The impact of testing on software quality

Testing is a vital part of developing software and has a great impact on its overall quality. Testing in practice how the system responds to specific users’ expectations can save You a lot of trouble - both related to money and to Your image. The following is the proof of this claim.

1. Customer expectation test

   First of all, testing makes sure the program works in consistence with Your customer’s expectations. That minimises the risk of supplying software different from what was initially ordered. Experience has taught us that certain communication errors can wreak quite a havoc inside a project. Not only do tests represent the current state of the software in a vivid and reliable manner, but also facilitate the flow of information and verify the Customers’ expectations.

2. Utility assessment

   Secondly, testing lets You assess what functionalities expected by the Customer Your system still lacks. Therefore, You know what to add and what to improve before releasing the software. After testing every system ends up being more useful and is fit to the users’ expectations. That creates a sense of attachment between the Customer and the product, and it is commonly known that loyalty is much desired in trade!

3. Uncommon behaviours

   Furthermore, an experienced tester can foresee any unexpected user behaviours and understand their possible consequences: technical, financial, and image-wise. Every system is designed based on certain repeatable user actions to make its handling as intuitive as possible. We all have our own individual habits and pay particular attention to different things, though. That is what the tester needs to foresee to make the software even more accessible.

4. Performance testing

   What is more, performance tests, which determine the system behaviour under a heavy workload, let us avoid the so-called “harvest disaster”. If you are not prepared for a sudden surge in the number of users, You suffer twice - both financially (You do not sell anything because Your online store stopped working) and image-wise (the Customer may turn to the competition). In the case of e-commerce the knowledge of how Your application is going to behave under a heavy workload is particularly useful during Christmas, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Any other kinds of systems can also be overburdened, e.g. an accounting system (during the period of tax settlements or right before the deadline for sending financial statements) or an educational one (when too many people attend a webinar or an online training).

5. Weak points

   Last but not least, testing shows You the weak points of Your software. Nowadays the most significant faults are not only those visible by the user, but also the ones in the layer of application security. Being prepared for a cyber-attack minimises the risk of information leakage. Data is greatly valued by every business and its loss always means trouble. Testing is a method for protecting it.

All in all, not only does testing have a great impact on the software quality, but also builds trust in the dedicated system. Even though the testing process is not foolproof, finding as many faults as possible before the product is released has a positive effect on the corporate image. It also saves time and money.