Why is Database Testing Important?
Introduction
A database is an important element in software applications as it allows users to store as well as retrieve data. Today, almost every complex application that works with large data sets requires more secure and robust databases. You require to adequately test these databases to ensure that it is easily storing huge data. Database testing is crucial as it verifies the quality, accuracy, as well as security of data in databases. It looks for errors in the database systems to further improve the consistency, performance, and reliability of these systems. Database Testing Training can help you with the essential knowledge for correctly following the process of Database Testing.
What is database testing?
Understanding the concept of database testing requires a strong knowledge of data as well as its corresponding databases. Data basically describes facts, information, or collected statistics for different purposes. A database is basically a collection of data that is organized and stored for all-time access.
Database testing is all about checking data existing in a database by accurately examining the other elements that may affect the data and its related functionalities. You can also refer to it as back-end testing.
This validation process is useful in an online analytical processing system. OLAP is a useful system for data modeling and multidimensional data analysis.
Let’s consider a database that stores the daily transactions of customers in a grocery store. So, here are database testing checks:
All the information regarding a transaction is in the database.
- Correct transaction information is given to the user.
- Only stores complete transactions in the database. The application should further abort all incomplete transactions.
- It provides no unapproved access to the database or to the data stored in it.
- Some or all of the information loaded into the database is lost.
What is the importance of database testing?
Database testing is important because it allows users to correctly validate data integrity, data mapping, ACID (atomicity, consistency, isolation, and durability) properties, and business rules conformity.
What are all these aspects:
Data Mapping: In database systems, data travels from the front end which is the user interface to the back end or database. This movement can also take place in the opposite direction. Database testing ensures correct mapping of the data appearing in a table to the corresponding database table.
Data Integrity: Data integrity tests include different operations, methods, and processes useful for managing, updating, and accessing the database. Or better known as CRUD (create, retrieve, update, and delete).
ACID properties: Database testing ensures correct validation of the ACID properties. These properties can be as such;
Atomicity: The transaction usually generates two main types of results pass or fail.
Consistency: This indicates the validity of the database to remain as such once you complete the transaction.
Isolation: Different transactions can take place without affecting each other.
Durability: Any changes taking place in a transaction will be saved without any other effects from external factors.
Business Rule: Database testing ensures that the database conforms to all other business rules. Testers use SQL queries to validate all other components like procedures, triggers, and relational constraints.
Some useful database testing tools
The following is a description of different tools for database testing and their examples.
Load testing tools: These tools examine the database system capability that matches your business needs.
Data security tools: These tools introduce standards that improve data security. Such as IBM Optim Data Security or Protegrity Data Security.
Test data management tools: These tools examine the software quality of the database by comparing actual outcomes with expected potential outcomes. Like Informatica or IBM Optim Test Data Management.
Test data generator tools: Generating test data takes place using these tools. These tools are ideal when you have a large volume of data and a sample of the data essential for database testing. Such as DataProf and Turbo Data.
Unit testing tools: These tools examine each element of a database object working as set in the system. Like DBfit, SQLUnit, and DBUnit.
Conclusion
Database testing is a crucial process that helps in validating data and checks the functionality of databases. Database Testing Training Institute in Delhi will help you learn the essential parameters of database testing. Correct testing techniques ensure the minimum risk of a system crash. Database testing further helps in enhancing the quality and durability of databases. Hence, Organizations need to choose the relevant database testing tools that fit perfectly with their business goals.