There are many types of tests that are done to verify if the software is up to the mark while creating any software. One of the testing tools is SOA Testing. This testing tool helps the software use network services.
This blog will discuss the topic of SOA Testing in detail. Let's start the blog with the definition of SOA Testing.
SOA Testing
The full form of SOA Testing is Service Oriented Architecture Testing. This tool helps the application to communicate with other applications as well. It is mainly used in websites to keep connected to servers or other networks. SOA generally depends on the services that are functional units within a system of apps that another program can repeat.
SOA is loosely coupled, which helps them to plug in new services or upgrade existing services smoothly. The SOA Testing is a complex test as the software has many moving parts which are connected between them. These connected parts sometimes challenge the test also.
Layers of SOA Testing
The SOA Testing has mainly three layers. Let us discuss them one by one.
Service Layer
As the name says, this layer offers services to the user who has the SRS document provided. In simple words, the service layer is a layer that offers different features for the user.
Let's take an example of this. Suppose we have a Ludo application. Now the Ludo app offers us to play with friends offline and online. Along with this, we can play with the computer bot as well, and even we can play with random people. All these features come under the Service layer.
Process Layer
The process layer is responsible for the UI and visual appearance of the website or application. It includes the features like updating records, removing data and manipulating them.
Let's move forward with our Ludo example. In the game of Ludo, the UI and database integration is vital to connect the user account from the database. With a single click in the application, a completely new process starts in the game of Ludo.
Consumer Layer
As the name says, the consumer layer is a layer that is useful in the interaction between the user and the provider. It has a complete architecture, like how the user is going to communicate with the website.
This layer is further divided into three parts which are as follows:
End-to-end level
Interface level
Service level
Strategy in SOA Testing
Test Planning
Test planning is the first approach that comes in the SOA Strategy. Let us discuss this in detail.
The architecture of the given software or app must be clear to each and every SOA tester
Break the software into smaller independent services
The three vital components that must be organized or present in the software structure are data, services, and front-end applications
The business needs must be kept in mind while testing the software
The components must be analyzed carefully
There must be a Traceability Matrix that should be maintained as well. Along with this, the Matrix also should be maintained with care
Test Execution
Test execution is the second approach that comes in the SOA Strategy. Let us discuss this in detail.
The service component should be tested properly
The execution team performs the integration, performance, and system testing to make sure the system works properly
The integration process includes checking the working of all properties with each other
The performance testing must refine and optimize the speed and accuracy within the given system
The system testing checks the access of the data flow within the system
Methods of SOA Testing
There are a total of nine methods of SOA Testing which are explained below.
Business scenario driven data based testing
All the business demands should be analyzed
The data setup must be done based on all scenarios
Stubs
These interfaces offer different inputs, which can help to validate the outputs
Stubs can create dummy test services
Regression Testing
All the business demands should be analyzed
The data setup must be done based on all scenarios
Stubs
These interfaces offer different inputs, which can help to validate the outputs
Stubs can create dummy test services
Regression Testing
This process is done when there are many releases to maintain the stability and availability of the given system
The test suits can be used again in the other releases
Service Level Testing
This testing helps the system to test independently
The testing includes performance, security, and integration
Functional Testing
It checks whether the responses are in the correct order
It also checks whether each request is getting the correct and proper response
Security Testing
As the name says, it provides security to the system
It also checks whether the security systems are working in the right manner
Performance Testing
It should be checked as it is reusable multiple times
All these tests should be also be done for the worst case
Integration level testing
This testing checks the coupled components working along with the services
It also covers all the business deals and scenarios
End to End testing
This testing checks whether the software is providing all the features and other needs according to the client
It also checks the user interface of the software
Challenges in SOA Testing
There are, of course, some challenges that a developer face while performing SOA testing. Some of them are mentioned below
In SOA Testing, there is always some lack of interfaces for the services
Security testing turns into a tough task as the whole system is merged together multiple times
There is a multi-layer design present in the SOA Testing, which creates difficulties while isolating the defective part of the system
The testing process is continuous. Hence the demand for data is needed all the time, which is sometimes not possible
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full form of SOA Testing?
The full form of SOA Testing is Service Oriented Architecture Testing.
Define SOA Testing.
SOA Testing helps the application to communicate with other applications as well. It is mainly used in websites to keep connected to servers or other networks. SOA generally depends on the services that are functional units within a system of apps that another program can repeat.
How many types of layers are present in the SOA Testing?
There are mainly three types of layers present in SOA Testing, which are the Service Layer, the Proces Layer, and the Consumer Layer.
Name some tools which are used in SOA Testing.
There are many tools that we can use to perform SOA testing. Some of them are SOAP UI, iTKO LISA, HP Service Test, and Parasoft SOA Test.
Conclusion
This article discusses the topic of SOA Testing. In detail, we have seen the definition of SOA Testing, its layers, strategy,methods and challenges faced in SOA testing.
We hope this blog has helped you enhance your knowledge of SOA Testing. If you want to learn more, then check out our articles.
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