Session 4 – Domain Knowledge in Software Testing

1. Introduction

• Domain knowledge: Understanding the business area or industry for which the application is developed.
• Plays a critical role in software testing.
• Without domain knowledge, testers may struggle to understand application workflows, terminology, and expected behavior.

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2. What is Domain Knowledge?

• Familiarity with terminology, workflows, features, and business rules specific to a given domain.

• Helps testers:

  • Understand application features.
  • Identify relevant test cases.
  • Communicate effectively with stakeholders.
  • Detect defects more accurately.

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3. Example: E-Commerce Domain

Application Example: [automationpractice.com/demo](http://automationpractice.com/demo)

• Key Terms & Features:

  • Search functionality – Allows users to find products.

  • Product Display Page (PDP) – Page showing all details of a product.

  • Wishlist – Saves items for later purchase without immediate checkout.

  • Wedding Registry (common in US websites):

    • Bride and groom create a list of desired gifts.
    • Guests select and purchase from the list.
    • Once an item is bought, it’s removed from the available list.

Importance:

• Understanding these terms helps testers quickly navigate the application, know expected workflows, and verify correct functionality.

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4. Why Domain Knowledge Matters in Testing

• Easier to design relevant test scenarios.
• Faster understanding of business-critical features.
• Reduced misinterpretation of requirements.
• Improves collaboration with business analysts, developers, and clients.

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5. Common Software Domains & Examples

5.1 E-Commerce

• Examples: Amazon.com, Flipkart.com

• Features to Know:

  • Search, filters, sorting.
  • Product pages, reviews, ratings.
  • Cart, checkout, payment gateways.
  • Order tracking, returns, wishlist.

5.2 Banking

• Example: HDFCBank.com

• Features to Know:

  • Net banking login & authentication.
  • Fund transfers, account statements.
  • Credit card bill payment.
  • Internal bank software for account management.

5.3 Insurance

• Example: HDFC Ergo (hdfcergo.com)

• Types: Car, health, travel, home insurance, etc.

• Features to Know:

  • Premium calculation.
  • Policy purchase & renewal.
  • Claim processing.
  • Terms like property valuation, market value, construction type.

5.4 Healthcare

• Example: Hospital Management Systems (e.g., E-Hospital Systems by Greet Info Systems)

• Features to Know:

  • Patient registration & appointments.
  • Clinical records, laboratory & radiology reports.
  • Billing & discharge summaries.
  • Emergency & operation theatre records.
  • Terminology like HDL, LDL, ward number.

5.5 ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)

• Definition: Software to manage resources (employees, products, inventory, etc.).

• Example: OrangeHRM

• Features to Know:

  • Employee information management.
  • Recruitment & onboarding.
  • Timesheets, performance tracking.
  • Inventory & supply chain management.

5.6 Education

• Examples: Google Classroom, Schoology

• Features to Know:

  • Creating classes, announcements, and assignments.
  • Uploading study material.
  • Grading & feedback.
  • Virtual discussions & quizzes.
  • Learning Management System (LMS) concepts.

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6. Key Takeaways

• Domain knowledge = understanding the industry-specific rules, workflows, and terminology.

• Benefits in testing:

  • More accurate test cases.
  • Better defect detection.
  • Clearer communication with domain experts.

• Multiple domains exist — testers should aim to specialize in at least one, but be familiar with many:

  • E-commerce
  • Banking
  • Insurance
  • Healthcare
  • ERP
  • Education

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7. Conclusion

• Strong domain knowledge directly impacts the quality and efficiency of software testing.
• Without it, understanding the application becomes slower and testing less effective.
• With it, testers ensure thorough coverage of critical workflows and higher accuracy in validating business requirements.