Non Functional Testing Example
Performance Testing: This type of testing done to check how well the system performs under various workloads. It involves measuring the response time of the system under normal, peak, and heavy load conditions.
Security Testing: This type of testing done to check the system’s ability to protect against unauthorized access, hacking, and other security threats.
Usability Testing: This type of testing done to check the system’s ease of use and user-friendliness. It involves measuring how easily users can navigate through the system, and how easily they can perform specific tasks.
Compatibility Testing: This type of testing done to check how well the system works with different hardware, software, and network configurations.
Load Testing: This type of testing done to check how well the system performs under different load conditions, such as high traffic or heavy data processing.
Scalability Testing: This type of testing done to check how well the system can handle increasing amounts of data or users.
Availability Testing: This type of testing done to check how well the system can handle unplanned downtime and how quickly it can recover from a failure.
Maintainability Testing: This type of testing done to check how easy it is to maintain and update the system over time.
Conclusion
So, in this way, non- functional testing helps to improve quality, performance and behavior of software or application. Non-functional testing is an essential part of software testing, as it helps to ensure that the application meets not just its functional requirements but also its nonfunctional requirements, making it more reliable, secure, and user-friendly.