Detailed Glossary of Important Software Testing Terminologies 

There is a wealth of information accessible when it comes to software testing, so it can be challenging to know where to start. If you’re new to software testing, you’ve probably heard a lot of strange acronyms and jargon. Learning several testing terminologies is essential if you want to increase your business expertise.

Hence, for your convenience, I have covered all the important glossary of terminologies related to software testing includes some of the fundamental ones that QA testers frequently use to describe Software Testing and quality assurance. 

Table of Contents

The Complete List of A-To-Z Software Testing Terminologies 

1. A/B Testing:

A/B testing, also known as split testing, involves the creation of at least one variant to compare to an existing webpage to determine whether one performs better in terms of agreed-upon metrics like revenue per visitor for online shopping websites or the rate of conversion. 

2. API:

The interface used by two apps to communicate is referred to as an API. Any piece of software with a specific function is referred to as an “application” in this sense. The requests and responses used by the two applications to communicate are specified in an API contract. 

3. API Testing:

API testing is the process of examining and evaluating an API’s usability, dependability, performance, and security. It comprises sending calls to an API and checking the responses to make sure the required outcomes were obtained. It can be done manually or with the aid of automated technologies and assists in discovering issues including incorrect data formatting, invalid inputs, inadequate error handling, and unauthorised access. 

4. Acceptance Test Driven Development:

By including testing as a crucial component of the development process, Acceptance Test Driven Development (ATDD), a software development approach, helps you lower the chance of errors and ensure that your application satisfies quality standards. 

5. Accessibility Testing:

Your web and mobile applications are more widely used when they have undergone accessibility testing. This covers persons who have physical or mental issues, such as those who have hearing loss, vision difficulties, or other limits. 

6. Actual Result:

The outcome of the test, commonly referred to as the actual result or actual outcome, is what the tester sees. During the test execution step, the actual outcome and the test case are both documented. Following the completion of all tests, the actual result is contrasted with the anticipated conclusion, and any discrepancies are documented. 

7. Ad Hoc Testing:

Ad hoc testing is a kind of informal in nature, unstructured software testing that aims to sabotage the testing procedure to find any vulnerabilities or weaknesses as soon as possible. It is typically an ad hoc activity that does not follow test design guidelines or supporting documentation while developing test cases. It is performed at random. 

8. Agile Testing:

The Agile testing methodology operates in accordance with the guidelines and tenets of the Agile software development methodology. In contrast to the Waterfall method, it starts with development and testing running concurrently at the beginning of the project. The development and testing teams collaborate closely to complete various tasks while using the Agile testing methodology. 

9. Alpha Testing:

Before a product is made available to actual users or the public, defects are found using the software testing technique known as “Alpha testing.” Because it is conducted before beta testing starts and early in the development phase, it is also known as alpha testing. 

10. Automation Testing:

Automation testing is a type of testing that employs scripts to carry out repetitive activities, improving the software’s efficiency and performance. The best technique to improve software testing effectiveness, test coverage, and execution speed is through test automation. 

11. Back-to-Back Testing:

A sort of comparison testing known as “back-to-back” is carried out when there are two or more variants of components with a comparable functional specification. The objective is to compare the outcomes and look for any discrepancies in the job. 

12. Beta Testing:

Beta testing is the final testing done before a product is made available to the public and is an external user acceptability test. A small group of end users are given access to the beta version of the product during beta testing so they can test it out. This beta testing process is used to get feedback on the software’s usability, functionality, dependability, accessibility, and other elements. 

13. Black Box Testing:

Black box testing entails evaluating the software while being unaware of its internal workings. It frequently alludes to functional or acceptance testing, even though the latter is also referred to as white box testing or transparent box testing. Independent of the development team, anyone can perform black box testing, and the level of testing quality should not be impacted by a developer’s knowledge with the code. 

14. BS 7985-2:

A standard for testing software components is BS 7925-2. The procedure for component testing using test-case designs and measurement equipment is described in this standard. As a result, the quality of software testing will be improved, which will also benefit software products. 

15. Bug:

A bug is a flaw that results in a programme crashing or generating incorrect output. The issue is brought on by faulty or insufficient reasoning. An error, omission, flaw, or defect that could lead to failure or a departure from desired outcomes is referred to as a bug. 

16. Canary Testing:

A technique called canary testing is used to find any issues or bugs and lessen the risk of releasing fresh updates or modifications into a production environment. It frequently occurs in conjunction with A/B testing, which involves releasing various iterations of a product or change to test among a population. Before the new feature is released to the public, engineers can hone and improve it by evaluating the effectiveness and feedback of several versions. 

17. CAST:

A fundamental understanding of quality testing ideas and practises can be shown in the CAST Certification. Additionally, obtaining the title of Certified associate in software Testing (CAST) shows a professional degree of skill in the theories and methods of software testing in the field of information technology. 

18. Chaos Engineering:

With the help of random defects and failures, software is tested using the chaos engineering technique to see how resilient it is to unforeseen interruptions. Applications fail because of these disturbances in ways that are challenging to predict and troubleshoot. 

19. Chaos Testing:

To assess your system’s ability to react when these errors happen, chaos testing entails intentionally introducing faults or breakdowns into your infrastructure. Using this technique can help you practise disaster recovery methods and avoid any downtime or disruptions. 

20. CMMI:

A structured collection of best practises in engineering, service delivery, and management is the CMMI, or Capability Maturity Model Integration. It tries to help businesses get a deeper awareness of their capabilities to better deliver client satisfaction. 

21. Code Coverage:

A popular indicator called code coverage can show you how much of your source code has been tested. It’s a crucial measure that can assist you in evaluating the calibre of your test suite. One type of white box testing is code coverage, which identifies parts of a programme that were not run during testing. 

22. Code Review:

Peer reviews, commonly referred to as code reviews, are an essential step in every development process. They make the code base more reliable, reveal problems, and give developers useful experience. 

23. Compatibility Testing:

The application is tested for compatibility with various hardware, operating systems, applications, network environments, and mobile devices. Once an application has reached a state of stability, it is applied to it. Compatibility testing forecloses compatibility problems in the future, which is crucial for development and deployment. 

24. Component Testing:

Component testing verifies each software application’s component’s usability. Along with the usability testing, each component’s behaviour is also established. Each component must be in a controllable and autonomous condition to undergo component testing. 

25. Concurrency Testing:

Concurrency testing also referred to as multi-user testing is a type of software testing carried out on an application where numerous users are logged in at once. It aids in the detection and measurement of concurrency-related issues, including response time, throughput, deadlocks, and other problems. 

26.Configuration Management:

A procedure used in engineering to ensure that a product’s characteristics remain constant over the course of its life is known as configuration management. In the field of technology, configuration management refers to an IT management procedure that keeps track of each configuration element of an IT system. 

27. Contract Testing:

By verifying every application separately to make sure the messages it delivers or receives comply with a common understanding, the contract testing technique makes sure that apps communicate and work together. 

28. Content Testing:

Testing your content makes sure that it is accessible to those who you have in mind for your website. To guarantee that new content is incorporated to maximise understanding and usefulness, it begins early in the UI/UX process. 

29. Context Driven Testing:

A method to software testing called context-driven testing places a strong emphasis on the value of considering the unique context of a project when creating and carrying out tests. Context-driven testers don’t use a one-size-fits-all testing technique because every project is different and needs a tailored approach. 

30. Continuous Testing:

Before deploying a freshly designed and developed software product, continuous testing offers input on business risks as early as possible. Through test automation, businesses can make sure that applications continue to be reliable and safe in challenging, quick-paced situations. 

31. Cross Browser Testing:

You can test your application’s compatibility with many browsers using cross-browser testing. Because it guarantees that your product functions for all consumers, regardless of their browser choices, it is crucial to any development process. 

32. CSS Testing:

Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) are utilized in online applications and webpages, and CSS testing is a form of software testing that guarantees their accuracy and consistency. To ensure consistency across various platforms and browsers, CSS testing can be carried either manually or using automated technologies. Techniques like visual testing and regression testing can also be used. 

33. Data Driven Testing:

Data-driven testing is a technique for writing test scripts that reads test data or output values from data files instead of utilising the same fixed values. Running the same test case with varied inputs will result in increased coverage from a single test. 

34. Data Flow Testing:

A type of structural testing called data flow testing places test pathways in an application based on where variables are defined and used. 

35. Debugging:

Debugging is the procedure for repairing software flaws. It starts when a programme doesn’t run properly and concludes after the issue has been fixed and the software has been tested successfully. Debugging can be extremely difficult and time-consuming, yet fixing bugs is required at every level. 

36. Decision Table:

For testing and requirement management, a decision table is a fantastic tool. When dealing with complex rules, there is a systematic effort to deconstruct the requirements. To depict intricate logic, decision tables are employed. It aids in illuminating all potential configurations of factors to be considered as well as factors that are overlooked. 

37. Defect:

During testing, a defect is when there is a difference between the anticipated and actual results. Hence, the requirement of the client has been violated. 

38. Defect Management:

To reduce the impact of bugs, they must be found early in the software development lifecycle and managed. Deploying software programs without bugs is made possible by effective defect management processes. 

39. Deliverable:

Anything that is delivered is a delivery. That usually takes the form of code or documentation in software engineering. The deliverable is undoubtedly made possible by a lot of work, but that work such as testing modules or finding the most effective approach isn’t a deliverable in and of itself. 

40. DevOps Testing:

The delivery lifecycle of your product can be streamlined and automated using DevOps testing. Numerous businesses use DevOps testing techniques, beginning with the agile technique of Continuous Integration. 

41. Dynamic Testing:

Dynamic testing is a type of software testing that involves running a system while keeping an eye on its behaviour to evaluate its performance, quality, and functionality. Finding faults, problems, and errors in software applications is one of the objectives of dynamic testing, which also aims to make sure that the software meets all specifications and quality standards. 

42. End-to-End Testing:

End-to-end testing is a method of software testing that examines an application’s functionality from beginning to end. It analyses the software’s general operation and its performance in various settings. The application flow is also examined to see if it follows expectations. 

43. Error:

A software error occurs when there is a discrepancy between what the software is intended to do or should accomplish and what it does. The software can behave incorrectly if it has a bug. 

44. Error Logs:

Computer files called error logs record serious mistakes that happen while a server, operating system, or application is running. Error logs include entries on a variety of subjects, including configuration corruption and table corruption. They can be useful for managing and troubleshooting servers, computers, and even networks. 

45. Emulator:

A computer system can mimic the behaviour of another computer system by using an emulator. Emulators often enable the host system to run applications or make use of peripherals made for the guest system. 

46. Execution:

Simply performing (executing) the tests to validate a certain capability is known as test execution. This might be done manually, where the processes outlined in the test cases are strictly followed. Alternately, automated test cases are those where a command is issued to run the procedures through an automation testing tool. 

47. Exhaustive Testing:

Exhaustive testing is a methodical procedure that thoroughly examines all potential input-usage scenarios and random events to make sure the product cannot be damaged or crashed. Developers can discover difficulties, find solutions, and ascertain the underlying reasons of user problems with the aid of error logs. 

48. Exploratory Testing:

Exploratory testing is utilized in testing phases under extremely tight time constraints and combines the tester’s experience with a structured testing approach. It involves designing test cases and running an application under test simultaneously. 

49. FAT Testing:

It is determined whether newly produced and packaged equipment fulfils its intended use by factory acceptance testing (FAT). The FAT also confirms the system’s functionality and guarantees that the client’s demands have been met. 

50. Front-end Testing:

Front-end testing is a sort of testing that involves examining the user interface (UI) and how it communicates with other layers of an application. It is also known as “functional testing,” and “front-end validation.” 

51. Functional Testing:

Functional testing ensures that every software application function performs as required. The source code of the application is irrelevant to this kind of software testing, which is largely based on black box software testing type. 

52. Futuristic Testing:

To pass future-proof testing, an application must be planned and developed to be compatible with shifts in technology, operating systems, and hardware platforms. Designing the application to be easily responsive to future modifications without requiring extensive redesign or redevelopment entails anticipating anticipated changes in the future. 

53. Glass Box Testing:

A software testing technique known as “glass box testing” looks at the program’s architecture and develops test data from the logic of the programme. Clear box testing, open box testing, logic-driven testing, and path-driven testing are further names for glass box testing. 

54. Grey Box Testing:

A tester is only given a portion of the internal workings of an application when conducting grey box testing. Grey box testing’s goal is to find and characterize flaws resulting from inappropriate application usage or code structure. 

55. Incident Report:

An incident report is a thorough account of the incident that was seen and includes information like a summary, the steps taken, the priority, the severity, the number of test cases affected, the status, who it was assigned to, etc. An incident report is crucial since it aids in keeping track of incidents and informs those who are concerned. 

56. Incremental Testing:

After unit testing, incremental testing is a type of integration testing used to test an application’s modules. It isolates each module separately using several stubs and drivers to find any issues or flaws in each module. 

57. Integration Testing:

After unit testing comes integration testing. The interactions between integrated components or units are examined for flaws. The goal of integration testing is to identify flaws that arise from the interaction of integrated components or units. 

58. Iterative Testing:

Iterative testing is the process of making little, incremental modifications or updates to a product based on test results and user feedback from previous changes, and then evaluating those changes against predetermined baseline metrics. 

59. Interface Testing:

Software testing techniques such as interface testing are used to confirm the proper interaction between two applications. When two components are connected, this connection is referred to as an interface. In the world of computers, there are numerous interfaces, including Web services and APIs. It is called interface testing to test these interfaces. 

60. JUnit Testing:

Developers can create and run automated tests using the Java testing framework JUnit. To make sure no code is broken, Java test cases must be run again after every addition of new code. 

61. Key Performance Indicator:

A type of performance statistic used by testers to assess the efficiency and performance of testing is a performance indicator, commonly referred to as a Key Performance Indicator (KPI). 

62. Keyword Testing:

Functional testing that separates test case design from test creation is known as keyword driven testing. It is a list of keywords that you can use again throughout the same tests. A keyword is a user action and a test object combination that describes test stages and makes test cases simpler to comprehend, automate, and manage. 

63. Load Testing:

Using a process called load testing, you can find out how well-suited a system, piece of software, or application is for handling many concurrent users. As a result, it can be used to predict how an application would behave in actual use. 

64. Localization Testing:

Software testing known as localization testing makes that a product is culturally appropriate and meets local users’ needs. Testing for localization makes that software is usable in that location. 

65. Maintenance Testing:

Any quality assurance programme must include maintenance testing since it enables you to recognize equipment issues, diagnose equipment issues, or verify that corrective actions were successful. 

66. Manual Testing:

Manual testing involves a human determining whether a software application’s functionalities operate as planned or not. 

67. Microservices Testing:

To guarantee that each microservice functions properly, microservices testing includes QA activities. It makes sure that if it fails, the programme won’t suffer serious functional disruptions and that all microservices work together seamlessly to form a single application. 

68. Mobile App Testing:

A mobile application is tested before it is made available to the general audience. Mobile app testing ensures that the software complies with all technical and commercial standards. 

69. Mobile Device Testing:

Mobile device testing is the procedure by which a mobile device is examined to determine whether it satisfies the specifications for which it was developed or not. 

70. Mutation Testing:

Software testing methods like mutation testing are used to assess how well-written current software tests are. Small-scale programme modifications, the creation of mutant programme versions, and testing the original program’s capacity to recognize the mutants are all part of the process. 

71. Negative Testing:

A software testing strategy called negative testing makes that the source code and associated functions of an application are accurate, fully functional, and capable of processing any input. To compare the output to the provided input, invalid data is added. 

72. Non-Functional Testing:

The term “non-functional testing” refers to a variety of testing methods used to evaluate and assess a software application’s non-functional characteristics. The main goal of this testing methodology is to assess an application’s competence and efficacy. Non-functional testing is further necessary to verify the system’s non-functional requirements, such as usability, etc. 

73. NUnit:

Popular open-source unit testing framework for C# is called NUnit. It is an extension of the JUnit framework that facilitates the creation of tests in the.NET language. The NUnit-console.exe console runner, which aids in loading and exploring tests with the aid of the NUnit Test Engine, can be used to execute tests in patches. 

74. Operational Testing:

Operational testing verifies that a product, system, service, and process adhere to operational requirements. Performance, security, stability, maintainability, accessibility, compatibility, backup, and recovery are all operational requirements. It is a kind of non-functional acceptance testing. 

75. OTT Testing:

OTT testing involves evaluating a content provider’s online video, data, voice, and other capabilities. It is essential to guarantee connectivity, security, network performance, and customer experience. A successful OTT service depends on a variety of networks, infrastructure configurations, and application components. 

76. Peer Testing:

Peer testing is a method of assessing a coworker’s work in software development. The developers must be on equal footing with one another for the code to function properly. The peer review method is used in many other professions as well since it fosters teamwork while working towards a common objective. 

77. Performance Testing:

The effectiveness and potential of a software are examined during performance testing. It is employed to assess a system’s performance under various workloads and its capacity to meet upcoming functional demands. 

78. Priority:

Priority is the ranking or relevance of a problem or test case based on user needs, whereas severity is the effect a problem or test case failure will have on the system. Typically, the business analyst or client determines priority, and the tester determines severity after observing the effect on the system.  

79. Quality Assurance Testing:

The process of verifying that the good quality of the product or service offered to clients is known as quality assurance, or QA testing. The goal of QA is to make methods for producing high-quality products better. 

80. QA Metrics:

Software engineers employ QA metrics, which are techniques for better testing, to raise the calibre of their output. Prior to a product going on sale to consumers, these quality assurance indicators can assist identify or predict product defects. 

81. Retesting:

Retesting is the process of running specific tests again on a piece of software after changes or adjustments have been made. Retesting is done to make sure that no new problems or flaws were introduced by the software updates and that the previously found flaws were correctly addressed or not. 

82. Regression Testing:

Regression testing entails modifying a product or piece of software to check that the older features or programmes continue to function after the modifications have been made. Regression testing is a crucial step in the creation of programmes, and it is carried out by experts in code testing. 

83. Release Testing:

To ensure that a new software version can be launched, release testing is performed on it. Since the release’s entire functionality is being tested, release testing has a broad scope. As a result, the tests that are a part of release testing are highly dependent on the product itself. 

84. Reliability Testing:

Reliability testing is a method for determining how well a piece of software performs in various types of environments and is used to identify problems with the functioning and design of the software. 

85. Reviewers:

Reviewers are subject matter experts who thoroughly examine the code to find flaws, enhance code quality, and aid developers in learning the source code. If the code spans more than one domain, it should be reviewed by two or more specialists. 

86. Sanity Testing:

Sanity testing is a crucial component of regression testing, which is carried out to make sure that modifications to the code are functioning as intended. If the code contains errors, sanity testing halts the development process. 

87. Smoke Testing:

You may check whether the most important features of the software applications are operating as planned by using smoke testing. It quickly pinpoints mission-critical issues so you may address them before focusing on smaller aspects. 

88. Security Testing:

To prevent employees or outsiders from stealing information, losing money, or damaging the software system’s reputation, security testing aims to identify all potential flaws and weaknesses in the system. 

89. Severity:

The impact of a problem on the application or unit under test is measured in terms of severity. The severity of a defect or bug will increase if it has a greater effect on the way the system functions. Typically, the severity of the level of defect is decided by the quality assurance engineer. 

90. Shift-left Testing:

Moving the test to the starting point of the software development process is known as the “shift left test strategy.” By testing the application frequently and early, you may lower the error rate and improve the code’s quality. When your code needs to be patched during the deployment phase, the goal is to prevent finding critical bugs. 

91. Software Testing Life Cycle:

The STLC outlines the various phases and duties involved in testing software applications. It systematically addresses planning, requirements analysis, test design, execution, and reporting. By doing this, it makes it easier to identify and mitigate risks, fosters teamwork, and ensures that the software programme succeeds in achieving its objectives. 

92. Software Development Life Cycle:

The planning, execution, testing, and product release stages of the software development life cycle are the methods used to create software. The SDLC makes ensuring your software program satisfies quality requirements, is delivered on schedule and under budget, and adapts to changing end user needs over the course of its lifecycle. 

93. System Testing:

System testing includes verifying how the various parts of a software application interact. According to either functional or design requirements, it is carried out across the entire system. A software application’s overall functionality can be evaluated for defects and gaps via system testing. 

94. Selenium Web driver:

Selenium WebDriver, an open-source framework for automating browsers, enables programmers and testers to build automated tests that interact with web pages and verify the functionality and behaviour of web applications. Because WebDriver supports a wide range of web browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari, testing is feasible on all OS. 

95. Test Case:

A test case is a thoroughly documented description of the inputs, execution conditions, testing process, and anticipated outcomes for one potential test outcome. Test cases make sure that every aspect of the application has been examined and that testing didn’t overlook any issues. 

96. Test Coverage:

To determine how much of the application’s code has been tested, software testers utilise the test coverage statistic. The tester uses information about which software components are run when a test case is run to track this and assess whether conditional statement branches have been made. 

97. Test Data:

Test data is information that is fed into a system or piece of software to be tested by software testing process. We can use different test data to see how well the application handles error scenarios. As a result, QA should always offer various test data to thoroughly evaluate the application. 

98. Test Environment:

The condition used by testing teams to carry out test cases is called a test environment. In other words, it enables test execution with configured network, software, and hardware. The test environment or testbed is set up to meet the requirements of the application being tested. 

99. Test Execution:

Executing test cases for software applications entails making sure they adhere to the pre-established user requirements and specifications. The Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) and Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) both include it as a crucial component. When the test planning process is finished, test execution can start. 

100. Unit Testing:

Testing individual software parts or components is known as unit testing. To make sure that it operates as intended, each piece of software is validated. Every piece of software can be tested by Software Testing process. It normally has one output and more than one inputs. 

101. Usability Testing:

Usability testing is used by businesses to learn firsthand how users interact with a piece of software. It is a qualitative research method that aids in the detection of usability problems and the assessment of how user-friendly the software is. 

102. Validation Testing:

To make sure that the final product fulfils customer expectations, validation testing involves researching and confirming the precise requirements of a given development stage. Although it doesn’t need running code, it can be used to make sure that it performs as planned. 

103. White box Testing:

White box testing verifies the core coding and infrastructure of a Software Testing system process. It mainly concentrates on enhancing security, input and output flow across the Software, and design and usability. There are several other names for white box testing, including clear box, open box, structural, transparent, code-based, and glass. 

104. Website Testing:

Before publishing a website or web application, every web developer must perform website testing. It is intended to examine every area of the functionality of a web application, including searching for errors in usability, compatibility, security, and overall performance. 

Conclusion 

To sum up this article, I hope you would surely like the information about these important A-Z terminologies of Software Testing. By educating your employees about these software testing terminologies you may create a culture of software testing in your workplace. Although, it will take time and effort to create this culture.  

Contact Precise Testing Solution and schedule an online consultation today. We are an STQC empanelled independent Software Testing company in India. To discuss how we can work together to strengthen your software testing brand. We are headquartering in Noida and branch presence in Hyderabad as well.  

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