A Complete Guide To Monkey Testing

Monkey testing in software testing is a technique wherein the tester applies random inputs to the application to confirm its capabilities. This is a functional black-box testing process that is done when there is inadequate time to write and execute tests.

Also called stochastic testing, monkey testing can be accomplished for mobile, web, and desktop applications.

It is often executed as random and automated unit tests, which makes it advantageous, as it can quickly assess software reliability.

In this post, we’ll discuss what monkey testing is with examples, its features, its differences from other types of tests, and the advantages and disadvantages of this type of testing.

The Features Of Monkey Testing

Monkey testing is conducted automatically with no specifications in mind. The main purpose of the test is to determine bugs and errors in the program to assure that the products are ready to be released to the public.

Here are some of the features of monkey testing:

• Monkey testing is conducted by delivering unexpected actions or random inputs in the software application to confirm behavior and determine any errors.
• Testers, developers, or stakeholders can conduct monkey testing and can do it even if they do not have the details of the domain and logic of the program.
• Monkey tests are performed randomly, confirming both valid and invalid scenarios.
• Monkey testing does not follow any test cases and there are no predefined circumstances that follow this process.
• Monkey testing has similarities to fuzz testing with the major difference being the repetitive and random actions.

Types Of Monkey Testing

Although a monkey typing test is performed randomly, there are still various ways in which to perform this sort of testing.

Here are some of the most common techniques utilized:

Smart Monkey Tests

In smart monkey testing, the test manager or lead allocates testers who are acquainted with the program that they are moving to test. Since they are already acquainted with the product, they can input arbitrary data to test it, knowing that it is not valid, while conducting random actions.

Smart monkey testing is beneficial because it assures the program works as planned within valid conditions and can also manage invalid data accordingly.

Dumb Monkey Tests

Dumb monkey tests are where the lead tester or manager allocates a tester who does not understand the application or module. The tester has to test the program established on their intuition and input random data that they think is right.

Brilliant Monkey Tests

Brilliant monkey testing is where a tester is deployed to test the program, specifically because they have domain knowledge of the application.

The tester can expect the sequencing of the steps to be conducted in a specific manner and they may have an in-depth knowledge of the data that they employ. In the field, however, end-users who have domain expertise may perform tasks in another way using other data.

Having the test conducted by a knowledgeable individual is beneficial as they can enter random data inputs from their domain perspective.

Advantages of Monkey Testing

These are the advantages you can obtain with monkey testing:

• Test for new types of bugs: Testers can completely reveal bugs or errors in the system when conducting monkey testing.
• Easy execution: Tests that are organized randomly and using random data are easy to do.
• Does not need extensive skills to work: Monkey testing can be performed without bringing in experienced testers.
• Cost-effective: Compared to other types of software testing, monkey testing needs quite fewer resources to complete.

Disadvantages of Monkey Testing

Despite its advantages, monkey testing also arrives with its own disadvantages.

• Bugs cannot be duplicated: Duplicating bugs and errors is hard since the tests are conducted randomly.
• Less accurate: Testers are unable to ensure the accuracy of the test cases.
• Needs specific technical knowledge: Testers are needed to have some knowledge of the domain.
• Time-consuming: Monkey testing can take a longer time to finish than other kinds of software tests.

Also Read: GUI Testing And Its Advantages And Disadvantages

Conclusion

Monkey testing is a method in software testing that can help testers determine new bugs or errors in an application while being simpler and more cost-effective to conduct than other kinds of tests. It is not the same as gorilla testing and ad-hoc testing, as monkey testing is mainly based on random inputs.

Although this type of testing may appear chaotic, it is suggested that leads plan ahead and allocate it to qualified testers to assure the highest probability of success. Outsourcing companies are more than able to deliver the custom software testing services that you require. To know more about how TestUnity can help, contact us today.

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