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What is Software?

A software is a set of instructions which tell a computer how to work. Softwares are usually written by using high-level programming languages. Computer programmer / Developer develops the code for software, by which they instruct the computers/ smart phones/tablets on how to perform various tasks. The software thus ultimately enables interaction between the user and the computer/smartphone/tablet and even the hardware. 

The need for a Software

A computer, a laptop, a smart phone, a tablet etc. these are all the devices which make it easy for businesses to run. These devices are made of some physical elements – some visible externally and some which are present on the inside – which are the hardware. Software is simply coded instructions which tell all the devices and its hardware, what to do? In short, whatever a computer does, it does because of the software. No wonder, a software developer is of utmost important in today’s tech savvy world.

Software Development and Testing 

A software program is developed by using a specific programming language. The high-level programming language is a collection of various interrelated programming codes which are written by the developer. However, Software Development is not merely writing the code, but also determining what objectives are to be achieved by the software and what its requirements are. After which the coding is done, and lastly it is also to be confirmed if the developed software is able to achieve the objectives which were determined. Thus, Testing out the Software too is an integral part of Software Development.

Software Testing Fundamentals 

Software Testing is the process of investigating to if the software developed meets the objectives set. It is an important aspect for any software development company. This investigation is to guarantee its stakeholders about the quality of the product/service/software which their developers have developed, and which they will be selling to their clients. There are various types of Software Testing process, which includes – Unit Testing, Integration Testing, Functionality Testing, Usability Testing, Smoke Testing, System Testing, Security Testing, Performance Testing, Regression Testing, Load Testing, Stress Testing, Compliance Testing, etc. 

Of all the Software Testing, what we are going to look at today is the Unit Testing and Integration Testing, and the differences between them. So, let’s take a look, shall we?

What is Unit Testing

Unit Testing is a software testing method in which a individual unit of a module of a software is tested by the developer. The testing is done to decide if an isolated unit is ready for utilization or not.

What is Integration Testing

Integration Testing is a software testing method in which integration of all the modules are tested by testers. The testing is done to decide of different modules with units can work in integration with other modules. 

Difference Between Unit Testing and Integration Testing

Unit Testing 

• Unit Testing checks if a small unit of the module of software is working as it is required to do.
• This testing can be done rather quickly as finding error is easy. Also, this testing and its maintenance is much cheap. 
• It checks a singular component and starts with module specification
• The testing is mostly done by the software developer itself and is the initial most testing done in the whole software testing process.
• Unit Testing has a narrow scope and the codes used for writing this tests are short as they cover just a single unit
• Its focus is on the visibility of the code and the functioning of the individual units. Thus, it does not consider the various problems associated when different units interact.
• It is independent, so that if the test fails, you known which specific part of the code has error. Whether the other unit is completed or not, whether the other unit is error free or not does not affect this testing.
• Unit Testing comes under White box testing type i.e. it tests the softweare’s internal structure, coding, as well as design. It is called clear box testing as it enables to see the inner workings of the software through the outer shell.

Integration Testing 

• Integration Testing checks if the various codes of various modules are working together
• This testing takes time to be done as finding the errors is rather difficult. Also, this testing and its maintenance is comparatively expensive.
• It checks the integration of various components and starts with interface specification
• The testing is done by a testing team and is carried out after the Unit Testing.
• Integration Testing has a wide scope and the codes used for writing this test are long as they target the whole application.
• Its focus is on the visibility of the integration of the structure and the overall build of the system. Thus, it strives to discover the problems associated when different units of the modules interact with each other.
• It is not independent, so that the test fails if any of the code of modules has error. Thus, if any of the various codes goes wrong, this testing will be affected. Also, this testing cannot be carried out unless and until the whole coding is completed.
• Integration Testing comes under the Black box testing type i.e. it tests from an end-user or external perspective. In this testing type the inner workings of software cannot be seen, and it can only see the outer end-user experience.

For any software development company like that of Techasoft, it is imperative to understanding the above-mentioned Software Testing Fundamentals. Today, software developing companies are coming together and providing platforms for all the software developers where they can test their software. Understanding the importance of the Unit Testing and Integration Testing and the fundamental differences between them will be your first step on this way.