What is the difference between happy path testing and normal testing?

Happy path testing and unhappy path testing are two strategies in software testing that focus on different scenarios to ensure the robustness and reliability of a software application.

Happy Path Testing:

Definition: Happy path testing, also known as positive testing, involves testing a system under normal and expected conditions. It focuses on scenarios where the user interacts with the software as intended without any errors or exceptions.

Objective: The main goal of happy path testing is to ensure that the software functions correctly and efficiently under ideal circumstances. It helps validate that the system performs the expected operations without encountering unexpected issues.

Example: In an e-commerce application, happy path testing might involve a user successfully navigating through the product catalog, adding items to the shopping cart, and completing the checkout process without encountering any errors.

Unhappy Path Testing:

Definition: Unhappy path testing, also known as negative testing, involves testing a system under abnormal or unexpected conditions. It focuses on scenarios where the user deviates from the normal flow or when the system faces exceptional inputs or conditions.

Objective: The main goal of unhappy path testing is to identify how well the software handles errors, exceptions, and unexpected inputs. This type of testing helps ensure that the application provides appropriate feedback and does not crash or produce incorrect results when faced with unexpected situations.

Example: In the same e-commerce application, unhappy path testing might involve attempting to check out without adding any items to the cart, entering invalid payment information, or trying to access restricted areas without proper authorization.

In summary, both happy path testing and unhappy path testing are essential components of a comprehensive testing strategy. Happy path testing ensures that the system works correctly under normal conditions, while unhappy path testing helps uncover and address issues related to error handling, security, and resilience in the face of unexpected scenarios. A robust testing plan typically includes a combination of both approaches to thoroughly validate the software’s functionality and reliability.

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