Non-functional testing tests the way a system works rather than checking the functional requirements of the system. It puts the system into a non-measurable perspective, testing aspects such as scalability, loads, security and disaster management. It checks the system readiness to combat all unpredicted situations, truly demonstrating the Quality of the software keeping in mind User Experience as the focus.

Tests under Non-functional Testing

 

Non-functional testing includes a variety of tests to keep a check on the different requirements of the software. Non-functional tests are often overlapping with each other and the names are used interchangeably.

 

Performance Testing

 

Performance testing validates that software takes care of all the business needs in terms of load generated by the usage. It ensures reasonable response times and acceptable throughputs. Performance testing also guesstimates the expected increase in the user activities and the number of users itself predicting the required scalability of the system. This testing method monitors system metrics related to CPU, Memory optimization and more.

 

This is one of the most challenging of the Tests to be conducted under non functional testing.

 

• Load testing
• Volume testing
• Stress testing
• Efficiency testing
• Endurance testing
• Scalability testing
• Security testing

 

Security testing is a type of Performance testing to keep a check on system breaches like unauthorized accesses and data access and sharing violations. It lays down procedures to set up User roles and authorizations as also is a key to designing the Network Topologies.

 

Popular Tools for Performance Testing

 

• Apache JMeter
• LoadRunner
• BlazeMeter
• LoadUI
• OpenSTA
• WebLOAD
• NeoLoad
• WAPT
• Rational Performance Tester
• CloudTest
• Testing Anywhere
• Loadster
• LoadImpact
• Appvance
• Loadstorm
• QEngine

Resilience & Disaster Recovery Testing

 

These methods establish how dependable the system is and how it behaves under failed scenarios. It keeps a check on the contingencies designed into the system itself. It tests the backup & restore procedures and also the ability to critical systems to isolate failed Production environments and continue with alternative environments to continue the work. This non functional testing confirms the procedures laid out to manage the requirements for Production Environment restoration, especially the databases.

 

• Recovery testing
• Reliability testing
• Availability testing

 

Operational Testing

 

This testing procedure checks how easy it is or not for end users and organizations to operate the software under real life scenarios. Situations like porting of the software from one environment to another or operating from multiple locations with heterogeneous setups are examined. Maintenance related errors and compliances adhered to are checked under this process.

 

• Portability testing
• Compatibility testing
• Interoperability testing
• Internationalization testing and Localization testing
• Maintainability testing
• Compliance testing
• Usability testing

 

Benefits of Non Functional Testing

 

The biggest reason for having Non Functional testing is to ensure User Satisfaction. The advantages offered by this method of testing are reflected in the Quality assurance of the system in sensitive areas.

 

Assures Better Security

 

It goes without saying that a system without proper security is prone to attacks and breaches from various sources. Non functional tests reconfirm that the precautions taken in the system are adequate and assure that the system offers fool-proof security to both data and the software itself.

 

Checks What Cannot be tested by Functional Testing

 

Certain Tests cannot be planned under Functional Testing. Non Functional Testing take care that these areas which are not taken care of by Functional Tests are completely checked by it. Typically tests like Load Testing falls under the category of Non Functional Testing as the Functional tests only reconfirm the outputs in accordance of the expectations set by the System Designs.

 

Ensures Flawless Performance

 

A good Functional Testing plan drives towards the efficiency of the system. A fast, efficient and correct performance ensures the reliability of the system and stabilizes the Performance. Organizations with critical operations like Transportation networks, E-Commerce based operations and Banks would be at a greater advantage with this superior reliability of the Software.

 

Is Quite Lucid as the Tests Hardly Change

 

The tests for Non Functional testing do not change as their purpose is to reconfirm the same always, making them easy to comprehend.

 

• Performance of the system
• Security procedures laid down
• Dependability of the software

 

On A Parting Note

 

SPEC QA ensures the right mix of Manual and Automated Testing and provide support through the Testing Life Cycle. Our unbiased test reports help smoother implementations with near zero post delivery defects and higher customer satisfaction.

 

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