Software testing
Also called: Testing, QA testing
Checking that software does what it should, and finding problems before real users do.
Definition
Software testing is the process of evaluating an app or website to find defects and to check that it meets its requirements and the needs of its users. It includes running the software (dynamic testing) and also reviewing documents and designs (static testing). Testing cannot prove there are no bugs, but it reduces the risk that serious ones reach users.
In practice
Before a food delivery app is released, a tester places orders, changes addresses, cancels orders and pays with different cards to see whether anything breaks or behaves unexpectedly.
Learn it in context
Lessons that use this term.
Related terms
- Quality assuranceActivities that improve the process of building software so fewer defects get made in the first place.
- Quality controlChecking the finished product for defects; testing is the main quality control activity.
- BugA problem in the software that makes it behave differently from what is expected.
- Test caseA written set of steps, data and an expected result used to check one specific behavior.