Integration testing

Integration testing is a type of software testing that tests how multiple software components interact with one another. It focuses on verifying the behavior of the application with respect to its external environment, such as databases, middleware components, and other hardware components. The goal of integration testing is to detect interface defects between system components so that they can be identified and fixed before the system is used in a live environment.

Integration testing can be divided into two categories: interface testing and end-to-end testing. Interface testing focuses on verifying interactions between components at the communication level. End-to-end testing focuses on verifying interactions between components at the system level. Both types of testing are necessary to ensure that the system behaves as expected.

Integration tests are usually conducted after unit testing has been completed. This is because integration tests assume that the individual components of the system have been tested and are functioning correctly. Integration testing is vital for finding defects that may be caused by the connection or interaction between separate components.

Integration testing is commonly used in agile development and continuous integration processes. In an agile process, integration tests are conducted after each unit test has been completed and passed. This helps to reduce the risk of bugs propagating throughout the system. In continuous integration, integration tests are run every time a new version of the code is introduced to the system. This helps to ensure that every new version of the code is tested and verified before it is sent to production.

Integration testing is an important part of ensuring the quality of a software application. The goal of integration testing is to identify any potential issues that arise from the interaction between components before the system is used in a live environment. By conducting integration tests, developers can ensure that their system is working as intended and that any potential issues are identified and addressed quickly.