Debunking Myths about Functional Testing

For any software to provide high-quality user experience, it must be comprehensively tested. Functional testing helps QAs evaluate whether the developed software conforms to expected standards.

This article debunks myths around functional testing so that QAs know what’s real and implement best test practices.

Myth 1: Functional Testing is the same as End-to-End Testing

They are not the same. Functional testing focuses on verifying whether the developed functions of software applications work as per requirements specified by the client.

End-to-End testing is done after functional testing and system testing to verify whether the entire application flow is working as expected.

Myth 2: Functional Testing covers System Testing

It’s the reverse — Functional testing is a part of System testing. System testing is a type of black-box testing conducted on a fully integrated software product. It helps verify the following aspects:

• System behavior in the production-like environment
• Operation of integrated software as a whole

Myth 3: It’s fine to conduct functional testing at the end

As functional testing helps ensure that critical functions of an application work as intended, it needs to be conducted at an early stage. You can only initiate remaining tests once the system is tested by providing appropriate input, validating output, and comparing actual results with expected ones.

Myth 4: Performance testing is covered under functional testing

Performance testing is not a part of functional testing. Non-functional testing focuses more on examining other vital aspects of software systems like security, reliability, scalability, etc.

Myth 5: All functional test cases need to be automated.

There is always pressure to fast track testing. To do so, QAs often turn to automated testing with frameworks like Selenium WebDriver for testing functional compliance. However, automated testing may end up consuming excess bandwidth that can be used for additional optimizations.

Teams need to be aware of the above-listed myths, as it will help them prioritize their goals for functional test compliance and develop a test strategy that satisfies technical and business requirements.