An Introduction
Before going walk-through on Blockchain Application Testing, first we need have ability to answer for these two simple questions.
- What is Blockchain?
- How does Blockchain works?
What is Blockchain?
Blockchain contains the list of transaction records called blocks, which are bound to each other using cryptographic principles called chain, that are exists in multiple locations at once. Each blocks contains cryptographic hash of the previous block with time-stamp and transaction data. Blockchain contains immutable records of data exists across multiple nodes in a network instead having a central locations which improves audit capabilities. It’s an open distributed ledger for anyone and everyone to see. Blockchain is a secure platform to store and manage digital identity and data, which protects the data that are spread to everyone involved is accountable for their actions.
How does Blockchain works?
Blockchain database is not stored in single location, it means the records are truly transparent to public and easily verifiable. Hacker can’t corrupt the information as it is not available in centralized location, the information will be hosted by millions of computers simultaneously and the data can be accessible to anyone on the internet.
The reason why the blockchain is admired most:
- It is Decentralized.
- Data are stored cryptographically inside the blockchain.
- It is immutable, no one can tamper with the data.
- It is transparent, any one can track the data if they want.
Use Cases of Blockchain
Blockchain technology is initially implemented in Banking or bitcoin. Blockchain will play major role in manage and verify online data could enable companies can run their businesses through algorithms and automation, such as making self-driving cars safer, helping protect digital identities and even track billions of devices on Internet of Things (IoT). Blockchain can transform its use cases across the various industries.
Types of Tests and Techniques Performed on Blockchain
Proven approach to address Blockchain challenges and uses specialized testing capabilities for successful Blockchain application testing.
Testing a Blockchain Application:
Considers an application that handles cryptocurrency transactions, allowing you to store a balance.
Here are a few high-level actions to think of while testing a blockchain application:
- Ensure the capability of a user can create a new transaction on the blockchain.
- Ensure the ability to reverse a record.
- Ensure the functionality of smart contract to resolve
- Ensure appending an oversized block handles correctly.
- Ensure the synchronizing process of the blockchain across nodes can be done successfully.
- Ensure secure data transmits.
- Ensure the performance of writing a block to the blockchain.
Challenges in Testing Blockchain-Based Applications
There are inherent challenge need to be handled while validating and verifying, because the significant changes happens in the Blockchain technology. Common challenges faced while testing Blockchain applications includes:
1. Lack of Best Practices
a. Lack of skills or experience.
b. Learning additional skills or understanding the best practices are pricey.
2. Lack of Blockchain Testing Tools
a. Don’t have the right set of tools to Test Blockchain Application.
b. Testing Blockchain applications requires a mixed toolset which comes with a focus on Bitcoin, and a range of Etherium tools.
3. Lack of Standardization in Blockchain Testing
a. Technical expertise & legal expertise are crucial for Blockchain adoption.
b. Leads to number issues in Blockchain space, when developers are not having strong ability in conceptualize, standardize, and abstract complex concepts in Blockchain.
4. Sub-optimal Test Strategy
a. Blockchain application development environment with less or no dedicated testers to explore and evaluate Blockchain product.
b. The testing strategy that is being implemented is sub-optimal leads to an inefficient testing of Blockchain application, which is either tested repeatedly or not at all.
5. Transactions are Irreversible
Implementing Blockchain without the utmost care as a regular wallet carries a high asset risk to organizations or users. This is because Blockchain transactions are irreversible. Not having controls in place to avoid redundancy and provide additional safety is the biggest challenge seen in this space.
6. Block and Chain Size
a. Testing for block size and chain size are also essential along with standard testing, tools.
b. Without proper validation of block size and chain size leads to failure of Blockchain applications.
7. Performance and Load
Failing to test for performance and load testing gives little or no insight into how the Blockchain application performs in both production as well as under specific workloads and network conditions.
8. Consistency/Availability
In Blockchain applications, Bitcoin, consistency is not achieved simultaneously with Availability and Partition Tolerance. Shifting to strong consistency often comes with a range of challenges.
9. Security
Lack of security testing leads to developing Blockchain applications that are vulnerable to attacks at network level, user level and mining level.
Conclusion:
Understanding the application and implementation of Blockchain technology is a major concern, as it will help determine the growth path and probable challenges with the technology.
In addition to standard testing and validation such as Functional Testing, Non-Functional Testing, Performance Testing, Security Testing and Integration Testing need to be performed. Testing Team also be specialized in Testing capabilities such as Smart Contract Testing and Peer/Node Testing. Well in next post we will focus on Ethereum and Smart Contract with real time examples.
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