What is Test Approach? Different Techniques and Types
A test approach is the test strategy implementation of a project which defines how testing would be carried out, defines the strategy which needs to be implemented and executed, to carry out a particular task.
The test approach defines the testing methodology, tools, techniques, and strategies that will be used to test the software application. It outlines the scope of testing, the test objectives, and the expected outcome of the testing process. The test approach also includes the roles and responsibilities of the testing team, the test environment, and the test data requirements.
The test approach can be divided into different categories such as functional testing, performance testing, security testing, and usability testing, among others. Each category of testing requires a specific approach and set of techniques that are tailored to the specific needs of the software application.
 Test approach has two techniques:Â
- Proactive -tests are designed as early as possible in order to find and fix the defects.
- Reactive – test design comes after software or system has been produced
Usually, Proactive test approach is followed. Proactive test approach and effective test strategy makes life easier of the tester.
Through test approach, it is easy to identify:
- What is the scope and objective of the testing process?
- What needs to be considered and tested?
- How to test?
- How much to test?
Typical Test approaches / Test strategies include:
Analytical
- Focusing testing on the most critical functionality (risk based)
Model-based
- Stochastic or Monkey testing using random or statistical information (tool).Operational profiles
Methodical Testing approaches
- Failure based (error guessing and fault attack) ,Experience-based
- Â check-list based and quality characteristic-based
Process- or standard-compliant Testing approach
- Industry-specific standards (Eg. medical, aviation)
- Various agile methodologies
Dynamic and heuristic approaches
- such as exploratory testing (more reactive approach than pre-planned approach)
- Execution and evaluation are concurrent tasks
Consultative approaches
- Test coverage is driven primarily by the advice and guidance of technology and/or business
- domain experts outside the test team
Regression-averse approach in Software Testing
- Includes reuse of existing test material, extensive automation of functional regression tests, and standard test suites
Selecting a Test approaches/ strategy
Selecting a test approach or test strategy is an important step in the software testing process. It helps in defining how testing will be carried out and ensures that the testing effort is aligned with the business goals and objectives.Â
Approach is selected considering the context:
- Risk of failure of the project, hazards to the product and
- Identify the project goals and objectives
- Evaluate the available resources
- Risks of product failure to humans, the environment and the company
- Skills and experience of the people in the proposed
- Determine the scope of Testing
- Techniques, tools and methods
- The objective of the testing endeavour and the mission of the testing team
- Regulatory aspects, such as external and internal regulations for the development process
- The nature of the product and the business
In Conclusion, selecting an appropriate test approach or strategy requires a thorough understanding of the project goals, requirements, risks, and available resources. By following the above steps, the testing effort can be aligned with the business objectives and the software can be thoroughly tested to ensure that it meets the requirements and expectations of stakeholders.