Static vs. Dynamic Testing: Definitions, Differences, and Business Considerations

Jump into the development process and test the product after creating the first working prototype, or spend more time testing the documentation, architectural plan, and the first iterations of the code. In short, these two paths are reflected in two types of testing – static and dynamic testing. Below, we’ll look into the difference between static and dynamic testing and determine which one is best for your app & how to combine them in the best way possible.

What is static testing? 

Static testing is a type of testing that doesn’t require a program’s code to be executed. At the same time, static testing can be both manual and automated. For example, you can use automated syntax checkers to test program code.

One of the biggest benefits of static testing is that static tests begin in the early stages of the software development cycle and are vital to the MVP verification process. This type of testing does not even require a computer in some cases – for example, when checking the product or feature requirements.

Most static techniques can be used to “test” any form of documentation, including code proofreading, an inspection of design documentation, functional specification, and feature requirements.

In addition to the usual process review, where your engineers will find inconsistencies in the documentation, technical requirements, and code architecture, there is also static analysis.

QA engineers use static analysis to detect the following bugs:

• Dead code (code in which execution does not affect the app in any way)
• Variables that are not used
• Incorrect syntax
• Variables with values that cannot be determined
• Infinite loops (a sequence of actions that will continue endlessly unless you pull the plug).

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How does static testing apply in practice?

It is pretty easy to understand what static testing is. In fact, it is the process of checking the compliance of goals and use cases with the chosen development architecture and the code written for it. Here are the main stages of static testing:

1. Checking the requirements for the use of scripts. Ensures that every end-user action is defined, including any inputs and outputs associated with them. The more detailed and thorough the use cases are the more precise and comprehensive the test cases can be.
2. Functional Requirements Verification. Ensures that the applicable requirements identify every required item. It also covers database functions, interface lists, and hardware, software, and network requirements.
3. Architecture overview. Entails every business layer process, including server locations, network diagrams, protocol definitions, load balancing, database availability, test hardware, etc.
4. Prototype / Screen Layout Verification. This step verifies the requirements and use cases.
5. Field Dictionary Validation. Each field in the user interface is well defined enough to generate field-level validation test cases.

While testing statically, try to only focus on the things that really matter. Create step-by-step checklists to make sure you haven’t missed anything important.

Dynamic testing: definition and process 

Unlike static testing, dynamic testing executes code. In fact, this is the key static and dynamic testing difference to know about. Dynamic testing checks the functional behavior of a software system, its memory and CPU usage, and overall system performance. The primary purpose of this testing is to confirm that the software is operating according to business use cases.

Dynamic testing executes the software and verifies the result with the expected outcomes. Dynamic testing is performed at every level of testing and can qualify as either black-box testing or white-box testing.

There are three methods of dynamic testing: 

1. Unit Testing. All modules are tested by QA engineers. This includes testing the source code by its developers.
2. Integration testing. Individual modules are grouped and tested by engineers. The goal is to determine which modules work as expected after they are integrated.
3. System testing. This method is performed across an entire software system by verifying that the application complies with the requirements listed in the specification. 

In addition, non-functional testing such as performance and security testing falls under the same category of dynamic testing.

Benefits of dynamic testing

The advantages of dynamic testing boil down to the fact that it is carried out with a fully functional product. In this way, engineers can identify inconsistencies in logic or flaws in the infrastructure that could not be predicted in the documentation stage.

• Dynamic testing entails a thorough study of the entire functionality of the program. As a result, you obtain high-quality results
• Dynamic testing is a well-structured process that checks the program from the user point of view, which, in turn, significantly improves the quality of the application
• It allows for fixing complex bugs that could go unnoticed at the stage of code review (which is part of static testing)
• You can automate dynamic testing

Now let’s summarize the difference between the two testing approaches. And then, we will determine how to use them correctly, by optimizing development resources.

Differences between static and dynamic testing: business considerations

Here’s how to easily understand the difference between static testing vs dynamic testing. Static testing checks code, requirements, and design documents for errors, while dynamic testing checks the functionality of a software system, memory, CPU usage, and overall system performance. 

Before that, we talked about testing purely from an engineering point of view. But as you know, business expediency drives engineers. Business interests are paramount. So, what is the price of each of the two types of testing? 

In our recent blog post, we looked at the topic of goal setting and cost management. We advise you to read it to better navigate the overall case. There we’ve summarized vital KPIs to evaluate your QA performance:

• Number of active defects found
• Percentage of fixed bugs
• Percentage of rejected defects
• Covered requirements
• Automated tests running 

These KPIs correspond to a mixed approach to testing that uses static and dynamic tests in different phases of development. We at Testfort always advise our clients to use balanced strategies to provide the best value for money. 

How do I save on testing?

In terms of price, the most suited investment is early static testing. For most small projects, well-structured static testing is 90% of testing in general. It allows you to eliminate most of the problems at the stage of working with documentation. Also, it is often possible for testing to be organized without the involvement of multiple senior engineers, which reduces the development budget. 

The basic rule here is to split the product into many simple function pieces. Then check the functionality’s input and output and examine the code to acquire the desired results in the most elegant way. This is how to best minimize the costs for the next, much more expensive phase.

Let’s face it, dynamic testing and autotests cannot be avoided. But a well-planned architecture that includes static tests will minimize your dynamic testing costs. Pay attention to the critical KPI for this stage – the number of autotests. You should automate as many standard user action checks as possible. Firstly, you can reuse most of these tests later, and secondly, like any automation, they save time for expensive developers. 

Despite the benefits of static testing, it will not improve the user experience. Examining the code and documents will not give you an idea of the final design of the application and its usability. In addition, a reasonably large number of bugs are carried over as design bugs and can only be detected during dynamic testing. 

If your product is built based on several features, the balance between static and dynamic testing will inevitably shift towards the latter.

Should I organize testing in-house or outsource?

So what makes us qualified to contribute to the static vs dynamic testing debate? We at Testfort specialize in providing testing services. This means that we are interested in you becoming our client rather than trying to build a team yourself. Now that all the cards are on the table, we will answer this question briefly and honestly.

The rule of thumb is simple. If you’re working on a one-off project – app, website, or platform – that you don’t plan on changing on a weekly basis, get in touch with us. It will be more affordable and easier than hiring and managing a team. We can quickly organize the testing process, provide the best results, and advise you in managing the development process in its entirety.

If your product is a system in which you make frequent and extensive changes (both in design and functionality), you can invest in your own team. This also means you should have a large enough development budget to accommodate the frequent changes. It does not mean that you won’t be able to solve testing problems with the help of partners like us. It’s just that after a certain point in time, the amount of investment in in-house and outsource teams will be practically even.