Test objects in software testing | Types & How to Create it?

Software testing is an important process in the software development life cycle where a product or an application is completely tested against the given requirements. The purpose of this process is to produce a product that is reliable and functional and works correctly.  Software testers raise bugs if there are any deviations or errors in the software. In software testing, the product or the application being tested is called the test object. 

What is a Test object? 

Test object in software testing is the application or the system being tested. The test object can be the entire system or a module of that system. It can also be a line of code being tested.Test objects are the elements of a system that are tested to ensure that the system functions as per the given requirements. It is important to test these test objects to ensure the system’s reliability and productivity.

Why are Test objects important? 

Here are some of the key points to highlight the importance of test objects.

1. Each method or function at unit level represents test objects. Testing them at this stage, helps in early detection of defects and thus produces a stable software.
2. Test objects are also used in Automation testing. This testing is preferred when there are a large number of test objects or when tests are to be repeated multiple times.
3. APIs and modules represent test objects at integration level. Testing a seamless interaction between these objects detects any deviations.
4. During regression testing, previously tested components , features and fixed bugs become the test objects. This makes sure that the changes are not affecting the stability of a software.
5. For security testing, components with respect to authentication, data encryption, and authorization become important test objects. It is vital to ensure security of these components.

Test objects in a Test Plan

Test plan is a document that serves as a roadmap for testing a software. It provides the approach, objectives, resources, scope, and schedule for testing the software. It helps the test team to understand how to test to ensure the stability and quality of the software. 

In a test plan, test objects are the entities or the components that are targeted for testing. Test objects in a test plan ensure that all aspects of the software are thoroughly tested. Here are the steps on how the test objects are incorporated in a test plan-

1. Test plan should first identify the test objects to be tested. It can be methods, components, modules, databases, and so on based on the type of testing.
2. Assigning the identified test objects to specific team members for testing. This gives clarity on who is testing which component.
3. Deciding the type of test required for all the test objects.
4. Identify the high-risk test objects and prioritize their testing. Also, identify the interactions between the test objects to test.
5. Ensure that all the test objects and their dependencies are tested. And all the test criteria are met.
6. Report all the details of the test objects. Document all the test details for reference.

Types of Test objects

In software testing, test objects are components or modules within a software system that are subject to testing. These objects vary depending on the type of testing being conducted. Here are some of the types of test objects-

1. Websites as test objects 

Websites act as test objects when web applications or online services are being tested. Websites are tested for functionality, stability and performance across different devices and browsers. Website Testing includes verifying all the links, testing different functionalities, performance testing and security testing.

2. Mobile apps as test objects

Mobile apps act as test objects for testing mobile applications. Mobile apps as test objects are tested for their performance and functionality as per requirement. They are also tested to check their performance across different devices and operating systems.

3. Internet of Things and Wearables as test objects

Internet of Things and Wearables are tested for their performance, user experience, security, and functionality. Functionality testing includes testing sensors, communication, and actuators. Security testing includes testing access control, data encryption, and authentication methods.

4. Games as test objects

Testing games include testing their performance across various platforms, such as laptops, browsers, operating systems, and mobile applications. They are also tested to be user-friendly, engaging, and easy to use. 

5. Chatbots and Virtual Assistants as test objects

Chatbots and Virtual Assistants are applications of artificial intelligence and natural language processing technologies. Evaluating their performance, usability, accuracy, and natural language processing capabilities is a part of testing these applications.

6. SaaS category test objects

Software as a Service(SaaS) is a cloud-based model where security, scalability, performance, and functionality are tested. Testing of API endpoints, request and response formats, data formats, and error handling are a part of testing.

Test object example of a webshop

A webshop, commonly known as an e-commerce website or an online store, is a digital platform where businesses sell their services or products over the internet. This platform facilitates its users to browse, select and buy their products virtually, without physically visiting a store. The advantage here is the increased accessibility and the reach to global audiences. In a webshop, test objects are its functionalities and components that are tested to make sure they work as per requirement. Some of the test objects in a webshop are-

1. Search and filter options to ensure the products are easily accessible to users.
2. Add or remove from cart, increase or decrease the number of products, wishlist, and add coupons while checkout.
3. Checkout process, Payment window, and interaction between the app and payment applications.
4. Customer support windows such as the live chat, emails and contact forms.
5. User registration and verification mechanisms, security of sensitive user and payment information, and access controls.

 How do you create a test object?

Creating a test object in manual testing includes the following steps-

1. Identifying the components to test – based on the requirement given and functionalities to test.
2. Create test cases to test these components. Ensure that the test cases cover all possible aspects of a component.
3. Formulate the valid inputs for each test case and execute the test cases.
4. Record the test case results and analyze them against the given requirements. 
5. Report bugs for the cases where there is a deviation from the given requirement.

Creating a test object in automation testing includes the following steps-

1. Analyze the application to be tested and identify the components of the application that are to be tested.
2. Selection of an automation tool that is suitable for the said application and has all the necessary features. Testsigma is a tool that can be used for automation.

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3. Represent the test object locators by using the right syntax and methods in the automation tool. The test object locators are the unique identifiers such as ID, name, class, and so on. 
4. Create the test objects by defining functions and methods for common actions.
5. Implement and execute the test scripts in the tool. Monitor the tests and report any bugs.

Conclusion

Test objects act as the basic entities in software testing allowing the testers to analyze the functionality, performance, security, and scalability of a software. 

Irrespective of manual testing or automation testing, test objects are the vital components that represent the components that are to be tested against the given requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a test basis?

It is a document or a set of requirements that form the basis for creating test cases. It provides the information to design, create, and execute test cases.

What is the difference between a test object and a test item?

Test object represents a specific component that is being tested, whereas test item is an entity that includes the test object along with test documents, artifacts, requirements, and other related items.

What are test objects in codeless testing?

Codeless testing  also called as no code testing, is a process where tests are created and automated without writing any code. Test objects, in this case, are the components that are selected, validated, and interacted with during the automated test process.