System Integration Testing

October 04, 2016

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Software Testing is a very interesting aspect of software development. It baffles the mind to realize how many scenarios need to be tested before the application is finally ready for launch. The list of testing techniques is vast and helps in the accomplishment of a flawlessly working product. This article throws light on a software testing technique which is known as System Integration Testing.

Definition of System Integration Testing?

System Integration testing is a high-level, black-box testing process that evaluates the performance of all related systems and sub-systems. It checks the interaction and execution of commands between the various components of each system. The idea is to create a seamless and an error-free exchange of data.

Objective of System Integration Testing

The prime aim of System Integration Testing is data integrity. Data integrity has to be maintained at all costs. There is no excuse for not being able to maintain it between the modules or parts of any system. Apart from that, it also checks the dependency of one system on the other.

More About System Integration Testing

Once each system has successfully passed through system testing, it is time to integrate it. It is mostly during System Integration Testing that the entire system has been put together for the first time. The application is now seen as a whole instead of parts and parcels. This type of testing requires smooth coordination between all interrelated systems as well as their lesser known parts. The integration of any system takes place by verifying the flow of information between its components.

Features of System Integration Testing

The main features of System Integration Testing are as discussed below:

• Data Driven: SIT testing is always driven by the data. Hence, it can be said that system integration is data centric in nature. After all, it is the validity of data integrity that is at stake. The passage of data has to be free of all errors to ensure that. Also, there should be no leakages of the same.
• Minimum Usage Of Testing Tools: Data communication is of prime importance here as such the testing can be done successfully with minimum fuss. Not only is this testing technique effective in uncovering sources of errors but it is also cost effective.
• Automatic: Most of the testing conducted under SIT is automatic and repetitive in nature. This is because only the correct integration of the entire system has to be validated and there are no special cases or scenarios. Being automatic in nature, the System integration testing is less time consuming.

Conclusion

Once the whole system or application has been put together it is mandatory to check whether the flow of data is as expected. Any deviation from the expected standard is an indication of errors in integration. System Integration can occur in any one of the following manners - bottom-up, top-down, sandwich or big-bang. In either case, the end result of testing still remains unchanged. System Integration Testing is crucial to maintaining and validating data honesty and uprightness as well as the unrestricted flow of data.