What is the difference between functional testing and non-functional testing?

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What is the difference between functional testing and non-functional testing?

Functional testing and non-functional testing are two distinct types of testing performed in software quality assurance.

Functional testing focuses on verifying the functionality of a software application or system. It aims to ensure that the software meets the specified functional requirements and performs as expected. This type of testing involves testing individual functions or features of the software to validate if they work correctly. Functional testing is typically performed using test cases that are designed based on the functional requirements and specifications of the software. It includes various techniques such as unit testing, integration testing, system testing, and acceptance testing. The main objective of functional testing is to ensure that the software meets the user's needs and performs its intended functions accurately.

On the other hand, non-functional testing is concerned with evaluating the non-functional aspects of a software application or system. It focuses on testing the attributes that are not directly related to the functionality of the software but are equally important for its overall performance and user experience. Non-functional testing includes testing aspects such as performance, reliability, usability, security, compatibility, and scalability. This type of testing aims to assess how well the software performs under different conditions and to identify any potential issues or limitations. Non-functional testing is typically performed using specialized tools and techniques that are specific to each attribute being tested.

In summary, the main difference between functional testing and non-functional testing lies in their objectives and focus areas. Functional testing ensures that the software functions correctly and meets the specified requirements, while non-functional testing evaluates the software's performance, usability, security, and other non-functional attributes. Both types of testing are essential for ensuring the overall quality and reliability of a software application or system.