Physical Testing
Physical testing is a software development methodology that involves evaluating hardware components, devices, or systems through hands-on, real-world experiments to verify functionality, performance, durability, and safety. It is commonly used in embedded systems, IoT, robotics, automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics to ensure products meet specifications and regulatory standards. This approach complements simulation and virtual testing by providing empirical data under actual operating conditions.
Developers should learn physical testing when working on hardware-dependent projects, such as IoT devices, embedded systems, or robotics, to validate that software interacts correctly with physical components and to identify issues like sensor inaccuracies, power consumption problems, or environmental vulnerabilities. It is crucial for safety-critical applications in automotive or aerospace, where real-world performance is non-negotiable, and for consumer electronics to ensure reliability and user satisfaction under diverse conditions.