System Testing

Overview

System testing is a level of software testing where a complete and integrated software system is tested. The purpose of this test is to evaluate the system's compliance with the specified requirements. System testing is performed on the entire system in the context of a Functional Requirement Specification(s) (FRS) and/or a System Requirement Specification (SRS).

Definition

System testing is defined as testing an integrated system to verify that it meets specified requirements. It is conducted on a complete, integrated system to evaluate the system's behavior and compliance with the business requirements and end user needs. The system testing process includes activities that encompass the execution of the application under test on the final hardware and software platform.

Objectives

The primary objectives of system testing include:

To evaluate the system's compliance with the specific requirements.
To identify and fix any defects in the system.
To validate the software system's functionality and performance.
To ensure that the system is fully functional and ready for user acceptance testing (UAT).

Types of System Testing

There are several types of system testing, each designed to test a specific aspect of the system. These include:

Functional Testing

Functional testing is a type of system testing where the system is tested against the functional requirements/specifications. Functions (or features) are tested by feeding them input and examining the output. Functional testing ensures that the requirements are properly satisfied by the application.

Regression Testing

Regression testing is a type of software testing which verifies that software, which was previously developed and tested, still performs the same way after it was changed or interfaced with other software. Changes may include software enhancements, patches, configuration changes, etc.

Load Testing

Load testing is a type of non-functional testing. A load test is type of software testing which is conducted to understand the behavior of the application under a specific expected load. Load testing is performed to determine a system’s behavior under both normal and anticipated peak load conditions.

Stress Testing

Stress testing is a type of system testing that is used to test the stability and reliability of a system under extreme conditions. Stress testing is particularly important for "mission critical" software, but is used for all types of software.

Performance Testing

Performance testing is a type of system testing designed to evaluate the speed, responsiveness and stability of a computer, network, software program or device under a workload.

Usability Testing

Usability testing is a way to see how easy to use something is by testing it with real users. Users are asked to complete tasks, typically while they are being observed by a researcher, to see where they encounter problems and experience confusion.

System Testing Process

The system testing process involves several distinct steps, including:

1. Test Planning: This is the initial phase where the testing strategy is defined. 2. Test Case Development: In this phase, the test cases are created and reviewed by the team. 3. Test Environment Setup: This is the phase where the testing environment is set up as per the requirements of the system under test. 4. Test Execution: The test cases are executed in this phase. 5. Test Cycle Closure: In this phase, the testing is concluded, and the system is ready for release.

Importance of System Testing

System testing is an essential part of the software development life cycle (SDLC). It helps to identify and fix defects before the software becomes operational. In the absence of system testing, software is likely to suffer from issues such as system crashes, slow system performance, or even system failure. Therefore, system testing helps to ensure that the system functions correctly and provides a quality product to the customer.

Limitations of System Testing

While system testing is an essential part of software development, it is not without its limitations. These include:

Time-consuming: System testing can be a lengthy process as it involves testing the complete system.
Expensive: As system testing involves testing the entire system, it can be expensive.
Complex: System testing can be complex as it involves various types of testing like functional, regression, load, stress, performance, and usability testing.