Types of Integration Testing

1. Incremental Testing
2. Non-Incremental Testing

1. Incremental Testing

Like development, testing is also a phase of SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle). Different tests are performed at different stages of the development cycle. Incremental testing is one of the testing approaches that is commonly used in the software field during the testing phase of integration testing which is performed after unit testing. Several stubs and drivers are used to test the modules one after one which helps in discovering errors and defects in the specific modules. 

Advantages of Incremental Testing

• Each module has its specific significance. Each one gets a role to play during the testing as they are incremented individually.
• Defects are detected in smaller modules rather than denoting errors and then editing and re-correcting large files.
• It’s more flexible and cost-efficient as per requirements and scopes.
• The customer gets the chance to respond to each building.

There are 2 Types of Incremental Testing

1. Top-down Integration Testing
2. Bottom-up Integration Testing

1. Top-down Integration Testing

Top-down testing is a type of incremental integration testing approach in which testing is done by integrating or joining two or more modules by moving down from top to bottom through the control flow of the architecture structure. In these, high-level modules are tested first, and then low-level modules are tested. Then, finally, integration is done to ensure that the system is working properly. Stubs and drivers are used to carry out this project. This technique is used to increase or stimulate the behavior of Modules that are not integrated into a lower level. 

Advantages Top Down Integration Testing

1. There is no need to write drivers.
2. Interface errors are identified at an early stage and fault localization is also easier.
3. Low-level utilities that are not important are not tested well and high-level testers are tested well in an appropriate manner.
4. Representation of test cases is easier and simpler once Input-Output functions are added.

2. Bottom-up Integration Testing

Bottom-up Testing is a type of incremental integration testing approach in which testing is done by integrating or joining two or more modules by moving upward from bottom to top through the control flow of the architecture structure. In these, low-level modules are tested first, and then high-level modules are tested. This type of testing or approach is also known as inductive reasoning and is used as a synthesis synonym in many cases. Bottom-up testing is user-friendly testing and results in an increase in overall software development. This testing results in high success rates with long-lasting results. 

Advantages of Bottom-up Integration Testing

• It is easy and simple to create and develop test conditions.
• It is also easy to observe test results.
• It is not necessary to know about the details of the structural design.
• Low-level utilities are also tested well and are also compatible with the object-oriented structure.

Welcome to the world of software testing, which ensures the quality and reliability of software applications. Understanding the various types of software testing is essential for developers and quality assurance professionals alike.

In this guide, we’ll explore the fundamental categories of software testing, from unit testing to security testing, helping you navigate and ensuring your software will meet the highest standards of performance and functionality.