The different types of software testing
by Sten Pittet, Atlassian
Comprehensive guide comparing different types of software testing including unit, integration, functional, acceptance, performance testing and more. Explains manual vs automated testing and when to use each type. Topics: Manual vs Automated Testing; Unit, Integration, Functional, End-to-End Testing; Acceptance and Performance Testing; Smoke Testing and Exploratory Testing
Example usage
A mobile banking application is tested using several test types: functional testing of the transfer workflow, usability testing of the navigation and layout, and regression testing after each release. These test types target different test objectives — what the system does, how easy it is to use, and whether changes broke existing behavior. A single test type may run at more than one test level: functional tests appear both at component level and at system level.
FAQ
What is the difference between a test type and a test level? A test level is defined by the stage of development and integration — component, integration, system, acceptance. A test type is defined by its objective — functional, usability, regression, performance. Levels and types are orthogonal: any type can be performed at any level.
Can several test types run at the same level? Yes, and they often do. System testing commonly includes functional, usability, and regression test types in the same phase.
Is regression testing a test type? Yes. It is grouped by objective (detecting defects introduced by changes), which is the defining characteristic of a test type.
Why does the distinction matter for exam purposes? ISTQB questions frequently test the type-versus-level distinction. Remember: level = where in the lifecycle, type = what objective the activities serve.
Related terms
- functional testing — a test type focused on what the system does
- usability testing — a test type focused on ease of use
- regression testing — a test type focused on detecting change-induced defects
- test level — the lifecycle stage at which testing occurs
- test design — how test types are translated into concrete tests
- static testing — testing without executing the code
- dynamic testing — testing by executing the code
Learn more
Types of Testing: Different Types of Software Testing in Detail
by BrowserStack
Detailed guide on functional and non-functional testing types with examples, advantages, and comparison tables. Includes 15+ test types with when to use manual vs automated approaches. Topics: Functional Testing (Unit, Integration, System, Acceptance); Non-Functional Testing (Security, Performance, Usability, Compatibility); Manual vs Automated Testing comparison; Test type selection matrix and decision guide
Detailed guide on functional and non-functional testing types with examples, advantages, and comparison tables. Includes 15+ test types with when to use manual vs automated approaches. Topics: Functional Testing (Unit, Integration, System, Acceptance); Non-Functional Testing (Security, Performance, Usability, Compatibility); Manual vs Automated Testing comparison; Test type selection matrix and decision guide
A Taxonomy of Testing
by Donald Firesmith, Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University
Academic framework organizing ~200 test types using 5W+2H questions (What, When, Why, Who, Where, How, How Well). Provides structured taxonomy for comprehensive test planning. Topics: Test Type Taxonomy Framework; 5W+2H Classification System; Comprehensive Test Planning; Test Type Ontology
Academic framework organizing ~200 test types using 5W+2H questions (What, When, Why, Who, Where, How, How Well). Provides structured taxonomy for comprehensive test planning. Topics: Test Type Taxonomy Framework; 5W+2H Classification System; Comprehensive Test Planning; Test Type Ontology
