What is the Difference Between Functional and non-Functional Tests? with Proper Definition and Brief Explanation

The main difference between functional and non-functional testing is that the functional test is the type of test that ensures that the software product works properly while the non-functional test is the type of test that verifies the non-functional aspects, such as performance, ease of use, reliability, etc. of the software.                                    Functional and non-Functional Tests

Software testing is an important task in software development. It is the process of verifying and validating that the software product is working as expected. There are several types of tests, and functional and non-functional tests are two of them. Functional testing verifies that the system has been tested against the functional requirements or specifications. On the other hand, non-functional tests check system attributes like robustness, performance, etc. Both types of testing are important to produce functional and reliable software in the end.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is functional testing?
     – Definition, Functionality
2. What is non-functional testing?
     – Definition, Functionality
3. What is the difference between functional and non-functional testing?
    – Comparison of key differences

Key terms

Functional tests, Non-functional tests, Software tests

What is functional testing?

Functional testing is the type of testing that ensures that the software product works according to the requirements. In this test, we tested all functionalities of the product. The tester can provide appropriate inputs and verify outputs. You can then compare the actual results with the expected results. This test involves checking user interfaces, APIs, databases, etc.

                                                             Figure 1: Software Testing

For example, suppose software such as the management system of a medical center. This system has a number of functionalities like add, update, delete patient details, add, update delete doctor details, general reports, printed invoices, etc. Check if each of the functions works as expected in the functional tests.

What is non-functional testing

Non-functional testing is a type of test that verifies non-functional aspects of the system. It focuses on different aspects like performance, ease of use, reliability, etc. In other words, it tests parameters that are not tested in functional tests. However, non-functional tests are just as important as functional tests. It also helps to gain customer acceptance.

Checking how the system performs for anticipated workload, checking the system for extreme workloads, checking how the software handles the expected workload for a period of them, and checking how the system performs for sudden loads.

Difference Between Functional and Non-Functional Testing

Definition

Functional testing is a software testing process used in software development where software is tested to ensure that it meets all requirements. In contrast, non-functional tests are a type of test that checks the way a system works rather than specific behaviors of the system. Thus, this explains the main difference between them.

Execution order

Another difference between functional and non-functional tests is that we perform the functional tests before the non-functional ones.

Requirements

Furthermore, the requirement definition also contributes to the difference between functional and non-functional testing. Namely; It is easier to define the requirements for functional tests. However, it is difficult to define the requirements for non-functional tests.

Functionality

Functional tests describe what the product does, while the other one describe how the product works. Therefore, this describes the difference between them in brief.

Use

In addition, functional tests help validate the behavior of the system. In contrast, non-functional tests help validate the way the system works.

Test Types

Unit tests, integration tests, and user acceptance tests are some types of functional tests. On the contrary, performance tests, load tests and stress tests are some types of non-functional tests.

Example

Checking login functionality is an example of functional testing. Checking how many users can log in to the system simultaneously is an example of a non-functional test.

Conclusion

The difference between functional and non-functional testing is that functional testing is the type of testing that ensures that the functionalities of the software are working properly while non-functional testing is the type of testing that verifies the non-functional aspects such as performance. , ease of use, reliability, etc. . of the software.

Reference:

1.”Functional Tests.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, June 1, 2018, Available here.
2. “Non-functional tests.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, August 10, 2017, Available here.

Courtesy image:

1. “762486” (CC0) via Pixabay

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