Testing is one of the most important steps to take while developing software. According to Microsoft, it’s a part of the software’s lifecycle, which begins with identifying a need in society that a new program can fulfil. The goal is to help consumers and/or businesses by getting a team together to create a new piece of software for everyday life. Once it’s developed, though, it needs to be brought to the users it was intended for, and feedback needs to be received in terms of how smoothly it operates and if any additional changes need to be made. This lifecycle continues until the software is bug-free or there’s no longer a need for updates.
So where does testing fit into the software’s lifecycle, and why is it so important? Continue reading to learn more.
Software testing is more important than ever
In the past, software developers didn’t really take software testing too seriously. In fact, the majority of them viewed the testing process as something that they could rush through. It was merely considered an intermediate stage in the design process that pretty much held them up while they tried their best to finish the program and get it off to consumers so they could begin earning money off of it.
These days, things have changed dramatically and more developers are realising that software testing is actually an integral part of the development process that should never be ignored. Failing to properly test a piece of software prior to release can result in myriad problems both for the developer and the end users, so every precaution should be taken in advance of releasing the software to ensure it will be as bug-free as possible.
As a result, many companies that specialise in software testing have opened so they can help developers test their programs prior to releasing them. Software testing by Bugfinders.com is just one of many examples of experts in the field who will let you, as the software developer, take a much-needed break so they can thoroughly test your program for defects. This fresh pair of eyes on your software will make it more likely that bugs will be found, much like you would let an editor check over a report that you wrote prior to submitting it for publication.
What happens when software isn’t tested?
When software is not properly tested prior to its launch, it may contain bugs that result in myriad problems for the end user. The program may freeze up, it may crash completely, or it may fail to operate efficiently and smoothly, resulting in frustrated customers who lose their trust in your software developing skills.
As a result, you can lose money because you lose customers, and it can also result in a lot of lost time. The reputation of your development company will be at stake, and if your program is going to be used for something serious, such as in a hospital or even in flight traffic control, it can result in injuries or even death of humans. This last scenario is a bit dramatic, but it is certainly plausible, giving developers all the more reason to fully test their software prior to launching it.
Test early and throughout the development process
In order to avoid major problems that can cost you even more time and money later on, begin the testing process as early in the design and development process as possible. In this way, you will be able to locate and identify problems as they occur and fix them right away as you go. At any point in the development process, you can hire an outside testing company that has the experts on hand who are ready to test your software to ensure it is free of errors and all types of bugs.
Software testing is an integral component of any program’s design and development, as it will ensure you are able to release the highest quality product for consumers and businesses. Remember that, while software testing may not be able to find every single bug in a program, it will definitely reduce the number of potential problems so that you can maintain your reputation, continue growing your profits, and keep your customers happy.