Blockchain Testing

This type of testing is used to verify that all functional elements of a blockchain application work correctly. It involves analyzing the accuracy and consistency of transaction processing, as well as checking the data and other core capabilities of the blockchain network.

Key aspects to consider when conducting functional testing in blockchain applications include:

• Block Size. In blockchain, each block has limited memory. Testers pay attention to scenarios where the data volume in transactions exceeds 1 MB, as well as the encryption used to connect blocks;
• Data Transmission. We test the risks of data loss during transmission between blocks. New blocks added to the chain are carefully evaluated since they cannot be changed once added;
• Smart Contract. It is essential to ensure that all transaction participants adhere to the terms of the smart contract. This will ensure the stable operation of the blockchain application;
• Node Testing. Each node in the network is tested individually by quality engineers to guarantee their smooth operation.

Since blockchain applications rely on APIs for seamless interaction between different systems in the blockchain ecosystem, it is important to verify that information is correctly transmitted and received between them.

State-of-the-art applications are built using an API methodology that involves microservice architecture and eliminates dependence on code in individual application components. Tests aim to evaluate the interaction between internal software components and external data that facilitate information exchange.

The Tech Assurance team tests:

• Integration of various real-time data sources: blockchain clients, backend systems (e.g., ERP, CRM), cloud services, and partner APIs;
• API gateways and the correctness of their management;
• Access to the blockchain via API and integration with other APIs;
• Interaction between blockchain events and external systems in real-time, sometimes involving machine learning and analytical models.

Blockchain applications consist of multiple components, so integration testing is necessary to verify the correct interaction of all elements.

During this type of testing, our team of specialists checks the operation of each individual element of the blockchain application. We also pay attention to the correctness of its interaction with the relevant system components.

This type of testing allows us to evaluate latency in the network, taking into account block size, the number of participants, and transaction volume. Since blockchain applications deal with a large volume of transactions, performance tests help confirm that the system can process them quickly and securely.

For verification, we create a load to simulate transactions and user activity, gradually increasing it while checking the system's response. Specialists monitor key metrics such as throughput, response time, resource usage, etc.

We analyze the results to identify issues that limit performance and optimize the system. Repeating tests ensures that changes improve its operation. All this contributes to enhancing blockchain performance, resolving issues, and ensuring the system's stability under varying load levels.

Security testing of blockchain applications is necessary to prevent potential threats and protect confidential data. This process helps identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors.

A specialist evaluates how well cryptographic algorithms protect data. They also check for vulnerabilities such as replay attacks, double spending, private key exposure, or theft. Tech Assurance ensures that encryption protocols are correctly implemented and resilient against threats.

This type of testing pertains to blockchain applications that contain smart contracts—self-executing programs that automatically enforce agreements under specified conditions. It is critical to ensure that the smart contract performs its functions correctly and can be trusted without human intervention.

Unit testing is effective for checking individual functions of the smart contract. We formulate assertions that clearly describe the expected behavior of the contract, then verify whether they hold true. Integration tests allow us to assess interactions between the components of the smart contract and with other contracts. They are suitable for checking inheritance and similar functions.

Key aspects we verify during smart contract testing include:

• Functional testing of business logic;
• Node testing to ensure transaction correctness;
• Verification of the consensus mechanism and data immutability.

Development-oriented testing is a good practice for verifying smart contracts, as it provides maximum accuracy and leaves no room for errors.

In this type of testing, the key element of the blockchain — the "block" — is analyzed. Aspects such as block size, chain length, data transmission between nodes, adding new blocks, and other functions related to node operation according to specified input parameters are examined.

Each node in the network has a shared ledger that contains an identical set of transactions in the same sequence. This is ensured by achieving consensus among all nodes regarding the order in which transactions are entered into the network.

We verify that the consensus protocol ensures the correct ordering of transaction records both under normal conditions and in situations where multiple nodes fail simultaneously or a sufficient number remain inactive in the network for an extended period. We ensure that the nodes in the network synchronize with other participants and remain consistent with validating nodes.