Testing a software time and again before release ensures its functionality and reliability. This way it is possible to make sure that it does not gain any negative feedback from the word "GO". As testing moves forwards through various stages, one of the test's that is conducted on it is known as a Loop Test.
What Is A Loop?
In order to understand Loop Testing, one needs to understand what a loop means. To that effect, a loop is a structure or a series or a process, the end of which is connected to its beginning. In terms of computer programming, it is a sequence of instructions that is incessantly repeated until and unless a fixed condition is reached.
What is a Loop Testing?
Loop testing comes under white box testing. Each and every software is formed of numerous algorithms. Loop Testing concentrates on checking the loop validity of these algorithms. The aim of this kind of testing is to expose the bugs that might be present in any given loop.
Advantages of Loop Testing:
Like every other testing procedure, Loop Testing is also extremely critical. Its main advantages are:
Reveals Initialization Issues – If there are any problems right at the beginning of the loop that prevents the algorithm from running its course, then such issues are brought to the surface. Loop Testing gives a chance to correct such starting hiccups.
Uninitialized Variables Come To Light – During the running of the loop, even those variables that remain untouched or uninitialized come to the forefront. This way a corrective action can be initiated to sort the problem.
Loop Repetition Issues Are Revealed – If the loop is running repeatedly, with no end in sight and as such causing trouble, then such critical performance issues are revealed timely. Moreover, the exact point of trouble gets pinpointed in a timely manner and that prevents other related issues from arising in future.
Reveals Performance Bottlenecks – If all tasks are getting jammed or lined up at any given point in the loop, then such significant performance problems are also exposed. Such bottlenecks reduce the efficiency and reliability of the software by increasing its execution time considerably.
Disadvantage Of Loop Testing:
So far, the only significant disadvantage of Loop Testing is that it takes some time to identify each type of loop and test it accordingly. There are four different types of loops namely –
Simple Loop:- – where "n" is the maximum number of allowed passes through the loop.
Skip loop completely.
Just one pass through the loop.
Second go by through the loop.
"x" passes through the loop where x<n.
"n", "n+1" and "n-1" passes through the loop.
Nested Loop:–
Begin with inner loop and set all other loops to minimum values.
Do a simple loop test on the inner loop.
Work outwards until all loops are tested.
Concatenated Loop:–
If the loops are autonomous, then do an uncomplicated loop test.
If they depend on other loops, then try them as nested loops.
Unstructured Loop:–
Instead of testing redesign until it has a proper structure.
Since all these types of loops have to undergo different types of tests, they cannot be tested in the same manner. And hence, it becomes excessively important to identify each type correctly. Any mistake in identifying them will reflect in the form of a software that has performance or functionality issues.
Conclusion:
Testing of any kind cannot be taken in a playful manner. When it comes to Loop Testing, one must remember how critical it is towards making a software run smoothly. Due diligence and competence while running this test will make the software that much more fit and proficient.
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