What is the difference between system and integration testing?

System testing and integration testing play a key role in the application’s software testing strategy. The key point to focus is on finding the right context to perform these testing methods. Both these testing methods provide a platform to improve the performance and quality of the software product or application. System testing is where the conduction of tests takes place to know if a complete build meets the functional and non-functional requirements. Integration testing is where two or more units or modules are integrated and tested to analyze their behavior in terms of how they perform when they are integrated. In this article, you will get to know the differences between system testing and integration testing.

What is System testing?

It is a testing method where a fully integrated software product or application is validated. The end-to-end system specifications are evaluated. A series of different tests are conducted so that the computer-based system is tested in its entirety. Those components that have been integrated are taken as inputs. Integration testing checks if there are any irregularities between the integrated units. Defects are detected by the system testing within both the whole system and the integrated units.

The whole system is tested in the context of functional requirement specifications or system requirement specifications or both. The system’s behavior and design are tested by the system testing method. System testing is performed after integration testing and before acceptance testing. The testing team does not require any specific programming skills to carry out this testing method. It also makes sure that the business and technical requirements of the client are met adequately. The testing team can carry out this testing method independently.

 

What is Integration testing?

It is a testing method in which the different components, modules or units of a software application are integrated and then their behavior is analyzed. It is the second phase/step of the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) process and is performed after unit testing. When a module is created by developers using differences in logic patterns, integration testing ensures that the system is not compromised.

Integration testing uses the Black-box testing technique. For example, when sign-up and login features are checked in an e-commerce application, they are viewed as separate units. If we check the ability to sign up or login after items are added by a user in their cart and want to proceed to the checkout, then the integration is checked between these two functionalities. This testing method uncovers defects that happen in the interaction between the software modules when they are integrated.    

Difference between system testing and integration testing:

System testing	Integration testing
It makes sure that the entire system is tested and is able to meet business specifications	It makes sure that two or more modules that have been integrated should be able to perform as expected
It comes under both functional and non-functional types of testing	It comes under the functional type of testing
The system’s internal structure is understood and analyzed	It obtains knowledge and information of just interlinked modules and their interaction
Functional, incremental and big-bang approaches are used in this testing method	Usability, regression, sanity, retesting, maintenance and performance tests are the approaches used in this testing method
Only the testing team is involved	Both the testing and development team is involved
Functional, security, reliability, scalability, usability testing etc., are some of the types of system testing	Top-down, Bottom-up, Big-bang and hybrid testing are the types of integration testing
The module’s behavior as a whole is tested	The interface between individual modules is tested

 

Conclusion: If you are looking forward to implementing system testing or integration testing or both for your specific project, then do get connected with a reputed software testing services company that will provide you with a viable testing blueprint that is in line with your project specific requirements.

About the author: I am a technical content writer focused on writing technology specific articles. I strive to provide well-researched information on the leading market savvy technologies.