In the year 2019, one of the most dangerous virus – The Corona Virus emerged, and the world went quarantine. As a result, work from home, online studying, live video classes, online movie releases became the new norm. In a nutshell, we all are moving towards being digital.
These online workshops are either application based or website based. As we keep on operating these websites on a daily basis, we need to make sure that these websites are safe, compatible with all browsers, can handle the extra load, can be accessed by all, and have sufficient features also.
That is why we need to test our website. There are many ways through which we can test our website. Let us study them. But before that, we need to know the basics of website testing.
What is Website testing?
A software testing process that tests the websites to find out whether there is any bug or defect in the website is known as website testing/web testing.
It is always recommended to test your website before making it live as the website is the platform that is going to create your reputation in the market and will become a medium between the user and the service you tend to provide.
Now, you must be wondering what possible bugs and defects could occur while dealing with the website. Well, let me tell you there is not just one but many possible defects that could lead to the breakdown of your website. In this article, we will learn about these defects and how we test them and resolve them.
TESTING TECHNIQUES
Functionality Testing
Definition
Functional Testing is used to test all the features on the website. It checks whether all the features/operations are functioning in the manner they were supposed to. It is a type of Black Box Testing method which means it focuses mainly on the output when required inputs are fed into the system.
Purpose
The main aim of Functional Testing is to verify that your website meets the specifications which are mentioned in your development documentation. It tests several parameters like API, User Interface, Database Testing, Security Testing, Links, Forms, Cookies, etc.
What to Test
Functionality Testing is used to test the following.
- All the links such as Outgoing Links, Internal Links, Anchor Links, should be tested to make sure that all the links are directed towards the right path and there are no broken links.
- Cookies are small files created by the website to remember the active users and their activities so that whenever a user logs in, he need not mention every detail again and again. Cookies are tested to make sure the user credential is encrypted before using them.
- Testing HTML/CSS is the building block for the website. A website starts with HTML/CSS. All the elements of HTML/CSS work synchronously with each other. If a single element goes out of alignment, the whole chain of disruption starts. Therefore, testing these HTML/CSS components on different devices and browser is of utmost importance.
- Forms are used to interact with the users as information from the users is collected using the forms. So we need to test these online forms. We should check all the valid, mandatory, and optional fields in the form. Also, we should make sure that the right sort of error messages should be reflexed in case of any invalid input in these fields.
- The data which is provided by the users are stored in the database and therefore we need Database Testing. With the help of database testing, we can make sure that even after a lot of alterations the data in the database is correct and matches the information provided by the user.
Example
When we fill any online form, we can see that there are some fields that are mandatory to be filled and some are optional. The mandatory fields emerge more specifically by the use of the asterisk mark.
We need to check that all these asterisk marks should be displayed in front of the mandatory fields and an error message should pop up if anyone leaves them blank.
All these scenarios require a manual effort to go through everything and test everything on a webpage. To do this on a different browser, a tester needs to have a platform which not only smoothly runs different browsers and operating systems at a single place but also supports automation testing so that manual efforts are reduced to a minimum.
LambdaTest is one such platform. LambdaTest provides an easy-to-use interface for real-time testing through which the user just need to select the operating system, browser and its version and resolution to run a published or unpublished website.
Once the website is up and running, the tester can perform the functionality testing on whatever elements he feels like.
Along with this, LambdaTest also provides automation testing functionalities in which a tester can write selenium scripts to run on multiple browsers automatically testing the functions and scenarios via an online selenium grid. This saves a lot of time and efforts of manual testing.
Usability Testing
Definition
Usability Testing is a process that tests whether a website is user friendly, that is if the website could easily be used by any new user. Basically, we can say that usability Testing checks System Navigation.
Purpose
Usability Test makes sure that the website could easily be handled by any user. All the instructions on the website should be clear. It establishes the ease of use and effectiveness of the website.
For this purpose, it uses some standard Usability Test Practice. As we test the look and feel on the website in the Usability Testing so we should always make sure that the website is presentable and understandable to everyone.
Testing Scenarios
- We need to test that the content on the website should be logical with no spelling mistakes. The content should be meaningful. The font size throughout the website should be constant.
- We need to test that all the images on the website are proper and these images should be placed appropriately with the right size.
- We need to test the site Navigation. This means that the menus, buttons, and links to different pages should be easily visible and should be consistent on all webpages. The workflow of the website should be smooth.
- We need to test that all the buttons on the website should be of standard format and equal size. And the disabled fields or buttons should be greyed. The scroll bar should appear only when it is required.
- We need to test that home link and the title should be displayed on every single page of the website.
Example
When we are using any website, the first thing that grabs our attention towards the website is the look of the website that is the user interface. When we find the look attractive, we explore the site more.
And when the website is easily handled by the user, he will feel good and will revisit the website. Or may recommend it to others as well. And if the user does not find it easy to be used. He will not visit the website again. This is why usability testing is very important.
Compatibility Testing
Definition
Compatibility testing is a way to ensure that the product is working well across all different browsers, Operating Systems, Databases, Networks, Mobile Devices, and other technical gadgets.
Compatibility Testing is a type of non-functional testing. Non-functional testing means testing the characteristics of the website such as what is the response time of the website, what is its speed, how many people can log in to the website at the same time, and many such ones.
Purpose
Compatibility means a state in which two things coexist with each other without any problem or conflict. Henceforth, keeping this in mind we can say that the purpose of Compatibility testing is to ensure that the website with any other platform, can share their environment and resources without causing any harmful impact on any other one.
Types of Compatibility
There are mainly two types of Compatibility test: Forward Compatibility Testing and Backward Compatibility Testing.
Backward Compatibility Testing: Backward Compatibility Testing is done on the Older version of Software/ Hardware to make sure that these versions work smoothly with the newer launches of software/ Hardware. It is also known as Downward Compatibility Testing.
Some people still use the older versions of hardware/software or Operating Systems and the backward Compatibility Test ensures that the new builds can run on those older devices or operating systems without any issue.
Forward Compatibility Testing: It is the process in which we assess the application or operating system in the upcoming hardware/software. It verifies the performance of the application with the existing system.
Categories of Testing
- Browser Compatibility Test: Browser Test makes sure that the website performs properly on all the different browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, and all others. This is also known as Cross-Browser Testing. Cross-browser testing is a tough job and instead of working hard, should be worked smartly. Cross-browser testing can be done either manually or with the help of an online cloud-based tool. The manual way is a steep hill considering the number of browsers and operating systems on the market. Choosing to go online is a great option if you have a great tool with you. LambdaTest has the support of 2000+ browsers with the support of automation testing and screenshot testing as its primary features. With LambdaTest, a user can take the screenshot of multiple devices (25 at once!) and save them for his future use. LambdaTest also offers mobile device support along with a separate browser called LT Browser which is just made for this purpose.
- Operating System Compatibility: It ensures that the website runs well with all types of Operating Systems such as Windows, Mac, Linux, etc.
- Mobile / Tablet Compatibility: There is a huge number of audiences who use Mobile devices for operating websites. So we need to make sure that the website is user friendly to all the Android/ Tablet users also.
All the above type of testing is possible with LambdaTest and using its specially crafted features just for efficient testing. LambdaTest is pocket-friendly and provides a long list of integrations because of which the tester need not navigate anywhere else than the platform.
Example
Testing different browsers using tools like LamdaTest, to verify that the website supports all the browsers, is one of the examples of Compatibility Testing.
Performance Testing
Definition
Performance in generic terms means the process of assessing the capabilities and quality of a product. So, performance Testing is a practice that evaluates how a website acts in terms of stability and responsiveness under given workloads. It is also a non-functional testing type.
Purpose
The main purpose of Performance Testing is to build the performance standards into the design, architect, implementation of the website. With the help of Performance Testing, we can also find out which part of the website can cause a breakdown of the website.
Testing Techniques
- Load Testing: This is the simplest form of Performance Testing. It tests what manners does a website shows under specific expected loads. This load can be the number of expected users working concurrently on a specified task for a given amount of time.
- Stress Testing: This test is performed to check the upper limit of the system. That is Stress testing helps to check how the website will perform if the current load exceeds the expected maximum load.
- Soak Testing: Soak Testing also known as Endurance Testing is done to observe how the website will act when a continuous load is applied for a long time. It also keeps track of the throughput and response time of the website before and after the load is applied.
- Spike Testing: This test is done to check the behaviour of the website when the load on the website drastically increases or decreases. It examines the website performance, its response time, and its throughput on dramatic changes.
Example
When we test our website under low, moderate, high, and very high loads, and measure the behaviour of the website. We are then testing the performance of the website under different load conditions.
Security Testing
Definition
Security testing is done to ensure that the website does not possess any leaks or breaks and is secure and safe to be used for any online transaction. We perform Security Testing to identify the possible vulnerabilities and subsequently repair them. The possible leaks that could occur are Virus attack, Log review, Password Cracking, etc.
Purpose
The most important factor for any e-commerce website is its Security as there occurs a lot of money-related transactions on a daily basis. Security Testing ensures that the website is safe to be used and there are no voids.
Security Testing Scenarios
- When you access your email account by a new device, a safety window opens up which asks the user to verify its authentication. This is just to make sure that the user is genuine, and no hacker is trying to smash it. Such actions of the window should be tested.
- It should be tested that whenever we change our passwords on any online platform, it should be recorded in the database, and then the user should not be able to log in using the old password.
- And it should always be tested that the web pages which contain important data like credit card number, passwords, secret answer key should always be opened and submitted using HTTPS and these data should be shown in an encrypted way.
- It should be tested that the files which do not have authorization should not be downloaded without permission.
- It should be tested that the cookies should store information in an encrypted way and cookies should not store the passwords.
Example
Whenever we login to Gmail we can see that the ID which we enter is visible to us while the password is always present in an encrypted manner. This is because a password is very private and it should never be shared or shown to anyone.
Similarly, in case of any online transactions, our Credit Card information is kept encrypted so that the information does not leak and the website remains a safe website and users can operate the website without any fear of data theft.
A website is a front face for any business or individual. It takes a lot to build a website and present in front of the world. If the website is not working, nothing will work. Therefore, it is very important that the website is tested thoroughly and the components are working.
An online cloud-based cross-browser testing tool such as LambdaTest helps a lot in such regard. LambdaTest is not only about running the website in real-time. In addition to that, it helps create a team environment where the team members are aware of the bugs and work together on the website.
With LambdaTest, a tester can test his website for security, compatibility, usability and functionality for the end-users so that they are in safer hands. LambdaTest also provides responsive testing for the different screen sizes that are available in the market.
Along with this, the tester can use the issue tracker and a load of integrations to work comfortably at a single station. Choosing cloud-based testing is not enough today. Choosing the correct software tool is what it counts.
What is the point if you are juggling your way between different software tools and the cross-browser testing tool? So, the next time you are ready with your website, give a chance to LambdaTest and test it under free trial and decide yourselves.
You might like.
- Automation Testing Tutorial.
- Cross Browsing Web Testing (QA Automation).
- Reasons to Make Usability Testing a Priority.
