Introduction to Software Testing

Software testing is a process of evaluating a software product or system to ensure that it meets the specified requirements, functions as expected, and is free from defects or errors. The goal of software testing is to improve the quality and reliability of the software by identifying and fixing any issues before it is released to the end-users.

Software testing is a critical part of the software development life cycle (SDLC) and involves various stages such as planning, designing, executing, and reporting. The process involves creating test cases or scenarios that simulate real-world usage of the software to identify any potential issues that could arise during its use.

There are several types of software testing, including unit testing, integration testing, system testing, acceptance testing, and regression testing. Each type of testing focuses on different aspects of software quality and is conducted at different stages of the SDLC.

Manual testing involves executing test cases manually and verifying the results, while automated testing involves using tools to automate the testing process. Automated testing is often preferred as it can save time, increase test coverage, and improve the accuracy and consistency of test results.