What is functional testing and the best open source tools for functional testing?
Tags: functionaltesting, functionaltestingtools, softwaretesting
Published: 2023-01-09 07:30:01

Functional testing is a testing method that makes sure the functionality (or) features of an application are thoroughly tested. It provides a well-defined strategic platform to carry out testing activities efficiently. There are many open-source and commercially available functional testing tools that help in enhancing the overall effectiveness of the software testing process. In this article, you will get to know about [functional testing](https://www.testingxperts.com/blog/functional-testing) and the best open-source tools available.  

**What is functional testing?**

It is a testing method that verifies whether each of the application’s features works as per the specific software functional requirements. There is a comparison between each function and the corresponding requirement to determine whether the output is consistent with the end user’s expectations.

The software system is validated against the functional specifications/requirements. Each function of the software application is tested by providing input and then the output is verified against the functional requirements.   

**The following are the best open-source tools for functional testing:**

**1. Selenium:** It is one of the most popular open-source automation testing tools used exclusively for testing web applications. Selenium scripts can be easily written in popular programming languages such as Java, PHP, Perl, C#, Ruby etc. It has become a core framework for other open-source automation testing tools such as Robot framework, Protractor, Watir, Katalon studio etc. It supports various browsers (Firefox, Chrome, Safari etc.,) and multiple system environments (Linux, Mac, Windows etc.)

**2. Appium**: It is an open-source test automation testing tool exclusively used for testing web applications. It tests all kinds of hybrid, native and web apps. It supports automated tests on simulators and emulators. It requires a little amount of memory for the test process. Standard automation APIs are offered by this tool which can be used on all platform types. It supports various languages such as Python, Node, PHP, Ruby, Java etc.

**3. Testlink:** It is a web-based open-source testing tool that synchronizes both the test specification and requirements specification together. A test project is created by users and then test cases are documented using this tool. An account for multiple users can be created and different user roles can be assigned. Test cases can be exported and imported with ease. It can be easily integrated with multiple defect management tools and test cases can be quickly assigned to multiple users.

**4. TestNG (Next Generation):** End-to-end testing is made easier using this tool. Test reports and test plans are generated by this tool quickly in various formats. Test cases can be easily exported and imported. Test cases can be easily filtered with test case ID, keywords, version etc. Test cases can be assigned to multiple users. Credentials are provided to multiple users and specific roles are assigned to them.

**5. Open Test:** This tool is used for testing mobile apps, web application and API testing. There is no need for any specific coding skills required and any type of functional project can be virtually handled. It supports JavaScript and web testing can be performed using Selenium. The test can run more than one time and it is best suited for source control systems like Git. It can be tested just once and can run on multiple environments.    

**6. Watir:** This tool can perform web automation testing based on Ruby libraries. It supports cross-browser testing including Opera, Firefox, IE etc. It supports data-driven testing and can be easily integrated with BDD tools like Cucumber, RSpec and Test/Unit.  

**Conclusion:** If you are looking forward to implementing functional testing for your specific project then do get connected with a globally renowned software testing services company that will provide you with tactical testing strategies that are in line with your project specific requirements. 

**About the author:** I am a technical content writer focused on writing technology specific articles. I strive to provide well-researched information on the leading market savvy technologies.