Why the Need for Web Service Test Automation

Web service test automation solutions are the ones that help in testing and identifying whether a particular application communicates effectively and is able to access functions correctly from the web. These solutions also effectively help in confirming how a particular web service connected to them, behaves in different situations. In other words, this solution is an effective way to verify whether the services meet the terms of business logic and also deliver the desired output at the user’s end.
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While it is well-known that web services provide flawless connection between two software applications over private intranets and the internet, the testing of these services is used to check the ways in which a single we service functions and managed load for a single client and balances the same with the increase in the number of users accessing it.
Web service testing is helpful in avoiding the delay in detection of errors, which, in turn, might lead to complex and costly repairs. When this process is automated, it gets easier to repeat tests as and when required. Therefore, using web services test automation is not only helpful in the development of sound and efficient web services development process but also in the assessment of their functionality, performance, and scalability.
Need of web services automation
While there can be numerous ways to conduct web services testing, but a typical one includes the following tasks:

  • Generating client or skeleton code for the web service.
  • Defining the required test inputs.
  • Imploring the web service using the client or skeleton code.
  • Generating client or skeleton code.
  • Response verification in terms of whether the actual response is similar to that of the expected outcome.

 Benefits of Web Service Test Automation
 Using web service testing automation can benefit the company in a number of ways. Some of these are as mentioned below: 

  1. Improved performance and reliability of SOA:

Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) is a set of services that communicate with each other. These services that are connected by web services, can either be a data transfer or a group of activities engaging in coordinating some other activity.
Using web service test automation tools can help in improving the performance and reliability of these SOAs. This is owing to their ability to communicate effectively and testing the ground on various measures.

  1. Eases testing:

Using a web service test automation tool helps in simplifying the process of testing web application. This is owing to their ability to effectively communicate with the web applications, which further adds on their ability to deliver the desired performance. Therefore, one can opt to use these tools for testing both SOA-based and REST API-based web services.

  1. Supports cloud environment

Cloud computing is a type of computing infrastructure and software model that gives its users access to shared pools of resources from any part of the world. This shared pool of resources can be computer networks, applications or servers and can be rapidly provided with minimal management effort, often over the Internet.
When a user is required to execute a test of web services that are available in a cloud environment, using a web service test automation tool makes it easier. Using this tool enables a faster and quicker testing.

  1. Simplifies testing over regression cycles

Regression testing cycle is a kind of software testing which is used to confirm whether software’s previous version performs in the same way like it did before the development of new version or interfacing with other software.
Web service automation helps in reducing the testing time and efforts it takes in testing a product over regression cycles.

  1. Ensures complete testing of product

 Using web service test automation vanishes the concept of testing one or some aspects of particular software. Instead, making use of this tool ensures a 100% functional test coverage of the same, hence, ensuring better performance.
It is, therefore, advisable to the companies to use this web service test automation. The reasons are multiple, from ease of use, reduced time to better performance.

Job Description of Software Testing Analysts and Their Salary Details

There can be times when your software does not perform as expected. And this is when a software testing analyst will come as your saving grace. While focusing on meeting quality standards through your QA department, you will also have to go the extra mile to gain your customers’ goodwill. All these will be possible through a skilled professional designated as a software test analyst.
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If you are planning to make software testing as your chosen field of work as a software testing analyst, here is the rundown of the pre-requisites and responsibilities along with the salary and occupational prospects that are in store for you.
Responsibilities of a Software Testing Analyst

  • Detect faults in software and systems by designing and developing test models
  • Closely analyze the bugs in the software
  • Get into the details of what caused the bug to crop up
  • Support the detection of bugs through a well-documented testing report
  • Effectively develop a system to recommend bug-fixing solutions to testing team and the developer
  • Keep a watchful eye on the success of the solutions offered
  • Maintain the hygiene of software and system documentation by updating them periodically

The Salary Bracket of Software Test Analysts
As per the information published in the Remuneration Report published in January 2018, a test analyst’s take home pay depends on the group he/she belongs to. A full time test analyst in the lowest paying segment can expect an average annual salary of $60,500. Those in the mid-pay range can earn $79,000 annually. And the cream of test analysts will be thrilled to sign offer letters averaging to $130,000 as their annual CTC. And if you plan to work on a contractual basis, you can quote anywhere between $60 and $120 per hour for your professional software testing services.
Prerequisites that will help you shine in your job
Ordained to design and implement testing processes as part of the software fault detection and rectification practices, you as a test analyst will become an asset to your organization provided you have some or all of the below mentioned skills.

  1. A Good Bet for Those Who Adopt a Pragmatic Approach to Solve Problems

Essentially meant to identify, define and monitor a software product, a person who demonstrates a problem solving trait can become a perfect fit to this position. If you are the one gifted with a zeal to explore software programs and inquisitive about how they actually work, then this field of software testing can be your top choice.
It is not only about fixing an issue, you as a test analyst have to get into the details of what actually caused the bug. Only then will you be able to discuss the issue with the developer to ensure that the product is stable and bug-free. Your “eye for detail” can hence work to your advantage to deliver a product that will not require the intervention of anyone, but you.

Also Read : 11 Emerging Trends in Software Testing 2018 [Infographic]

  1. Effective Communication and Analytical Skills

The name says it all! Software test analysts who should be able to analyze software products while testing them should also be able to effectively communicate to others the nature of the problem. You as an analyst will hence be required to explain the issue in clear terms, covering all the aspects of the issue bit by bit. This step-by-step analysis of the issue will thus help developers fix the problem.

  1. Ability to Manage Time

Your time management skills will be put to the ultimate test when you as a test analyst will have to effectively manage heavy workloads to deliver high productivity. Typically seen during the release of a software code that should be tested, it is during such testing times that you will also have to demonstrate your organizational skills as well.

  1. Right Attitude and Passion

It is not only with this testing job, any profession for that matter will help you reap benefits with the right attitude and passion for the task at hand. Demonstrating a high degree of independence in the style of working, you as a software testing analyst will be required to hone your technical skills in line with the emerging technologies in the field of software development and testing. With these two characteristics in place, you will always be a step ahead towards excelling in your chosen field of work.

  1. Software Skills

It is important that you have a clear understanding of the various programming techniques along with their syntax. Knowledge of computer software and systems is necessary along with project management skills will be required to successful release a software product. Domain knowledge can also be helpful in addition to an in-depth knowledge about the system that will be tested by you.
A Sneak Peek into the Routine of a Test Analyst
After signing on the dotted line for the post of a software test analyst, you will be required to work fulltime. Late evenings and weekend tasks might become the order of the day along with certain on-call assignments. Adhering to strict deadlines, the job can be stressful. But with effective time management skills, you will be able to make it a lucrative career option when you can also travel abroad to meet clients.
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While you can take home hefty pay packets, situations demanding you to deliver with short bug reports can be daunting in times of working on a mammoth project. All these on one side, the profound influence of the internet on the lives of the current generation will pave way for lucrative career opportunities for software test analysts.

Methods For Testing Mobile App Performance Using LoadRunner

People using smart phones require the mobile apps to perform with the same effectiveness as the desktop software does. Due to inundation of numerous applications in the virtual store, the competition is extremely high. As a result, robust apps are in demand that pass rigorous testing parameters. If you are an app developer, use LoadRunner for mobile applications as it works extremely well with the native version. Although web apps are tested with the help of open source platforms, it is the LoadRunner that plays an important role to enhance the capability of the mobile based software.
app testing
Testing is a complex process where numerous devices right from Android to iOS are involved. There are different versions for native and web applications, however LoadRunner can resolve all the issues with the help of certain protocols.
HTTP/HTML:
It records the browser and native scripts that query the server with the help of http/html protocols. The whole process takes place at the transport layer of the TCP/IP model. Network traffic is recorded in a separate file called PCAP and then it is used to create a visual script. Even third party emulators can be used to generate the script logic.
True client essential for native mobile:
True client technology is used to record the scripts of the browser based or hybrid mobile applications. Apps are loaded onto the mobile devices and are tested end to end mode in order to find out errors. To make the process successful, one should install mobile test center app on the device. It consists of emulators that help to perform, extensive testing and build the most memorable apps in the market.
Mobile web protocol:
The protocol plays an important role in recording the user activity in the mobile applications based on the browser scripts. The whole process takes place in the TruClient browser that is modified to be an emulator.
SMP or SAP mobile platform:

  • The protocol helps the users to create .NET scripts according to their requirements an specification. Files are auto generated on SMP, however the script should not use threading as is the norm in .NET and Java environment because they might degrade the scalability of the testing process.
  • In addition, threads might hamper the measurement procedure at the client’s site. Users cannot invoke functions from the thread because their behavior remains undetermined.
  • In order to record the script using SMP, it is vital to generate the file such as Action.CS, Vuser_ init.cs, Vuser_end.cs.
  • The user should click on the new script and solution link and select SAP mobile platform.
  • Once the files are generated, they are copied into the script folder.
  • After the process is completed, you should invoke the save button, close the script file and reopen the content.
  • Thereafter, the location of the .DLL file needs to be added to the Shared DLL folders situated under the .NET settings located in the Run time settings menu.
  • You can replay the script to watch it in action with the SMP protocol.

Therefore, LoadRunner is useful for converting captured network traffic to HTTP user script, using either the provided tools or by using conventional capturing tools which can help you produce performance scripts for mobile app performance.