What is the Difference Between system tests and system integration tests? with Proper Definition and Brief Explanation

The main difference between them is that the system tests verify the behaviors of the system as a whole, while the system integration tests verify the transfer of data between the multiple modules of the system.

Software testing is the process of verifying and validating that the software works as required. It is best to start testing earlier as it helps reduce the cost of defect repair. There are several types of tests, and system tests and system integration tests are two of them. Also, system testing involves testing the entire system, while system integration testing involves testing a set of modules in a system.

Key areas covered

1. What is system testing?
     – Definition, Functionality
2. What is the system integration test?
     – Definition, Functionality
3. What is the difference between system tests and system integration tests?
     – Comparison of key differences

Key terms

Software testing, System testing, System integration testing

What is system testing?

System tests verify the behavior of the entire system as a whole. In addition, it helps to assess the system’s compliance with specified requirements and verifies the fully integrated system to verify that the system meets the specified requirements. For example, suppose a Medical Center Management System. It has modules such as the patient module, the medical module, medical reports and payments. The test of the whole system as a whole is the test of the system. In addition, it ensures that the system works according to the specified requirements.

What is the system integration test?

System Integration Testing is an alternate name for  integration testing . There are several modules in one system. System integration tests verify a combination of individual modules together. In other words, it checks the data transfer between a set of modules. In a banking application, it is necessary to update the current balance after making a money transfer. The integration tests verify the data transfer between these two modules to confirm that they function properly as a single group.

There are two main approaches in integration testing as a top-down approach and a bottom-up approach. The top-down approach involves testing the top modules first, while the bottom-up approach involves testing the bottom-level modules first.

Also, if the upper modules are complete and the lower modules are not complete, the tester can create stubs for the lower modules to perform integration tests. Similarly, if the lower modules are complete and the upper modules are not complete, the tester can create controllers for the upper modules to perform integration tests. The stubs and drivers are not complete implementations of the modules, but they help to verify the transfer of data between the modules.

Difference between system test and system integration test

Definition

System testing is performed on a complete integrated system to assess the system’s compliance with your specific requirements. System integration testing, on the other hand, is a level of software testing where individual units are combined and tested as a group. Therefore, this is the main difference between them.

Functionality

While system tests verify the entire system as a whole, system integration tests verify data transfer between multiple modules.

Made in

Another difference between them is that system tests are performed on a complete system, while system integration tests are performed on a subset of the system.

conclusion

The main difference between them is that system tests verify the behaviors of the system as a whole, while system integration tests verify the transfer of data between multiple system modules.

Reference:

1. Acceptance Testing and System Testing: Software Testing Tutorial, Guru99, Aug 5, 2011, Available here.
2. What is the integration test? – Software Testing Tutorial, Guru99, June 3, 2014, Available here.

Courtesy Image:

1. “What is software testing.png” from Zappys Technology Solutions (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr

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