All About How to Test Web Applications in 6 Steps

These days, more and more web applications are being developed. With each line of code that is written, the potential for bugs increases.
As a general rule, the more time passes after you find a bug, the more expensive it is to fix it. Testing web applications falls under that category. Tests for web applications ensure that they are fully functional, run smoothly, and are secure. It ensures that an app is operating properly before it is released, and is an important part of web development.
Here is a 6-step guide that gives you an overview of what kind of tests to run to test your app. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Functional Testing

Web testing begins with checking that a system's functions are working properly. The following is how Functional Testing is defined on Wikipedia:
The purpose of functional testing is to verify the functionality of software components. It is a form of quality assurance (QA) and black-box testing. Testing functions involve providing input and observing the output, and internal program structure is rarely considered (unlike white-box testing).

• - Source code is tested for functionality by comparing it against functional specifications and requirements.
• - Typically, functional testing includes:
• - the identification of functions that software is supposed to do
• - data input and entry
• - the execution of the test case
• - an analysis of the actual results

Real-life system usage is simulated during functional testing. To create test conditions that correspond to user requirements, it is important to come as close as possible to real-world system usage.Despite the fact that both are vital to the success of a web application.

Step 2: Usability Testing

Testing for usability involves not only functionality, but also the overall user experience. Usability testing differs from user acceptance testing. Despite the fact that both are vital to the success of a web application. Each has a very different focus and is conducted at different stages of the software development life cycle.
The testing can be done internally or by getting external testers who are representative of your potential users. You can use services such as Apple's TestFlight to find external testers for applications in the app store.

Usability testing involves the following steps:

• - Develop a testing strategy that ensures all functions of your application will be examined. These include navigation and content.
• - Recruit test participants, either internally or externally.
• - Run the test under the observation of experts.
• - Analyze the results and improve your application accordingly.

Real-life system usage is simulated during functional testing. To create test conditions that correspond to user requirements, it is important to come as close as possible to real-world system usage.Despite the fact that both are vital to the success of a web application.

Step 3: Interface Testing

The interface testing process ensures that all interactions between the web server and application server interfaces run smoothly. As well as checking communication processes and error messages, it is important to make sure that they are displayed correctly. The server should also be tested to ensure that interruptions from the user as well as the server are handled correctly.

Step 4: Compatibility Testing

Web application testing requires your application to be compatible with all browsers and devices. The following are the different elements of compatibility testing: Browser compatibility

Ensure that your application works correctly across all browsers. Check that JavaScript, AJAX, WebSockets, browser notifications, and authentication requests are working correctly.

You can use LambdaTest, a cloud-based cross-browser testing service, for browser compatibility testing. Customers can test their websites on 2000+ browsers and operating systems with the Lambda tool.

In addition to checking that your application runs in all the browsers (yes, even Internet Explorer!) you should check it in different browser versions to see if any updates affect its functionality.