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What is external integration testing (ITb)? – Introducing a type of system test
External integration testing (ITb) is a critical phase in the software development life cycle that focuses on testing the integration of different modules or components of a system. This type of testing ensures that all the modules function correctly and seamlessly together when they are integrated into a larger system.
During the development phase, software applications are typically divided into smaller modules or components, which are individually developed and tested. External integration testing validates the interactions and communication between these modules to ensure that they work in harmony and deliver the expected functionality.
Why is external integration testing important?
External integration testing is crucial because it helps identify and rectify any issues that may arise when different components interact with each other. It ensures that data flows correctly between modules, and any dependencies or interfaces are handled properly. By validating the integration between components, ITb helps uncover hidden defects or inconsistencies that may not be visible during individual module testing.
Furthermore, external integration testing also ensures that the system meets the specified requirements and behaves as expected when all the modules are combined. It helps identify any gaps or discrepancies in functionality and ensures the system performs as intended.
How is external integration testing conducted?
External integration testing requires a carefully planned and systematic approach to ensure comprehensive coverage of all inter-module interactions. The following steps are typically involved in conducting external integration testing:
1. Define test scenarios: Test scenarios are created to simulate real-world scenarios and user interactions. These scenarios outline the expected behavior and the inputs to be provided to the system.
2. Identify integration points: The integration points between different modules are identified, and the data flow and interfaces are understood. This helps determine the entry and exit criteria for each integration point.
3. Design test cases: Test cases are designed, keeping in mind the inter-module interactions. These test cases cover different combinations of inputs and evaluate the system’s response, including error handling and boundary conditions.
4. Execute test cases: The designed test cases are executed, and the system’s behavior is observed during the integration of different modules. Any deviations from the expected behavior are identified and logged as defects.
5. Debug and fix defects: Defects discovered during integration testing are analyzed and resolved. The system is retested to ensure that the fixes have been successfully implemented.
6. Repeat the process: The integration testing process is repeated iteratively until all tests pass successfully, and the system is deemed ready for further testing or deployment.
Conclusion
External integration testing is a crucial part of the software testing process that ensures different components of a system work harmoniously when combined. It helps uncover defects, validate functionality, and ensure that the system meets the specified requirements. By conducting comprehensive external integration testing, software development teams can have confidence in the reliability and stability of their systems.
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