Difference Between Testing and Debugging

The main difference between testing and debugging is that testing is a process of evaluating a software application in order to find errors or bugs. In contrast, debugging is a process of correcting or removing bugs or errors found during the testing process.

In this article, we will discuss the difference between testing and debugging in great detail. But, before we dive deeper into the topic, let’s go through the list of topics listed under the table of contents (TOC) that we will cover in this article.

Table of Contents (TOC)

• Difference Between Testing and Debugging
• What is Testing?
• What is Debugging?
• Key Differences Between Testing and Debugging

Difference Between Testing and Debugging 

For a better understanding, let’s explore the difference between testing and debugging in a tabular format. Here’s the table:

Benchmark	Testing	Debugging
Definition	It is a process of evaluating a software application in order to find errors or bugs.	It is a process of correcting the bugs or errors found during the testing process.
It is done by	Testers	Developer or programmer.
Is the design knowledge of the software nessary?	No.	Yes.
Is it always manual?	No. It can be automated aswell.	Yes.
Errors	Errors get displayed in this process.	Errors get dissolved and deducted in this process.
Basis of operation	This process is based on various levels of testing, such as unit testing, integration testing, etc.	This process is based on the various types of bugs or errors present in the system.
Is it a stage of SDLC?	Yes.	No.

What is Testing? 

Definition: Testing is a process of finding errors or bugs in a software application. 

In software development, testing is one of the major processes. The primary goal or objective of testing is to verify that the software developed is working as expected, meets the client’s requirements, and is free of bugs or errors. Testers perform testing by executing different types of test cases to check the functionality and working of the software application that covers different scenarios and aspects.

Testing is one of the major and important parts of the SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle). There are various types of testing, such as:

• Manual testing
  • Black box testing
  • White box testing
  • Grey box testing
• Automation testing
• Functional testing
  • Unit testing
  • Integration testing
  • System testing
• Non-functional testing
  • Performance testing
  • Compatibility testing
  • Usability testing

You can also explore: Different Types of Software Testing You Need To Know

What is Debugging? 

Definition: Debugging is the process of correcting or removing bugs or errors found during the testing process. 

In layman’s terms, debugging is a process of identifying, analyzing, and removing errors or bugs from a software application. Once a bug is identified, programmers or developers use various tools and techniques to locate the problem’s source and fix it. The main goal of debugging process is to make the software application more reliable, stable, and usable.

Note: Debugging is a complex process, as developers or programmers, who perform the debugging activity, have to resolve errors or bugs at all the stages of debugging. 

Key Differences Between Testing and Debugging 

Here are the key differences between testing and debugging:

• Debugging is not a stage of SDLC, whereas testing is.
• Programmers or developers perform the debugging process. Whereas testers perform the testing process.
• Errors get displayed during the testing process. Whereas during debugging, errors get dissolved and deducted in this process.
• Debugging is always done manually, but it’s different from the testing process, as it can be automated using various tools.
• Testing is the process of finding bugs or errors in a software application. In contrast, debugging is the process of correcting or removing bugs or errors found in the testing process.
• The testing process is based on various levels of testing, such as unit testing, integration testing, etc. In contrast, the debugging process is based on the various types of bugs or errors present in the system.
• During the testing process, the design knowledge of the software is not necessary. But, in order to perform the debugging process, programmers or developers must have the design knowledge of the software application.

You can also explore these differece between articles:

Difference Between Functional and Non Functional Requirements	Smoke testing vs Sanity testing
Test plan vs Test strategy	Difference Between Software Testing and Quality Assurance

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed what testing and debugging processes are in software development. We have also explored the difference between testing and debugging in detail. If you have any queries related to the topic, please feel free to send your queries to us in the form of a comment. We will be happy to help.

Happy Learning!!