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Home » Glossary » Functional Testing

What Is Functional Testing?

Functional testing is a way to check if every feature in a software application works the way it’s supposed to. It compares each function to its original requirements to make sure the output matches what users expect. Simply put, it’s about making sure the software does what it’s meant to do.

Is Functional Testing Part of QA?

Yes, functional testing is a key part of Quality Assurance (QA). It’s all about making sure the software does what it’s supposed to do based on its requirements. While functional testing checks features and usability, non-functional testing focuses on things like performance, speed, and security — both are important for a high-quality product.

Is Functional Testing Manual or Automated?

Functional testing can be done manually or through automation. Manual functional testing involves a tester checking each feature by hand, while automated functional testing uses tools and scripts to run the tests. It’s not about one being better than the other — it depends on the project’s needs, timeline, and complexity.

Does Functional Testing Require Coding?

Not always. Functional testing is about checking if the software works the way users expect, so it can often be done without writing code — especially in manual testing. However, if you’re using automated tools for functional testing, some coding knowledge may be needed to create and run test scripts.

Who Performs Functional Testing?

Functional testing can be done by several team members, depending on the project stage and the type of testing. QA engineers usually lead the process, but developers, business analysts, test leads, domain experts, and even end users or stakeholders may be involved to make sure the software works as expected.

You can find further explanations of the terms in our glossary.