What are Software Testing Types ?

Black box testing : You don't need to know the internal design in detail or have a good knowledge about the code for this test. It's mainly based on functionality and specifications, requirements.

White box testing : This test is based on detailed knowledged of the internal design and code. Tests are performed for specific code statements and coding styles.

Unit testing : The most micro scale of testing to test specific functions or code modules. Typically done by the programmer and not by testers, as it requires detailed knowledge of the internal program design and code. Not always easily done unless the application has a well-designed architecture with tight code, may require developing test driver modules or test harnesses.

Incremental integration testing : Continuous testing of an application as new functionality is added. Requires that various aspects of an application's functionality be independent enough to work separately before all parts of the program are completed, or that test drivers be developed as needed. Done by programmers or by testers.

Integration testing : Testing of combined parts of an application to determine if they function together correctly. It can be any type of application which has several independent sub applications, modules.

Functional testing : Black box type testing to test the functional requirements of an application. Typically done by software testers but software programmers should also check if their code works before releasing it.

System testing : Black box type testing that is based on overall requirements specifications. Covers all combined parts of a system.

End to End testing : It's similar to system testing. Involves testing of a complete application environment similar to real world use. May require interacting with a database, using network communications, or interacting with other hardware, applications, or systems.

Sanity testing or smoke testing : An initial testing effort to determine if a new sw version is performing well enough to start for a major software testing. For example, if the new software is crashing frequently or corrupting databases then it is not a good idea to start testing before all these problems are solved first.

Regression testing : Re-testing after software is updated to fix some problems. The challenge might be to determine what needs to be tested, and all the interactions of the functions, especially near the end of the sofware cycle. Automated testing can be useful for this type of testing.

Acceptance testing : This is the final testing done based on the agrements with the customer.

Load / stress / performance testing : Testing an application under heavy loads. Such as simulating a very heavy traffic condition in a voice or data network, or a web site to determine at what point the system start causing problems or fails.

Usability testing : Testing to determine how user friendly the application is. It depends on the end user or customer. User interviews, surveys, video recording of user sessions, and other techniques can be used. Programmers and testers are usually not appropriate as usability testers.

Install / Uninstall testing : Testing of full, partial, or upgrade install / uninstall processes.

Recovery / failover testing : Testing to determine how well a system recovers from crashes, failures, or other major problems.

Security testing : Testing to determine how well the system protects itself against unauthorized internal or external access and intentional damage. May require sophisticated testing techniques.

Compatability testing : Testing how well software performs in different environments. Particular hardware, software, operating system, network environment etc. Like testing a web site in different browsers and browser versions.

Exploratory testing : Often taken to mean a creative, informal software test that is not based on formal test plans or test cases; testers may be learning the software as they test it.

Ad-hoc testing : Similar to exploratory testing, but often taken to mean that the testers have significant understanding of the software before testing it.

Context driven testing : Testing driven by an understanding of the environment, culture, and intended use of software. For example, the testing approach for life critical medical equipment software would be completely different than that for a low cost computer game.

Comparison testing : Comparing software weaknesses and strengths to competing products.

Alpha testing : Testing of an application when development is nearing completion. Minor design changes may still be made as a result of such testing. Typically done by end users or others, not by programmers or testers.

Beta testing : Testing when development and testing are essentially completed and final bugs and problems need to be found before final release. Typically done by end users or others, not by programmers or testers.

Mutation testing : A method for determining if a set of test data or test cases is useful, by deliberately introducing various code changes (defects) and retesting with the original test data/cases to determine if the defects are detected. Proper implementation requires large computational resources.