What is software testing? A beginner’s guide 2025

Let’s start with a story today! Imagine you’re using an online shopping app. You add items to your cart, but when you try to check out, the app crashes. This kind of bug could frustrate users and cause the company to lose sales.

With proper testing, this issue would be found and fixed before the app is released, ensuring customers can shop smoothly.

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll break down what software testing is, why it matters, and how you can get started, even if you’re completely new.

What is software testing? 

Software program testing is a process of verifying and validating whether or not the software product or application is working as expected or not. The complete testing includes identifying errors and bugs that cause future problems for the performance of an application.

Why is software testing Important?

1. Software testing is important because it ensures that a software program application functions as intended, meets consumer expectations, and is free from important bugs or vulnerabilities. 
2. By identifying and fixing issues early within the development process, testing allows us to improve the reliability, overall performance, and protection of the software. 
3. It additionally performs a key feature in validating that the product aligns with commercial enterprise requirements, in the end leading to higher client satisfaction and reduced maintenance costs after release. 
4. In essence, software testing is crucial for delivering dependable and user-friendly software.

What are the types of software testing?

When it comes to software testing, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach. Different situations require different testing methods. Whether you’re checking if a feature works, how fast an app runs, or how secure it is, each type of testing plays a unique role.

1. Manual testing

Manual testing is when a tester checks the software manually, without using any tools. They follow test cases, use the app like a user, and compare results to what’s expected.

Best for: Exploratory testing, checking usability, or testing new features.

Advantages of manual testing

1. Speedy visual feedback
2. Value-powerful 
3. Beginner-friendly
4. Bendy for modifications

Types of manual testing

a. White box testing

White box testing is a software application testing technique in which the internal structure, logic, and code of the tool are examined. 

The tester knows the inner workings of the code, including control flow, data flow, branches, loops, and conditions.

Advantages of White box testing

1. Thoroughly attempting out
2. Code Optimization
3. Early Detection of Defects
4. Detection of Complicated Defects

b. Black box testing

Black box testing is a software program application testing approach in which the internal structure, layout, or implementation of the item being tested is not visible to the tester. Instead, the tester focuses on analyzing the functionality of the software based on the given requirements and specifications.

Types of Black box testing

1.  Functional Testing
2.  Non-Functional testing

Advantages of black box testing:

1. The tester does not want to have greater realistic programming talents to perform the black subject trying out.
2. It is green for imposing the checks inside the massive gadget.
3. Exams are performed from the person’s or consumer’s point of view.
4. Check instances are reproducible without trouble.
5. Miles are used to locate the anomalies and contradictions inside the beneficial specifications.

1. Functional Testing: 

Functional testing is a type of black box testing used to test if the software system performs according to its specified requirements. 

This process focuses on verifying that each function of the application works properly, ensuring that the software can provide the expected outcomes based on user needs.

Advantages of Functional Testing:

1. Malicious program—loose product
2. Consumer pleasure
3. Trying out targeted specifications.
4. Right running of the software
5. Improves the fantastic of the product

Types of Functional Testing

a. Unit testing

1. Unit testing is a software program testing technique where individual components or functions of an application are tested separately. 
2. It is commonly performed by developers to ensure that each part of the code works successfully on its very own.

b. Integration testing

1. Integration testing checks how two or more software modules work together. 
2. It focuses on verifying that the connections and data flow between these modules are functioning correctly.
3. The goal is to find any issues in how the modules interact. This type of testing is done after each module has passed unit testing.

c. System testing

1. System testing is a kind of software testing that checks the overall functionality and performance of a complete and integrated software solution.
2. It checks whether the system meets the specified requirements and is ready for delivery to the intended users.

d. User Acceptance

1. User Acceptance Testing (UAT) is an important section in software testing where the software is verified in a real-world scenario by end-users to make sure it meets their requirements and functions as expected.
2.  Unlike other forms of testing, UAT focuses on validating the software’s user-friendliness, functionality, and performance from the user’s perspective.

2. Non-Functional testing

Non-functional testing is a type of black-box and software testing used to verify the non-functional requirements of an application. 

It checks whether the system’s behavior aligns with the expected criteria. 

This testing focuses on aspects not covered in functional testing, such as performance, usability, and reliability.

Advantages of Non-functional Testing

1. Stepped-forward performance
2. Much less time-eating
3. Improves customer experience
4. A more relaxed product

Types of Non-functional testing

a.  Performance Testing

• Performance testing is used to assess how efficiently a software application runs under a defined workload. 
• It focuses on measuring aspects like speed, system responsiveness, and stability when multiple users or processes are interacting with the software. 
• This type of testing helps find performance-related issues along with slow response instances, memory leaks, or system crashes.
• By doing so, it ensures that the software can deliver a smooth and reliable experience even during peak usage.

b.  Usability testing

• Usability testing assesses how user-friendly, intuitive, and accessible a software application is from the end user’s perspective.
• It focuses on the overall consumer experience, making sure that the interface is easy to navigate, features are easy to understand, and users can accomplish tasks efficiently without confusion or frustration.

c. Compatibility testing

• Compatibility testing verifies that a software application performs correctly across various browsers, devices, operating systems, network settings, and hardware configurations. 
• This testing ensures that customers have a consistent and practical experience, no matter the platform or environment they use.

c. Grey box testing 

Grey box testing is a software program application testing technique that combines both black box testing and white box testing approaches. 

\In the black box testing method, the tester does not have an understanding of the internal structure of the object being tested, while in the white box testing method, the tester is fully aware of the internal structure.

Advantages of Grey Box testing

1. Clarity of goals
2. Accomplished from a user’s attitude
3. High programming capabilities are not required.
4. Non-intrusive
5. Advanced product best

Additional common  Non-functional testing types:

1. Load testing

The goal of load testing is to confirm that the software or application can handle the expected volume of transactions and perform reliably under both normal and peak load conditions.

Example: Simulating 500 users logging into an application at the same time to observe how the system responds.

2. Stress Testing

Stress testing is conducted to evaluate how a system behaves under extreme load conditions that exceed normal usage levels.

It helps identify the breaking point and observe how the system recovers from failure.

Example: Overloading server resources to test how the application performs and responds during resource exhaustion or system crashes.

3. Scalability testing

Scalability testing evaluates a software application’s ability to scale up or down in response to varying workloads.

It examines how the system manages increasing numbers of users, transactions, or data volumes while maintaining acceptable levels of performance, stability, and reliability.

Example: Testing whether an application can efficiently handle a user base growing from 1,000 to 10,000 with minimal performance degradation.

4. Security testing

Security testing is executed to identify vulnerabilities and verify that the software effectively protects data and prevents unauthorized access. 

It ensures that the system is secure against threats and complies with security standards.

Example: Testing for SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), or weak password policies to identify potential security flaws.

5. Stability testing

Sanity testing is performed during the release stage to check the core functionalities of the application without going into deeper testing. It is also considered a subset of regression testing. 

It is carried out at the “release stage.” Sometimes, due to time constraints during release, complete regression testing cannot be performed; sanity testing helps by checking the main functionalities.

Example: A CPU test is a common type of stability test. It examines processor stability and also monitors its performance when the processor’s workload is increased.

6. Cookie testing

Cookies are small text documents containing unique identifiers stored on a user’s device while visiting a website.

They act as a storage mechanism for web browsers, saving browsing information such as preferences, customizations, login credentials, and more, specific to that particular website. 

Cookie testing ensures that cookies are created, stored, and deleted properly, allowing websites to deliver a personalized user experience.

Additional testing types:

1. Regression testing

Regression testing is the process of verifying whether recent code changes have impacted the existing functionality of a software application. 

It ensures that all features continue to work properly after updates or bug fixes.

2. Acceptance testing

Acceptance testing is a process based on user  needs, requirements, and business processes. 

It is conducted to determine whether a system meets the acceptance criteria and to help users, clients, or other authorized stakeholders decide whether to accept the system.

3. Sanity testing

Sanity testing is performed during the release stage to verify the core functionalities of the software without going into detailed testing. 

It is considered a part of regression testing and is conducted at the “release level.” In cases where there is limited time for a full regression test, sanity testing ensures that the essential features are working correctly in the latest build.

4. Smoke testing

Smoke testing is performed to make sure that the build received from the development team is stable and testable. 

It is also known as a “Day 0” test and is conducted at the “build level.” 

This type of testing prevents wasting time by avoiding full application testing when critical features are not working or major bugs remain unresolved.

5. End-to-End testing

End-to-end testing is the process of validating the software application from beginning to end. 

This testing ensures that the entire workflow of the application functions as expected. It is also referred to as system testing.

2. Automation testing

Automation testing is the manner of using tools and scripts to automatically test a software application. 

Unlike manual testing, where testers check features by hand, automation testing runs test cases with minimal human effort. 

This is especially helpful for repetitive tasks, such as checking login functionality or validating form inputs across multiple browsers or devices.

Automation testing uses tools and scripts to automate repetitive test cases. Once written, automated tests can run quickly across different browsers or platforms.

Importance of automation testing in today’s world

1. Manually repeating these tests is costly and time-consuming. Once created, automated tests can be run over and over again at no additional cost, and they are much faster than manual tests. 
2. Automated software testing can reduce the time to run repetitive tests from days to hours.

Advantages of Automation Testing

1. Simplifies check case execution.
2. Improves the Reliability of exams
3. Increases the amount of the check insurance
4. Minimizing Human Interplay

SDLC vs STLC

Understanding the difference between the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) is essential for building and delivering high-quality software. While SDLC covers the overall software creation process, STLC focuses specifically on the testing part of that process.

Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

SDLC is a structured process used by developers to plan, build, test, and deploy software. It ensures the final product is delivered efficiently, with quality, and within scope.

Phases of SDLC

Requirement collecting and evaluation

• Understand what the user needs.
• Collect and document enterprise and technical requirements.

Planning

• Define the scope, budget, timeline, and resources.
• Create an in depth assignment plan and threat analysis.

Design

• System and software design is ready from the requirements.
• Consists of structure, interface, and information design.

Development

• Developers write the actual code using chosen programming languages and tools, following the design documents.

Testing

• The software program is examined to become aware of defects or bugs.
• Ensures the product works as anticipated and meets the requirements.

Deployment

• Software is released to users.
• The finished software is released to end users. Deployment can be gradual or all at once, depending on the organization’s strategy

Maintenance

• Perform updates, fix issues, and enhance features based on user remarks.
• Ensures software remains useful and functional over time.

Popular SDLC models

1. Waterfall model – Sequential and structured.
2. Agile model – Iterative and collaborative.
3. V-model – Validation and verification centered.
4. Spiral model – hazard-driven and bendy.
5. Iterative model – build software incrementally.

Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC)

 STLC is a subset of SDLC. It defines the steps involved in validating that the software meets quality standards and works as expected. It ensures defects are identified and resolved before deployment.

1. Requirement Analysis

• Requirement analysis is step one of the software testing life Cycle (STLC). In this section the quality assurance crew understands the requirements like what is to be tested.
•  If something is missing or no longer understandable then the high-quality assurance crew meets with the stakeholders to better understand the specific information of requirements

2. Test Planning

• Test planning is the most efficient section of the software program testing life cycle, where all testing plans are described.
•  In this section, the manager of the testing team calculates the expected effort and cost for testing paintings. 
• This section gets started as soon as the requirement-collecting section is completed. 

3. Test design

• The test case development phase gets started as soon as the take a look at the planning section is completed.
•  In this section, checking out crew notes down the particular take a look at cases. The testing team additionally prepares the required test information for the testing.
• When the take-a-look cases are prepared, then they are reviewed by using the quality assurance team.

4. Test environment Setup

• Test environment Setup is an important part of the STLC. Basically, the test environment decides the situations in which software is tested. 
• This is an independent activity and may be started together with check case improvement. In this manner, the checking-out team is not involved. Both the developer and the consumer create the testing environment.

5. Test Execution

• In test execution, after the test case development and test environment setup, take a look at the execution section to get started. 
• In this section, the testing team begins executing check cases based on prepared instances. Take a look at the earlier step.

6. Test closure

• The test closure phase marks the formal completion of the testing process. It includes wrapping up all testing activities and evaluating the general greatness and effectiveness of the testing efforts.

 Common testing tools:  

1. BrowserStack Test Management  

• BrowserStack Take a Look at Management is the state-of-the-art software program check control platform that gives a centralized check case repository with the first-rate, in-class UI/UX.
•  Integrates with different BrowserStack software programs, trying out gear consisting of Stay, Check Observability, Automate & App Automate.

2. Katalon Platform:

• Katalon Platform is a complete, high-quality control platform that permits teams to effortlessly and efficiently check, release, and optimize the fine virtual studies.

3. LambdaTest

• Lambda Test is a tool that helps developers and testers check their software on different web browsers, devices, and operating systems.
• It helps both manual and automated testing, making sure the whole thing works well everywhere.

4. QA Wolf

• QA Wolf revolutionizes software testing by offering a powerful fusion of automated testing tools and professional QA services, enabling web application teams to attain 80% end-to-end test coverage at an unprecedented pace.

5. Selenium

• Selenium is a tool that helps you to create and run tests on websites the usage of different web browsers.
•  It has a feature that allows you to record actions and create tests without needing to write code.

6. Jira

• Jira is a popular software tool developed by Atlassian that is used for project management, bug tracking, and issue tracking, especially in Agile development.

Role of Software Testing in Agile

In Agile development, software testing plays an ongoing and important role throughout the entire project. Unlike traditional models where testing happens at the end, Agile includes testing from the start.

• Early and Continuous Testing:
  Testing begins on the first day and continues in every sprint. This helps catch bugs early, making them easier and cheaper to fix.
• Collaboration with Developers and Stakeholders:
  Testers work closely with developers, product owners, and stakeholders to understand the requirements and provide useful feedback.
• Support for Test Automation:
  Since Agile moves fast, automated testing is essential. Testers help create and maintain test scripts for things like regression and integration testing.
• Frequent Feedback:
  Testing gives quick feedback on every update, helping the team make smart decisions and maintain quality.
• User-Focused Testing:
  Agile aims to deliver real value to users. Testers check features based on user needs and acceptance criteria.
• Flexibility:
  Agile testers need to adapt quickly to changes. Their input is helpful during sprint planning and backlog updates.
• Defect Prevention:
  Agile focuses on preventing issues rather than just finding them. Methods like BDD (Behavior-Driven Development) and TDD (Test-Driven Development) support this approach.

Soft Skills for a Software Tester

At the same time as technical skills are important, soft skills are simply essential for a software tester to work correctly and contribute as a team member.

Key soft skills every tester has to have:

1. Communication – Report bugs and share feedback clearly with the team.
2. Analytical Thinking – Understand requirements and design logical test scenarios.
3. Attention to Detail – Spot small issues that could lead to major bugs.
4. Problem-Solving – Identify root causes and suggest effective solutions.
5. Time Management – Handle deadlines and prioritize test tasks efficiently.
6. Adaptability – Adjust quickly to changing requirements or environments.
7. Teamwork – Collaborate smoothly with developers, designers, and stakeholders.
8. Curiosity – Ask questions, explore edge cases, and keep learning new tools.

Challenges in Software Testing

Software testing plays a critical role in making sure a product is first-class, but it additionally comes with numerous demanding situations that testers face regularly. Right here are the most common ones:

1. Incomplete or changing requirements

• Requirements may be uncertain, incomplete, or change frequently—making it tough to lay out correct test cases.

2. Time Constraints

• Checking out is frequently squeezed into short timeframes, especially at the end of development cycles, decreasing the time to take a look at insurance.

3. lack of communication

• Negative communication between testers, builders, and stakeholders can result in misunderstandings and ignored bugs.

4. Insufficient testing environment

• Unstable or unavailable test environments can postpone testing and result in erroneous check consequences.

5. Test data challenges

• Creating valid, realistic, and reusable check data can be time-consuming and complicated, mainly for large applications.

6. Automation limitations

• While automation speeds up repetitive tasks, not everything can or must be automated. Identifying the proper balance is a consistent venture.

7. Exploratory testing needs skill.

• Unscripted testing (exploratory) relies upon the tester’s revelry and instinct, making outcomes inconsistent without skilled testers.

8. Tool and Platform Fragmentation

• Testing across a couple of devices, browsers, and platforms will increase complexity and resource requirements.

9. High bug fix Turnaround stress

• Quick decisions and retesting of defects can cause strain, miscommunication, or maybe neglected insects.

10. Maintaining test cases and scripts

• With frequent updates to code or UI, preserving check instances and automatic scripts updated is hard work—in depth.

Conclusion

Software testing is an important part of the software program improvement method, ensuring the very last product is dependable, reliable, and performs as expected. From manual to automated testing, and from functional to non-functional testing, each method performs an essential role in handing over software.Learn more about our ecommerce QA services. Get support from experienced enterprise ecommerce solutions.