System Testing

The term System Testing can be used in a number of ways. In a general sense, the term 'system testing' refers to the testing of the system in artificial conditions to ensure that it should perform as expected and as required.

From a Systems Development perspective, System Testing refers to the testing performed by the development team (the programmers and other technicians) to ensure that the system works module by module ('unit testing') and also as a whole. System Testing should ensure that each function of the system works as expected and that any errors (bugs) are noted and analysed. It should additionally ensure that interfaces for export and import routines, function as required. System Testing does not concern itself with the functionality of the system and whether this is appropriate to meet the needs of the users. Having met the criteria of the Test Plan the software may then be passed for User Acceptance Testing.