Testing Blockchain Implementations
Digital space nowadays involves handling more valuable assets than ever before, given the number of applications that we use every day, such as online banking, smart services, digital transactions, IoT, and many more. Powerful technologies such as Blockchain have been invented to help protect those valuable assets and allow us to work smoothly and securely.
This article provides insights into the concept of Blockchain, and how we at Q-Pros verify and validate implementations of such an innovative architecture by applying specific types of functional and non-functional testing.
What is Blockchain?
A Blockchain is a growing list of records called blocks, these blocks are linked using cryptography. Each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, a timestamp, and transaction data. By design, once a record is added to the chain, you cannot edit or recall it to maintain the security of the overall Blockchain.
What do we test?
Along with the regular functional testing scope, the following are some of the main testing factors that we consider when we test any typical Blockchain implementation:
- Validate the block size.
- Validate the chain size.
- Test load. The load is a major parameter to the success of a Blockchain.
- Test adding blocks to ensure that there is no leak in the block addition system and the block is added after authentication.
- Test to ensure that the data is properly encrypted and decrypted.
- Test to ensure the integrity of data transmission. This means that the data being transferred from one device to another is not subject to loss and making sure the encryption and decryption process is running smoothly
Blockchains provide transparency, therefore we need to make sure that blockchain implementations are done correctly with absolutely no error. Losing track of at least one transaction led alone having general defects in Blockchain Ecosystem is a fatal mistake.
How do we test?
Throughout the separate phases of testing Blockchain implementation, several types of functional and non-functional requirements are taken into consideration. At Q-Pros, we follow a sequence of testing that has proven efficient:
- Stage 1 – Functional Testing: test the main requirements of the implementation as a single block.
- Stage 2 – Integration Testing: test to validate that API requests and responses are formatted and handled as they should be.
- Stage 3 – Node Testing: independently testing all the nodes on the network to ensure smooth cooperation.
- Stage 4 – Chain Testing: test to validate the blocks are being added properly and cannot be changed.
- Stage 5 – Performance Testing: It validates the expected and actual performance readings before deciding to launch.
Throughout our testing process, we leverage some of the market-leading tools for testing Blockchain implementations such as Ethereum Tester, Embark, Truffle, TestRPC, Hyperledger Composer, and Exonum Testkit, etc.
Due to the decentralized nature of Blockchain, diverse types of tests can be performed at multiple stages in the software development lifecycle (SDLC).
Our role at Q-Pros
At Q-pros, our experts adopt a 360-degree approach, covering all aspects of our client’s software. Establishing a solid testing plan that could cover all aspects of Blockchain implementation is of utmost necessity, as it deals with sensitive material.