System Testing
System Testing is the testing of the complete and fully integrated application to verify that it meets functional and non-functional requirements.
System testing answers: “Does the entire system work as expected?”
1. Definition
System Testing is the testing of the complete and fully integrated application to verify that it meets functional and non-functional requirements.
System testing answers: “Does the entire system work as expected?”
2. Purpose of System Testing
- Validate end-to-end system behavior
- Ensure requirements are fully implemented
- Identify defects in complete workflows
- Verify system stability and reliability
3. Scope of System Testing
System testing includes:
- Functional testing
- Regression testing
- UI testing
- Business rule validation
- Non-functional testing (manual perspective)
4. Manual Tester’s Role in System Testing
- Execute end-to-end test scenarios
- Validate business workflows
- Perform regression testing
- Log defects with full context
- Provide quality status
5. System Testing vs Integration Testing
| Aspect | Integration Testing | System Testing |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Module interaction | Complete system |
| Scope | Partial system | Entire application |
| Environment | Test | Production-like test |
| Goal | Interface correctness | Business correctness |
6. Types of System Testing (Manual)
- Functional System Testing
- Regression System Testing
- Usability Testing
- Compatibility Testing
- Security Testing (conceptual)
7. Entry & Exit Criteria (System Testing)
Entry Criteria
- Integration testing completed
- Stable build available
- Test cases ready
Exit Criteria
- All critical test cases executed
- No open high-severity defects
- Test summary approved
8. Real-Time Example
E-commerce application:
- User registration
- Login
- Product search
- Cart
- Payment
- Order confirmation
System testing validates the complete flow.
9. Common Defects Found in System Testing
- Missing validations
- Workflow breaks
- Incorrect business rules
- UI inconsistencies
- Data persistence issues
10. Common Mistakes
- Testing only happy paths
- Ignoring edge cases
- Incomplete regression coverage
- Poor environment stability
11. Interview-Ready Answers
Short answer:
System testing validates the complete and integrated application against specified requirements.
Detailed answer:
System testing ensures that the entire software system works correctly by verifying functional and non-functional requirements in a production-like environment.
12. Key Takeaway
System Testing ensures the software works as a whole, not just in parts.