Testing Programs

Testing is the process of ensuring that a program functions correctly and meets its requirements. Testing helps identify and fix errors, ensuring the program performs as intended. The goal of testing is to improve the program's reliability, usability, and performance.

The Purpose of Testing

• Ensure functionality: Testing checks that the program works as expected and performs its intended tasks.
• Identify and fix errors: It helps uncover bugs and logic errors that may not be obvious during development.
• Meet requirements: Ensures that the final product satisfies the original requirements and user needs.

Types of Testing

Iterative Testing

• Performed during development, testing individual modules or parts of the program as they are written.
• Involves continuously testing, identifying issues, and fixing them immediately.
• Allows for early detection of errors and prevents them from compounding as the project progresses.
• Developers test the program in cycles, repeatedly making improvements until the program meets the requirements. Example: Writing a subroutine and then testing it immediately to ensure it works before moving on to the next part of the program.

Final/Terminal Testing

• Conducted after the entire program has been written and development is complete.
• Tests the program as a whole to ensure it meets all initial requirements.
• It focuses on ensuring the final product behaves as expected in all scenarios, fixing any remaining bugs before release.
• This type of testing ensures the program is ready for deployment. Example: Testing the entire application to verify that it handles all expected and edge-case inputs correctly before releasing it to users.

Differences Between Iterative and Final Testing

Iterative Testing	Final Testing
Performed during development	Performed after development is complete
Involves testing smaller parts or modules of the program	Involves testing the entire program as a whole
Fixing errors and making improvements as you go	Fixes errors that occur in the final version before deployment
Allows for continuous refinement	Ensures the product is ready for end users