Big Bang Integration Testing | Example Of How To Do Integration Testing

How can big-bang integration testing save time and money for complex projects?

Big-bang integration testing is a strategy that involves testing all the modules of a system together after they are fully developed. It can be a risky and challenging approach, but it can also have some benefits for complex projects that need to save time and money. In this article, you will learn what big-bang integration testing is, how it differs from other integration testing methods, what are its advantages and disadvantages, and how to plan and execute it effectively.

Big-bang integration testing is a type of integration testing that combines all the modules or components of a system into a single unit and tests them as a whole. It does not use any intermediate stages or stubs to simulate the behavior of missing or incomplete modules. It is usually performed after the unit testing of individual modules is done, and before the system testing and acceptance testing.

There are other integration testing methods that use a more incremental and structured approach, such as top-down, bottom-up, and sandwich integration testing. These methods test the modules or components in groups or sub-systems, and use drivers or stubs to simulate the interactions between them. They also follow a predefined order or sequence to integrate the modules or components, based on their dependencies or hierarchy. These methods aim to reduce the complexity and risk of integration testing, and to detect and isolate errors more easily.

Big-bang integration testing can be a viable solution for complex projects that need to save time and money. This type of testing is faster and cheaper than other integration testing methods, as it does not require developing and maintaining drivers or stubs, or following a specific integration order. Additionally, it can test the system as a whole, revealing the interactions and dependencies between all the modules or components which may not be evident in other integration testing methods. It also facilitates communication and collaboration between developers and testers, as they can work on the same system and share the same test environment and data.

Big-bang integration testing can have some drawbacks and challenges that should be taken into consideration. It can be more risky and difficult than other integration testing methods, as it can introduce more errors and bugs, making them harder to identify and fix due to the complexity and interdependency of the system. Additionally, it can delay the testing process and the feedback loop since it requires the completion and availability of all modules or components, which may have different development schedules and priorities. Furthermore, it requires more resources and coordination than other integration testing methods, such as a large and stable test environment and data, as well as a strong integration team and management.

In order to perform big-bang integration testing effectively, careful planning and execution is required. This includes defining the scope and objectives of the integration testing and identifying the modules or components that need to be integrated and tested. Additionally, criteria and standards for the integration testing should be established, as well as designing test cases and scenarios that cover the functional and non-functional requirements of the system. The test environment and data must be prepared and made consistent, reliable, and able to handle the load and stress of the integration testing. It is also important to coordinate with developers and testers, assign clear roles and responsibilities for the integration testing, monitor progress, and report results. Lastly, errors or bugs that occur during integration testing should be analyzed, troubleshooted, prioritized, and resolved promptly.

How to do Integration Testing?

The Integration test procedure irrespective of the Software testing strategies (discussed above):

1. Prepare the Integration Tests Plan
2. Design the Test Scenarios, Cases, and Scripts.
3. Executing the test Cases followed by reporting the defects.
4. Tracking & re-testing the defects.
5. Steps 3 and 4 are repeated until the completion of Integration is successful.

Unit Test vs Integration Test

Unit and integration tests serve distinct purposes and are carried out at various development lifecycle phases. The following table compares the key distinctions between unit tests and integration tests:

Aspect	Unit Test	Integration Test
Scope	Concentrate on particular units or modules.	Examine the interactions of integrated modules.
Purpose	Check that each item functions independently.	Check that all the interconnected pieces work correctly.
Isolation	External dependencies are kept separate from the tests.	Integration with real-world modules is required.
Speed	Because it focuses on small units, execution is quicker.	The execution time for is a bit longer due to the testing of various modules.
Coverage	Offers extensive code coverage by exhaustively inspecting particular modules.	Ensures that modules perform correctly as an element of the overall system.
Testing Workflow	The developers typically perform unit tests before the integration.	Integration tests are usually performed during the integration phase of the Software.

Workflow Diagram

The above workflow diagram depicts a series of tests and integrations to ensure the functionality and compatibility of the system’s modules. Module A, B, C, D, E, and F are individual units integrated into the system. The process is as follows:

Individual Testing:

Modules A and D undergo separate tests, assessing their functionality and performance.

Group Testing:

Module C, B, F, and E are combined to determine their overall functioning and compatibility, which are then examined as a group.

Sequential Testing:

Modules are evaluated methodically, with Module A being the first to be tested, followed by Module B, Module D. Finally, Module F. This procedure identifies possible faults or module dependencies.

Functionality and Compatibility Testing:

Modules are tested for functionality and interoperability to ensure they perform their intended functions and connect smoothly with the rest of the system.

Integration and System Testing:

Once all individual and group tests have been completed, the modules are incorporated into the system. After that, the complete system is tested to ensure its general functioning and performance.

By following this comprehensive workflow, the system’s modules are methodically assessed. Before being integrated into the larger system, the modules are tested to verify they fulfill the essential requirements of functioning and compatibility.

Once the integration testing phase is completed, automating the corresponding test cases is highly recommended. Test automation helps prevent regressions and ensures that the system functions correctly in the future.

Advantages of Integration Testing

While performing tests for integration, it examines how the complete software program serves as a unit, just as it will when people use it. The context-driven approach entails examining the precise setting in which the product will be used. It recognizes that the software’s operation depends on more than just its components.

It also depends on how these components interact when seen as a whole. It’s similar to considering how a team functions rather than just each player’s skills.

Validate Dataflow

It examines how data moves between various units and database servers. It validates that data is transmitted effectively and without degradation. This reduces the danger of data-related issues in the live environment.

Identifying External Dependencies

Most software programs utilize external resources like APIs or third-party systems. It examines how the software interacts with these dependencies through real-world simulation. This aid in the identification of any compatibility issues.

Customized Test Scenarios

It enables testers to develop specialized test scenarios that reflect the software’s unique properties and user interfaces. This allows a more accurate assessment of critical features.

Scalability Validation

It validates scalability by using a context-driven methodology. This looks at how interconnected units manage rising workloads to ensure the system can support expansion in the future.

Types Of Integration Testing

The four types of integration testing are:

Top-down integration testing

Top-down integration testing is a famous approach focusing first on the main module and then on its other sub-modules and subroutines. Here, the sub-modules and sub-routines function as temporary counterparts and generate outputs similar to the existing software.

As the main module or routine is emphasized first in this type of testing, and then the testing for sub-modules and sub-routines are executed, it is called top-down integration testing.

Bottom-up integration testing

In bottom-up integration testing, the testing process for the sub-modules or sub-routines is done first, and then the main module or routine is tested.

Bottom-up testing is also considered an incremental method where two or more sub-modules or sub-routines are combined and tested first. Then gradually, the main module is tested. This is also the reason why it’s called bottom-up integration testing.

Mixed/sandwich integration testing

Sandwich integration testing or mixed integration testing refers to a hybrid integration testing process that combines the top-down and bottom-up integration testing methods. Since it utilizes the positive sides of both these integration testing methods, it is highly sought-after by testers.

In sandwich integration testing, the sub-modules are tested along with the upper-level modules, while the top-level modules are integrated with the sub-modules for testing purposes. This makes integration testing more efficient, cost-effective, and time-efficient.

Big-bang integration testing

Big-bang integration testing is quite popular among testers, especially hose who don’t want to go through the modules and sub-modules testing approaches and prefer a faster testing process.

In big-bang integration testing, all the system modules, components, or units are connected as a single unit or software and the testing is executed on it as a whole. While this is a more accessible and simpler approach for software testing, bug detection & isolation and individual interface testing often become challenging with this approach.

See More: What is Root-Cause Analysis? Working, Templates, and Examples

Integration Testing Types

It can be divided into two subtypes:

• Incremental testing
• Non-Incremental testing

Incremental testing involves testing software modules in small increments. The testing of the software starts with smaller pieces and works its way up to the entire system.

Each test improves the software by integrating additional modules. Compared to testing the complete system simultaneously, this offers advantages, including early feedback, more straightforward troubleshooting, and decreased complexity. Incremental testing provides two main types:

• Top-Down integration
• Bottom-Up integration

Non-incremental testing involves testing software modules. In this type, the testing takes place after all the modules are developed and ready for integration. The whole software is tested at one time. The non-incremental testing is often known as the big bang integration approach for testing. Let’s look at how these types work and what advantages they offer.

1. Top-Down Integration
   

Top-down testing employs a systematic approach to testing the software modules from the top level down through the system hierarchy. The testing begins with the main module of the software and then proceeds to test the submodules of the application.

Its primary goal is to ensure functionality between the higher-level modules and their submodules. As the testing procedure progresses through the hierarchy, module relationships are checked to ensure the software components operate as designed.

Since higher-level modules undergo evaluation before lower-level ones, this technique enables the early discovery of high-level design faults. It aids in the early development phase’s detection of potential structural issues.

Stubs can emulate lower-level modules, so testing can start even before they are entirely constructed. This aid in improving the testing procedure and give the development team input more quickly.

1. Bottom-Up Integration
   

When performing Bottom-Up testing, lower-level modules are tested first. It gradually moves to the higher-level modules, and so on, until all facets of the software have been thoroughly tested. This strategy is referred to as inductive reasoning. It is beneficial when incorporating pre-made or already-existing components into the final product.

It involves writing code for various modules rather than focusing on stubs or mock objects. That’s why its success rate is higher than other approaches.

Furthermore, the execution time for the tests is frequently shorter than other traditional methodologies. This makes it simpler for the testers to conduct tests and construct the project to achieve the best results possible.

1. Big-Bang Approach
   

It entails compiling all software modules into one structure and evaluating it as one unit. Individual modules are not examined separately. Instead, they are combined and tested in a single process.

It necessitates firm communication between the development and testing teams to appropriately identify and solve any issues detected during the testing procedure. The big-bang strategy can be quicker and less expensive than alternative approaches, as developers don’t need incremental testing.

This strategy could work for software systems with fewer and less intricate component relationships. However, it might be challenging to identify the precise module when flaws are discovered during testing. Let’s check out the integration testing example to see how it works.

Best Practices Of Integration Testing

One can take different approaches to perform integration testing, and one needs to know the best practices and strategies to leverage them at their best. Let’s have a look at the top best practices for integration testing.

Maintain dedicated test suites

Maintaining separate and dedicated test suites is recommended to ensure that unit testing and integration testing are executed separately to avoid complexities and make them even more purposeful.

Since testers often require prompt feedback through unit tests, the test suites may require additional time and space. In such a scenario, keeping the test suites separate and running the testing processes separately is recommended. Also, the lack of maintenance of unit testing infrastructure may result in an overall delay in the testing and software delivery process. The best practice to avoid such a scenario is dedicating separate suites for integration testing and unit testing.

Keep business logic separate

To avoid complexities related to integration testing and unit testing, it is recommended to refrain from testing business logic along with integration testing. Whenever any build is triggered in a CI environment, testers prefer to execute unit testing as it works faster than other testing methods and fulfills the requirement of testing the efficiency of each software unit.

This is why unit testing is executed to check for issues or bugs in business logic and fix them immediately. On the other hand, integration testing is more time-consuming and complex than unit testing, so it’s not recommended to run integration testing for every business logic. The best practice will be keeping the business logic separate from integration testing and testing them as units through unit testing.

Leverage the scope of extensive logging

No matter what type of software it is, if it’s small, one can test and fix issues through unit testing. It lets you quickly test any software with a particular scope and helps detect and fix problems in case the unit testing process fails.

Integration testing, on the other hand, involves different software modules and sub-modules. The scope involves different software components, functionalities, and interactions in such a case. As a result, if integration testing fails, detecting and fixing the cause may take more time, and the process becomes quite complex.

In this scenario, extensive or exhaustive logging comes into play, which helps detect and fix the cause of the failure by considering the software’s different components. While it is recommended to keep the provision and scope of extensive logging, it should only be adopted when required, as this may affect the performance of the testing process.

See More: What Is Penetration Testing? Types, Methods, and Best Practices

What Is Integration Testing?

Integration testing is a software testing process where software components, modules, or units are tested to evaluate system compliance concerning functional requirements.

Integration testing is the second level of the software testing process after the unit testing process. This testing phase is crucial to ensure seamless interactions among various units/components, their functionalities, and how well they can operate as a single entity. The following are the steps for integration testing:

Craft integration testing plan

The first step of integration testing is to craft a complete integration testing plan, including which units need to be tested, the key goals of testing, what functionalities and interactions to check, and how to ensure optimum operability for the system units. This will help execute the integration testing process and give a clear idea of what to expect.

Define relevant tests & use cases

A test case refers to a specific set of inputs, testing methods, execution conditions, and expected test outputs or results. Use cases, on the other hand, define the applicability of the testing process.

Based on specific software units, features, software development requirements, and other factors, one needs to determine the test and use cases for unit testing to execute the integration testing efficiently.

Run testing method

Various integration testing methods exist, such as risky-hardest, top-down, big-bang, and others. Integration testing is executed through a black box testing approach where the testers utilize the software interface to interact with it. In integration testing, the focus is not on the codes or how they work but on how they function, which is tested through the interface.

Scan & detect errors

This stage is dedicated to running an in-depth scan to find any possible errors in the combined functionalities of the software units, modules, or components. This step helps find out whether the software components are functioning correctly and interacting with each other. Gaps or issues are needed to be fixed after this stage.

Retest after fixing errors

Once the issues are fixed after the initial testing, retesting is done to ensure that there are no bugs and the previous ones are fixed completely. This stage is vital to ensure the optimum functionality of a system or software and make it completely error-free.

Retest to eliminate all errors

This is the last and final stage of integration testing. As the name suggests, retesting should be performed repeatedly until all the issues or bugs are fixed, and optimum software quality and functionality are achieved.

See More: What Is TDD (Test Driven Development)? Process, Importance, and Limitations

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Big Bang an incremental testing?

No, Big Bang Integration Testing is not an incremental testing method but rather a method of integrating all components simultaneously, without any incremental phases. This method waits until all components are completed before integrating them all at once.

What is the major disadvantage of the Big Bang approach for integration?

The Big Bang technique for integration is a disadvantage due to its difficulty in isolating and pinpointing particular failures or difficulties. This lack of granularity complicates debugging and troubleshooting, leading to longer resolution times and more work in detecting and addressing issues. Defect identification is also a big disadvantage, as crucial flaws may only emerge during the final integration, making them more time-consuming and expensive to fix.

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Tìm hiểu kỹ thuật test “Integration Testing”

Bài đăng này đã không được cập nhật trong 7 năm

• Định nghĩa:
  • Kiểm thử tích hợp là 1 cấp độ của kiểm thử phần mềm mà các đơn vị riêng lẻ được kết hợp và kiểm thử như 1 nhóm.
• Mục đích:
  • để lộ lỗi trong sự tương tác giữa các đơn vị tích hợp.
• Kiểm thử tích hợp thành phần: Kiểm thử thực hiện để lộ khiếm khuyết trong các giao diện và tương tác giữa các thành phần tích hợp.
• khi nào thì bạn thực hiện Integration Testing: Kiểm thử tích hợp được thực hiện sau kiểm thử đơn vị và trước kiểm thử hệ thống.
• Phương pháp thực hiện:
  • Big Bang: là 1 cách tiếp cận để kiểm thử tích hợp mà tất cả hoặc hầu hết các đơn vị được kết hợp với nhau và kiểm thử tại 1 nơi. Cách tiếp cận này được thực hiện khi các nhóm kiểm thử nhận được toàn bộ phần mềm.
  • Top Down: Từ trên xuống là 1 cách tiếp cận để tiếp cận để kiểm thử tích hợp đơn vị cao nhất được kiểm thử đầu tiên và đơn vị dưới được kiểm thử từng bước sau đó. Cách tiếp cận này được thực hiện từ trên xuống, cách tiếp cận và phát triển được thực hiện sau đó
  • Bottom Up : Từ dưới lên là 1 cách tiếp cận để kiểm thử tích hợp ở đơn vị cấp dưới được kiểm thử đơn vị cấp độ đầu tiên từng bước sau đó. Cách tiếp cận này được thực hiện khi áp dụng phương pháp phát triển sau đó
  • Sandwich/ Hybrid là 1 cách tiếp cận để kiểm thử tích hợp , đó là 1 sự kết hợp của Top Down và cách tiếp cận Bottom Up.

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What Is Integration Testing? Types, Tools, and Best Practices

Integration testing reduces bugs, errors, or issues in the interaction between integrated units, components, or modules of the software.

Integration testing is defined as a software testing process where a group of software components, modules, or units are tested to evaluate system compliance with respect to functional requirements.

Table of Contents

Big Bang Testing Drawbacks

Certainly! Here are some drawbacks of Big Bang Testing:

• Difficulty isolating failures: With big bang testing, its difficult to isolate failures due to the integration of all components simultaneously, leading to greater debugging work and limited fault localization. This can lead to lengthy troubleshooting and resolution time.
• Late detection of defects: This testing increases the likelihood of identifying key issues late in the development cycle, making them more time-consuming and expensive to fix. It also limits the ability to construct effective and targeted test cases due to the lack of individual component testability.
• Reduced test coverage: Big Bang’s success is due to its reliance on the stability and readiness of all components, which can lead to delays and interruptions if any module is not completed or running properly. This is because all components are integrated simultaneously, resulting in reduced test coverage and greater reliance on system stability.
• Limited risk mitigation: The inability to identify and mitigate risks early in the development process lowers the capacity to recognize and mitigate risks, potentially leading to more serious effects if concerns surface during Big Bang Testing.

Software development teams should consider the viability of Big Bang Testing for their projects and consider alternative methodologies to solve these limitations.

Types of Big Bang Integration Testing

Below are the two types of Big Bang Integration Testing:

Top-down Integration:

Testing begins at the top of the control hierarchy and works its way down, also called a “trickle-down” approach. Higher-level modules are merged first, followed by lower-level modules when necessary. Testing begins at the top and works its way down.

Bottom-up Integration:

Also known as the “bubble-up” approach, which includes integrating lower-level modules first, then higher-level components. It is employed when higher-level modules are not yet ready, or dependencies between modules are unclear. Testing begins at the bottom of the control hierarchy and works its way up.

These two big bang integration testing forms provide greater flexibility in integrating modules based on their readiness and dependencies. Which strategy to execute – top-down or bottom-up – is determined by the individual project needs and the availability of modules at various levels of the system’s control structure.

Top 9 Tools For Integration Testing

One needs to adopt the right integration testing tools to execute the integration testing process efficiently. Here’s a list of the top nine tools that you can opt for integration testing:

Citrus

Citrus is a popular integration testing tool based on Java and is suitable for integration testing for diverse applications and data formats. Be it response data and plain text messaging request or JSON or XML, Citrus facilitates them all through diverse protocols such as SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol), JMS (Java Message Service), and HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol), to name a few.

Some of its top features that can improve integration testing are:

• Easy-to-use and open source
• Helps in advanced data and header validation
• Can act as both client and consumer by exchanging request/response message
• Test automation that can run as integration testing in CI/CD pipeline

SITA (Smart Integration Test Accelerator)

SITA or Smart Integration Test Accelerator is a widely used integration testing tool that operates with a business-centric approach. It lets one execute and streamline the integration testing process for diverse systems and use cases and simplifies the complexities of testing through approaches such as bottom-up.

Some of its top features that help execute integration testing are:

• Simplifies the process flow of integration testing and minimizes the time taken
• It helps generate test data easily
• Automate diverse test design activities
• Facilitates the reusability of a broad range of test cases and test data
• Allows the utilization of its potential by easily integrating it with diverse tools such as HP ALM, IBM Rational, and others

LDRA

LDRA is one of the top integration testing tools that help achieve the best possible software quality. Dominating the software testing market for more than 40 years, LDRA helps adhere to different software compliance standards and helps one easily run a complete analysis through integration testing.

Its TBrun and LDRAunit are the most popular among software testers, meant to achieve high software quality and improved interaction among modules through integration testing.

Here’s a list of the top features of LDRA that help in integration testing:

• Offers a compact and dynamic solution for integration testing for various types of software
• Provides a tailored solution for integration testing as per the specific requirements of a software
• Gives highly cost-effective solutions for integration testing as well as unit testing to ensure the functionalities of each of the software units as well as the whole software

Rational Integration Tester

Formerly known as Green Hat and acquired by IBM in 2012, Rational Integration Tester is the most suitable for integration testing in use cases such as SOA (Service Oriented Architecture) messaging tests, integration, and other relevant projects.

Not only does it help reduce crucial integration issues, bugs, and errors but it also helps adopt an iterative approach for the best possible result.

Let’s have a look at its top features:

• Lets one create an advanced and suitable scripting-free environment
• Enables the creation of reusable stubs that are free from coding and carry on with the testing even in cases of missing software modules
• Offers an Agile development and testing solution to bring out the best in the integration testing process
• Helps in implementing a time-efficient integration testing process

Tessy

Tessy is a highly sought-after integration testing tool by software testers. It is the most suitable for the unit testing of embedded software and helps analyze and identify the code coverage for any software. Furthermore, its CTE (Classification Tree Editor) helps define diverse test cases through a systematic approach.

These are its key features:

• Lets one quickly analyze diverse system interfaces and functions
• Provides compact analysis and testing functions for TIE (Test Interface Editor), Test Data Editor (TDE), and Workspace
• Helps with test execution, test results, and test analysis
• Offers compact support for code coverage

Validata MSG

Validata MSG is a widely used integration testing tool focused on automating the integration testing process and increasing its efficiency. It provides a compact framework for automation testing for SWIFT, SOA, ATM, and other generic interfaces.

This integration testing tool reduces the complexities of integration testing and the time taken to execute integration testing, as well as helps stimulate different types of business use cases and test cases to make integration testing even more effective.

Some of the key features of this integration testing tool are:

• Offers a cutting-edge test automation solution
• Provides a range of end-to-end business cases and scenarios for efficient integration testing
• It comes with an all-in-one solution to ensure file formatting, data content and improved testing process flow
• Lets one leverage its broad range of pre-built test scenarios to make integration testing even more efficient
• Offers dedicated solutions to schedule, test, and validate SWIFT, ATM, SOA, and others.

Protractor

Dedicated to ensuring better integration testing for Angular and AngularJS applications, Protractor works as a wrapper around Selenium web driver. It provides a complete framework for automated integration testing and helps stimulate user interaction with Angular web applications for several use cases and test cases.

One of its unique advantages is that it comprises Angular-based features and the key features of Selenium WebDriver. This popular web framework enables one to perform cross-browser tests easily.

Let’s have a look at some of the prime features of Protractor:

• Offers completely managed end-to-end frameworks for the integration testing of Angular and AngularJS applications
• Utilizes browser-based drivers and various native events to stimulate user interactions with software
• Comes with diverse locator strategies that are focused on automating and improving the integration testing of Angular products
• Offers a compact automated waiting and execution process that bypasses the hassles of manually adding waits and sleeps

VectorCAST/C++

VectorCAST/C++ helps build a strong foundation for integration testing and improves the whole integration testing process. It helps test each module, component, or routine of software to ensure that they are functioning correctly individually and that there are no bugs or errors. It also lets one run integration testing after combining all these components and modules to check their interactions and functionalities.

Here’s a list of the top features of the integration testing tool VectorCAST/C++:

• Offers a complete integrated code coverage utility
• Equipped with a completely automated framework to facilitate automated integration testing
• Provides a range of integration testing solutions for diverse embedded systems with differential business cases
• Equipped with an advanced dynamic test solution that fits the integration testing requirements of various software–healthcare & medical software, SaaS products, industrial software, and others
• Comes with an advanced solution to implement and execute diverse repetitive and consistent processes related to integration testing

VectorCAST/Ada

VectorCAST/Ada is an integration testing tool that you can easily integrate with other tools such as IBM Rational, Green Hills, and others to make integration testing even more powerful. It lets you perform integration testing for several test cases, use cases, and business cases as required for software.

Another key advantage of using this integration testing tool is that it automates the process of drivers and stub creation through its simple-to-use code generator.

Here are some of its top features to leverage for integration testing:

• Offers a range of dynamic software testing solutions for integration testing requirements
• It comes with an advanced integration testing solution suitable for embedded developers
• Provides an easy solution for integration testing execution from GUI (Graphical User Interface) and scripts
• Equipped with an in-depth code complexity analysis and risk highlighting feature that offers better outputs from integration testing
• It lets you utilize the present existing tests to facilitate automated regression testing
• Offers an easy integration solution with a range of systems and software, including IBM® Rational® Rhapsody®, DDC-I™ SCORE®, IBM® Rational® DOORS®, AdaCore GNAT, Green Hills® AdaMULTI™, Atego™ ObjectAda®, and other tools
• Offers complete automation for simulator test execution for diverse test and business cases
• Provides an end-to-end solution for on-target testing processes
• Automates the execution process of stub codes and drivers deployment

See More: What Is Regression Testing? Definition, Techniques, and Tools

Takeaway

Integration testing is crucial in ensuring functionality and interactions among various software modules. Hence, it is used widely in testing different types of software in diverse sectors, from SaaS to eCommerce. However, it is recommended to execute integration testing after unit testing to test the individual unit’s functionalities and the functionalities and interactions among these units to ensure optimum software quality.

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Big Bang Integration Testing in Software Testing

Are you prepared to witness a cosmic battle of software components? Prepare for an exciting voyage into Big Bang Integration Testing! This testing technique, similar to the creation of the cosmos; Big Bang Integration Testing, is a testing technique that integrates various software components to produce a stunning totality.

It is critical in software development to ensure the smooth interaction of various components. It is a high-stakes competition that puts compatibility and interoperability to the ultimate test. Imagine a swarm of modules representing a different celestial body, racing toward each other with the force of a supernova.

Big Bang Integration Testing is a unique technique that waits until all components are produced and ready for integration; bringing the entire system to life in a spectacular code explosion. So buckle up and be ready for an adrenaline-pumping journey into the galaxy of Big Bang Integration Testing.

We will look into the unique technique’s complexities, obstacles, and benefits that propel your software system to new heights!

Table Of Contents

• 1 What is Big Bang Integration Testing?
• 2 Features of Big Bang Integration Testing
• 3 Workflow Diagram
• 4 Big Bang Integration Testing and Test Automation
• 5 Types of Big Bang Integration Testing
• 6 Benefits of Big Bang Integration Testing
• 7 Limitations of Big Bang Integration Testing
• 8 Big Bang Testing Drawbacks
• 9 Frequently Asked Questions

Big Bang Integration Testing and Test Automation

Compared to manual testing, automating such tests gives various advantages, including time and effort savings. It helps teams to quickly detect potential problems or inaccuracies throughout later development cycles. The testing procedure becomes faster and the accuracy of outcomes improves dramatically with automated tests.

Testsigma is an effective solution for automating online, mobile API, and desktop testing. It offers a comprehensive framework for streamlining and simplifying test automation, allowing for faster input on any problems or errors that may surface during subsequent development cycles. Without programming experience, you can quickly build, execute, and manage automated test cases using Testsigma. This will improve the reliability and speed of your testing efforts, lowering the likelihood of regression mistakes and enhancing the overall quality of your program.

Example of automating your big bang integration tests with Testsigma

For the sake of demonstration, we will demonstrate the example of automating the scenario of integration between cart and the payment gateway using Testsigma, you can follow these steps:

1. Testcase Creation:

a. Open the Testsigma Recorder app, which allows you to record and convert your test steps into NLP-based steps.

b. Start recording the test scenario by clicking the “Record” button.

c. Perform the actions of adding items to the cart, such as selecting products and clicking the “Add to Cart” button.

d. Once the items are added to the cart, click the “Proceed to Checkout” button or any similar button leading to the payment gateway.

e. Complete the necessary actions in the payment gateway, such as entering payment details and submitting the payment.

f. Stop the recording in the Testsigma Recorder app.

2. NLP Conversion:

a. After stopping the recording, the Testsigma Recorder app will convert the recorded steps into NLP-based steps.

b. Review and edit the NLP-based steps if necessary to ensure they accurately represent the actions performed during the recording.

3. Testcase Configuration:

a. Provide a suitable name for the testcase, such as “Cart to Payment Gateway Integration Test.”

b. Assign appropriate tags or labels to categorize the testcase for better organization.

c. specify any prerequisites or test data needed for the testcase.

d. Configure any necessary test environment settings or variables.

4. Assertion and Validation:

a. Add assertions or validations to ensure the expected behavior of the transition from the cart to the payment gateway.

b. For example, you can verify that the payment confirmation page is displayed or check for error messages.

5. Save and Execute:

a. Save the created test case in Testsigma.

b. Run the test case as part of an automated test suite execution with your preferred lab and OS preferences.

c. During execution, Testsigma will perform the recorded steps, interact with the application under test, and validate the expected outcomes.

Following these steps, you can automate the integration test scenario of moving from the cart to the payment gateway using Testsigma’s NLP-based approach. This allows you to create test cases quickly and efficiently, reducing the manual effort required for testing and increasing the reliability of your big bang integration tests.

Bottom-up Integration Testing

Bottom-up Integration Testing is a strategy in which the lower level modules are tested first. These tested modules are then further used to facilitate the testing of higher level modules. The process continues until all modules at top level are tested. Once the lower level modules are tested and integrated, then the next level of modules are formed.

Diagrammatic Representation:

Advantages:

• Fault localization is easier.
• No time is wasted waiting for all modules to be developed unlike Big-bang approach

Disadvantages:

• Critical modules (at the top level of software architecture) which control the flow of application are tested last and may be prone to defects.
• An early prototype is not possible

Stubs and Drivers

Stubs and Drivers are the dummy programs in Integration testing used to facilitate the software testing activity. These programs act as a substitutes for the missing models in the testing. They do not implement the entire programming logic of the software module but they simulate data communication with the calling module while testing.

Stub: Is called by the Module under Test.

Driver: Calls the Module to be tested.

Big Bang Testing Drawbacks

Certainly! Here are some drawbacks of Big Bang Testing:

• Difficulty isolating failures: With big bang testing, its difficult to isolate failures due to the integration of all components simultaneously, leading to greater debugging work and limited fault localization. This can lead to lengthy troubleshooting and resolution time.
• Late detection of defects: This testing increases the likelihood of identifying key issues late in the development cycle, making them more time-consuming and expensive to fix. It also limits the ability to construct effective and targeted test cases due to the lack of individual component testability.
• Reduced test coverage: Big Bang’s success is due to its reliance on the stability and readiness of all components, which can lead to delays and interruptions if any module is not completed or running properly. This is because all components are integrated simultaneously, resulting in reduced test coverage and greater reliance on system stability.
• Limited risk mitigation: The inability to identify and mitigate risks early in the development process lowers the capacity to recognize and mitigate risks, potentially leading to more serious effects if concerns surface during Big Bang Testing.

Software development teams should consider the viability of Big Bang Testing for their projects and consider alternative methodologies to solve these limitations.

Big Bang Testing

Big Bang Testing is an Integration testing approach in which all the components or modules are integrated together at once and then tested as a unit. This combined set of components is considered as an entity while testing. If all of the components in the unit are not completed, the integration process will not execute.

Advantages:

• Convenient for small systems.

Disadvantages:

• Fault Localization is difficult.
• Given the sheer number of interfaces that need to be tested in this approach, some interfaces link to be tested could be missed easily.
• Since the Integration testing can commence only after “all” the modules are designed, the testing team will have less time for execution in the testing phase.
• Since all modules are tested at once, high-risk critical modules are not isolated and tested on priority. Peripheral modules which deal with user interfaces are also not isolated and tested on priority.

Incremental Testing

In the Incremental Testing approach, testing is done by integrating two or more modules that are logically related to each other and then tested for proper functioning of the application. Then the other related modules are integrated incrementally and the process continues until all the logically related modules are integrated and tested successfully.

Incremental Approach, in turn, is carried out by two different Methods:

• Bottom Up
• Top Down

Types of Integration Testing

Software Engineering defines variety of strategies to execute Integration testing, viz.

• Big Bang Approach :
• Incremental Approach: which is further divided into the following
  • Top Down Approach
  • Bottom Up Approach
  • Sandwich Approach – Combination of Top Down and Bottom Up

Below are the different strategies, the way they are executed and their limitations as well advantages.

What is Big Bang Integration Testing?

Big Bang Integration Testing is a unique technique to software testing that brings all system elements together in one breathtaking instant. It allows developers to examine how the modules interact with each other and identify any potential issues or conflicts that may arise. This method offers a holistic view of the system’s functionality and ensures that all the integrated components work harmoniously.

Big Bang Integration Testing provides a full perspective of the system’s capabilities. This innovative and compelling testing approach pulls all system components together in one breathtaking instant. Providing a holistic perspective of the system’s operation while posing the problem of discovering and addressing difficulties in a thorough integration.

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