Even the best software must undergo extensive testing prior to release. All the clever ideas and fancy “bells and whistles” in the world are useless if the application doesn’t function properly. Because of this, testing must be done on new products before they are released to the general public.

We’re talking about testing today, specifically non-functional testing. The definition, parameters, types, and distinctions between functional and non-functional testing are all covered in this article along with information on non-functional testing’s characteristics.

Starting off with a definition will help.

Non-Functional Testing: What Is It?

Non-functional testing examines a software application’s performance, dependability, utility, and other non-functional features. Additionally, the purpose of this testing is to evaluate a system’s readiness for non-functional parameters that are ordinarily never covered by the functional testing procedure.

For instance, how many users can access a software programme at once? Alternatively, how simple or challenging is it to port the application to a different platform? Or does the software behave differently in a different environment or operating system?

Therefore, non-functional testing puts an application through its paces and tests components that functional testing skips.

The Goals of Functional Testing

The goals of non-functional testing are as follows:

• First, to improve the product’s performance, upkeep, portability, and usability
• Improve the way the product is installed, configured, used, controlled, and monitored.
• To advance and broaden our understanding of the technologies and behaviour of the product
• To help lower production risks and expenses associated with the item’s non-functional components
• To collect and compile product metrics and measurements for internal research and development

Non-Functional Testing Characteristics

Non-functional testing has a distinct set of traits, including:

• Non-functional testing should not use subjective terms like “good,” “better,” or “best,” but rather should be objective, quantifiable, and measurable.
• At the start of the requirements process, it’s likely that the precise figures won’t be known.
• Prioritizing non-functional requirements is necessary.
• In software engineering, testers must make sure that all quality attributes are correctly identified.

Parameters for Non-Functional Testing

These eleven parameters are what non-functional testing looks for. Naturally, there might be times when not all of them are utilised. The most important criteria, though, are Recovery, Reliability, Security, Stability, and Usability, which should never be overlooked.

Security
This variable describes how well a system is guarded against unexpected and intentional attacks from both inside and outside. Security Testing is used to test this parameter.

Reliability
How well the software system consistently completes the required tasks without error Reliability testing is used to evaluate this condition.

Survivability
This parameter makes sure that, in the event of a system failure, the software system continues to run and recovers. Recovery Testing verifies this parameter.

Availability
How much can a user rely on the system while using it? Stability testing informs us of this.

Usability
How simple is it for users to interact with the system, learn how to use it, and prepare inputs and outputs? This variable is tested during usability testing.

Scalability
How far can an application increase (or decrease) its processing capacity to keep up with demand? Scalability testing informs us of this.

Interoperability
How do other software systems and the questioned software interact? Interoperability Testing quantifies this variable.

Efficiency
How does the system handle response time, capacity, and quantity?

Flexibility
This parameter describes how easily the application can operate with various hardware and software configurations, including CPU and RAM specifications.

Portability
How simple is the software’s migration from its current hardware or software environment?

Reusability
Some software programmes can be partially converted for use in other programmes due to their degree of adaptability.