Difference between QA and UAT Testing

Before any software is rendered acceptable for use, it needs to be checked thoroughly to ensure that it is working properly and that there are no bugs. If the actual results match the expected results, then only it is known to be good for use. Software testing involves interaction checking software components to see if they are working as per the requirements.

In addition to that, software testing also helps to identify any errors or missing requirements in the system. Any errors can significantly reduce the effectiveness of the software. When talking about the different methods of software testing, there are multiple techniques that can be used for this purpose. The two main methods of software testing are quality assurance testing and user acceptance testing.

Key Takeaways:

User Acceptance Testing Meaning

A software program might be developed ideally according to the requirements that were given to a  user, but the question of whether or not it performs the function for which it was designed stays sharp. This is what user acceptance testing mainly responds to. It is done to see if the end product gives the end-user the best usability or not.

The phases of testing involve first understanding the differences between the developer’s understanding of what was required and then understanding how that is different from the actual usability of the software. It also involves checking if there were any changes in the scope of the project that might not have been communicated to the developer. User acceptance testing involves the customer getting the exact solution that they were looking for.

The Objectives and Role of UAT in Software Testing

User acceptance testing is performed only when the software is in the final phase of testing and when all the development work has been completed. It happens after the quality assurance analysts have also tested the software for any bugs. Generally, it happens right before the software is released. A few customers also prefer that this happens right after it is released to their very own production department. If this is the case, then they ensure that this is done in a controlled manner. 

User acceptance testing happens when the users work through the software to perform specific operations. These operations can be real ones or even hypothetical operations that are performed to check the usability of the software and to see if it works according to the specific requirements. In addition to user acceptance testing (UAT), it is crucial to ensure that the software performs well under heavy load. For that, load testing services can help identify performance bottlenecks and ensure optimal system operation. Here are the questions that they wish to be able to answer as end-users of the software.

• Is it usable by the end user?
• Does the software accord with the requirements?
• Do they have any kind of trouble when using it?
• Is it behaving like it’s supposed to?

In user acceptance testing, it is the users who test the software and report any bugs or missing features. In most user acceptance testing situations, staff members of the company who are working internally in the team use the software or the application. They are required to report back on whether they encountered any bugs, glitches, or whether there were features that were missing or not working altogether.

Benefits of User Acceptance Testing

Out of all the testing procedures that the software goes through, user acceptance testing is the most important one. This is because it ensures the usability of the software, which is the defining factor for uat for websites, programs or applications. There are many benefits of user acceptance testing. There are listed below.

Client Satisfaction

The software is developed for the client, who will wind up being the end user, so it is highly important that the client is satisfied. User acceptance testing ensures that the software serves the purpose it was initially meant to. This is the greatest benefit of user acceptance testing as it allows testers to find bugs and glitches that regular users of the software will be able to find. For larger projects (where the application will be used by thousands or millions of people), user acceptance testing is more useful.

Saving Cost

It is very costly to make changes to the software once it has been finalized and released to the public. Along with this, if bugs are discovered in a program, the PR hit that a developer takes can sometimes make it very difficult for the company to find work again.

User acceptance testing ensures that the software does not reach the end user before all problems are solved, which means that extra money will not have to be spent to fix any unwanted bugs or glitches.

Saves Time

By rigorously testing the software to confirm it meets all client requirements, you can save significant time. If issues arise after the software reaches the client, it wastes both the client’s and the developer’s time. Engaging professional software testing services ensures that bugs are identified early, reducing time spent on post-release fixes. User acceptance testing is crucial in this regard as it ensures that the client’s requirements are met, and the software functions as specified.

Quality Assurance Testing Meaning

Quality assurance definition ensures that the software performs just according to the parameters that are set out by the software developers. In simpler terms, quality assurance testing ensures that the software is able to do what it was designed to do.

The Objectives and Role of QA in Software Testing

Quality assurance testing is performed according to the needs of the client. Generally, it is a practice to test the software very early on in the project’s life cycle to ensure that it works well right from the beginning. This also gives the quality assurance testers a chance to be a part of the design process of the software, thereby further reducing the risk of the software having any errors or not working according to the scope of the project.

This process continues for every stage in the functionality of the software until the software is released to the public.

A quality assurance analyst performs rigorous testing on the software by making use of many testing techniques during the lifecycle of the project. The software is tested for negative scenarios and also for functional scenarios. If there are any defects, then these are communicated to the developers, who then work to fix these issues. This is done until all possible issues with the software are solved. Written below are a few of the responsibilities of a QA analyst:

• Analyze the design specifications that are given by the customer and then match them to the software
• Test the software for robustness and maintainability
• Identify possible flaws with the interfaces
• Identify deviations from the business rules
• Identify any functional defects
• Work closely with the software development team to see if there are any problems with the software
• Help in building the software
• Assisting in building the assistant guides for the software

Quality assurance testing is performed by quality assurance analysts who are specially qualified in this area. They examine the new code or the features of the software in a controlled manner by dividing the work into different stages. They do this in different testing environments to ensure that the software can perform well under all circumstances. If the software does not clear quality assurance testing, it cannot be deemed fit for usage.

Benefits of Quality Assurance Testing

There are many benefits of software quality assurance. These are listed below:

Saves Money

Faulty software can cause great losses and can also lead to you losing clients. It is known that the longer the bug stays in the software, the more expensive it gets to fix the software. When you have a quality assurance tester on the team right from the start, this can help you detect all issues right at the beginning of the phase, which can help you save a lot of money. Not only that, but you can also save a lot of time.

Prevents Serious Emergencies

If the software has been designed for corporate usage, then a bug in the system can lead to loss of data, system blackouts, and even communication breakdowns. This is why it is extremely essential that a software quality assurance tester tests the software throughout its various development stages.

By having a software quality tester test the software, you can seriously avoid any serious catastrophes that you might otherwise have had to face. You need to make sure that you leave no room for error to ensure the smooth running of the software.

Client Confidence

If quality assurance software testing measures are put in place, the clients can be assured that the software will be free of any errors or bugs. This makes them trust the software and the company much more. Clients want their software to be extremely successful, and if you can provide them with that, then they will like working with you and would want to build long-term working relationships with you.

Great User Experience

When the software is tested for quality, the chances of the software having any sort of errors or bugs are greatly reduced. This can really help you ensure a great user experience. The end-user can make or break the product. So if you want to ensure that the product is a success, then you need to make sure that the end-user has a great experience when they’re using your software. A satisfied user is also much more likely to recommend the product to others as well, which can further help to increase the number of customers who use your product.

More Profit

When your product is good, and your customers are satisfied, you will definitely end up making more money in profit. Good software with no issues means that extra time and money will not have to be spent to fix bugs and glitches.

Productivity and Efficiency

Using agile practices and methodologies, it is possible to deliver chunks of a product using clear timelines. When these tasks are completed on time and work on the next task begins, it promotes a culture of organizational efficiency, which then finds its way into other projects, too.

QA vs UAT Testing Summary

Both quality assurance testing and user acceptance testing are extremely important components of a software project. They both have different motives and objectives, and they both work differently, but at the end of the day, they both work to ensure that the software is free of any errors.

The major difference between both of these is the fact that quality assurance ensures that the software is error-free, whereas user acceptance testing ensures that the software is giving the users just the experience and usability that they were looking for. They both work hand in hand to ensure that the software is of good quality. The one main benefit that they both give is that the client is satisfied with the end product.

A software company can only succeed if the clients are satisfied with the company’s quality of work. It also helps save time and money. If you’re unsure what form of testing to employ and are looking for someone with expertise in the area of software testing and the different software testing methodologies, then visit PFLB. They can help you with all of your software testing needs. With their experience in the field of software testing (both user acceptance testing and quality assurance), you can be assured that the software you deliver to your clients will be bug-free and exactly what your clients want.