Every organization utilizes different kinds of software and technology to perform its routine tasks. For instance, an organization may use Oracle HCM for human resource management and Salesforce for customer relationship management. To streamline daily operations, synchronization becomes a crucial aspect. 

Integration testing is one of the software testing types through which different software modules are tested to check whether the modules are integrated logically. A typical software project consists of multiple modules coded by different programmers, and this testing helps expose the defects in interaction between different software modules. In this blog, we will understand different types of integration testing and the best practices associated with it.

Integration Testing and Its Need

It is a software testing type where modules are integrated logically and tested as a group. Identifying defects between the interactions in different modules is the motive of this testing. It is also known as string and thread testing because it checks data communication between different modules. A module developed by an individual software programmer differs in understanding and logic. Hence, integration testing becomes crucial to verify whether the modules work correctly or in unity.

Types of Integration Testing

Big-Bang Integration Testing

It is the simplest testing approach where all modules or components of a software application are combined and tested. This approach is primarily used when there is less interdependence between modules. This approach aims to evaluate the system’s overall functionality and recognize any integration problems that arise when the modules are combined. Furthermore, this testing approach is beneficial for smaller projects that can be completed quickly. It does not require a lot of planning or coordination. However, for bigger projects, it is not a viable technique as it can lead to increased development costs due to long and complex debugging and troubleshooting efforts.

Bottom-Up Integration Testing

In this testing strategy, lower-level modules are tested first, and then these are used to perform the testing of higher-level modules. The testing process continues until all top-level modules are tested. The main goal of this integration testing approach is to test interfaces among various modules creating the subsystems. In this testing, test drivers are used to drive and facilitate the appropriate data to lower-level modules. Several disjoint subsystems can be tested, which is considered to be one of the major advantages of this testing. Apart from this, it is best for applications that use a bottom-up design approach.

Top-Down Integration Testing 

In this technique, testing is done from top to bottom and is used to simulate the lower-level modules’ behavior, which are not yet integrated. First, high-level modules are tested, then low-level modules, and finally, the low-level modules to a high level to ensure the system is working as intended. In this testing, few or no drivers are required, and it is quite stable and accurate at the aggregate level. Also, design defects can be found in the early stages.

General Tips for Writing Integration Tests

Some general steps for writing integration tests are given below:-

• Recognize the systems or components that are required to be tested together.
• Evaluate the inputs and desired outputs for each module. 
• Develop your test data and establish any needed infrastructure, like a test database, etc.
• Get the components or systems being tested and pass in the appropriate inputs.
• Check whether the output aligned with the expected results or not.
• While writing test cases, maintaining the synchronization is crucial. 

Take Maximum Benefits of Integration Testing With Opkey

The success of integration testing largely depends on the best practices and tools adopted by any organization. In order to reap the maximum benefits, you can choose Opkey. It is a codeless test automation tool streamlining the testing process by leveraging new-age technology, like artificial intelligence. It encompasses more than a dozen packaged applications and 150 technologies that enable the team to design complex and cross-application tests without extensive coding knowledge. Below given are some of the prominent problems that Opkey solves:-

• End-To-End Tests: With support for over 15 packaged apps and 150 technologies, it enables customers to automate single-app and cross-app tests without prior experience or coding knowledge.
• Optimize Test Creation Time:  Opkey employs a no-code, drag-and-drop test builder & test recorder that enables any non-technical employee to scale test automation in minutes. It comprises 30,000 pre-built & automated test components that customers can use from day one.
• Enhance Test Execution Time: Test cases can be executed 8x faster with Opkey’s Virtual Machines. Due to high-speed test automation, customers can complete the test cycle in a fraction of the time.
• Better Test Management: The impact analysis report helps know about business processes and whether there is any impact due to updates. Moreover, customers can fix the broken tests with its self-healing script technology, thus minimizing test maintenance efforts by up to 80%.

Overall, it is a one-stop solution to streamline the integration testing process. For more information, visit the website. You can also schedule a free demo.