Functional Testing

Written by Darren Yip

What Is Functional Testing?

Functional testing verifies that each function of the software application operates according to the requirements specification (www.guru99.com/functional-testing.html).

What Is Its Purpose?

Functional testing Increases the likelihood that the system will perform its desired functions correctly, as well as not perform any undesirable functions.

How Is It Executed?

Functional testing is usually done using black-box testing techniques where functional aspects of the system are tested without considering the internal program structure.

Static black-box testing tests the functional requirements documents with the aim of ensuring they are complete, clear, relevant, feasible, and testable (Software Testing, 2nd Edition, 2006). No program is executed, and bugs caught at this stage can greatly reduce the costs of a project.

Once the requirements are understood, test input data is identified, expected results are confirmed, and dynamic block-box testing can begin.

Input data can be identified using black-box testing techniques such as equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, decision table testing, state transition testing, and exploratory testing. It is impossible to test all combinations of inputs and outputs in most software, and these techniques provide an effective set of test cases that can be executed in a reasonable amount of time.

Expected results should be clear before test execution begins. However, they may change as the project evolves, or the tester may encounter an actual result that only deviates slightly from what is expected but is too costly to change. In these cases, communication is important to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Dynamic black-box testing involves running the program, entering inputs, receiving outputs, and comparing the actual result with the expected result. The behaviour of the system is tested from a perspective similar to the customer’s experience.

Consequences Of Inadequate Functional Testing

Inadequate Functional Testing can be costly, can harm an organization’s reputation, and worse. Examples of results of inadequate functional testing include (from www.sereferences.com/software-failure-list.php):

  • Payroll system issuing incorrect paycheques resulting in overpayments of $53 million.
  • Customers being able to view each other’s personal information on a retailer’s website.
  • Unreliable indication of power levels in medical devices
  • Banks unintentionally crediting hundreds of millions of dollars to customers’ bank accounts