Types of Database Testing

Database testing can be classified into three types of testing:

1. Structural Testing

Structural Database Testing is used to validate all the elements inside the data repository which are used for data storage and are not allowed to be directly accessed by end users. Different types of structural testing are:

1. Schema Testing: Schema testing is also known as mapping testing and is performed to validate various types of schema formats, verify unmapped tables/ views/ columns, and provide various tools for database schema validation.
2. Database Table and Column Testing: This type of testing verifies the compatibility of database fields and column mapping at the backend and the front end. It aims at detecting and validating unmapped database tables/ columns. Validates the length and naming convention of the database fields and columns.
3. Database Server Validations: This validates the database server configurations, ensures that the user only performs the authorized actions, and ensures that the database server is capable of catering to the needs of the maximum number of user transactions as per the business requirement specifications.

2. Functional Testing

Functional database testing ensures that the transactions performed by the end users are consistent with the business requirements. Various types of functional testing are:

1. Black Box Testing: Black box testing checks the various functionalities by verifying the integration of the database, verifying the incoming and outgoing data from the function.
2. White Box Testing: White box testing deals with the internal structure of the database and requires database triggers and logical views testing which supports database refactoring.

3. Non-Functional Testing

Non-functional testing involves performing various types of testing:

1. Load Testing : Load Testing is a type of Performance Testing that determines the performance of a system, software product, or software application under real-life based load conditions. Basically, load testing determines the behavior of the application when multiple users use it at the same time. It is the response of the system measured under varying load conditions. The load testing is carried out for normal and extreme load conditions. 
2. Stress Testing : Stress Testing is a software testing technique that determines the robustness of software by testing beyond the limits of normal operation. Stress testing is particularly important for critical software but is used for all types of software. Stress testing emphasizes robustness, availability, and error handling under a heavy load rather than what is correct behavior under normal situations. Stress testing is defined as a type of software testing that verifies the stability and reliability of the system. This test particularly determines the system on its robustness and error handling under extremely heavy load conditions.
3. Security Testing : Security Testing is a type of Software Testing that uncovers vulnerabilities in the system and determines that the data and resources of the system are protected from possible intruders. It ensures that the software system and application are free from any threats or risks that can cause a loss. Security testing of any system is focused on finding all possible loopholes and weaknesses of the system that might result in the loss of information or repute of the organization. Security testing is a type of software testing that focuses on evaluating the security of a system or application.
4. Usability Testing : Several tests are performed on a product before deploying it. You need to collect qualitative and quantitative data and satisfy customers’ needs with the product. A proper final report is made mentioning the changes required in the product (software). Usability Testing in software testing is a type of testing, that is done from an end user’s perspective to determine if the system is easily usable.
5. Compatibility Testing : Compatibility testing is software testing which comes under the non functional testing category, and it is performed on an application to check its compatibility (running capability) on different platform/environments. This testing is done only when the application becomes stable. Means simply this compatibility test aims to check the developed software application functionality on various software, hardware platforms, network and browser etc

Database Testing is a type of software testing that checks the schema, tables, triggers, etc. of the database under test. It involves creating complex queries for performing the load or stress test on the database and checking its responsiveness. It checks the integrity and consistency of data. Database testing usually consists of a layered process that includes the User Interface (UI) layer, the business layer, the data access layer, and the database.