Functional testing is a quality assurance type of review, also known as “black box” testing. The test cases reviewed are based on the exact specifications of the particular component that is being tested. The test process involves entering input and examining output. The programming structure is not typically considered, however functional testing describes what the system does.
There are usually five steps involved in functional testing. At Skiva we are highly skilled at accomplishing each of these steps. First, there are procedures that are expected to be performed when the software or system is working correctly. The test is data created to input, based on the specifications of the function. Next, the expected output is determined, again based on the specifications as identified. The test case is executed and the expected and actual outputs are compared.
Functional testing is also known as black box testing. The test process ignores the programming, unlike white box testing where the programming is the starting point. With functional test processes, programming code is not necessary to successfully complete the test.
There are benefits to early functional testing. It can reveal specification problems, as well as assessing testability. It can give further explanations of specs and may even act as the spec in some instances. This type of testing is well-suited for missing logic issues. A common problem in programming is that some programming logic is missing, but structural testing cannot identify missing code. Functional testing can point out the missing elements, so early testing using the functional mode can save a considerable amount of time and resources.
