How Many Types of Integration Testing Are There?

So, What kinds of integration testing?

The integration test is significant as it validates whether all the individual components/modules of a software application function correctly together. It refers to the testing technique used for detecting defects between integrated units and through their interfaces or communication. Suppose a team understands the different types of integration tests. In that case, it will enable them to write a more solid end-to-end application that catches bugs earlier and improves software quality.

In this article, we will also discuss the primary forms of Integration tests and explain when they might be used with examples of how each can contribute to the SDLC.

Types of Integration Testing

The three most common integration tests are mentioned below:-

Big Bang Integration: It is the type of testing where all modules are integrated simultaneously, and then tested. This is a highly undesirable approach, as it can create defects that are very hard to identify and solve.

Bottom-Up Integration: This way of integration testing first adds the smallest modules and then continues adding higher-level modules to integrate. It also allows defects to be more easily isolated and solved (or at least one would hope so).

Top-Down Integration: In top-down integration, the uppermost level modules are connected initially, and then lower-level modules will be attached subsequently.

When should I use Various Integration Testing techniques?

There is a reason we have different types of integration tests and they serve their purpose, so you can choose to use a specific type based on your requirement.

Big Bang: Used when either all components are developed at the same time or for small systems.

Incremental (Top-Down and Bottom-Up): This works best when you have a multi-faceted solution where specific parts reach completion first.

Hybrid: large applications with independent development teams.

System Integration Testing (SIT) —Used for large systems that have to be integrated with multiple subsystem assemblies or even applications.

System Integration Testing

System Integration Testing — System integration testing is a type of integration test that tests the software application in its entirety with larger systems like databases, and other applications to confirm whether they function well together as an integrated whole. We conduct this kind of testing as it verifies whether the software application can be implemented in the real-time environment or not.

Selecting the Appropriate Integration Testing Types

The hybrid model was always good, but the evolution of software applications has made an extreme form of integration testing through a years-long conference treadmill not only impractical (how many people remember Sapphire’04?

Conclusion

How important is the integration test in a software development process? As long as organizations are ready to invest the time and resources necessary to carefully choose the type of integration tests they need, they will go a long way in covering their bases.

Also Read: What is Integration Testing?