Database testinginvolves checking the tables, triggers, schema, data integrity, consistency of the system. It involves using complex queries to see how the system responds to load and stress tests. The objectives of database testing are to-
- Ensure proper data mapping,
- Uphold data integrity,
- Ensure all transactions which the end-user performs while conforming toACID properties, and
- Confirm withthe business rules that companies lay down
Why Is Database Testing Important?
Database testing ensures the data values which the computer system receives and stores are valid. It helps to prevent data loss and saves transactional information, which the end-user might unintentionally abort. It even ensuresno unauthorized employee has access to the information within the database.Testers must be well-versed in SQL as the database is an essential part of a software application.
Professionals conducting database testinggenerally focus on the graphic user interface (GUI).It is the most visible section of the software application. However, it is vital for themalso to check the validity of the information within the database.
What Is The Difference Between Graphical User-Interface And Database Testing?
Graphical User-Interface testing | Database testing |
Popularly known as Front-end or Graphical User Interface testing. | Commonly called backend or data testing |
Deals with testing items open to the end-user interaction such as forms, graphs, menus, presentations, and reports. | Focus on testing items used in internal processing and data storage like SQL Server, Oracle DBMS or MYSQL |
Validates the following- · Test boxes, · Page navigation, · Buttons & calendars, · Image displays, · Select dropdowns · The whole view of the application | Checks the following – · schema, · table in the database, · columns, · indexes&keys, · triggers for stored procedures, · validation of the database server, · Validation of the data duplication |
The tester must have a sound knowledge of business requirements, automation frameworks, and development tools | Must be well-versed in SQL concepts and database servers. |
What Are The Different Forms Of Database Testing?
Database testing falls under the following 3 categories –
- Structural testing,
- Non- Functional testing and
- Functional testing.
A brief overview of each of the following forms of database testing are given below –
Structural Database Testing
This testing technique checks the elements within a database’s centralized storage facility, which end-users cannot manipulate. Validating the database servers is an essential aspect of structural testing. The professionals performing structural testing need to be well-versed in SQL queries.
Non-Functional Testing
Non-functional testing can be classified into the following divisions according to the business needs of companies like the testing of –
- Loading
- Stress
- Security
- Usability and
- Compatibility
The two primary purposes of carrying out functioning testing of the database of a software system are:
- To help the companies assess the response time of the different load levels of the system
- To assess and quantify the risks at these load levels, and
- To determine the minimum equipment needed to ensure the system operates optimally.
Functional Testing
Functional testing involves checking the functional requirements of the database from the end-user. The objective of this test is to determine whether the database is working correctly. The results of the operations end-users perform on it should be according to their expectations. Professionals should observe the following conditions when validating databases using functional testing:
- The length of every field should be of appropriate size,
- Whether the database contains fields for performing computations,
- All identical fields should be named the same, and
- To determine whether a field is compulsory and accepts NULL values.
Experts from RemoteDBA.com state functional testing checks field mapping from the end-users. In this form of database testing, the professionals perform a particular operation on the database. They then move on tothe user-interface to see whether proper field validations have been carried out or not.Similarly, when they carry out an operation at the GUI level, they validate the back-end mapping.
Schema Testing Of The Database
Schema testing checks the validity of the different schema formats within the database. It even verifies whether the mapping formats for different tables, columns, and views match GUI. The purpose of this test is to ensure the front and back-end schema mapping is the same. Digital Marketing Solutions It is also called mapping testing.
The critical checkpoints professionals need to consider when conducting schema testing are:
- Validate the various schema formats within the database. The mapping formats of the database tables might not be similar to those in the GUI of the application,
- Verify unmapped tables, views, and columns of the database,
- Verify whether the heterogeneous databases are consistent with the overall mapping of the software application.
Testing Database Tables And Columns
Professionals check the following aspects when testing database tables and columns:
- Check whether the field lengths and data types of back-end columns are compatible with those at its front-end,
- Check whether the length and name of database fields and columns meet specific requirements,
- Validate unmapped or unused database tables.
Testing Indexes And Keys
When conducting a test on the indexes and keys of a database, professionals check whether-
- Proper constraints have been made in database tables for the primary and foreign key,
- the foreign keys have valid references,
- The data type of primary key should correspond to that of the foreign key in both tables
- All the indexes and keys have been appropriately named as per compliance, and
- The fields and indexes are of correct length and size created as per the business’s specific needs.
Best Practices For Database Testing
Professionals should generally adopt the following best practices for database testing:
- All data should be validated according to their mapping requirements,
- Ensuring regular backups of the database,
- Validate the output data using both manual and automation procedures, and
- Log events have been successfully included in the database for logins.
Database testing is necessary to ensure the proper functioning of a system. The objectives are to ensure appropriate data mapping, integrity, and conformity with the business requirements. When conducting database testing, professionals should always adopt the best practices, like taking regular backups of the system to perform well without any hassles.