What is Integration Testing in Software Testing?

Integration testing marks a fundamental step in the software-testing process in which modules that are unit tested are combined and tested as a whole. It tests to ensure these modules work and integrate properly to form a complete and functioning unit.

Integration Testing Features:

• Purpose: To find defects in the interaction between integrated modules, such as interface mismatches, data flow issues, or communication issues.
• Focus: Tests that modules correctly interact and contribute to the applications as a whole, in order to meet the functional requirements.

Benefits of Integration Testing:

• Pinpoints problems at the combinational state regardless of their source.
• Tests the serial behavior of interactions across modules.
• Helps prevent issues from leading to a risk of a system failure and problems in testing at a later lifecycle stage.

Integration testing bridges the gap between a unit test and a system test to provide a level of confidence in developing quality software systems.