Software testing ensures that software is released to the marketplace in a high quality manner. It ensures that software is safe from bugs or defects and is easy to use. Testing stages such as integration testing and system testing are used to identify the bugs or defects. UAT stands for User Acceptance Test.
What’s UAT Testing?
UAT is software testing. This is where the client or actual users use the software to test it. Software that works seamlessly in the developer’s environment might not work in the user’s.
UAT testing is required for new software to be able to go to market. This testing must be done carefully and efficiently. This is software testing to assess and predict the software’s ability to support daily business and user scenarios. It also ensures that the software is sufficiently user-friendly.
Types UAT
There are two main types of User Acceptance Testing.
1. Alpha Testing
In-house testing is also known as Alpha testing. It is done on the developer’s end by setting up a controlled environment that is similar to the one used for software testing after release. Any defects or anomalies found in the software will immediately be reported to the client for resolution. Alpha testing can either be black-box or white-box testing to verify the internal structure of the software.
2. Beta Testing
Beta testing involves deploying the software to the client’s environment. The software is then made to work in an uncontrolled environment, such as that of the client or user. The software is returned to the team of developers to correct any defects.
The same product will be sent to production and final release if there is no defect. Beta testing is black box testing. This means that the user does not know anything about the internal structure or functionality of the software. The tester simply checks that the software can perform the tasks expected from a particular type of software.
UAT Benefits
1. Before final release, an internal user acceptance test ensures that the software meets all requirements.
2. It can also give an indication of ‘how the program will perform on the user’s end. The response of users to the trial version can be used to predict the reaction towards the final product.
3. It’s very efficient in identifying bugs that were not found during system testing.
4. It ensures that the software meets its purpose.
UAT
1. Because the software is created by developers using the specifications of the client and business people along with their understanding about what the product should look like, acceptance testing is essential. These specifications might not be what users actually need.
2. Software requirements can change during development, and it can be difficult to explain exactly what they are.
UAT testing is a way to effectively bring them to the attention of developers in order for them build better software for users.
3. UAT verifies that the software meets the business requirements.
Who will Perform UAT?
The developers want to create a product that users can accept. This is why UAT testing is done by the end-user. The product will be sent to production once the user approves it. This testing is not only for end-users. It also involves stakeholders such as project sponsors, business owners and business analysts.
Testing is performed using test suites which run various test cases on software. Each test case’s outcome is either pass or fail. Clients are customers and perform the UAT. They are the ones who requested the development of the software. And they should be happy with the final product. Clients or clients can be end-users.
How to Perform UAT
Here are the steps for performing UAT testing.
1. Plan
UAT begins with determining the appropriate time frame for testing and receiving feedback from end-users.
2. Create Test Cases
In order to test the software’s performance, test cases are designed in such a manner that they can be used in real-life situations. The goal is to simulate how a user might use the software. This can sometimes be quite different from what a developer knows about the software.
3. Testing Team
UAT’s test team includes end-users and users who have no knowledge about the internal structure. It is important that the UAT team includes only members who are not involved in the software development process. Product owners play an important role in setting the expectations for software and the criteria that will determine whether a test case passes or fails.
4. Execution and documentation
Now it’s time for exploratory testing and the execution of the test cases that were prepared earlier. An experienced tester will randomly test the software in exploratory to discover any flaws or defects that were not found in the earlier testing. The bug report includes details about the severity of the problem and the steps required to reproduce it.
5. Pest Removal
After the bugs have been identified, the development team begins the process of fixing them. This is done based on how they impact the overall functionality and productivity of the software. The bugs are sorted according to priority and then the fix is made. After running all of the test cases, it is decided if the software is ready for release.
Conclusion
Now you should have an idea of what UAT testing is. This is the stage where the product’s release is decided based on whether it meets the expectations and needs of both the client and end-users.