Static and dynamic testing: what is it and how do they complement each other?
As a software tester, you play a very important role in delivering reliable, effective software. The terms "static" and "dynamic" testing may have crossed your path before, but what do they really mean? What do these methods mean and how can they improve your work? Let's get started!
Static testing: more than just reviewing
Static testing is the act of inspecting all kinds of documents without the test object actually running. Have you ever gone through the specifications of a feature looking for possible ambiguities or inconsistencies before even a line of code was written? That's static testing!
Examples of static testing range from doing technical or business reviews, inspecting documents, to performing in-depth inspections and walkthroughs. This kind of testing work is often already done in modern approaches such as Scrum and DevOps during the refinement of user stories. While not a separate step, it does require your keen eye.
And do you wonder if you are alone in this? Absolutely not! There are of tools that can support you, such as SonarQube or Checkstyle, that can analyse code for complexity, potentially faulty logic and compliance with coding standards.
The power of dynamic testing
On the other hand, we have dynamic testing, a form of testing where the application is actually running. It can range from testing a single programme module to a complete end-to-end business process. Dynamic testing comes in many forms, including unit testing, integration testing, system testing, acceptance testing, performance testing and even security testing.
Test automation tools can add real value here. They are extremely valuable in large or complex systems where manual testing would be time-consuming and error-prone.
A mix of static and dynamic testing: the best of both worlds
Have you ever experienced a moment where you discovered a crucial error during the static testing phase that prevented many problems in the development phase? In effective testing, we don't choose between "or", but we embrace "and". A combination of static and dynamic testing ensures that both software quality and functionality are covered. Static testing allows you to discover and resolve ambiguities in user stories early.
Dynamic testing helps you find and solve problems that only become visible when the system is running.
Increase your value in quality assurance
Regardless of the development environment you work in, by combining static and dynamic testing, you play an important role in delivering quality software. By putting your focus on both early quality control with static testing and thorough verification with dynamic testing, you can optimise your processes and increase your value as a tester. At Testlearning, we are here to help you improve your testing skills and increase the quality of your work. In our e-learning TMap for Cross-functional teams, you will learn all about it.
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