What is Software Quality Assurance? Types, Benefits, and Implementation

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We make use of various software countless times, and in fact, they have become a part of our daily routine. From the operating systems that enable your computers and mobile phones to work, to the applications that allow you to perform different tasks. These are all types of software. Have you ever wondered why such software performs so smoothly almost all the time? This does not happen by chance. In reality, we account for many procedures for this trouble-free functioning. In other words, we call it Software Quality Assurance. This article brings you all the relevant information you need on Software Quality Assurance.

What is the Meaning of Software Quality Assurance?

We develop software for a specific purpose. For instance, Facebook is a software which is a social media application. We expect it to run in a manner that fulfills our demand and purpose. Without a doubt, we follow multiple procedures and precautions while making such a widely used application. It also involves the application and monitoring of software engineering practices. We also ensure compliance with international standards. This is nothing but Software Quality Assurance. Learn more about SQA Courses.

SQA includes a variety of steps from identifying potential risks, to testing, reviewing, and preventing errors in the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). Maintaining specified quality standards is of the utmost importance. Therefore, it involves establishing guidelines based on security standards and improving the development process. Let’s discuss these components in detail.

What are the Types of Software Quality Assurance Tests?

When we observe the process of quality maintenance, we come across multiple tests and reviews. We call this the Multi-testing strategy. Moving on to different types of tests of Software Quality Assurance, they are as follows:

1. Unit Testing

Smaller components and functions form software. Unit Testing is when we test these units individually. Since these smaller units comprise the whole system, testing them individually ensures the entire software works well.

2. Integration Testing

In contrast to unit testing, here we combine smaller units into groups and test them. This allows an assessment of the system as a whole.

3. Functional Testing

This involves testing whether certain functions are working to specific requirements. Input is provided either manually or using testing tools to check specific functions. Testers note the actual output and then compare it to the expected result. Similarly, we test non-functional components of a system using various tools.

4. Performance Testing

Performance testing assesses the overall performance and stability of the system when we perform tasks on it. The test inputs different magnitudes and intensities of loads, such as:

Load Testing
Stress Testing
Endurance Testing
Spike Testing

5. Regression Testing

The process of software development involves many updates. We perform regression testing to check if the updates are working as expected. This also checks whether the updates have caused any harm to the previous code or not.

6. End-to-End Testing

This test replicates user behavior and uses real-life data to test the functionality and performance of the system from start to finish.

7. Usability and User Acceptance Testing

People confuse this with the User Acceptance Test. The main difference is that we conduct Usability Testing throughout the development process, and User Acceptance Test just before the release of the software. However, both these tests involve a targeted group of users that review the software based on usability, accessibility, and user-friendliness. The aim is to make the software fit for operating in the real world.

Benefits of Software Quality Assurance

Believe it or not, we cannot escape technology in the present world. This also makes us a stakeholder in almost everything related to technology and software.

While we use software in our daily routine, we also need to understand the concept that makes it work. Let’s understand the Importance of Software Quality Assurance in brief.

It maintains a specified standard of quality, rules, and regulations.
It reduces the cost and time spent in correcting faults at a later stage.
Smooth-performing software helps the company to build trust and reliability.
Quality checks prevent malicious attacks and threats, thus maintaining cyber security.
It results in well-functioning, user-friendly, and quality software.

Implementation of Software Quality Assurance

The process of Software Quality Assurance runs parallel to software engineering. We perform quality tests simultaneously with the process of software development. However, it involves more than just a few tests. We conduct Software quality assurance in a proper flow. From determining a strategy to carrying out reviews and inspections, let’s dive into the detailed implementation of the Software Quality Assurance process.

1. SQA Management Plan

The first step in the software quality assurance process is to create a detailed methodological structure that elaborates the flow of the SQA process. This is important so that every step is mentioned and carried out without fail.

2. Establishing Checkpoints

Secondly, we establish checkpoints to ensure that assessments are conducted regularly. They allow the developer to make necessary checks and changes.

3. Multi-Testing Strategy

Involving multiple tests in the Software Quality Assurance ensures that software is tested on many parameters during development. These aspects may include performance, functionality, and design, etc.

4. Regular Inspections

While the software is being engineered, structural and functional inspections should be done periodically. Some common kinds of inspections are:

Code Inspection: At regular intervals, we also check the code of the software to detect faults, bugs, or mistakes that may cause malfunctions.
Design Inspection: To make sure that the design is cohesive and meets specific requirements, we assess the functional and structural interface of the software.
Change Inspection: Changes in the code can sometimes affect other parts of the software. We carry out inspections whenever we make changes in a particular software’s code, functions, or modules.

5. User Behavior Mechanism

This step tests a prototype or a particular function through user interactions. This is a step that either replicates user interactions through tools or employs a target group of users. For instance:

Simulation tools model a real user-like scenario to assess the behavior of the software.
Walkthrough is the process of review where the development team goes through the software system and checks for errors, faults, or violations if any.

6. Auditing and Reviewing

Auditing is a measure to verify the accurate implementation of the SDLC process. It ensures accuracy between the specified standards and actual results. Whereas a Formal Technical Review (FTR) determines the quality and functionality of the software with the inputs of the development team as well as the users.

7. Stakeholders and Improvement

Stakeholders in the software development process are the engineers, reviewers, testers, and end customers. Involving them in different stages of development is crucial for well-performing software.

Careers in Software Quality Assurance

Due to technological advancements demand for software quality assurance has increased. A good knowledge of the technical aspects of computers and electronics is valuable. Skills like coding, and software engineering will open up many possibilities in this field. These are a few job titles:

Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Engineer
Software Quality Assurance Engineer

From preparing a quality testing strategy and developing testing programs to analyzing errors and correcting them to fit user preferences, these professionals certainly do it all!

Become a Certified Software Tester with Henry Harvin

If a career in software testing interests you, the first step should be a course specific to your needs. Henry Harvin provides one of the most comprehensive Software Testing Courses in the market. Let’s discuss the course briefly.

Course Details:

The duration of the Software testing course is about 60 hours.
You will get training from trainers who have over 14 years of industry experience.
Live classes with interactive real-time discussions and also trained instructors. In addition, you will also find recorded sessions.
Instructors also give projects related to testing software to perfect your skills.
Moreover, Internship support is provided for inculcating practical knowledge.
You will also get guaranteed placement support after completion of the course.
What’s more? A globally recognized certification in software testing.
Further, Henry Harvin has affiliations with MSME, College De Paris, CompTIA, Nasscom, etc.
Finally, top companies will hire you with salary hikes.

The Henry Harvin Software Testing Course is the perfect way to establish a foundation in this field.

Payscale of a Software Tester

The average salary of a software tester is almost ₹4 Lakhs in India. In addition, an SQA engineer can earn up to ₹7 Lakhs.

Conclusion

To surmise the article, the concept of Software Quality Assurance is not new. Developers use this process to ensure the best quality and consistent improvement. In addition, it involves multiple stakeholders. Thus, impacting many lives. It affects the developers and engineers. However, the involvement of users makes this process a success. Multiple tests, reviews, and feedback make this process quite elaborate. But wait, this is the reason why the process is authentic. Lastly, technological advancements continue to make this field more and more important.

FAQs

1. What is the Definition of Software Quality Assurance?

SQA is the process of identifying risks and errors, by testing and reviewing to prevent faults in the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).

2. What are the Important Components of Software Quality Assurance?

The main components of SQA include defect prevention, tests, reviews and audits, and compliance with international standards.

3. Is Software Quality Assurance the same as Quality Control?

Quality assurance is a broader term that describes the process from start to finish. In contrast, quality control is a constituent part that focuses on the system’s compliance with set standards.