Some Principles Applied In Approach For Non-Functional Software Testing

Functional and Non-Functional testing are the two primary forms of testing connected to requirements in the testing world. Under the general heading of Non-Functional requirements, this kind of testing essentially refers to essentially required testing. The reduction of production operational hazards is the main goal of nonfunctional testing. These tests serve to validate the system’s needs and other characteristics that have nothing to do with functioning (ex: capacity, stability, response times, recoverability, security, and operability etc).

The fulfillment of the Non-Functional operational principles is typically a factor in all Non-Functional tests that fall under the purview of a particular project. These guidelines give all new systems the essential direction to be prepared for production when they are deployed in the production (live) environment.

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Practically speaking, the following basic operational principles apply:

1. The System has undergone testing.
2. The System is dependable.
3. The System can be fixed.
4. The System is trustworthy.
5. The System is scalable and has capacity.
6. The System is scalable
7. The System may be observed.
8. The System is capable of support and upkeep.
9. The System is safe.
10. The System functioning limits of the system are known.
11. The System has its integrity.
12. The System is operated by SLA.

These guidelines are often followed in a developed programme where the Testing project is implemented. The PMO (Project Management Office), Project or Program Management Board typically reviews these concepts.

Non Functional Test Items

Understanding which requirements are Тon-Аunctional and which are eligible for such testing is essential. This may result from a variety of documents, lessons learned from prior initiatives, or meeting outcomes. The usual method for identifying the inputs for Non-Functional testing is to refer to the following collection of documents:

• High Level Requirements or Business Requirements Specification;
• Detailed Requirements Specification (Functional) or Low Level Requirements Specification of applications including processes;
• Testing Guidelines which normally is derived from test strategies;
• Testing Approach;
• Non-Functional requirements of each application if documented e.g. performance requirements of transactions, security.

Environment Specification

Test Pass and Fail determination criteria. The items that should be judged acceptable and not acceptable after the test must be defined precisely. An instance of some of the pass/fail criteria could be very strict  — effective validation of each operational concept is required, as well as successful implementation and rollback.

Approach towards Non-functional Testing

The methods for Non-Functional testing vary from application to application within an organization depending on the type of application (web, batch, etc.). Utilizing a risk impact approach when performing Non-Functional testing is a recommended practice. This could imply, for instance, that any new or modified programmes, codes, batches, or functionalities are given top priority. These should be tested with HIGH Priority, whereas tests that are self-referential and that were previously working but have not regressed are given MEDIUM priority and are carried out in the best-case scenario. This can vary greatly depending on the program’s goal and its scope. In any event, the mentioned testing approach must fall under the purview of the testing strategy, and the goals of the testing strategy must be consistent with the entire program’s goals.

Non-functional Test Methodology / Approach

In addition to final End-to-End or User Acceptance Testing (UAT) tests, Non-Functional test activities are typically performed after unit and functional testing services. The majority of the tests will be carried out by the Non-Functional testing team (which, as a best practice, might be an independent team of testers) in order to reduce any production risks. Because this testing requires a variety of skills that are occasionally not present on the same test team (and may even be outside the organization), it may be supplemented with resources from the development stream in those circumstances, but overall accountability and coordination rest with the test team.

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Start and Finish of Non-Functional Tests

To help you choose the beginning or entry point for the Non-Functional testing, consider the following:

• There were no significant mistakes found throughout the application walkthrough and inspection;
• Available test environment and infrastructure;
• All significant tests that will be conducted have test data accessible;
• Customers have registered for the necessary test tool;
• Non-Functional testing input documents are easily accessible;
• Test cases are produced and the testing requirements are recorded;
• Test cases have been authorized;
• Performance and security testing can be carried out with the aid of the necessary tools and support methods.

Finish or exit of of Non-functional Testing

Similar to that, the following advice could be used to determine when to end Non-Functional testing:

• All Non-Functional tests have provided the anticipated results;
• All tests and their outcomes are documented as test results;
• Until anticipated quality is met, rework and retesting are repeated;
• There are no outstanding major or high priority defects. This is also dependent on the testing technique;
• Results of Non-Functional tests are noted and approved.

Non Functional Testing Adjournment / Restart Criteria

It could be beneficial to suspend the Non-Functional testing for a while. Let’s use an example where the application has undergone a significant update. In that instance, waiting until the application functional level testing is finished is preferable. Similarly, the following advice could be used to determine when to halt ongoing Non-Functional testing:

• Testing being halted as a result of a setting problem, such as an unavailable server;
• Transaction response times are far slower than the predefined values. Consequently, tuning is needed in between test cycles;
• Any other Non-Functional testing has failed miserably.

Similarly, the following are some instances in which a suspension of such testing may be lifted:

• Adequate corrections have been made in order for the exam to now meet the established pass standards if it were to be retaken after failing;
• Errors in the environment have been fixed.

Availability of Testing Environment

The environment specification contains information on the software environments’ readiness to conduct Non-Functional tests. Let’s imagine that in order to conduct a transaction security test, the application must first be prepared and transactions must be successful. There is no method to test the security of the transactions if the transaction is unsuccessful. In a similar vein, if Non-Functional testing wishes to evaluate the performance of the application, it is necessary that the software component is operating as intended in the integrated environment.

Availability of Hardware Infrastructure

The software environment is incomplete without the necessary ideal hardware in place. Because of this, it is advised that all hardware environments and infrastructure be accessible. Additionally, it is critical that only the best hardware be made available, as this will determine how well the programme performs in a real-world setting. This is due to the fact that, if testing is conducted on dedicated servers, performance will typically be excellent. The outcome of the Non-Functional test could not hold true if the same application is used in production on virtual or shared servers. So in essence, a similar hardware infrastructure is needed.

Requirements of Testing Tool

• Tracking of requirements coverage; 
• Test condition coverage;
• Test script repository;
• Test case design and construction;
• Recording of real test script results; 
• Tracking of test progress;
• Metrics for test execution; 
• Defect management.

Testing Schedule & Test Sequence

After the necessary hardware and software are made accessible, testing can start. After all deployed code is secure and at least one testing cycle has been completed successfully, testing will begin. After all testing is finished, a test completion report will be generated. Prior to the interim test completion report, the higher priority test should be finished at the beginning of the cycle. Let’s assume that all crucial security tests will be carried out first because security is more important than performance.

Test Resources

It should be obvious who was on the test team for Non-Functional testing:

• Non-Functional test approach;
• Conditions for Non-Functional tests and anticipated outcomes;
• Actual test outcomes;
• Completion report for a Non-Functional test.