Software Testing - Thread Testing

A thread is the most tiny unit of work that a software can perform. Due to a thread, a software can perform numerous actions at the same time. As a result, thread is an important concept while a software is being developed, and should be thoroughly tested as well.

What is Software Thread Testing?

The software thread testing is a software based approach undertaken at the time of integration testing. Its primary objective is to touch upon the important features which are responsible for particular functionalities in the system. The usage of thread testing is complex as it is carried out with the help of the integrated client, server, network etc. Individual threads are validated separately, and then verified incrementally as sub-units, and then incorporated on the complete software.

The threads are of two types, namely single thread testing, and multiple thread testing. If a transaction is done at a single time, it is called the single thread testing. If multiple concurrent transactions take place simultaneously, it is called the multiple thread testing.

The virtual user groups are denoted by the thread groups. These are primarily a group of threads running on the same framework which is a base element for the test plan. The number of threads are known as the total number of virtual users running the test scripts. The ramp up period determines the total count of threads and makes the process faster. The loop count is the total number of executions made using the script. The scheduler schedules all the alignment of tests. It also enables setting of custom duration, and start up delays which ultimately generates thread.

Process of Software Thread Testing

The process of the software thread testing are listed below −

• The software thread testing is performed to carry on the integration activities rather than development of the complete system.
• The software thread testing is a non-exclusive process of session based testing where every session is referred to as a thread, however a thread is not actually a session.
• In the software thread testing, a thread or a program is integrated and verified incrementally as a sub-system. In this way, the entire system runs.

Advantages of Software Thread Testing

The advantages of the software thread testing are listed below −

• The software thread testing improves the performance by reducing the development duration.
• The software thread testing helps to fine tune the coding of the software.
• The software thread testing improves the responsiveness of the graphical user interface.
• The software thread testing is used to perform the parallel occurrences of the functions.
• The software thread testing helps to establish effective communication.
• At the most granular level, the software thread testing gives the best knowledge of how to combine various units of the software.

Disadvantages of Software Thread Testing

The disadvantages of the software thread testing are listed below −

• The software thread testing does not provide the environment to perform the unit testing on a multi-threaded system.
• It is difficult to come up with the acceptance criteria for the software thread testing. It is also dependent on the memory size, storage, timing etc.

Conclusion

This concludes our comprehensive take on the tutorial on Software Thread Testing. Weve started with describing what is software thread testing, what are the software non-functional requirements, what is the process of software thread testing, what are the advantages of software thread testing, and what are the disadvantages of software thread testing. This equips you with in-depth knowledge of Software Thread Testing. It is wise to keep practicing what youve learned and exploring others relevant to Software Testing to deepen your understanding and expand your horizons.