What are different characteristics of visual testing?

Visual testing is a frequently used testing technique for testing software. But, what it is actually?

Visual testing technique is categorized under non destructive testing. Non destructive testing includes several other techniques. As the name suggests, non destructive testing techniques do not involve vigorous checking of the software structure and so does visual testing or “VT” as it is abbreviated and commonly used.

Visual testing itself suggests that it has everything to do with visual examination of the program or the source code. Anything which is to be tested is first examined visually. Later the operations are carried out. Similarly for software systems and programs also the same procedure is used. They are first checked visually and later they are tested with white box testing or black box testing etc. even though visual testing sounds like an unsophisticated method of testing, it is quite effective.

Many errors and flaws in the source code and programs can be spotted during visual testing. It is more effective when a large number of professionals carry out the visual examination. Visual checks how sound the program or the software application is before it is brought in use.Visual testing sounds very simple but, it requires quite a lot of knowledge.Even though it is very primitive kind of testing it has got a lot of advantages.

Few have been listed below:

- Simplicity
Visual testing is very easy to carry out. One doesn’t require any complex techniques or software.

- Rapidity
Apart from being simple, it is faster in process when compared to other kinds of testing techniques. One doesn’t require any extra efforts.

- Low cost
Visual testing is priced very low. You are charged only for hiring professionals to examine your software and nothing else. If it was to be tested by the writer itself, then it would have been absolutely no cost.

- Minimal training
The individuals or the professionals testing the software visually need minimal training just enough to spot big blunders in the program.

- Equipment requirement
It requires no special equipment.

Visual testing can be performed almost anytime. You can visually examine a program simultaneously while making some modifications or manipulating or executing the program.

In contrast to these advantages there are limitations to visual testing. They have been discussed below:

- Visual testing can detect only the mistakes that appear on the surface of the program. It cannot discover the discrepancies hidden in the internal structure of the program.
- The quality of visual testing also depends on the resolution of the eyes of the tester.
- Extent of visual testing depends on the fatigue of the person who’s inspecting. Due to prolonged testing, the examiner may start getting headaches and pain in the eyes.
- Also during visual examination there’s a lot of distraction due to surrounding environment. It impossible for a person to devote himself entirely to the visual testing without paying attention to what’s happening around him.

Visual testing holds good when it comes to checking the size or length of the program, to determine its completeness, to make sure the correct number of units or modules are there in the program, and to inspect the format of the program; basically to ensure that the presentation of the program is good.

Visual testing spots the big mistakes. They can be corrected at a very low level of testing and this in turn reduces the future workload. Requirements include:
- A vision test of the inspector
- Measurement of light with a light meter.

The inspector only needs to set up a visual contact with the part of the program that is to be tested.Visual testing also gives an idea on how to make a program better.

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