How software is tested effectively
Software testing can be undertaken both manually and with specific testing tools and in Beta testing mode – where a pre-launch version of the software is used by various users to see how it performs ‘in the wild’. The testing programme will be dictated by the complexity and type of your software: if you’re working with professional software developers they will draw up a testing regime to encompass in-development functional testing and final ‘road testing – user acceptance testing’ and maybe a Beta programme, if appropriate.
Software testing helps uncover defects, errors, bugs, possible security flaws and vulnerabilities along with ensuring it is suitable for its intended user in terms of being intuitive and easy to master. Through identifying these potential issues during the development process, potential shortcomings can be addressed before the software is put into general use.
Customer satisfaction
Your overriding aim is clearly providing customer satisfaction whether it’s actual customers who may use your software to engage with your brand such as a portal or e-commerce platform, or perhaps staff if it’s software for internal use in the form of a productivity suite or in-house communications platform.
High-quality software that performs as expected and enables users to achieve what they’re using it for naturally leads to greater customer satisfaction and a positive impression of your business – not to mention possible increased sales. Thorough testing ensures your software provides a smooth, intuitive and enjoyable experience through a user-friendly interface through maximising its speed and responsiveness to help it perform well under various conditions.
Also, chances are you’re operating in a highly competitive market so anything you can do to steal a march on your competitors is a positive, so efficient and reliable software is an important asset.
Security and compliance
A software package featuring high levels of security is very important in an environment where cybercrime and security threats are rife and becoming more so. Testing helps in assessing risks and possible vulnerabilities to ensure the software is as secure from threats as possible.
In many industries – for example some areas of finance – applications and software are subject to specific regulatory standards and minimum requirements, so in these types of business thorough software testing is a non-negotiable essential for compliance with industry standards and regulations.
Faster and cost-effective development
Testing that is ‘baked in’ to the development process from an early stage as opposed to being simply tacked on at the end saves time and resources by ironing out issues at an earlier stage. It’s also far easier to test and rectify issues during the development process rather than potentially having to do a major overhaul at the end if a major shortcoming comes to light requiring a wholesale redevelopment.
Testing as part of the development process is also a ‘start as we mean to go on’ approach in that continuous testing and monitoring would take place once the software is launched and beyond. It’s certainly a service your software development company would offer to keep your software secure and running optimally.
Reputation
Software that is unreliable, awkward and clunky to use, crashes and – worst of all – suffers data breaches and other security compromises can severely damage your business’s reputation. Efficient testing can help avoid these issues and ensure your users and customers trust your software and consequently your business and brand.
Testing at the heart of your software development
Comprehensive software testing is vital for delivering reliable, high-calibre software to satisfy user demands and – where appropriate – to comply with specific industry regulations and standards. Along with discovering and rectifying security vulnerabilities and operational glitches and bugs, properly tested and refined software will enhance your brand, reputation and ensure customer satisfaction as well as quicker user adoption.
It’s well worth considering working with an experienced tech agency to ensure your software is the best it can be.