The Main Types of Software Testing Methodologies and Testing Based on Business Objectives – SENLA Company

SENLA’s team is starting a series of articles in which we will discuss various types and methodologies of testing. We want to systematize all testing methodologies and types so that our articles give you a clear picture of the testing landscape.

For example, some articles describe the process of testing only from the management point of view, without diving into testing types. The problem is that these posts do not provide a single picture of testing methodologies, which can be confusing.

There are a lot of articles about testing on the Internet, but most of them describe methodologies and types of software testing without solid classification.

What would you think if you saw the phrase “complex research automated black-box testing?” . Most likely, you would find it ludicrous. But if you break this phrase into pieces, you will get what it is about. To fully understand the meaning, you need a precise system of testing types and methodologies in your mind, but achieving this may be a problem.

In this article, we will discuss the main testing methodologies which are used by internal QA teams or software testing companies. We will also look at the main types of software testing from the point of view of testing objectives . These types all divide into two major groups: functional and non-functional testing.

The classification of these testing types can vary depending on your perspective. For example, if you want to define the types of testing with respect to execution time, you will get one set of testing approaches. If you want to define types of testing regarding levels of testing, you will get another.

The second thing is that there are many types of testing (e.g., smoke testing), which describe the technical side of the testing process.

The first thing you should know is that there are multiple testing methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum), and they describe the testing process with respect to project management.

The Main Software Testing Methodologies and Approaches

Here are the most popular and well-known testing methodologies, explained step by step.

Agile Methodology

Like some other methodologies on our list, the Agile model can cover not only the sphere of testing but also software development and even marketing.

Software testing methodologies based on the Agile approach usually consist of a sequence of short iterations called sprints.

They are conducted by small working groups that take into account new testing requirements. Each sprint includes stages such as planning, requirements analysis, and testing.

Experts use the Agile approach to reduce risks because with each new iteration a team can take into account the experience of the previous one.

For example, if you understand that some part of the product contained more bugs than predicted.

During the next iteration, you can devote more time to this part of the product and test it more thoroughly.

You may also hear about a popular working model called Scrum. Scrum is a part of the Agile methodology and is also based on sprints.

Each sprint in Scrum ends with a review meeting where team members discuss progress and plan future testing sprints.

Waterfall Methodology

This model is built on a team’s step-by-step progress during the testing process.

First, a whole project is documented and planned. Then, a team of testers makes small steps, one after another.

Each step can’t be taken until the previous one is completed.

One of the main advantages of this methodology is that it’s relatively simple.

The disadvantage is that the team is not able to make fast corrections to the testing process, because it is regimented.

Verification and Validation Methodology (V-Model)

This method is a step-by-step model of software testing.

The main distinguishing feature of this approach is that the development process happens in parallel with the testing process.

As soon as a particular stage of development finishes, the team immediately starts testing a ready-made part of the product.

This approach allows teams to make changes to the product at an early stage and save time and resources in the future.

Incremental Methodology

The incremental testing process consists of multiple iterations. Each of these cycles includes several parts. Each iteration adds value to the product such as new useful features.

Usually, this model consists of three stages: design and development, testing, and final implementation.

The main advantage of this methodology is that it is rather flexible, so a testing team can quickly make edits into the testing process.

Spiral Methodology

This approach can be considered a part of the incremental software testing methodology.

It also consists of cycles that follow one another. They are planning, risk analysis, engineering, and final evaluation.

Each cycle begins when the previous one ends. Also, after the last stage of each cycle, teams get immediate test feedback, so the quality of the product remains high.

This model allows testing teams to quickly find errors and, more importantly, their causes.

XP (Extreme Programming) Methodology

This methodology is based on close cooperation between two testers. One team member works with the code and the second team member immediately reviews it.

Each stage of this test method can be considered complete once a piece of code is written and tested.

This approach allows teams to create a high-quality code because every line of it is checked very carefully.

Now let’s discuss the types of testing regarding testing objectives.