System Testing vs Acceptance Testing: Everything You Should Know
In this post, we will learn the what is System Testing, and Acceptance testing along with the difference between System Testing vs Acceptance Testing.
System Testing and Acceptance Testing are vital in software testing used to ensure product’s quality and functionality before it reaches users. While both are crucial in the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), they serve distinct purposes at different development stages, making understanding their differences essential for a successful testing strategy.
What is System Testing?
System Testing is a type of software testing where the entire system is tested as a whole. The goal of this testing is to ensure that all the components of a software application work together as expected. It checks the functionality, performance, and reliability of the system to make sure it meets the specified requirements. System Testing is done after the integration testing phase and before the application is delivered to the end user. It is typically performed by a testing team in an environment that closely resembles the actual production setup.
Learn more: System Testing
What is Acceptance Testing?
Acceptance Testing is the final step in the software testing process. It is done to make sure that the software meets all the requirements and works as expected for the end users. This type of testing is usually done by the customer or a group of users to confirm that the software is ready for release. The main goal of Acceptance Testing is to identify any issues or problems from the user’s perspective and ensure the software provides a good experience. If the software passes this stage, it can be officially delivered and deployed.
Learn more: Acceptance Testing
Difference between System Testing and Acceptance Testing
Key differences between System Testing and Acceptance Testing are as follows.
| Aspect | System Testing | Acceptance Testing |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Verifies the complete and integrated system to ensure it meets specified requirements. | Validates whether the software meets the requirements and expectations of the end users. |
| Performed By | Conducted by the QA team or testing specialists. | Conducted by the customer, client, or a group of end users. |
| Focus | Focuses on identifying defects and ensuring all components of the system interact correctly. | Focuses on determining whether the software is ready for release and deployment. |
| Environment | Takes place in a controlled environment like a test lab. | Often performed in a production or simulated production environment. |
| Objective | To check system functionality, stability, and interaction of components. | To validate the system against business requirements and ensure user satisfaction. |
| Coverage | Comprehensive and technical; includes functional, non-functional, and performance aspects. | Limited to user-centric scenarios, focusing on usability and business processes. |
| Timing | Conducted after integration testing and before acceptance testing. | Conducted after system testing and is the final step before release. |
| Outcome | Identifies technical issues, bugs, or defects in the system. | Determines if the product is acceptable for implementation or delivery to the end users. |
Conclusion
System testing is a crucial phase in the software development lifecycle, ensuring that a system’s functionality, performance, and integration work as intended and align with predefined requirements. It involves evaluating the complete and integrated system to identify any defects or inconsistencies before deployment.
On the other hand, acceptance testing focuses on verifying that the software meets user and business needs. This step ensures the product not only functions correctly but also delivers value to end users by addressing their specific needs and expectations. Together, system testing and acceptance testing are essential for delivering reliable, high-quality, and user-friendly products that satisfy both technical and business goals.
