Software Testing - Prototype Testing
Software testing goes through multiple layers of testing to improve its overall quality, and performance. The prototype testing is done to test the first draft of the software.
What is Software Prototype Testing?
The software prototype testing is performed to verify the first cut of the software. Prior to moving the software to production, the prototype testing is conducted so that the developers are able to detect bugs and identify any scope of improvements.
At the time of the software prototype testing, the developers deploy the software for the people to evaluate their usage patterns, and to ensure that it is working properly. The users start working with the first version of the software, and gather the scenarios which are not up to the mark to be shared with the developers.
The software prototype testing is the prerequisite before a software is launched for the market. It gives an overview of how the software will behave while it is being used by the real time users.
Characteristics of the Software Prototype Testing
The characteristics of the software prototype testing are listed below −
- The software prototype testing helps to get a clear idea of the requirements and specifications of the software.
- The software prototype testing identifies the potential problems, and risks associated with the software very early.
- The software prototype testing confirms if the final software can be moved to production without any errors. It also ensures that it is working as per requirements.
- The software prototype testing gives the clear picture of the actual software.
How can a Prototype be Tested?
A prototype testing is not a very easy process. Each software has a unique way of how it communicates with its users. A developer should be well aware of the test objectives before he actually begins with the prototype testing. Based on those test objectives, the test cases are developed on the prototype testing.
Steps of Software Prototype Testing
The steps of the software prototype testing are listed below −
Step 1 − Gather the end user feedback on the software, and start working on them to enhance the software quality.
Step 2 − Develop a software prototype based on the inputs collected from the users.
Step 3 − Identify the items to be tested on the software prior to moving the first draft of the software as a prototype.
Step 4 − Prepare a rough design outline of the software so that an accurate prototype can be developed.
Step 5 − Come up with a proposed prototype along with the end user assessment on the same. This will assist the developer in finding errors in the prototype and develop a software that fits best for the users.
Outputs of Software Prototype Testing
The outputs of the software prototype testing are listed below −
Evaluate the Result
After the end of the software prototype, there will be a large number of feedback, suggestions, views, opinions on the software from the end users. The critical point is to record everything in this aspect.
Incorporate All the Views
All the software feedback received are first evaluated, then incorporated into the software, and its performance is analyzed. Finally, it was moved to production.
Best Practices of Software Prototype Testing
The best practices of the software prototype testing are listed below −
- The software prototype testing should require a clear understanding of the requirements, and the reasons for testing.
- The software prototype testing should be guided by the correct resources and tools.
- The software draft used during the prototype testing should be considered as a prototype and not the final one.
- Exhibit the prototype to a large number of end users and gather feedback on the same.
When is the Software Prototype Testing Performed?
The software prototype testing is performed at the times which are listed below −
- The software prototype testing is done when the requirements are unclear.
- The software prototype testing is performed if the test concept is not finalized.
- The software prototype testing is conducted if the software is complicated.
- The software prototype testing is used to detect related concerns in the software.
- The software prototype testing is used if the developers do not have a clear picture of the actual software.
- The software prototype testing to detect probable errors, challenges, and risks in the software.
Importances of Software Prototype Testing
The importances of the software prototype testing are listed below −
- The software prototype testing is crucial for the developers as it is an easy, and cheap method of analyzing the feasibility of a software in the market.
- The software prototype testing is to have a better understanding of requirements, and specifications of the software.
- The software prototype testing determines the potential risks, and challenges that may come up in the future.
- The software prototype testing determines the budget required for building the complete software.
- The software prototype testing detects if the software is feasible for the market.
- The feedback identified during the software prototype testing reduces the probability of finding errors in the production.
- The software prototype testing gathers both positive and negative feedback from the end users.
Types of Software Prototype Testing
The types of the software prototype testing are listed below −
- Low Fidelity Prototype − It mainly involves designs and layouts of the software on paper. It does not incorporate the end user communications.
- High Fidelity Prototype − It mainly involves computerized and more realistic designs. It incorporates the end user communications.
- Live Data Prototype − It mainly involves program dependent simulations. It collects the actual data if the software is working properly.
- Feasibility Prototype − It mainly involves algorithm dependent simulations. It collects the data on the potential risks and actual characteristics of the software in the production.
Advantages of Software Prototype Testing
The advantages of the software prototype testing are listed below −
- The software prototype testing determines errors in the software designs and to fix them.
- The software prototype testing helps to estimate the resources, infrastructures, tools, budget etc required for the software.
- The software prototype testing works towards giving a good experience to the customers.
- The software prototype testing detects bugs in the software before it is actually released to the market.
Disadvantages of Software Prototype Testing
The disadvantages of the software prototype testing are listed below −
- The software prototype testing takes a lot of time and effort which may delay the overall development process.
- The software prototype testing may not consider all the complexities of the software, and end up making a very simple draft.
- The end users get involved in the software prototype testing and provide their suggestions. This may lead to increase in the scope and updates to the requirements.
- The software prototype testing does not involve documentation, and hence it is not easy to maintain, and replicate for a long time.
- The project stakeholders can make a mistake of using the prototype as the final software which may lead to miscommunication and ambiguities in the long run.
- The software prototype testing may add up to the cost, and resources in case the software complexity is more.
Conclusion
This concludes our comprehensive take on the tutorial on Software Prototype Testing. Weve started with describing what is software prototype testing, what are the characteristics of the software prototype testing, how a prototype can be tested, what are the steps of the software prototype testing, what are the outputs of the software prototype testing, what are the best practices of the software prototype testing, when is the software prototype testing performed, what are the importances of the software prototype testing, what are the types of the software prototype testing, what are the advantages of the software prototype testing, and what are the disadvantages of the software prototype testing. This equips you with in-depth knowledge of Software Prototype Testing. It is wise to keep practicing what youve learned and exploring others relevant to Software Testing to deepen your understanding and expand your horizons.