Introduction to Code-Based Testing: Concepts, Types, and Significance

An overview on what is code coverage

Code coverage meaning can be viewed as the scope needed to test code. It defines the metrics needed to get a view of how much the code is tested. Testers use the metrics to calculate the testing done and the outcomes. The metrics help assess the source quality based on how detailed the tests were done. Test coverage is deep enough to confirm whether every line of code has been executed.

They ensure every bug no matter how complex it is gets discovered. To do this, the tester chooses specific sets of test cases. These are cases that ensure the team gets the desired outcomes. The team carries out the tests at different levels. These are – development, inspection, and levels. The test coverage involves several types of tests.

Code coverage testing is usually intensive and complex. Performing manual code coverage analysis might not help developers much. They might not get accurate results about errors and bugs in the code. Developers need a more effective code coverage strategy. The best method that works is the use of code coverage tools. The tools accurately measure the test coverage and track the progress. They provide advanced features for generating reports and carrying out deep analysis. Whenever you need to test your code different test tools offer you a variety of choices. Each choice is based on ease of use, coverage metrics offered, and cost.

Recommended Reading: Business Intelligence Insights with Power BI

The different types of techniques used in code-based testing

Code-based testing checks how the code behaves in different use scenarios. The main goal for the tester is to identify and remove bugs and errors before software launch. The team applies code coverage best practices in this process. This makes sure the application is scalable and easy to maintain. Different techniques allow the team to confirm the quality and usefulness of the code.

Contact Us for an in-depth
product tour!

Code coverage

Code coverage aims to cover how extensive and intensive the test is done. When testing code, it is crucial to ensure no part of the code is left out. If there are gaps, they would affect the working of the code once implemented. The test coverage pays attention to several important areas. The team tests the structure of the code and its data. They also execute static tests to validate and review its components. Static code analysis does not require running the software to test it. This approach allows early detection of errors. Since it does not need execution, the approach minimizes testing costs.

Unit testing

Unit testing is a test coverage that takes into account each unit separately. Every software is composed of three main units. It has the app files, data files, network, hosting, and security files. When you want to test your code using units, you have to consider each.

The team carries out tests to get a view of their resilience and performance. For instance, they test the security files to see how the software responds to security issues. Unit testing makes sure each component is perfect. It removes the possibility of changing the code at later development phases.

Recommended Reading: RPA Software: Robotic Process Automation Tools

Functional testing

Functional design checks how well each unit is working. The team sets metrics for testing the working of each unit. These metrics form the testing benchmarks that the entire software must pass. The main focus of this is output consistency. It must be aligned with the expectations of the customer or end user.

Integration testing

Integration testing checks how the different components of the software interact. The teams see how well the components will exchange data effectively once combined. They test how data flows from the back to the front and vice versa.

The process helps confirm that the components are seamlessly working as one. It identifies bugs and errors that could arise due to the integration of different modules. The process ensures the end user will get the experience of using the software. The development team must know how to test code based on all the techniques.

Recommended Reading: SaaS: What is Software as a Service

Why code-based testing is important in software development

The end product in software development is crucial. It provides users with the best experience. The developer records a higher customer satisfaction rate. Code-based testing plays an important role in the development process. The main importance is improving the overall quality of the code. The code is the main pillar of any software.

When the code is quality, the entire software works perfectly. Code-based testing ensures the product does not experience complex issues later. Quality touches the areas of code functionality, readability, and management. Good quality gives every stakeholder an easy time. They do not struggle using the software. Many other benefits make code-based testing important.

• Creates efficient and reliable software. An efficient code achieves the expected speed and work. Its buttons work well and execute the right commands attached to it. An effective and reliable code can be depended upon to work.
• Makes maintenance easy. Quality code does not require a lot of maintenance work. It is easy for users to understand and maintain it. It is clean meaning it does not contain bugs and errors. One of the important metrics for measuring code efficiency is speed.
• Enhances the security of the software. Code-based testing helps improve the overall security of software. It contains walls that protect it from malicious code being injected into it. A secure code protects its data in all components.
• Ensures early detection of errors and bugs. Late detection of bugs could have serious consequences on developers. The entire development process could be affected. The developer might be forced to abandon the code and create a new one.
• Saves costs. Consistent code-based testing saves costs. The techniques involved may not require running the code. Early detection of errors and bugs saves the cost of maintaining the software.

Code-based software testing best practices

• Go for automation. Automation minimizes the need for human intervention in the testing process. It increases speed and accuracy.
• Customize the testing. Each software project or component requires a different testing metric and solution. Create tailor-made solutions for each.
• Have a plan. A plan allows you to test the right test cases. It lets you understand the processes involved in different tests and phases.
• Use the right tools and team. Testing tools make the work easier. You must make sure to use the right tools. Your testing team must have the relevant experience needed.

Making code-based testing a success

Code testing forms an important part of development. Developers can overcome the challenges by using development best practices. The team needs to understand the right techniques and tools to use. No team can afford to ignore code-based testing due to its importance. However, the team must embrace efficiency and accuracy to gain quality code.

Recommended Reading: What is Robotic Process Automation (RPA)?

FAQS

What challenges does code-based testing experience?

Some developers experience complexity when writing and maintaining tests. When modifying tests, testing teams could introduce new errors. They might cover a limited scope and fail to identify all the issues.

What code-based testing best practices should teams embrace?

Teams need to allow using automation as an important solution in code testing. They need to write relevant test cases and review the metrics often. This ensures the process is accurate and with minimum errors.

What are examples of tools used in code-based testing?

Testing tools offer teams platforms for writing test cases. They use the tools to execute them and get reports. Examples of the tools include Appium, JUnit, Apache JMeter, and Selenium.

What benefits does code-based testing offer?

Code-based testing allows teams to understand the full functionality of software. They identify errors and correct them early. The process produces an application that is secure, fast, and agile.