Types of Software Dependencies

Below are the different types of software dependencies:

  • Logical dependency: Logical dependencies are related to the source-code files that are changed as a part of the modification request. Testers will evaluate such dependencies between the source code files by identifying the source code files that are modified mutually as part of software development. Dependencies that are not visible in syntactic dependencies are covered here while testing for logical dependencies. 
  • Syntactic dependency: Syntactic dependencies can be the inflow/ outflow of data or functional dependencies. Such dependencies are evaluated between the source code files by spotting the data, method, or function references crossing every source code file’s periphery. 
  • Work dependency: These dependencies are usually related to the workflow and are triggered by human and organizational factors on which the software’s failure proneness depends. These usually arise due to a lack of proper communication between developers, testers, and QAs which is why testers need to find them and fix them.
  • Data dependency: Security tests have to check for data dependencies where the specific data structure gets modified by the function and is subsequently used in another function. 
  • Functional dependency: Functional dependency refers to how the elements behave in relation to others especially when a change in one element affects the functionality of the other elements coupled to it. 

Dependency Testing

Dependency testing is a software testing technique where application requirements are pre-examined for initial states and existing software to achieve desired functionalities. The article focuses on discussing Dependency Testing in detail. The following topics of dependency testing will be discussed here:

Table of Content

  • What is a Dependency Testing?
  • Types of Software Dependencies
  • What is a Test Method?
  • Importance of Dependency Testing
  • Activities During Dependency Testing
  • Benefits of Dependency Testing
  • Limitations of Dependency Testing
  • Conclusion

Let’s start discussing each of these in detail.

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What is a Dependency Testing?

Dependency testing is a testing method in which the initial states of an existing piece of software are evaluated to test the functionality....

Types of Software Dependencies

Below are the different types of software dependencies:...

What is a Test Method?

The different tactics or strategies used to test an application to make sure it functions and appears as intended are known as software testing methodologies. These cover unit and system testing in addition to frontend and backend testing. A test procedure that is effectively written is significant. However, selecting a method to measure the appropriate feature or characteristic is much more crucial. Not all measures and tests are equally helpful; often, a test result is used to infer or forecast suitability for a certain purpose....

Importance of Dependency Testing

Risk mitigation: It reduces unknown issues by identifying and addressing possible concerns with third-party dependence. Upgrades and Changes: It is crucial for guaranteeing compatibility, avoiding regressions and moving to newer dependencies. Security: Frequent testing minimizes vulnerabilities resulting from out-of-date dependencies by ensuring the use of secure versions. Performance optimization: It ensures optimal programme performance by identifying and resolving performance issues brought about by dependencies. Scalability: It assesses how dependencies affect scalability to make sure the programme can accommodate expansion. Maintainability: It helps determine whether to update or replace dependencies based on compatibility and support, which contributes to overall maintainability....

Activities During Dependency Testing

A capability used to ensure that all prerequisites for a given run-time scenario are present is dependency testing. Below are the activities during dependency testing:...

Benefits of Dependency Testing

Desired Outcome: Dependency testing, enables the achievement of the desired functionality for an existing piece of software by first examining the application’s needs.  Testing Impacted components: When evaluating new or existing features, the impacted parts of the software are also tested. Addressing two key issues: The assessment addresses two key issues: application flaws and defects already present....

Limitations of Dependency Testing

Restriction: Sometimes dependencies put a limit on testing functionality. Incorporation of Dependency Checking Tool: There is the extra effort associated particularly in the form of dependency checking tools that might be added as modules to aid in the investigation. Resolve Dependencies: There is a need to resolve dependencies either manually or automatically in case they did not meet the purpose....

Conclusion

When viewed from above, dependency testing’s various angles provide a basic method for disclosing flaws or faults that work together to achieve quality goals. Fundamentally, dependency testing looks at the software’s existing application requirements....