Is Complete Software Testing Possible | Webomates Inc
Complete testing, aka exhaustive testing, implies that the software has been tested for all possible scenarios and it is 100% defect-free at the time of deployment. But, is it really possible?
Practically speaking, software testing is not really conducted to prove the absence of defects, it essentially detects the presence of defects and aids in their rectification to reduce the risk of failure at the time of use.
Let us explore how absolute testing claims is a fallacy. We can then further delve into possibilities of how to achieve the highest level of quality to match, and also to exceed, the customer expectations.
| Why? | Explanation |
| Large variance in input data | Ideally, the tests should be conducted for both, valid and invalid input data. Considering the fact that a single feature may require multiple inputs, imagine the pool of test data when the input data set is extrapolated to cover both, positive and negative scenarios, for all the input variables. |
| Difficulty in achieving 100% target execution environment scenarios while testing | A software undergoes multiple acid tests in different environments during its lifecycleDevelopment environmentTesting environmentDeployment environmentBest efforts can be made to simulate the conditions that will prevail when the software will be actually used. But, a certain level of unpredictability and uncertainty is always there. |
| Testing all logical paths in conjunction with all possible input combinations is a tough task | Testing all the logical branches, of all the functionalities, with various combinations of valid/invalid data is an extremely time consuming process. It may take a toll on the overall feature development velocity. |
| Coverage based testing may miss data flow related bugs and vice versa | Conducting comprehensive coverage-based testing to test for statements, branches and all the decision flows can leave a gap for data flow related bugs(refer to data related point above). Vice versa is also possible, leading to few undetected defects to escape the net. |
| Unpredictable hardware interrupts | Hardware interrupts are unpredictable. Every time an interrupt signal occurs, the main program saves the data, jumps to the interrupt handler routine, returns to the point of interrupt, recovers the data, and continues further processing. Now, there is a high possibility that any of the variables that were saved while handling the interrupt were affected by the handler routine, or some device got affected leading to an abrupt change in the testing. Addressing 100% of such cases is a tall order. |
| Predicting bugs based on past results for complex projects is difficult | Complex projects need extensive detailing and intensive testing. Yet, there is no certainty of dotting all the i’s and crossing all the t’s. Predictions can be made based on past sample data, but how comprehensive will it be remains a question. |
Effective test management is the beacon of hope
Quality is a multidimensional process. It is not just about testing and releasing products, it starts from the very commencement of the product development cycle. We have discussed this in detail in our article “9 ways to ramp up and improve your quality process”. In this particular article, let us focus more on effective test management which can aid in achieving near zero defects, if not 100% defect free.
| What and How? | Explanation |
| Making airtight functional test cases | No stone should be left unturned while preparing functional test cases. Don’t start with a mindset that the system has to work. Start thinking of the ways to stop the system from crashing, and then weave your test cases accordingly. |
| Test more – test smart | Defining a smart test strategy holds the key to successful testing. Read more about it on our blog “Test Smart – Develop faster”, where we have discussed the approaches for faster development process with high quality results. Shift left approach coupled with rigorous testing and comprehensive regression testing ensures that maximum defects are caught at an early stage, giving enough time for their rectification. |
| Automate | AI assisted automation can take the testing game to an entirely different level. Automation has been around for quite some time and AI has enhanced its capabilities further. |
| Leverage the power of exploratory and ad-hoc testing | Automated tests do yield desired results, but when they are coupled with exploratory testing and ad-hoc testing, the probability of covering more scenarios is much higher. |
| Choose the right testing tool | Choosing the right testing tool is half the battle won. Identifying the needs and then looking for a tool that fits the bill, without being too heavy on the pocket is an obvious preference. |
How Webomates can help you in optimizing your testing process
Webomates test platform provides high quality in significantly less time. Webomates AI tools can make life much easier for the QA and development team. Click to know more about this article: How Test software
AI Defect Predictor | Shift left testing | regression testing | ad-hoc testing |
