The purpose is to determine the true characteristics of the system and to ensure that it successfully fulfills its intended mission. Formal testing is that testing and reporting conducted in accordance with approved test plans, and generally witnessed by the customer. Functional testing verifies that the functions of a system are present as specified. A hook is a built-in capability that produces or makes accessible data normally not accessible. If not a system requirement, the hook must be removed prior to system test.
Integration is a process by which components are aggregated to create larger components.
Integration testing is testing done to show that even though the components were individually satisfactory, as demonstrated by successful passage of component tests, the combination of components are incorrect or inconsistent. An item is a non-specific term used to denote any product, including systems, subsystems, assemblies, subassemblies, units, sets, parts, accessories, computer programs, or computer software. An NDI is any item that is available in the commercial marketplace or elsewhere, including COTS, GOTS, or any previously developed item that is either in use or not yet in use. Operational testing is performed by the end user in an operational environment. Performance is a quantitative measure characterizing a physical or functional attribute.