What are the different types of non-functional tests?

Non-functional testing focuses on the broader characteristics of a software application, rather than its specific functionalities. These tests ensure the software is usable, reliable, secure, and meets the overall quality standards expected for its intended use. Non-functional testing is as important as functional testing.

Here are some of the different types of non-functional tests:

Load Testing:

Load testing is a subset of performance testing that simulates real-world user loads on a software application or system. It's essentially a stress test to see how the software behaves under pressure. This testing mainly use for identifying the performance bottlenecks of an application, measure the application's scalability which means ability to handle increased user load and ensure the application can handle expected user traffic without compromising responsiveness or stability. Load testing helps identify potential issues before they occur in a real-world scenario, leading to a more reliable and stable application.

Security Testing:

Security testing is like having a security guard for your restaurant to prevent theft and maintain a safe environment. It identifies weaknesses in the software's security that could be exploited by attackers. This ensures the software is protected from unauthorised access, data breaches, and malicious attacks.

Usability Testing:

This is like having usability experts evaluate the restaurant's layout and menu. Usability testing focuses on how easy and intuitive the software is to use for its target audience. Testers identify any confusing interfaces or unclear functionalities that might hinder user experience.

Recovery Testing:

This is like having a backup plan in case a kitchen appliance malfunctions. Recovery testing verifies the software's ability to recover from failures and resume normal operations efficiently. This minimises downtime and ensures data integrity.

Volume Testing:

Volume testing, also sometimes referred to as flood testing, is a type of performance testing that focuses on evaluating an application's ability to handle large amounts of data. It's distinct from load testing, which concentrates on user traffic. The test results are analysed to pinpoint areas where the system struggles with large data volumes. This can reveal limitations in storage capacity, database performance, or data processing efficiency.

Reliability Testing:

This is like ensuring the restaurant's kitchen equipment functions consistently throughout the day. Reliability testing focuses on how consistently the software performs and its ability to recover from errors gracefully. It minimises crashes, data loss, and system downtime.