samþættingarprófunum

Samþættingarprófunum, or integration testing in English, is a phase in software development where individual software modules are combined and tested as a group. The primary goal is to verify that these integrated modules function correctly together. This testing is performed after unit testing, where individual components are tested in isolation, and before system testing, where the entire system is tested as a whole.

The process typically involves building a test harness or using specific integration testing tools. Integration testing can be approached in several ways, including the big-bang approach, where all modules are integrated at once, or incremental approaches like top-down, bottom-up, or sandwich integration. Incremental approaches are generally preferred as they allow for earlier detection of defects and a more systematic approach to integration.

Common objectives of integration testing include uncovering defects in the interfaces and interactions between modules, ensuring data flow between components is accurate, and verifying that the combined functionality meets specified requirements. Issues identified during integration testing can range from simple interface mismatches to complex logical errors arising from the interaction of different modules. Successful completion of integration testing is a crucial step towards delivering a stable and reliable software product.