Software Testing Based on Usability and Reliability on Web Applications

Abstract

Software testing is performed to verify that the completed software package functions according to the expectations defined by the requirements/specifications. Testing can be defined as ―A process of analyzing a software item to detect the differences between existing and required conditions (that is defects/errors/bugs) and to evaluate the features of the software item. Software testing methods are traditionally divided into white and black-box testing. White Box Testing is the testing of a software solution's internal coding and infrastructure. It focuses primarily on strengthening security, the flow of inputs and outputs through the application, and improving design and usability. White box testing is also known as clear, open, structural, and glass box testing. Black box testing is on functionality of the system as a whole. Black box testing involves testing from an external or end-user type perspective. This study aimed to test the usability of Websites. Usability plays key role for any of user-centered system’s success. Designing user’s exceptions is quite challenging job for any website designer. Users have different usability requirements based on their age group and experience level. Therefore, it is very challenging to gather and implement the diverse nature of expectations against different users. Reliability testing of web Applications is distinctive as compared to that of conventional software. It requires usability and reliability metrics besides functional testing to ensure diverse users are able to use such portals without any formal training and can rely on the portals to meet users' needs or requirements quickly and efficiently. The case study is based on a Web application that facilitates information and knowledge sharing among its online members. There characteristics of usability testing are (i) specific goals for each test, (ii) participants representing real users, (iii) participants doing real tasks, (iv) usability researcher observes and records what participants do and say and (v) usability researcher doing the data analysis, diagnoses the problems, and recommends changes.  The usability characteristics tested are based on features, the user interface & performance and effectiveness.