Every software consists of numerous parts or components or modules. In this article, we shall try and understand a bit about the testing approach known as Component Testing. But before we begin, one fact needs to be clearly understood and that is, no matter what, every testing approach has a purpose and hence each and every one of those should be carried out meticulously.
What Is Component Testing
Also known as Program testing or Module Testing, Component Testing is a way of identifying defects that occur in each module. This helps in verifying and validating the functioning of each component of the software. Component Testing can be carried out separately, i.e., in isolation from the remaining system. But this depends on the model of the life cycle chosen.
Why Is Component Testing Required
Component Testing has a very important role to play. Its importance can be judged from the points discussed below:
Help Identify Errors Early – since Component Testing can be performed at any stage, it helps in identifying and correcting errors quite early. This saves a lot of time and money both. The developing team can check the component for all avoidable errors before handing it over to the quality assessment team.
Allows In-depth Examination – when each component or module is being developed it can be tested completely and thoroughly for every possible bug or error on real web servers. This is something that is completely unique to Component Testing as even in Unit Testing each unit is not tested on live servers.
Validates Contract – Component Testing is repeatable in nature and therefore it is the best way to validate that your module delivers on everything that it promises. As a result, any integration with the given software can be carried out without any qualms and reservations.
How Is Component Testing Done?
Every person who is working on the component at any given time can conduct Component Testing. This is because every test environment is separate and hence will not create any chaos by blocking each other. Also, as mentioned above, each module can be tested separately even if it is dependent on other modules for the correct outcome. In such a scenario the missing piece of the software is replaced with "Stubs" and "Drivers".
Stub – suppose the finished component gets its data from another component which is not yet fully developed. In such a case, the partially developed component is replaced with a dummy component. This dummy component is known as a "Stub".
Driver – If the above-mentioned situation is reversed, i.e., a fake component is made to ask for data from an already developed component whose work is to supply the same, then the dummy or fake module is known as the "Driver".
Conclusion
Component Testing is a very accurate way of evaluating the performance of any module at any stage of development. The fact that it does not interfere with the development of other related modules makes it, even more, sought after. In the course of software development, Component Testing is not only cost effective but also saves an undue headache at a later on stage by eliminating all unnecessary bugs.
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