Open In App

Software Testing – Back-to-Back Testing

Last Updated : 06 Feb, 2023
Summarize
Comments
Improve
Suggest changes
Like Article
Like
Save
Share
Report
News Follow

Back-to-back testing is a method of comparing the performance of two or more systems or components by running them simultaneously and comparing their output. The goal of back-to-back testing is to determine if there is a significant difference in the performance of the systems or components being tested and identify any issues or defects that may exist. The article focuses on discussing back-to-back testing. 

The following topics will be discussed here:

  1. What is Back-to-back Testing?
  2. Steps for Back-to-back Testing
  3. Example of Back-to-back Testing
  4. Benefits of Back-to-back Testing
  5. Limitations of Back-to-back Testing

Let’s start discussing each of these topics in detail.

What is Back-to-back testing?

Back-to-back testing, also known as comparison testing, is a method of evaluating the performance of two or more systems by running them on the same input and comparing the results. This type of testing is typically used in engineering and scientific applications, such as comparing the performance of different designs or algorithms.

  • The goal of back-to-back testing is to identify any differences in performance between the systems being tested and to determine which system is the most effective. For example, if two different algorithms are being tested for image recognition, back-to-back testing would involve running both algorithms on the same set of images and comparing the accuracy of the results. 
  • In back-to-back testing, two systems or components are run at the same time, with the same input and under the same conditions. The output from each system is then compared to determine if there are any differences in performance. 
  • This method is particularly useful when the systems or components being tested are similar or identical in design, such as two different versions of a software application or two different models of a hardware device.
  • Back-to-back testing is often used in the development of new systems or components, as well as for troubleshooting and maintenance of existing systems. 
  • It can be used to test systems or components at different stages of development, from initial design to final product. 
  • It can also be used to compare different vendor solutions or to compare the performance of different configurations or settings.
  • The process of back-to-back testing can be automated using software tools that automatically compare the output of the systems or components being tested. This allows for a more objective and accurate comparison of the performance of different systems or components.
  • Back-to-back testing is often used to provide a rough comparison of the systems being tested. More rigorous testing may be required for a more accurate evaluation of the systems. 
  • The test cases should be chosen carefully to be representative of the typical use case of the systems being tested. 
  • Back-to-back testing can be a powerful tool for evaluating the performance of different designs or algorithms, but it should be used in conjunction with other forms of testing to provide a complete picture of a system’s performance

Steps for Back-to-Back Testing

The process of back-to-back testing typically involves the following steps:

  1. Define the test objectives: The first step in back-to-back testing is to define the objectives of the test. This includes identifying the systems or components that will be tested, the specific performance metrics that will be measured, and the conditions under which the tests will be run.
  2. Set up test environments: The next step is to set up the test environments for the systems or components being tested. This includes configuring the test environments with the necessary hardware and software and ensuring that the environments are identical for each system or component being tested.
  3. Run the tests: Once the test environments have been set up, the tests can be run. This involves running the same set of tests on each system or component, using the same inputs and under the same conditions.
  4. Collect and analyze data: After the tests have been run, the data from each system or component is collected and analyzed. This includes comparing the output from each system or component to determine if there are any significant differences in performance.
  5. Identify and resolve issues: If any issues or defects are identified during the testing process, they should be documented and reported to the relevant teams for resolution.
  6. Document and report: The final step is to document the test results and report them to the relevant stakeholders. This includes providing detailed information on the systems or components that were tested, the test conditions, the test results, and any issues or defects that were identified.

The process of back-to-back testing can be automated using software tools that automatically compare the output of the systems or components being tested, this allows for a more objective and accurate comparison of the performance of different systems or components.

Example of Back-to-Back Testing

An example of back-to-back testing would be comparing the performance of two different compression algorithms on a set of digital images. The goal of the test would be to identify any differences in performance and to determine which algorithm is the most effective.

To conduct this back-to-back test, the following steps would be taken:

  1. Identify the systems or designs that will be tested: In this example, the two compression algorithms being tested are Algorithm A and Algorithm B.
  2. Define a set of test cases: A set of digital images would be chosen as test cases. These images should be representative of the types of images that the algorithms will encounter in the real world. The images should be of different sizes, resolutions, and file formats.
  3. Run the systems on the test cases: Both Algorithm A and Algorithm B would be run on the same set of test images, and the compressed file sizes and the time taken to compress the images would be recorded.
  4. Compare the results: The compressed file sizes and the time taken to compress the images would be analyzed and compared to determine which algorithm performed better.
  5. Report the findings: The results of the back-to-back testing would be reported in a clear and concise manner, including any observations or recommendations for further testing or improvements.

In this example, the results of the back-to-back testing would show which algorithm produces the smallest file size with the least amount of time. It would also show which algorithm is better suited for specific types of images. For example, Algorithm A may produce smaller file sizes for high-resolution images but may take longer to compress the images, while Algorithm B may produce smaller file sizes for low-resolution images but may take less time to compress the images.

It’s important to note that this is just an example, and the specific details of the testing would depend on the system being tested. Back-to-back testing should be carefully planned and executed in order to produce accurate and reliable results.

Benefits of Back-to-back Testing

Back-to-back testing has several benefits, including:

  1. Improved system performance: Back-to-back testing allows for the identification and resolution of performance issues, resulting in improved system performance.
  2. Reduced development costs: By identifying defects and issues early in the development process, back-to-back testing can help reduce the overall costs of development.
  3. Increased reliability: Back-to-back testing helps ensure that systems and components are reliable and perform consistently under different conditions.
  4. Better decision-making: Back-to-back testing provides valuable information that can be used to make more informed decisions about system design and development.
  5. Comparison of systems: Back-to-back testing allows for the comparison of different systems or components, which can be useful when choosing between vendor solutions or different configurations or settings.
  6. Better understanding of systems: Back-to-back testing provides a better understanding of the behavior of systems or components under different conditions, which can be useful for troubleshooting and maintenance.
  7. Better quality: By identifying issues early in the development process, back-to-back testing can help ensure that systems and components meet the required quality standards.
  8. Better confidence: Back-to-back testing provides confidence in the performance and reliability of systems and components, which is important for any organization that depends on the availability and performance of its systems.

Back-to-back testing has several benefits, including improved system performance, reduced development costs, increased reliability, better decision-making, comparison of systems, a better understanding of systems, better quality, and better confidence.

Limitations of Back-to-Back Testing

Back-to-back testing, while a useful method for comparing the performance of different systems, does have some limitations. Some of these limitations include:

  1. Limited scope: Back-to-back testing only compares the performance of the systems being tested on a specific set of test cases. It may not provide a complete picture of the performance of the systems in all possible scenarios.
  2. Lack of control over external factors: Back-to-back testing may not account for external factors that can affect the performance of the systems being tested, such as variations in the environment or changes in the input data.
  3. Limited sample size: Back-to-back testing typically involves a small number of test cases, which may not be representative of the systems’ performance in the real world.
  4. Lack of statistical validity: Back-to-back testing may not provide statistically valid results, as it does not take into account the variability of the results or the sample size.
  5. Limited to comparing two systems at a time: Back-to-back testing is typically limited to comparing the performance of two systems at a time, which can be a limitation when trying to evaluate multiple systems or designs.
  6. Assumes that the systems are independent of each other: Back-to-back testing assumes that the systems being tested are independent of each other and that any differences in performance are due to the systems themselves and not to the test conditions.

Because of these limitations, it is important to use back-to-back testing in conjunction with other forms of testing, such as regression testing, stress testing, and usability testing, to provide a more complete picture of a system’s performance. Additionally, careful consideration should be given to the choice of test cases and the statistical analysis of the results.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Back-to-back testing is a powerful method of comparing the performance of two or more systems or components by running them simultaneously and comparing their output. The process of back-to-back testing typically involves defining the test objectives, setting up test environments, running the tests, collecting and analyzing data, identifying and resolving issues, and documenting and reporting the test results.

Back-to-back testing has several benefits, including improved system performance, reduced development costs, increased reliability, better decision-making, comparison of systems, a better understanding of systems, better quality, and better confidence. It can be used in a variety of applications, such as software development, network engineering, and hardware design. Back-to-back testing is a powerful tool for evaluating the performance and reliability of systems and components and can help identify issues that might not be apparent during normal testing.



author
akashmomale
News
Improve
Next Article
Beta Testing - Software Testing

Similar Reads

Unit Testing, Integration Testing, Priority Testing using TestNG in Java
TestNG is an automated testing framework. In this tutorial, let us explore more about how it can be used in a software lifecycle. Unit Testing Instead of testing the whole program, testing the code at the class level, method level, etc., is called Unit Testing The code has to be split into separate classes and methods so that testing can be carried
6 min read
Split Testing or Bucket Testing or A/B Testing
Bucket testing, also known as A/B testing or Split testing, is a method of comparing two versions of a web page to see which one performs better. The goal of split testing is to improve the conversion rate of a website by testing different versions of the page and seeing which one produces the most desired outcome. There are a few different ways to
15+ min read
Selenium Testing vs QTP Testing vs Cucumber Testing
Automation testing will ensure you great results because it's beneficial to increased test coverage. Manual testing used to cover only few test cases at one time as compared to manual testing cover more than that. During automated test cases it's not all test cases will perform under the tester. Automation testing is the best option out of there. S
6 min read
Software Testing - Testing Retail Point of Sale(POS) Systems with Test Cases Example
POS testing refers to testing the POS application to create a successful working POS application for market use. A Point of Sale (POS) system is an automated computer used for transactions that help retail businesses, hotels, and restaurants to carry out transactions easily. What is Retail Point of Sale (POS) Testing?POS is a complex system with a
14 min read
Software Testing - REST Client Testing Using Restito Tool
REST (Representational State Transfer) is a current method of allowing two software systems to communicate. REST Client is one of these systems, whereas REST Server is another. It's a design technique that uses a stateless communication protocol like HTTP. It uses XML, YAML, and other machine-readable forms to organize and arrange data. However, JS
5 min read
Software Testing - Mainframe Testing
Mainframe testing is used to evaluate software, applications, and services built on Mainframe Systems. The major goal of mainframe testing is to ensure the application or service's dependability, performance, and excellence through verification and validation methodologies, and to determine if it is ready to launch or not. Because CICS screens are
15+ min read
Software Testing - Business Intelligence (BI) Testing with Sample Test Cases
The procedure in which gathering, cleaning, integrating, analyzing, and sharing data is done to determine actional experiences that drive business development is known as Business Intelligence (BI). Business Intelligence Testing checks the organizing information, ETL process, BI reports and guarantees the execution is right. BI Testing guarantees i
8 min read
Software Testing - Web Application Testing Checklist with Test Scenarios
Web testing or web application testing ensures that your website functions as you or your clients expect as per requirements gathered during the project's initial stages. It is a comprehensive scope that touches multiple disciplines, including usability, functionality, compatibility, security, performance, and data storage and retrieval. What is We
15+ min read
Software Testing - Mock Testing
Mock testing is the procedure of testing the code with non-interference of the dependencies and different variables like network problems and traffic fluctuations making it isolated from others. The dependent objects are replaced by mock objects which simulate the behavior of real objects and exhibit authentic characteristics. The motto of mock tes
9 min read
Software Testing - Cookie Testing
Cookie testing is the type of software testing that checks the cookie created in the web browser. A cookie is a small piece of information that is used to track where the user navigated throughout the pages of the website. The following topics of cookie testing will be discussed here: What are Cookies?Where cookies are stored?Why do we Need Cookie
5 min read
Software Testing - Insurance Domain Application Testing with Sample Test Cases
Insurance Domain Application Testing is a software testing process to test the insurance application to check if the designed insurance application meets the required customer's expectations by ensuring the quality, performance, and durability requirements of the application. The following topics of insurance domain application testing will be disc
9 min read
Software Testing - Testing Telecom Domain with Sample Test Cases
Testing the telecom domain is a process of testing the telecom applications. The Telecom domain is a vast area to test. It involves testing a lot of hardware components, back-end components, and front-end components. The various products in this domain are BSS, OSS, NMS, Billing System, etc. In the telecom domain, testing is performed to ensure tha
15+ min read
Confirmation Testing in Software Testing
This article describes Confirmation testing, one of the software testing techniques that is used to assure the quality of the software and covers the concepts of Confirmation testing that help testers in confirming that the software is bug-free by retesting the software till all bugs are fixed. Confirmation testing is a sub-part of change-based tes
8 min read
Software Testing - SOA Testing
SOA Testing is the process of evaluating a certain software where one can check web processes for functionality and make sure different components can communicate effectively throughout. Before diving deep into the testing model directly we need to understand SOA Architecture. What is SOA? Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) is an architectural str
13 min read
Software Testing - Multi-tenancy Testing
In software development, multi-tenancy refers to the ability of a software application or service to support multiple tenants or customers, each with its own unique data and configurations, on a single instance or deployment of the software. Multi-tenancy is often used in software as a service (SaaS) applications, where multiple customers or organi
15+ min read
Overview of Conversion Testing in Software Testing
Conversion Testing :Every software development process follows the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) for developing and delivering a good quality software product. In the testing phase of software development, different types of software testing are performed to check different check parameters or test cases. Where in each software data is an
6 min read
Data Integrity Testing in Software Testing
Every software development process follows the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) for the development and delivery of a good quality software product. In the testing phase of software development, different types of software testing are performed to check different check parameters or test cases. Where in each software data is an important part
5 min read
Incremental Testing in Software Testing
Incremental Testing :Like development, testing is also a phase of SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle). Different tests are performed at different stages of the development cycle. Incremental testing is one of the testing approaches that is commonly used in the software field during the testing phase of integration testing which is performed afte
3 min read
Internationalization Testing in Software Testing
Prerequisite: Software Testing Software testing is an important part of the software development life cycle. There are different types of software testing are performed during the development of a software product/service. Software testing ensures that our developed software product/service is bug-free and delivers fulfilling the desired requiremen
4 min read
Types of Regression Testing in Software Testing
Regression Testing :Regression testing is done to ensure that enhancements or defect fixes made to the software work properly and do not affect the existing functionality. It is generally done during the maintenance phase of SDLC. Regression Testing is the process of testing the modified parts of the code and the parts that might get affected due t
4 min read
Post Deployment Testing in Software Testing
Post-deployment testing is a type of testing in which the software is tested after it is deployed to production. This testing may help us find those problems that were not detected before its deployment in the production and despite all the planning and testing carried out before the final deployment, obtaining user opinion is important for the imp
3 min read
Software Testing - Bank Domain Application Testing
Banking domain application testing (BDAT) refers to testing an application that is developed especially for banks for performing all required functionalities like transactions, loan approval, managing different types of bank cards, and much more, the functionality depends on the size and type of bank. The banking industry is one of the largest user
13 min read
Challenges in Manual Testing - Software Testing
Manual testing is a type of software testing technique that is used to document tests, produce test guides based on data queries, provide temporary structures to help run tests, and measure the results of the tests. Manual testing is considered to be costly and time-consuming. In manual testing, a tester carries out tests on the software by followi
4 min read
Factors controlling the Performance Testing - Software Testing
Prerequisite: Performance Testing | Software Testing Performance Testing is conducted to discover the response time, throughput, etc., and also to execute its required functions by doing a comparison with different versions of the same product or different competitive products. It is a type of software testing that ensures that software application
3 min read
HealthCare Domain Testing with Sample Test Cases - Software Testing
HealthCare Domain Testing is the process of testing software applications that are related to the healthcare industry. This can include anything from electronic health records (EHR) to hospital administration systems. There are a variety of standards and regulations that must be met for the software to be used in the healthcare industry, so it is i
15+ min read
Cloud Testing - Software Testing
Cloud Testing is one type of software testing in which the software applications are tested by using cloud computing services. Cloud testing intends to test the software based on functional and non-functional requirements using cloud computing services that ensure faster availability, scalability, and flexibility that saves time and cost for softwa
11 min read
Regulations Acceptance Testing (RAT) - Software Testing
Regulation Acceptance Testing (RAT) also termed as Compliance Acceptance Testing is a method that is used in software testing. This article focuses on discussing Regulation Acceptance Testing in detail. What is Regulation Acceptance Testing (RAT)?Regulation acceptance testing (RAT) is termed a very crucial phase in the software testing process. Thi
4 min read
Top 12 Software Testing Books For Manual and Automation Testing
Software testing plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and reliability of software applications. It systematically evaluates various aspects of the software, including functionality, performance, and usability. However, to be a good tester and excel in software testing, you need to have good knowledge of both manual and automation techniques
13 min read
Contract Acceptance Testing (CAT) - Software Testing
CAT is an important phase in the process of making the software. This is the last checkpoint that software solutions must be thoroughly tested against requirements set by the customer’s requirements stated in a contractual agreement. CAT works as an intermediary in that the delivered software fits the requirements set. During this complex procedure
9 min read
Business Acceptance Testing (BAT) - Software Testing
Business Acceptance Testing (BAT) is a part of a software program that focuses on validating whether a software program meets the specified business necessities and is ready for deployment or not. It is done in the final phase within the testing methods, earlier than the software program is released to the customers or clients. BAT guarantees that
9 min read
Article Tags :
three90RightbarBannerImg
We use cookies to ensure you have the best browsing experience on our website. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Cookie Policy & Privacy Policy
Lightbox