Acceptance testing, also known as User Acceptance Testing (UAT), is an essential step in the software development process. Their main goal is to ensure that an application meets users’ expectations and satisfies their needs. In this post, we take a closer look at how acceptance testing works.
You can find out more in this article:
- what acceptance tests are
- how acceptance tests work
- what types of acceptance tests there are
Why Acceptance Tests Are Relevant
By testing an application from the user’s perspective, potential defects can be identified before the software goes into regular operation. UAT involves running through different scenarios to ensure that all functions run properly. Examples of UAT could be:
- filling in a form on a website
- the testing of search functions
- trying out support materials such as help pages.
- Checking the correct display of content on different screen sizes
These tests enable developers and customers alike to optimise the product before launch and ensure that it meets the desired requirements. Acceptance testing is an essential part of application quality assurance. A positive test result ensures that the likelihood of the application actually being used after its release increases.
How Acceptance Tests Work
Before the acceptance test, different test criteria are defined that the application must fulfil. These test criteria can, for example, relate to usability and specific functions. Acceptance testing actively involves real users in the evaluation process of an application before it is released. This procedure provides an invaluable opportunity to understand the needs and expectations of future users.
Feedback and suggestions for improvement can identify and address weaknesses to ultimately ensure an optimal user experience. The UAT can take different forms, for example, internal acceptance tests with company employees or external tests with a representative target group.
Volunteers or paid testers are invited to put the application through its paces. The feedback from the testers is recorded in detail and then forwarded to the developers or other responsible persons. This enables them to make appropriate changes before the application is published.
Types of Acceptance Tests
We know different types of user acceptance tests:
- Beta Test
When conducting a beta test, the main focus is on determining whether an application meets general expectations. This test is ideally conducted by end users who belong to the actual target group.
- Operative acceptance test.
Operational acceptance tests ensure that the workflow of a software really works.
- Black Box Test
In black box testing, the testers check the functions of a software, but without having any knowledge of the underlying code.
- Performance Acceptance Test.
A performance acceptance test is a useful tool for testing the functionality of an application under different conditions of use. For example, it can be used to test whether an application works reliably even with a high level of simultaneous use by a large number of testers.
- User Acceptance Test.
A user acceptance test is an effective method to evaluate the user-friendliness of an application. Testers are given various tasks to find out how intuitive and straightforward the operation of the application is. For example, they might be asked to find certain functions or perform actions.
When conducting acceptance tests, different types can be used, varying according to the requirements and circumstances. The selection of the appropriate test type depends on factors such as the test environment and requires a detailed analysis of the requirements.
Conclusion: What Are Acceptance Tests?
Acceptance tests are the last step before an application is published. They should paint as realistic a picture as possible of how high the acceptance of the application is among future users. That is why real test persons are used here. Their feedback forms the basis for any changes before publication. Because acceptance tests are important. Beta tests and user acceptance tests are carried out manually because experience and intuition cannot yet be automated.
Operational acceptance testing, black box testing and performance acceptance testing, on the other hand, can already be automated. The automation of acceptance tests is accordingly becoming more and more important, as it offers numerous advantages. The most important point here is that the company can be sure that their application works properly from the customer’s point of view.
By using tools like testup.io, companies can automate UATs. Automation allows for shortened development times and cost savings, as tests can be performed faster and less manual effort is required. It is also important to ensure that an application works properly in the future. It can also facilitate communication between developers and testers, minimising misunderstandings.
Some examples of automated acceptance tests are checking the login on a website, testing payment processes in e-commerce applications or validating forms in web applications. Using automation not only increases efficiency, but also improves the quality of the software.
Contact us for a personal meeting and find out where you can automate tests!
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