Software Testing: Checking whether software works as expected by using it and comparing the actual results with the expected results.
Example
You test the sign-up form with valid details, missing fields and an email that is already registered.
Why Software Testing matters for IT interns
Every developer is expected to test their own work — not only testers.
Where you will hear it
You will hear this term in testing and quality discussions, from test planning to bug reports. If someone uses it and you are not sure what they mean in your project, it is completely fine to ask; every team uses terms a little differently.
Related terms
- Regression Testing: Re-testing existing features after a change to make sure nothing that used to work is now broken.
- Severity: How badly a bug affects the system or its users.
- Smoke Testing: A quick set of basic checks on a new build to confirm the most important functions work before deeper testing…
- Test Case: A specific, written check: the steps to follow, the input to use and the result you expect.
- Test Data: The input data used for testing, such as sample users, products or orders.
- Test Plan: A document describing what will be tested, how, by whom, in which environment and on what schedule.
Previous term: Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) | Next term: Sprint
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What is Software Testing?
Checking whether software works as expected by using it and comparing the actual results with the expected results.
What is an example of Software Testing?
You test the sign-up form with valid details, missing fields and an email that is already registered.
Why does Software Testing matter for IT interns?
Every developer is expected to test their own work — not only testers.
Explore more internship terms
The IT Internship Glossary explains 199 terms you will hear before and during your internship, with simple definitions and real examples.
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About the author
Dhaivat has 16+ years of experience in the IT industry, working on AI and cloud technologies, project delivery, and engineering leadership. He has interviewed and mentored many interns, wrote The Lost Intern, and runs the non-commercial Career Impact Initiative, mentoring students for free.