Introduction to Software Testing Basics
Introduction to Software Testing
Software testing is the process of evaluating and verifying that a software product or application
does what it is supposed to do. The goal is to find defects early and ensure quality.
Why Testing is Important
Testing reduces risks, improves quality, ensures customer satisfaction, and helps save costs by
detecting issues early in the development cycle.
Types of Testing
• Unit Testing – testing individual components. • Integration Testing – testing combined
components. • System Testing – testing the complete application. • User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
– verifying the system with end users.
Manual vs. Automated Testing
Manual testing involves human execution of test cases without tools. Automated testing uses
scripts and tools to run tests faster and more reliably.
Common Testing Techniques
• Black-box Testing – focuses on inputs and outputs. • White-box Testing – checks internal logic
and code. • Exploratory Testing – testers explore the system without predefined cases.
Test Case Design Best Practices
Test cases should be clear, reusable, and traceable. They must include preconditions, steps,
expected results, and postconditions.
Bug Life Cycle
A bug goes through several stages: New → Assigned → In Progress → Fixed → Retested →
Closed. Some may be Reopened if issues persist.
Agile & Testing
In Agile, testing is continuous and integrated into each sprint. Testers collaborate closely with
developers and product owners.
Tools Overview
• Jira – defect tracking and project management. • Selenium – web application automation. •
Postman – API testing. • JMeter – performance testing.
Conclusion & Key Takeaways
Software testing is essential for delivering high-quality applications. A solid understanding of
techniques, processes, and tools is critical for every tester.
