Active Software Testing

Software testing is a key part of the software development process, ensuring that the final product is reliable, works properly, and is easy for users to interact with. One of the most effective methods of testing is Active Software Testing, where testers directly engage with the software, just like the end-users would. This method aims to simulate real-world use and find issues that automated tests or passive testing might miss.

In this article, we’ll see Active Software Testing, explaining the more detail about the same.

Read More about: Software Development Process

What is Active Software Testing?

Active Testing is a Type of Software Testing in which a tester interacts with software as an end user. Tester assumes that he/she himself/herself is the user of the software and gives the different combinations of the input to validate the actual behavior of the software.

During the performance of active testing, the tester constructs a virtual model of the software under test which continues to grow and refine as interaction with the software continues.
In this type of testing tester himself interacts with the software and checks which type of problems may be generated.

Objective of Active Testing

The objective of active testing is:

• To validate the quality of the software.
• To verify the quality of the software.
• To match the software with users requirements.
• To make the software standard.
• To check the behavior of the software while used by user.
• To detect the issues and defects in the software which can affect functioning of the software.
• To run usability tests rapidly.

Active Testing Process

Following is description about how active testing is performed.

Active Testing Process

1. Test Data Generation: To perform the active testing in a proper manner, firstly a set of input data is created by the tester. Tester make sure on the following data that is created, there might be some problem in the software.

2. Test Case Generation: After the generation of set of test data, different test cases related with it is created by the tester. This contains various combinations of the set of data on which the software behavior may change. This is created according to various user convenience and tester expect that such type of data may be given as input by the end user.

3. Test Case Execution: After the successful creation of test data and test cases, further the execution process is performed and the tester gives the test cases to the software to process. This phase is the main phase of testing process as in this phase software’s actual behavior on specific input is observed.

4. Analysis of result: After the successful execution of the test cases the tester analyzes the actual behavior of the system under specific test cases and decides whether the software is as per end user requirements.

Key Features of Active Software Testing

Here is the common Features of Active Software Testing

1. User-Centric Approach

Active software testing focuses on the end-user experience. Testers put themselves in the user’s shoes to spot usability and functionality issues. The goal is to ensure that the software isn’t just technically correct but also easy to use and intuitive. By simulating how real users will interact with the software, testers can determine whether the product meets user expectations.

2. Interactive Testing

Unlike passive testing, where testers just observe automated tests, active testing requires testers to actively interact with the application. They explore the software’s features, test different workflows, and try to uncover bugs in real-time. This hands-on approach helps identify issues that automated tests might miss, especially those related to user behavior.

3. Real-World Simulation

Active testing is all about simulating real-world usage. While software might work perfectly in controlled tests, it can fail in real-life scenarios where conditions vary. Testers recreate situations that real users might face, such as using the software on different devices, in areas with weak network connections, or during interruptions like power outages.

This helps make sure the software performs well under conditions users are likely to experience.

4. Manual and Automated Methods

Active testing can be done in two ways: manual or automated, depending on what needs to be tested.

• Manual Testing: Testers interact directly with the software, exploring its features and usability. This is perfect for exploratory testing or usability testing, where testers need flexibility to discover new issues.
• Automated Testing: Some aspects of active testing, like checking basic functions or performing regression testing, can be automated. Automation helps save time for repetitive tasks, allowing testers to focus on more complex user-related scenarios.

Active Testing Techniques and methods

Active testing includes different methods to check various aspects of the software:

Active Testing Techniques

1. Functional Testing

This Functional Testing ensures the software works as it should. Testers simulate real user actions to check if the software performs its intended functions. For example, when testing an e-commerce site, functional testing would check if the “add to cart” button works, items are listed correctly, and payments are processed without any issues.

2. Usability Testing

Usability testing looks at how easy and intuitive the software is for users. It helps identify areas where users might face difficulties. Testers evaluate things like button clarity, how easy it is to navigate, and the responsiveness of the user interface.

For example, a tester might check if the instructions on a form are clear or if users can easily find and fill out the required fields.

3. Acceptance Testing

Acceptance testing ensures the software meets the expectations of stakeholders or users. Testers verify that the software has all the required features and functions correctly, solving the problems it was meant to address.

For example, in a customer relationship management (CRM) software, acceptance testing would confirm that features like customer tracking, reporting, and communication management work properly and meet business needs.

4. Exploratory Testing

In exploratory testing, testers explore the software without a fixed test plan. They use their creativity and understanding of the system to try different actions, workflows, and inputs to uncover potential issues. This method is great for finding unexpected bugs that automated tests might miss.

For example, a tester might try entering unusual data combinations or switch between different functions quickly to see how the software reacts.

Advantages of Active Testing

The advantages of active testing are:

• It helps in solving the defects rapidly.
• It makes the software to work efficiently.
• It validates and verifies the correctness of the software.

Conclusion

Active software testing is essential for making sure an application works smoothly and offers a great experience for users. By directly interacting with the software, testers can spot issues that automated tests might miss. Whether it’s testing functionality, usability, acceptance, or exploring new features, active testing helps ensure the software meets user needs and works well in real-world scenarios.

Though it can be time-consuming and require more resources, the valuable insights gained from active testing lead to better-quality software that satisfies end-users.