Start automating your tests 10X Faster in Simple English with Testsigma
Try for freeWe know about Testing and Debugging. But what is the difference between these two processes? Why are these two processes essential for software development? In this article, we will find answers to all these questions. You will learn about the complete features, the tools used in each process, and the types. Let us dig in!
Table Of Contents
Testing Vs Debugging – Overview
What is Testing?
Testing is a process that helps you discover possible issues before the application moves to production (i.e., the application goes live). A developer or a tester does the Testing process through any method –Automation or Manual.
Testing involves evaluating a system’s components to determine whether it satisfies the specified requirements. It is a process of ensuring that the application software meets the business requirement.
Testing involves the execution of each test case, which covers all the use cases with positive and negative scenarios.
What is Debugging?
Debugging is determining the cause of bugs and errors, and then fixing them. Debugging is a manual process. There are helping tools to debug, which will narrow down the process to an extent.
Various methods of debugging code include:
- Using breakpoints to halt execution at fixed points in the program, like analyzing variables and their values.
- Tracking program flow.
- Examining memory contents and simulating possible inputs to detect strange behavior.
Testing vs Debugging – Differences
This table provides a snapshot of core differences between Testing and Debugging:
| Features | Testing | Debugging |
| Purpose | To identify defects in software | To locate and fix the root cause of defects |
| Role | Performed by testers or developers | Performed by developers |
| Participants | Can be done developers, testers, or end users | Typically performed by developers |
| Approach | Can be manual or automated | Reactive or proactive |
| Timing | Begins after development is complete | Begins when defects are identified during testing |
| Types | Unit, integration, system, acceptance, regression | Bug fixing, root cause analysis, code review, regression debugging |
| Focus | Quality assurance, validation | Code correctness, functionality |
| Steps | – Create test cases – Execute tests – Record results – Report defects | – Identify bug – Reproduce issue – Analyze code – Fix bug- Retest |
| Optimization Steps | – Clear test cases – Effective test data- Automation where applicable | – Use debugging tools- Set breakpoints – Analyze call stacks |
| Tools | TestsigmaSeleniumJUnitTestNGPostman | – Debuggers (e.g., GDB, Visual Studio Debugger) – Logging tools – Performance profilers |
| Outcome | Identifies defects and ensures software quality | Produces a corrected code base and resolves specific issues |
How to Test & Debug with Testsigma?
Testsigma is a cloud-based test automation platform that makes the process of testing and debugging for the cause of defects easy for testers. Here is an introduction on how to use it:
1. Write Test Cases:
- Natural Language: Write test cases in simple English using keywords.
- Test Data: State the test data to be used in various scenarios.
- Test Conditions: Specify the conditions under which certain actions or validations must be met.
2. Construct Test Suites:
- Arrange Test Cases: Group related test cases into test suites for better execution.
- Set Priorities: Assign priorities to test cases to ensure critical features are tested first.
3. Execute Tests:
- Cloud Execution: Run tests on different cloud platforms and devices.
- Parallel Execution: Test multiple test cases at the same time to expedite the process.
- Scheduled Execution: Automate the execution of tests at specific times or intervals.
4. Debug Test Failures:
- Detailed Reports: Look into the results of the test and identify failed test cases.
- Screenshots and Logs: Review screenshots and logs to identify the exact point of failure.
5. Retest and Verify:
- Rerun Failed Tests
- Verify Fixes
Wrap up!
Developers must be able to debug and test their code. Testing and debugging are core activities in software development. Teams need security awareness training. This article introduces the testing and debugging process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can testing and debugging happen simultaneously?
Yes, testing and debugging can occur simultaneously, especially in agile development environments where continuous integration is practiced.
How can effective testing reduce the need for debugging?
Thorough testing can identify and resolve issues early in the development process, reducing the number of defects that require debugging later on.
Top 10 Debugging ToolsTop 10 Debugging Tools : The Only List You Need!Software Testing https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/ Automated Testing https://testsigma.com/automated-testing Manual Testing https://testsigma.com/guides/manual-testing/
