Software Testing - Desktop vs Client-Server vs Web Application Testing

Here, we will discuss the difference between Desktop application testing, client-server application testing, and web application.

What is Desktop Testing?

In these testing, required applications or software are installed on a standalone machine and these can be accessed by only one user at a time. Thus, it is also known as Standalone Application Testing. For example, MS Excel, MS  Word, Calculator, etc.

Important types of testing to perform include

1. Security Testing.
2. Functional Testing.
3. Performance Testing.
4. Regression Testing.

Advantages

• No Internet connectivity is required.
• The hacking of this application is impossible because of high security. 

Disadvantages

• High maintenance is required.
• It is not possible to share data. 

What is Client-Server Testing?

Client Server Application is an Application that requires to be preinstalled on the client's Desktop or laptop. In these testing, the client sends a request to the server and the server sends a response back to the client with the required information. Thus, it is also known as Two-Tier Application Testing. For example, Email, FTP, etc.

Important types of testing to perform

1. GUI Testing.
2. Manual Testing.
3. Configuration Testing.
4. Interoperability Testing.

Advantages

• Internet connectivity is required.
• GUI feature is available on both client and server-side machines. 
• Data can be accessed efficiently if the server is located away from the client.

Disadvantages

• The cost of setting and maintenance is high.
• If the server fails then none of the client requests can be fulfilled.

What is Web Application Testing?

A web Application is an Application capable of working directly from a web browser. In these testing, the browser sends requests to the web server and the web server sends requests to the Database, and the Database responds back to the web server from there it sends the same response to the browser with the required information. Thus, it is also known as Three-Tier Application Testing. For example, Yahoo, Facebook, etc.

Important types of testing to perform

• Exploratory Testing

Advantages

• It is platform-independent.
• The data can be accessed efficiently from anywhere with no location constraint.

Disadvantages

• The application can't be accessed if a server is down.
• There is browser dependency.

Desktop vs Client-Server vs Web Application Testing

The following table differentiates between Desktop vs Client-Server vs Web Application Testing: