Extended Definition: System Testing - Essay Example

System testing System testing System testing is an activity which is carried out on hardware or software products. It is defined as the process by which variety of tests are carried out on a system to find out the functionality of the system which eventually results in the identification of problems (in case of their presence). Also, it can be defined as a hardware and software testing level in which a complete integrated system is tested. This practice targets integrated systems to evaluate its compliance with the specific requirement that are pinned to the system.

System testing aims at detecting inconsistencies that exists between the software units and the hardware units. It detects defects existing both in inter – assemblages together with the system as a whole. Also, this test is aimed at evaluating systems compliance with the specified requirements.There are various types of system testing. This includes Regression testing, graphical user interface testing, Security testing, Ad hoc testing, Scalability testing, Load testing, Exploratory testing, Volume testing, Compatibility testing, Maintenance testing, Stress testing, Software performance testing, Usability testing, Installation testing, Smoke testing, recovery testing and failover test, Sanity testing, Exception handling, Accessibility Testing, Usability testing.

In the manufacture of a ball point pen, all the components are manufactured separately. These components are the tail, the body, the cap, the ink cartridge and the ball point. When the units are ready, they are brought together assembled and integrated. After the complete pen is integrated, the whole pen is tested. The testing is by writing on different surfaces to note the performance, subjecting the pen to different environmental conditions to find out its resistance and may more other tests.

All this processes are termed as system testing. This clearly indicates how the process of system testing is carried out. System testing is not the process of manufacturing the components. The two processes are different and completely independent. System testing does not entail the design process of the product. In fact, these two processes, in most cases, are carried out by different independent departments in the product development process. This process is categorized into three tasks. These are developing system test plan, developing system test cases, and the real system test.

Developing system test plan involves preparing, reviewing, reworking, and the baseline of the test. System test cases also entails reviewing, reworking, and development the baseline line for the test process.System testing has numerous advantages. It helps test that developed software of hardware is working as intended and has no bugs or defects. System testing is belied to add value and credibility to a company.As connoted previously, system testing is an essential process that needs to be carried out by all software and hardware manufactures to ensure productivity and to reduce negative effects that may arise from defects existing in the end product.