Testtype

Testtype, or test type, is a classification used in software testing to describe the purpose, scope, or characteristics of a test or test suite. It helps teams organize work, allocate resources, and ensure coverage of requirements and quality attributes.

Common test types include unit tests, which verify individual components; integration tests, which check interactions between components; system tests, which validate the complete application in a realistic environment; and acceptance tests, which confirm readiness against user requirements. Other important types include regression tests, which verify that changes do not reintroduce issues, and smoke tests, which perform a quick check to determine if the system is stable enough for further testing.

Non-functional test types focus on quality attributes such as performance, reliability, and security. Performance tests assess speed and efficiency; load and stress tests examine behavior under increasing user demand; security tests seek to identify vulnerabilities; usability tests evaluate user experience; compatibility tests check behavior across platforms and environments. Additional categories cover accessibility, portability, and reliability to address broader quality concerns.

In planning and management, testtypes guide test design, risk assessment, and resource allocation. Test plans and test cases are often organized by type, with specific exit criteria, environments, data requirements, and metrics associated with each type. Terminology varies by organization and framework; some use "category" or "test category" instead of "testtype."

The concept is widely used in software quality assurance guidelines and aligns with methodologies that emphasize coverage, risk-based testing, and continuous validation throughout the development lifecycle.