Unpacking the Differences: Understanding Functional Testing vs Integration Testing
Throughout all of human history, few inventions have rivaled the personal computer. This device has brought with it boundless potential to create.
Software development is one of its most unique uses, and it’s possible to make a multi-million dollar product from a laptop. However, it’s crucial to understand the difference between functional testing vs integration testing.
Otherwise, proper software engineering becomes impractical and even impossible in some cases. We’ve written a brief guide with the key details you need to know about these processes during software coding. Let’s explore the most important information to keep in mind for testing.
Table of Contents
Functional Testing
As the name implies, functional testing involves assessing an application against its functional requirements. For instance, let’s assume you’ve created a financial management application. The purpose of this app is to serve as a hub that provides access to the bank accounts you’ve linked.
Functional testing would check to see if the app worked as intended in various use cases. In this example, you would test to see how the app stored user information, how the account linking processes worked, and how the financial info is updated. There are countless metrics to consider regardless of the scenario.
This type of testing uses a method known as “black-box testing.” This assesses functionality without looking into the app’s internal structure.
To clarify, the user who tests the app won’t know what processes take place. Instead, they’ll only learn whether the app passed the test. Let’s explore the key steps of functional testing to provide more insight into how it works.
Identification
Before moving forward, you’ll need to identify the requirements and specifications you’re testing. These play a large role in how effective the process is. Depending on the app’s complexity, this could take a substantial amount of time.
Test Case Design
Users will use the test plan they create to design test cases. These will vary in complexity depending on what you’re testing. Inexperienced users may find test case design difficult at first, but it’s integral to the process.
Analysis/Planning
The analysis and planning stages will determine how the testing will occur. Users will create a document to log key information and serve as a reference. It’s best to keep this document as detailed as possible to avoid issues in the future.
Input Data Creation
Once you’ve determined what you need to test, you can figure out the inputs you’ll use. For example, testing an app’s security could involve attempting to access an account with a previously used password. The inputs you select should mirror what actual users would choose.
Result Comparison
Compare the results you get with your expected results. If they match or aren’t too far off, you’re on the right track.
If not, you’ll need to determine where things went wrong. Regardless, this info can help you improve your app overall.
Integration Testing
Unlike functional testing, this method doesn’t consider whether an app works as intended. Instead, it divides the app into software modules and tests how they interact with each other.
To help visualize these, imagine an app was divided into 10 different modules. They’re named from A to J. Module A would be tested against modules B, C, D, etc.
Then, module B would be tested against A, C, D, etc. There are three separate approaches you can use for integration testing. The best choice will depend on your circumstances.
Bottom-Up Approach
You can use this method by testing from the bottom to the top of the module system you create. In the aforementioned example, you’d test module J against the other modules before moving on to module I. Afterward, you’ll integrate the modules to assess the system as a whole.
Top-Down Approach
The top-down approach is similar to what was discussed in the scenario where the app is segmented into modules from A to J. Higher-level modules are tested first before moving on to others. Similar to bottom-up testing, they’re then integrated and tested as a whole.
Big Bang Approach
The Big Bang method requires that the app’s modules are combined and tested after segmentation testing occurs. This aims to assess functionality and discern areas of concern. The test is considered a failure even if a single component doesn’t pass.
Which Is Best?
It can be difficult at first to determine which type of testing is best for your situation. Understanding common use cases will help you narrow down your decision.
Functional testing is best for identifying issues that could evolve into something more serious. It’s also great for testing systems under a variety of different scenarios.
Integration testing is more geared toward verifying module functionality. It also assesses if they can work in unity. The systemic way it tests systems for bugs is a major benefit, as well.
Getting Started
If you hire outside help, it’s best to research the firm’s reputation thoroughly. This will provide valuable insight into what you can expect from hiring them.
Pay close attention to how they handle criticism. Never hire a firm that gets defensive or aggressive toward negative feedback.
If you choose to test software on your own, you shouldn’t do so unless you have the required experience. Improper testing could result in false positives that influence your response. The last thing you want is to modify your software based on improper information.
This is especially important for people who don’t have extensive backgrounds in software development. Consider completing a software testing certificate course to brush up on your skills.
This goes a long way toward getting the best results. Keep this in mind when moving forward.
Don’t Neglect Functional Testing vs Integration Testing
At first, functional testing vs integration testing can seem difficult to understand. The good news is these concepts are much more straightforward than most people anticipate.
The information in this guide will help make sure you get started on the right path. Our blog has plenty of other tech info that can help you out in the future. Be sure to check it out today!
Last Updated on March 9, 2024
