Destructive Testing

Destructive testing is explained as software testing type to seek out points of failure in software program. It is a testing method where an application is intentionally made to fail to check the robustness of the application and identify the point of failure. Other testing method which will check the function of an application, this technique will check the unpredictable use of behaviour within the application. For destructive testing, it is not necessary to have knowledge of unique requirements of a software product. Some knowledge will help in developing a good strategy.

Why we have to do Destructive testing?

It helps in understanding predictable software behaviour when the software is out of order due to improper usage. It also helps to check the robustness of a software product.

What we check in the Destructive Testing?

We check in the Destructive testing is

• Proper software
• Improper software behavior
• Improper usage
• improper input data
• proper output data

Process to do Destructive Testing

Destructive testing includes many activities like designing a set of scripts, executing test scripts, raising bugs, closing bugs and providing the pass/fail metrics to stake holders at the end of the iteration.

For Destructive Testing there are numerous ways which it can be tested like

• Failure point analysis method: It is a walkthrough of the system which conducts an analysis of what could go wrong at various points. For any strategy, help from BA may be taken.
• Tester peer review: we get our test cases analyzed or reviewed by the tester who is familiar with the system/function.
• Business review of test cases: The users or experts will think of many proper scenarios which sometimes testers will not have considered or may be missed as their whole focus will be on the testing requirements.
• Conduct exploratory testing using run sheets: exploratory testing which is using run sheets will assist in determining what is tested, repeat the tests and allows you to control your test coverage.
• Use other source: We can ask someone to break the software product and analyse the various scenarios.

In destructive testing, sample failure tests are done in order to understand the performance of the sample or the behaviour of the materials under various loads. When we compare non-destructive tests, these tests are much easier to conduct and also to interpret. This destructive testing is most economical and appropriate. For things like, which are mass produced the cost of destroying few samples is negligible. The destructive failure mode is often analysed and also documented using continuous high speed camera recording film until the failure is detected. The most significant thing is that even if we do not have any knowledge of original requirement of any software product then also destructive testing will be performed. Some knowledge will help to develop a good strategy.

The significance of destructive testing are:

• It helps to identify the scenario based problems
• It helps to verify software product durability
• It helps to easily detect any point of failure
• It also helps to understand robustness of any software product.