Month: January 2019

Software Testing Process – What Happens in Software Testing?

Posted on by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

Understanding the Software Testing Process can be difficult even for the best of us. Discussed below is the basic template of the software testing process that is adapted by testers based on their particular requirements.
What is Software Testing?
Software Testing refers to the process of evaluating software and its components to identify any errors, bugs or errors that might potentially disrupt the functionality of the software.
It is essential to undertake a Software Testing Process as it bridges the gap between the existing and the required system software through the detection of the defects prior to the launch of the Software so that they can be corrected in time.

What are the Different Types of Software Testing Process?

Depending on the project requirements, budget associations and expertise of the team, Software Testing Process can be conducted in two ways
Software Testing Process
Manual Testing and Automation Testing.
1) Manual Testing
Manual Testing is the Software Testing Process that allows the tester to locate bugs or defects in the Software Program being tested.
The role of the tester is to use the software like the end user would, and then identify problems and mitigate them to ensure optimum functionality of the Software.
The tester is solely responsible for executing all test cases manually without turning to any automation tools.
The execution is undertaken by the tester preparing a test plan document detailing the systematic approach to Software Testing.
2) Automation Testing
Automation Testing is a technique that uses an application to undertake the implementation of the Software Testing Cycle in its entirety.
It uses scripted sequences executed by Testing Tools. It is a process that validates software functionality prior to the release of the Software into Production.
It is a way of simplifying manual efforts into a set of scripts that can be accessed and worked upon by the system. Automation Testing considerably reduces the time involved in the whole process of Software Testing while simultaneously enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the process.
Depending on the Software Testing Process that is followed, there are two major types of Software Testing.
These are discussed below.
1) Structured Software Testing
This is the kind of Software Testing wherein the tests and test cases are derived from a thorough knowledge of the structural code of the Software and its Internal Implementation.
Since it directly deals with the knowledge of the code, it is mostly undertaken by a trained team of developers.
2) Unstructured Software Testing
This is the kind of Software Testing that is performed without prior planning or documentation.
It is considered to be the least formal testing method and is only intended to run once unless of course an error is detected.
In that case, it is run repeatedly until the error is mitigated. Also known as Ad Hoc Testing, it is performed by Improvisation, as the sole aim is to detect a bug by taking up whatever means needed.
The following of the sequential steps that comprise the Structured Software Testing Life Cycle, ensure that standards are met with respect to the quality of the Software in question.
What are the Different Phases in the Structured Software Testing Life Cycle?
Requirement Analysis
The first step in the Software Testing Life Cycle is to identify which are the features of the Software that can be tested and how.
Any requirement of the Software that is revealed to be un-testable is identified at this stage, and subsequent mitigation strategies are planned. The Requirements that are arrived at here can either be Functional (related to the basic functions the software is supposed to do) in nature or Non-Functional (related to system performance or security availability).
Deliverables

  • RTM – Requirement Traceability Matrix.
  • Automation Feasibility Report

Test Planning
Now that the testing team has a list of requirements that are to be tested, the next step for them is to devise activities and resources, which are crucial to the practicality of the testing process. This is where the metrics are also identified, which will facilitate the supervision of the testing process. A senior Quality Assurance Manager will be involved at this stage to determine the cost estimates for the project. It is only after running the plan by the QA manager that the Test Plan will be finalized.
Deliverables

  • Test Plan or Strategy Document
  • Effort Estimation Document

Test Analysis
This stage answers to the ‘What are we testing question?’. The test conditions are understood and accessed not just through the requirements that have been identified at the first stage, but also another related test basis like the product’s risks. Other factors that are taken into account while arriving at suitable test conditions are –

  • Different levels and depth of testing
  • Complexity levels of the product
  • Risks associated with the product and the project
  • The involvement of the Software Development Life Cycle
  • Skillset, knowledge, expertise, and experience of the team
  • Availability of the different stakeholders.

Test Design
If the Software Testing Process were answers to a series of questions (which it is), this stage would answer the question – ‘How to go about testing the Software?’
The answer, however, depends on a lot of tasks that need to be completed at this point in the process.
These are –

  • Working on with the predefined test conditions. This requires breaking down of the test conditions into multiple sub-conditions so that all areas can get their due coverage.
  • Identifying and collecting all data related to the test, and using it to set up a test environment conducive to the software.
  • Developing metrics to track the requirements and test coverage.

Test Implementation
Now that all the basic structuring work has been done, the next step is to plan how the test structure that has been devised will be implemented.
This means that all test cases are to be arranged according to their priority and a preliminary review is in order to ensure that all test cases are accurate in themselves and in relation to other test cases.
If needed the test cases and test scripts will undergo an additional reworking to work with the larger picture.
Deliverables

  • Environment ready with test data set up
  • Smoke Test results

Test Execution
When all is said and done, this is where the real action begins. All the planning and management culminates into this – the Execution of the Software Test. This involves a thorough testing of the Software, yes, but also a recording of the test results at every point of the execution process.
So, not only will you be keeping a record of the defects or errors as and when they arise, but you will also be simultaneously tracking your progress with the traceability metrics that have been identified in the earlier stages.
Test Conclusion
This is where the Exit criteria begin by ensuring that all results of the Software Testing Process are duly reported to the concerned stakeholders.
There are different ways of making regular reports, weekly or daily. A consensus is to be arrived at between the stakeholders and the testers, to ensure that parties are up-to-date with which stage is the Software Testing Process at.
Depending on the Project Managers and their awareness of the Software Testing Process, the reports can be intensely technical or written in easily understandable non-technical language for a layman.
Deliverables

  • Competed RTM with the execution status
  • Test cases updated with results
  • Defect Reports

Test Cycle Closure
This last stage is more of seeing off of the Software Testing Process. It is where you tick off the checklist and make sure all actions that were started during the process have reached their completion.
This involves making concluding remarks on all actions of the testing process with respect to their execution and/or mitigation.
Also, a revisiting of the entire Software Testing Process as it concludes, will help the team in understanding and reviewing their activities so that lessons can be learned from the testing process and similar mistakes (if any) be avoided in the next Software Testing Cycle the team undertakes.
Deliverables

  • Test Closure Report
  • Test Metrics

This is a complete guide to the Software Testing Process. While the particulars of the process might vary depending on the specific type of Software Testing Technique that is being used by the team, the process, in general, undergoes all these steps.
Though, the end goal remains the same, i.e., to ensure that the Software has been perfected before it is passed on to the Production Team.
There is no point to having a Software that is fueled with bugs that make it impossible for the end users to use it productively. Therefore, irrespective of how it is undertaken, Software Testing is an important process in the Development of the Software.

Ideas to improve your Software Testing Process

1. Double confirm the requirements from the client. Make sure there are no ambiguities. If there are any get them sorted out at the onset. The entire quality is based on the user requirements; you cannot afford to go wrong in this area.
2. Get involved from the beginning of the development process to get a comprehensive understanding of the AUT which would, in turn, help you identify areas needing more intensive testing
3. During the design phase, you can start working on test cases based on design documents and with the help of the developers. This will mean less time for creating and updating test cases during the actual testing phase.
4. The test plan should be written by a Manager or QA lead. The good test plan will cover deadlines, scope, schedule, risk identifications among other things. Make sure to have it reviewed by the project manager as well for concurrence.
5. Ensure that the quality is maintained right from the beginning irrespective of whether it is development, testing or network support. QA’s are like the gatekeepers of quality, they should not let anything pass which is not as per the expected quality.
6. Testing as early as possible and as frequently as possible also helps get more detailed testing done. Do not worry about the number of modules delivered, if you have the bandwidth get the testing done for even a single module.
7. User training should be provided to the QA team for a better understanding of the way the product is actually used by the clients or end users. This will also help them in testing the product better.
8. While creating test cases make sure that all the permutation and combination of different types of data input are covered. Use the well-known principles like boundary value analysis (BVA), Equivalence Partitioning (EP), Decision Table This ensures that the code is tested thoroughly.
9. Always ensure that testing goes in parallel with development. Make sure to test individual modules as and when they are ready for testing instead of waiting for the completion of the entire module.
10. Make use of stubs and drivers to testing smaller modules which requiring input from other modules or are pushing data to other subsystems.
11. Make a distinction between testable and non-testable items in the requirement document and include it as part of the test plan. This will be helpful in having confusion later on.
12. Always ensure that one test case covers only 1 validation point. Though in some cases it may lead to duplication and extra effort for writing the test cases, this is needed for better traceability of the bugs.
13. Test Coverage is an important aspect of ensuring a quality product. Use a traceability matrix to make sure each requirement is mapped to at least one or more test cases. This ensures complete coverage of the system.
14. Ensure that the test case documents are completed, reviewed and signed off by the stakeholders before the actual testing starts. Also, make sure that the test cases document is made available to the rest of the team for understanding and doubt clearance if any.
15. Identify and group test cases based on their importance or priority. This is helpful at the time when only limited test cases can be run during a particular testing cycle. This grouping is also needed when you aim to run or re-run only a particular set based on their priority.
16. You can also have test cases grouped based on functionality. This is useful at the time of regression testing done after a bug fix in any particular module. For example, if there has been a bug fix related to functionality in module A, then you can pick all test cases grouped as module A for the next regression test.
17. Reviews are important to ensure correctness, following of guidelines etc. Ensure that all test cases are reviewed internally within the team (peer review) and once externally also to ensure correctness of the expected results and any other discrepancies.
18. Involve tools to make your life simpler. Tools like Quality Centre, Test Complete, Rally etc. make your life much easier by taking care of a lot of metrics generation and data collection. These tools help you manage your testing projects in a much better and more professional manner.
19. Automation is very important. It reduces manual effort on repetitive tasks. So it is always a good choice to go in for automation of modules or features which are stable and repetitive.
20. Encourage team members to come up with innovative thoughts to make the testing process less time consuming but at the same time more fruitful. Many minds at work is always better than a single one.
21. Always have clear precise and achievable deliverables. Keep a 10% buffer for retesting and other risks. Keeps you and your plan safe and viable.
22. Version control all your artefacts. This is especially important if you are using automation. Make sure the code is version controlled so you are able to create multiple branches and each one should be easy to revert back to in the worst cases if needed.
23. If feasible implement CI/CD. This ensures that each time a build is created the automation suite is run automatically to check if the basic build and its functionalities are in place or not. This helps save a lot of time as well as human error in forgetting to test a particular build.
24. Delegate responsibility to team members for modules or smaller sections. This makes them work harder for ensuring the quality
25. Always look at the software from the eyes of the user as a product and not as a project. The product is most important, think like a consumer when you use the product.
Test Environment and Teams
26. Has the environment set up in such a way that it replicates the production environment as closely as possible?
27. Ensure that all API’s, backend systems, user access, admin roles, test data and any other input needed are set up well ahead of the testing cycle. This is to ensure a loss of time in setting up when the testing window in open.
28.  Always have a healthy relationship with the development team. This will help in a quick turnaround in case of clarifications.
29. Always ensure to have constant communication with the developer at every stage of the testing process so that everyone is aware of the testing activity in the process.
30. Have at least one person from the testing team join the daily project meetings, so that the testing is aware of the modules coming up for testing in the next release and hence can start preparing for it.
31. During the testing phase, have a daily meeting within the team, to clear any doubts and get additional information where ever needed. This is also helpful in tracking the testing progress.
32. Each team has a role to play in the delivery of a good quality software product. Ensure that each team is assigned clear cut guidelines and areas, avoiding a conflict of interest.
33. Establish a clear and precise communication plan along with SPOC (Single point of contact) list and escalation matrix which will contain a list people or contacts to be used in case of any escalations or in cases where information is needed immediately.
34. It is always advisable to have the team members test a different module each time. The reason is twofold. For one the tester get a better understanding of the complete project instead of a single module and also new bugs can be found if the module is tested by fresh testers each time.
35. Always be prepared for changes and contingencies this also includes the risks. Planning such situations help you avoid panic and face the scenario more gracefully too.
36. Always maintain a risk register and review it frequently. You can also have a time slot set aside with all the stakeholders to review this risk register say weekly. Also, make sure that all risks and mitigation plans are captured accurately.
37. Maintain and update simple metrics as defect found, defects fixed and percentage completion, quality level etc. Send out these metrics to all stakeholders and people involved preferably in a pictorial format, along with the comparison with previous week’s data. This will have a much greater impact and visibility than you can imagine. Give it a try.
38. Monitor your production app. And yes for the unfortunate bugs that do find their way to production, make sure they are included as part of the regression test suite with a high priority.
Overall Issues and Reporting
All the information regarding bugs and product development should be maintained in a common Share Point or repository for everyone to access and derive reports when needed.
40. Always have a fresh and open mind when testing software. Have no assumptions. And always refer to the requirements document for doubts and clarifications.
41. The entire product module should be divided into smaller parts to ensure each and every part is tested thoroughly
42. Always ensure to have included the maximum details in the bug report which should include the user credentials, navigations or step to reproduce, expected and actual results, environment, version, logs and screenshots of the error.
43. Always give clear instructions to reproduce an issue. Do not assume that the reader will know the application. Mention each object (button, link, edit box etc.) and action to be performed (click, enter, double click etc.) along with the pages navigated.
44. Discuss and reach a consensus before the starting of the testing on the number of high priority and medium priority bugs can remain open or deferred at the time of movement to production
45. Metrics are important criteria proving the effectiveness of any testing process. Choose appropriate metrics based on the project you are working on. Defect Density, Defect Removal Rate, Testing Efficiency, Test Case Execution Rate etc. are some commonly used software testing metrics.
46. Verbal communications should be topped up by documenting the same in email and shared with relevant stakeholders. This not only creates better visibility but is also helpful in having a chronological record of communications.
47. TDD – Test Driven Development is a newer form of development which takes the base from the test cases. This can also be employed for a better quality of code development.
48. Have a UAT testing at least once before the product is released into production. This will be useful in identifying issues which are related to actual client usage. UAT testing is best performed by the users themselves.
49. Always keep a check on the time taken by the development to fix the bugs. This data is part of an important metrics which is used to calculate the overall efficiency of the development team.
50. Last but not least, trust your instincts. Yes, the QA people sense issues. So just follow your instincts, if you feel a certain area can have issues, mark my words there more chances that issues will be found in that part of the code.

As important as testing and quality assurance is, we should give it the time and resources it needs. This pays off in the long run. These tips will be helpful to you for implementing a good test strategy as well as a quality product.

Happy testing…!!!

Get an eBook : Download PDF

The Gravity of Installation Testing: How to do it?

Posted on by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

How would you feel if the software you are installing gets struck in the middle or just corrupts your operating system?
Awful right! Software installation is the first interaction of the user with the software.

Hence, the proper installation of software is very important to ensure end users satisfaction and trust. Installation testing ensures that the software is ready to deliver it to its end users without any issues in its installation process.
What is Installation Testing?
Implementation testing aka Installation testing is done to check the successful installation and to ensure that software is working as per the expectations. Carried out before the end user’s first interaction with the software, Installation testing is the last phase of software testing life cycle (STLC).
Basics of Implementation Testing
Before moving ahead it is important for us to know about the basic features of installation testing. Here are some important features of Installation testing, that we should know:

  • Software testing engineers carry it out in the presence of the configuration manager.
  • As stated earlier, it identifies and detects bugs and defects in the installation process.
  • Implementation testing is activity-based testing.
  • Installation testing is the last phase of STLC.
  • It is very important to ensure an ideal user experience.

How to do installation Testing?
Installation testing holds a very significant value in STLC. It is very important to carry it out properly so that it leaves no chances for any glitches.  You can ensure the smooth testing by following below given points.

  • Check for existing versions of the software and validate if the software installer checks for them too.
  • During installation validate if the software gives a choice to the user to specify the installation location and also offers a choice of the default location. Also, validate it installs the software in the specified location.
  • Validate the appropriate display of instructions on the installer.
  • Verify that software is easy to install from various locations like the internet, over the network, from the CD, etc.
  • Stop the installation process in between and check if the system returns to its original state.
  • Manually check for the disk space and then validate if the software installer calculated the disk space appropriately.
  • Validate software reactions for low disk space. Check if it responds accurately when the disk space is low.
  • Verify all the registry changes during the installation process.
  • One major part of installation testing is uninstallation testing. Validate while uninstalling the software, the system deletes all the related system files.

Today, software is available on various platforms, hence it is very important to validate their proper installation on different platforms. Though it is time-consuming, it is very important to ensure software is easy to install on various platforms.
Importance of Installation Testing
Thinking why is it important to spend time on Installation testing? Installation testing plays an important role in software testing life cycle. Here are some reasons proving its relevance:

Also Read: Agile Testing – An effective Software Testing Methodology

  • Installation is the first interaction of software and your prospective customer. Hence, proper installation is very important to make a good impression on your prospective customers.
  • Installation testing can help you to ensure complete coordination among various components of your software.
  • Apart from installation testing, uninstallation testing is also equally important. It ensures that all the related system files are deleted from the system freeing up all the occupied space of system memory.

Challenges in Installation Testing
Installation testing having a wide scope and being time-consuming; can be very challenging for you at times. Some of the common challenges that can incur are:

Also Read: Ad-hoc Testing: A Brief Note With Examples

  • The Installation test cases need to be run on the various environments with different configurations.
  • They need to be run under various system conditions.
  • It gets time-consuming to run of multiple test cases on different systems with various configurations.
  • There are no clear test models, tools and test coverage criterion for installation testing that can further increase the challenge.

Common Test Cases in Installation Testing
Test Cases are very important when doing software testing.  Same is the case with installation testing also. Here are few common test cases that can help you prepare your set of test cases.

  • There should be test cases for all workflows based on the requirement.
  • Include test cases to verify the already installed versions of the product and to verify to verify the path of the newer version.
  • Test cases for validating required Disk space are crucial.
  • Have test cases to validate all the messages to be displayed while installation.
  • Include test cases to check disk space, before and after installation.
  • Have Test cases to compare the files and packages of the previously installed version with the newly installed version.
  • Validating the changes in the registry is an important inclusion.
  • Forced stop of installation is another aspect that requires to be checked.
  • Include test cases to validate custom installation and default installation path.
  • Include test cases to test the installation process while similar software that uses a lot of RAM is also running.
  • Don’t forget to include test cases to test for insufficient memory and insufficient disk space.
  • Have test cases to check the installation process while the security is high and firewalls are ON.
  • Include test cases to test the time taken for installation.
  • Include test cases for successful uninstallation testing.

Conclusion
Keen check on each and every aspect of software development and testing is very important to provide enhanced customer experience. And Installation testing is one of the most important phases of STLC. So be very particular while performing installation testing on your product.

How does Use Case Testing Inspect User-Software Interaction?

Posted on by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

What is use case testing? To begin with, use case is a tool which helps in defining the user interaction. Imagine a case where you are trying to create a new user registration or make changes to existing user application.

Several interactions in this step are possible and in this process, you need to think how to represent the requirements for the solution. Business developing experts here has understanding about requirement. In order to reduce miscommunications in the process and structure the communication, use case comes into the scenario.
This article will help to understand the concept of use case testing through getting to know the aspects involved in the process.
Use Case Testing
In the phases and life cycle of software development, use case plays an important role. The entire process depends on the actions of the user and response by the system to the actions. Hence it can be seen as documentation of the actions which is performed by the user or actor and then the corresponding interaction by the system to those actions. Not all the use cases are result in achieving the goal by user to the interactions with system.
In use case, the system responds to the situation or behavior. It is user-oriented rather than system oriented. That is, they are actions which are done by the actor/user and not the output produced by the system. Hence the development team writes the ‘use cases’ as this phase depends on them. The writer of use cases, team of development, customers, all of them together contribute towards the creation of use cases and testing.
The development team will assemble the cases as they are aware and highly are knowledgeable about the concepts. Once the case is implemented and document is tested, the behavior of the system is checked as required.
‘Use Case’ documents: What are they?
Use case documentation helps to gather complete overview of all the several ways in which the user interacts with system to achieve the desired objective. The documentation will help to check the requirements for the software system and what are lacking in this process.

Also Read: Agile Testing – An effective Software Testing Methodology

Who uses ‘Use Case’ documents?
As the documentation helps to get an overview of ways in which user can interact with the system, a better documentation is always required for easier results. This documentation will be useful to the software developers and software testers along with the stakeholders.
There are several types of uses to these documents. It helps developers to implement the code and design the same. Further, testers use them to create test cases. Business stake holders, on other hand, use the documentation in order to understand how the software works and their respective requirements.
Types of Use Cases
There are two types of use cases, namely, sunny day and rainy day.
Sunny day use cases: They are cases which happen when everything goes well. They are high priority use cases than others and once these are completed, we can give these to the team for undertaking a review in order to ensure that all that is required is covered in these cases.

Rainy day use cases: These can be defined as edge cases. These cases are next to important after sunny use cases. Stakeholders and product manages can help at later stage to prioritize these cases
Elements in Use Cases
The major elements of the use cases are
Brief Introduction which helps to explain the case
Actor, that is, the users which are involved in use case actions
Precondition, which is the conditions need to be satisfied before the case begins
Basic Flow, or the main scenario which is normal workflow in the system. In other words, this is flow of transactions done by actors to accomplish their goals.
Alternate flow, which is less common interaction done by actor with system
Exception flow, which prevents a user from achieving the goal
Post conditions which are required to be checked after the case is finished.
Use case testing: What is it?
The use case testing comes under functional black box testing technique. Since it is black box testing, there won’t be inspection of codes. The testing ensures that the path of user is working as required and if it can accomplish the task successfully.
Use case testing is not a type of testing which is performed to understand or assess the quality of a software. It won’t ensure that the entire application is covered. Further, based on the test result, we cannot decide the production environment.
Use case testing helps finding out defects in integration testing. It is a technique in which we can identify the test cases on basis of transactions from start to finish.
Example
Imagine a situation where a user is buying something from online shopping website. User is first required to log in to the system and perform a search action. The user then selects items in results and will add the required in the cart.

Also Read: Code Refactoring: Why Is It Crucial For Software Testers

After this process, user is supposed to check out. This is an example how the steps are connected in the series logically where the user is performing a task in the system to accomplish his goal. These are the flow of transactions in the system from end to end is tested in the use case testing. This testing is generally a path which users are likely to use for achieving a task.
Hence the first step in testing is to review the use case documents and make sure that the functional requirements are correct and finished. Second step is to make sure that the use cases are atomic. It is further required to inspect the workflow in the system and if it is continuous. Based on knowledge of the system or domain, once the workflow is inspected and ensured right, missing steps are to be found in the work flow.
After this step, it is required to ensure again that the alternate workflow of system is complete. Testing team should make sure that the each step of use case is testable. Test cases should be written in all the situations for normal and alternate flow.
Writing Use Case Testing
It is best if the test cases for main scenario is written first and then write the second for alternate steps. These steps in test cases are from use case documents. Cases are supposed to be required as steps and user or actor must be able to enter the same. Test design techniques can be used and developed to help reducing the number of test cases which can help reducing the time taken for testing.
banner
Writing test cases and testing is iterative process. Practice and knowledge of domain and system is required in this case. Use case testing in application can be used to find missing links and incomplete requirements. Finding and modifying the same will bring in efficiency and accuracy in to the system domain.

Quality Assurance (QA) vs Quality Control (QC)

Posted on by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

Organizations often use the terms ‘Quality Assurance’ (QA) vs ‘Quality Control’ (QC) interchangeably. However, they both represent two very different aspects of quality management!
Understanding the exact meaning of these two terms under quality management is very important for every organization. This is because every client and customer’s top priority is always the quality of the product being delivered to them! Therefore, it is very essential to conduct both QA vs QC independently to increase the overall quality of their product.
Mobile App Testing
First, let us look at the meaning of the different terms:

  • Quality-The quality of any product is determined by how well it meets the expectations and requirements of the customer. This means that the product must be free from errors, inconsistencies and lacking in some particular aspects. There are always some standards in terms of quality that need to be met in order to satisfy the requirements of the customers.
  • Assurance- It is the act of guaranteeing the customers, that the product being delivered fulfills their preferred quality level. It is done to give security that the end product will be error-free and will satisfy all requirements.
  • Control- It is the process of determining whether the end product matches all customer requirements or not. It involves testing and comparing the actual result with the desired result.

Quality Assurance
Also referred to as QA, it is a process-oriented activity whose main focus is the prevention from defects in a product. It ensures that the methodology, techniques, procedures, and approaches for the products are designed in a correct manner.
It is a proactive activity where flaws and inconsistencies in the development process are recognized and rectified.
According to ISO 9000, Clause 3.2.11, Quality Assurance is defined as ‘An aspect of quality management that deals with providing confidence to customers that requirements set for quality will be fulfilled’.
QA- A Prevention Activity
QA entails the proper creation of plans, documentation, and agreement on guidelines that assure quality.
The planning phase is executed at the very beginning of the project. It is done according to the specifications of the software as well as the industry and company standards. The outcomes generated at the end of this phase usually include quality plans, test plans and inspection, selection of tools for defect tracking and training people in selected processes and methods.
It is critical to undertake QA activities during the project’s beginning, so as to avoid risks that have been identifies in the specification phase. Another critical factor in QA is effective communication for managing the project risks. The various aspects of the risk mitigation strategies must be effectively communicated to the project’s development teams.
Quality Control
Also referred to as QC, it is a product-oriented activity whose main focus is to identify defects in the quality of the product. It checks whether the methodology, techniques, procedures, and approaches designed for the product have been followed diligently, in a correct manner.
Therefore, it does not focus on the process, rather the focus here lies on the end product.
According to ISO 9000, Clause 3.2.10, Quality Control is defined as ‘An aspect of quality management that focuses on fulfilling the quality requirements for the product’.
QC- A Detection Activity
QC entails all activities related to determining the quality level of the delivered product. It includes operational techniques that have been agreed upon by the customers before the commencement of the project, to fulfill quality requirements.
During this process, the output received, or the end product is confirmed to the software requirements and verified for its quality. That means, the product is checked at various stages of the development life cycle and also against the requirements set by the customers. Different types of tests, code inspections, structured walk through, and various other techniques are used during QC.
The Need for Quality Management
Quality management is very important to ensure that only the best products are being developed and delivered to customers through well planned and structured projects.
Here, the process of QC works parallel with the process of quality improvement to identify and isolate the root causes that generate quality problems. When done consistently across the project, it provides effective feed backs on the quality problems, which facilitates in the development of effective strategies to eradicate such problems.
Through such processes, higher quality level products can be delivered to the customers. Therefore, the benefits of quality management include:

  • A higher level of customer satisfaction, that translates into a better brand reputation in the industry.
  • A development team who is much more motivated to actively participate in quality assurance and control processes.
  • Elimination of redundant tasks to address gaps in processes to meet requirements.
  • Properly planned methods and process, as unplanned processes lead to rework, which needs to be avoided.

Difference between Quality Assurance and Quality Control

 

 

Category

  

Quality Assurance

  

Quality Control
Meaning The process of guaranteeing that the set quality levels will be fulfilled by the product at each phase. The process of detecting errors in order to ascertain that quality standards are being fulfilled.
Focus The focus is on Process of product creation The focus is on the actual end Product
Approach Used QA uses a very proactive approach QC uses a very reactive approach
Aim Aims at preventing errors from occurring by thorough planning of activities and proper documentation Aims at finding out prevalent errors by checking whether the planned activities have been followed correctly
Emphasis QA stresses on the customer requirements QC emphasizes on the standards set by the industry or the company
Example QA provides verification that the product’s quality level will be met QC provides validation that the quality level is actually being met

 
Now that the basic differences have been discusses, we can go deeper into these key factors on which Quality Assurance and Quality Control differ from each other.
The 10 main differences between them are:
1. Quality Assurance gives a sense of confidence to the customer, by providing him assurance that the requested quality standards will be met by the delivered product.

Also Read: Why Testbytes is the leading Software Testing and QA Company India?

Quality Control, on the other hand, ensures that the quality standards are actually being met at every phase of the product’s development life cycle.
2. While Quality assurance is called as a proactive approach, as it is conducted during the development process of the product, Quality Control is called as a reactive approach, because it takes place after the end product is developed.
3. The aim of Quality Assurance is to create plans, methods, processes, etc., which can help in the prevention of any defects in the quality. However, Quality Control’s aim is to find out any defects that might be present in the end product, after its complete development.
4. QA helps to verify that the quality of the product, meets the set standards, by creating documentation, proper planning, etc.
5. QC helps in validating that the product is defect free and actually meets with all the set standards for quality requirements.
6. Quality Assurance is conducted throughout the software development life cycle.
7. Quality Control is conducted during the software testing life cycle.
8. Statistical techniques are used for both the processes. While the statistical technique used in QA is called (SPC) Statistical Process Control, the technique used in QC is called (SQC) Statistical Quality Control.
9. During Quality Assurance, standards, methodologies, and processes are defined that can help in achieving the level of quality that the customer desires.
During Quality Control, test, code analysis, and various other techniques are conducted in order to ensure that the set level of quality is being achieved.
10. Quality Assurance is a low-level activity that is also less time-consuming. It does not involve the execution of the program.
On the other hand, Quality Control is a high-level activity that is more time to consume as it always involves the execution of the developed program.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Conclusion
In conclusion, both QA vs QC contribute to making a product error and defect free, to ensure a very high level of product quality. Although their aim is somewhat similar, their approach varies dynamically.
Through Quality Assurance, a comprehensive process is designed that can lead to the development of a defect-free product if followed in a proper manner. While through Quality Control the process and the end product are thoroughly checked and tested to reveal any defects in it.
For the success of any project, it is very important to conduct these two processes under Quality Management. The more effectively they are conducted; the better will be the quality of the end product. This can ultimately help to gain more customer satisfaction and a better organization reputation in the industry.

11 Important Software Testing Techniques (Tips Included)

Posted on by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

2019 has already arrived with a bang; bringing us the most unique technological solutions to rule over the out-dated ones. One sector which is sure to see new techniques is that of software testing!
New approaches for testing are being introduced in the IT industry due to the emergence of development technologies like DevOps and Agile. Therefore, the need to keep up and transform your own testing techniques according to the new ones is very important.
For this reason, we have created a list of the top 11 software testing techniques that you must look forward to this year!

1. IoT Testing
The ‘Internet of Things’ is a technology that has brought with it a radical change in the way communication between multiple devices took place traditionally. This has facilitated more and more devices to be connected together.
Therefore, IoT testing is a technique that is used to test the devices based on IoT technology. This testing process is conducted with:

A few examples of how the test cases for IoT testing should be created are:

  • Check whether the required IoT devices are successful in data connections and able to get registered to the network.
  • Check whether IoT devices are capable of transmitting large amounts of user data.
  • Check that only authorized devices are able to connect to the IoT network.
  • Check whether the device automatically disconnects or not when the SIM is removed from it.

2. Integrating Manual And Automation Testing Techniques
Since automation testing is not capable of conducting tasks from every area of testing. This is why software testers always benefit most by combining the efforts of both- manual as well as automation testing techniques.
By integrating automation testing while conducting manual tests, your productivity and efficiency can increase by 10 folds! This is why it is important to recognize and segregate the test case that can be automated.
Examples of such test cases may include:

  • Test cases that are most often needed
  • Test cases which are the most time consuming
  • Test cases that have a critical need for accuracy but have scope for human errors

For example, these test cases make up around 25% of your test plan. This will mean a 25% reduction of manual efforts and time consumption!
3. Equivalence Class Testing
This type of testing allows testers to segregate test conditions into partitions. This in turn allows test cases to be designed according to the different input domains created.
The logic behind Equivalence Class Testing is that test case for any input value from one domain is equivalent to tests for every other value from that domain.
A simple example:
Consider that the input values are valid between- 5 to 15 and 55 to 65
Therefore the test conditions created will have 3 equivalence classes-
— to 4 (invalid)
5 to 15 (valid)
16 to 54 (invalid)
55 to 65 (valid)
66 to — (invalid)
Therefore, you can now select test cases according to one value from each class, i.e., 1, 6, 38, 61 and 90
5. Agile Methodology in Digital Transformation
Organizations are going big on digital transformations in the last few years. This is because it helps in building new strategies as technology as their core to improve customer value and business.
Agile helps in defining business objectives, challenges and its use cases. Therefore, adapting this methodology in digital transformation ensures the rapid generation of quality business solutions. The best practices for Agile Methodology include:

  • Creating Work Environment

It is important to create the right type of work environment for different ‘Agile teams’. Such environments must facilitate more efficient information sharing between teams. For example, the presence of the ‘burn down chart’, which tracks the amount of work completed by one team, where everyone can see it is very important.

  • Scale Agile Initiatives with Frameworks

The most common way an organization integrates Agile is by implementing it into a particular part of their business. This, however, creates a challenge if you aim to implement Agile for bringing about end-to-end changes in your organization.
This is why it is a best practice in Agile to use frameworks to make such activities easier. Examples of such frameworks include- Nexus, LeSS, and Large Scale Scrum.
6. Decision Table Based Testing
This testing technique comes into use mostly for functions that respond to different combinations of inputs. This includes identifying the functionalities where output depends on inputs.
For example, this technique can be used to check whether a ‘submit’ button becomes available to the user when all required fields are filled.
Guidelines to create the decision table are:

  • List all inputs in rows
  • Determine all the rules in columns
  • Create all feasible input combinations in the table
  • Note the outputs against each input combination at the last row of the table

7. Cloud-Based Testing Technique
Cloud based testing includes the use of cloud-based tools for testing web, installed applications and web. These tools are used to match the environments and user traffic with the real-world.
A few tips to effectively implement the cloud-based testing techniques are:

  • Set Objectives- This testing proves to be advantageous only if you have a clear objective set for your business needs. It requires cooperation between testers and developers for conducting all tests throughout the SDLC.
  • Creating Test Strategy- Before transporting your project onto the cloud, determine the tests you need to perform, the time they will take and the risks involved in them. This will help you get an estimated idea of the testing budget.
  • Plan the Infrastructure- Create test strategies that align with the infrastructure requirements needed for building the test environment.
  • Selecting a Provider- To select the best provider, compare the quality, reliability and security being offered by them.
  • Determine Level of Access- To conduct cloud-based testing many testers must have access to the cloud. Therefore, determine how many and who all can have access to it, so as to prevent the generation of additional costs from service overuse.

8. DevOps Testing
‘Development and Operations’ is a development methodology that integrates all development functions including development and operations in the same cycle.

Also Read: Software Testing Trends 2019: What To Expect?

This methodology when used in software testing facilitates the testers to combine test cases, test automation and test designs so as to verify changes within the code while avoiding the product from crashing during the development phase.
A few DevOps testing technique tips include:

  • Test execution must be lean
  • Test cases required for particular builds need to be developed
  • Standardize all the environment requirements for testing and automate the deployments
  • Set exit criteria for every run to facilitate the go/no-go decision for production
  • The testers must have the ability to use different types of automation techniques over different cross-platform environments.

9. Big Data Testing
Big Data testing helps in ensuring that the quality of data is uncompromising. It’s going to be widely used testing technique this year because of the decreasing costs of data storage. In this type of testing, testers verify whether the terabytes of data have been successfully processed using supportive components like commodity cluster or not.
A few examples of the test cases in big data testing are:

  • Determine if the correct alter mechanisms, such as Mail on alert, are executed.
  • Check whether errors and exceptions are properly displayed with appropriate error messages so that error/exception handling becomes easy.
  • Implementing integration testing for complete workflow, from data ingestion till its storage or visualization.
  • Performance testing for different parameters of processing random data and monitoring parameters like time taken in execution of particular metrics.

10. Error Guessing
This is a technique where the tester bases of his test cases primarily by guessing the error which can occur in the code. The tester use their past experience to identify the problematic areas in the application.
A few guidelines for this type of testing are:

  • Test cases should be made using past experience with similar type of applications
  • Keep track of previous error areas
  • It is necessary to have an understanding of the application under test
  • The tester must have knowledge of common implementation errors
  • It is necessary to evaluate historical data and the test results obtained.


11. Risk-Based Testing Technique
This type of testing is implemented with the aim of finding out the critical errors as soon as possible with least cost. Here, functionalities are prioritized and tested according to the level to which they are error prone.
The steps to follow for effective risk-based testing include:

  • Identify and prioritize risks
  • Create test plans accordingly
  • Eliminate or add risks according to results obtained

This 2019 will be a bumpy ride for those who do not stay at par with the latest software testing techniques. Therefore, if you wish to stay ahead in the IT industry, make sure you follow the mentioned software trends to help your testers get more effective QA solutions and tools!

Exclusive Bonus : Download PDF

Top 10 Manual Testing Tools For 2019

Posted on by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

Software testing has both methods of manual testing and automation testing. The technique of manual testing is a process where software testers manually operate test cases and check the same without using automation tools.

Although it requires more effort than the automation, it successfully checks for bugs, if any, in the software system.
This helps to first manually check for bugs in the software before reaching the automation process. This assures the application or the software free from several types of errors and defects.
This hence helps to fix defects and at a later stage, another round of re-testing can be conducted on those defective issues by the developer. It helps to give bug-free output to the customer.
Given are the top 10 manual testing tools to look out for in 2019.
1. Selenium

Being one of the popular open source web-based testing tool, selenium provides a portable software testing framework for web applications.
One does not need to learn test scripting language but rather selenium provides playback tool for authoring the tests. It is simple, quick and easy to use because of the feature.
It also provides a test domain specific language. Any web developers can download and use this since it is an open source software without charge.
2. JMeter

JMeter is a popular and one of the most preferred open source software.
This is designed as a pure Java application to measure and assess the performance as well as functions.
Initially designed for web-based applications, it has now extended to other test functions as well. JMeter can be used with both static and dynamic resources and applications.
Wish to know about the best network scanning tool in the market? Read here
3. Loadrunner

Loadrunner is a software testing tool from Micro Focus. One can test performance, system behavior and applications under load through Loadrunner.
It is now acquired by HP and can stimulate user activities by interactions between user interfaces. It also records and analyses the key components of the application.
Because of its ability to stimulate user activities between interfaces, many still prefer this tool for their software testing.
4. Test Link

This is a web-based software testing management system which is developed by Team test.
Test Link facilitates software quality assurance and offers several support services for test suites, test cases, user management, test reports and plans along with reports and statistics.
Since it is a web-based browser, one needs to have access to a web browser and database for installing and running the same.
5. QTP

Also known as UFT software testing, it provides regression and functional test for software applications.

Also Read: Top 11 Bug Tracking Tools Meant For 2019

QTP is used for quality assurance and has graphical user interface along with supporting keyboard and scripting interfaces.
This mechanism uses the scripting language to come up with test procedure, manipulate it and controls application.
6. Quality Center (ALM)

Formerly known as HP quality center, Quality Center offers software quality assurance including test management and business processes for IT and applications.
It is a division of HP and is acquired from Mercury Interactive Corporation. It is quite convenient and user-friendly as far as user statistics are concerned.
7. Bugzilla

Bugzilla is one of the leading bug tracking tools for several years. Having a web-based interface, it is quite simple and easy to use. It provides quality assurance and is convenient to use.
This is an open source platform and anyone is free to download and use the tool.
8. Mantis

Mantis has been quite well known in terms of its simple interface and ease in using.
It comes up with platforms to catch up with changing times. It not only has a web-based application but also later came up with its mobile version.
It is free to download and convenient to use. However in case you want it to be hosted, then they charge an affordable price which is totally worth for the features it delivers.
9. Trac
sfd
Trac is a web-based application and written using Python. It is not a specialized bug tracking system but it is one of the best manual testing tools available.
Once you integrate Trac with SCM system, it is possible to browse through the code, view history and changes made and so on.
All the issues are referred to as tickets in Trac and it comes up with ticket management system which can be used to understand defects. Hence ticket resolving can be done in later stages.
10. FogBugz

FogBugz is a web-based bug tracking system.
It refers to defects as cases and hence allows you to list, work and assign on cases created.
All the project information can be seen in terms of milestones and hence the progress of these cases can be easily tracked and evaluated in terms of milestones.
It has a simple interface and easy to use. It is not free, but rather is a commercial product, however, is reasonably priced.

Above mentioned are the top ten manual testing tools one can approach to in 2019.
With the rise of demand for software testing tools and look out for manual testing due to its ability to trace bugs and defects efficiently, one needs to look out for the tool which is not only simple and has a useful interface, but also has a test management system, test planning, and execution ability and bug trackers.

Also Read: Top 10 Automation Testing Tools 2019

Video Game Tester Salary (India and Globally) 2021 | Testbytes

Posted on by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

Video Game Tester Salary is something that evokes curiousness of many. First of all, there is a widespread misconception that all video game tester has to do is play games.
However, those who are into game testing and knows about the industry would beg to differ.
Game testing is strenuous and requires great skill and technical knowledge.
But have you ever wondered how much they get a salary? If you have, follow this blog and find out.

What are the Job Requirements For Game Testers?

 1) Education

As mentioned earlier, game testing has a low education requirement. Also, there is no college or school which teaches this particular subject. Thus, the education requirement for this job is also not specific.

However, having a little knowledge about programming, software and hardware will only prove to be helpful in this field.
More often than not, game testers are trained in computer science or another field related to software.
Thus, if you hold a degree in any of these fields, you will be preferred for the job. This is because you will be able to understand the working of a game better and test it more efficiently.
Degrees that may be preferable for a game design job are computer programming, software engineering, game design, software testing,

2) Skills

There are certain technologies and things you should be familiar with in order to become a game tester and earn higher, like, XBOX, PS3, Android, QA Testing, and Gaming.
These skills are in high demand in the game testing industry as most games are developed for or on these platforms.
Apart from these, the core skills that employers look for in a game tester are:

  • Knowledge about the latest games and technologies used in game development
  • Game playing skills are very important for a game tester job as you will be expected to play a game in various different circumstances.
  • You are expected to have an eye for detail when becoming a game tester. Unless you can detect the minute flaws in the game, your job as a tester is of no use.
  • Self-motivation is a skill that you will definitely need as a game tester. This is because you will have to play one game repeatedly, several times, in order to test it for any possible bug or error. This recurrence can get monotonous and so you need to stay self-motivated to work as a game tester.
  • Teamwork is very important in this field as you will not only have to coordinate with your fellow game testers but also with game developers and designers working on a particular game.

3) Experience

Experience is another important requirement for this job as the more you work in this field the more skilled you get. You will be able to test any game efficiently if you have experience in this field.
Recruiters look for the amount of experience you have in this field more than the degree you hold when hiring game testers.

Salary of Game Testers in 2021

Let’s take a look at how testers get paid based on different factors:

1) Based on the Education Level

In the game testing field, candidates who are high school pass-outs can also make big bucks as education level is of little to no significance.
According to the Game Developer Magazine survey, those who had nothing but a high school diploma earned the highest $52,500 per annum. In fact, those who held a bachelor’s degree earned the lowest among all, at $43,000 per year
People having an associate certificate or degree received a salary between $49,000 to $50,000.
These stats suggest that game testing jobs do not require a high level of education. If you have the skills, you can earn a handsome amount of salary regardless of the degree you hold.

2) Based on Experience

Game testing is one of those jobs where job experience matters more than your education level. You might have a higher degree in your hands, but unless you are experienced in the field, you will get paid lower than most.
banner
However, to think that freshers cannot expect a good salary is completely wrong.
In 2011, Game Developer Magazine conducted a survey that found out that testers with an experience of 3 years or less get paid an average of $36,136.
Those who have experience of 4 to 6 years can expect a salary of $45,769 annually.
In India, freshers can expect a minimum starting salary of Rs. 5000 per month and as the years pass by, can end up with a salary of 150K per month too!
The average salary of a game tester with 3 to 4 years of experience is 50k to 60k per month. If you have the skills that are in demand like, XBOX, PlayStation, etc, then even people with less than 3 years of experience can get a minimum pay of 25K.

3) Salary Per Hour Basis

According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly wage of Game Testers in the United States is found to be $33.
25 percentile of game testers gets paid $15 per hour whereas the other 75 percentile make roughly $48 in an hour.
ZipRecruiter studied the recent job postings in New Delhi, India, and found those game testers earn a salary of $33 per hour here too, which is the nationwide average hourly salary.

4) Game Tester Salary Per Week

Surveys conducted by ZipRecruiter found that the average weekly wage of game testers is $13.46
The average base salary of a video game tester per month is $3,503
This huge difference between the weekly earnings of gaming testers is the result of the amount of experience in the industry and skills that they have.

5) Monthly Salary of Game Testers

Monthly salaries of game tester salary range from $1,625 to $11,708 as observed by ZipRecruiter. Across the US, 25% of testers have an average monthly salary of $2,625. The rest 75% of people earn an average of $8,667 every month.
In India, the average monthly salary of game testers is $5,846.
Game tester salary in the USA ranges from USD $18,000 and top out around $55,000 based on various factors
.

6) Game Tester Salary in India

In India, game testers are living a good life with the perfect job and the perfect salary too!
According to payscale.com, fresher’s get an average salary of Rs 233,462 per annum. This is an ideal salary to begin your career with.
Payscale.com analyzed the salary structure of game testers in India. This is the salary you can expect at the entry-level:

  • Salary at Entry Level Rs 120,145 – Rs 421,567
  • Bonus Rs ₹5k – ₹51k
  • Profit-Sharing ₹919 – ₹255k
  • Total Pay Rs  ₹138k – ₹545k

Game testers who have more than 3 to 4 years of experience can expect an annual salary of Rs 800,000 to 1,000,000.

7) Other Factors

The game tester’s salary may get affected based on the region you reside in. In places where the gaming and IT market is widespread, the job opportunities and salaries will also be higher than in places where this job is in low demand.
The survey conducted by Game Developer Magazine in 2013, found out that game testers in the west earned an average of $47,167 per year. In the east, however, the salary of a game developer is higher with an average of $49,643  per year. The lowest salaries of all regions were found to be in the south where the average game tester salary was $ 35,833.
Game testers can earn additional income apart from their salaries too. 73% of video game testers, as surveyed by Game Developer Magazine in 2011, got additional income in the form of a bonus, royalties, stock exchange, etc.
The average bonus calculated was $7,824 in a year.
Another thing noted by Game Developer Magazine is that 95% of game testers are male who earns an average of $48,000 per year. The remaining 5% are the female population who earn significantly higher than men, with an average salary of $62,500 per year.

Conclusion

The gaming industry has a high demand for game testers as games are becoming more popular among people. It is a job that demands a high level of skills and dedication but has a low education requirement.
This makes game testing a very popular career path among young people. The fact that game testers are paid a handsome amount of money makes this job even more desirable.

On average, in the year 2021, experienced game testers can earn around $52,500 per year to as high as $100,000 per year. Freshers can start their jobs with a salary of $20,000 to $36,136.
2021 is the year of gaming and we can hope to see a number of amazing innovations and growth in this industry. Along with that, we may also see a rise in job opportunities and salaries of game testers and developers alike.

Also Read: Software Tester Salary in India, Canada and USA  2020

Software Tester Salary in India, Canada and USA – 2021

Posted on by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

What’s the Software Tester Salary in India?  Or in Canada, or USA, or in the UK?
Before we get into that, What makes Each IT expert’s compensation is mostly determined by two factors, are – their roles and obligations and their ability. Aptitude differs from one individual to the other, while the salary depends on the organizational or project level.

By and large, yearly pay rates for software testing experts increment with experience. As these years add to their CV, the software testing professionals turn into the specialist in their field. Furthermore, as experience rises, their job slowly moves from working “on” the venture to working “for” the venture.
What’s the Role of a Software Tester?
Software testers are also known as Quality Analyst. A software tester or Quality Assurance Tester will probably discover loopholes or bugs that were presented by the engineer’s code.
They test the functionality of computer applications and program projects before they are launched to market. Basically, software testers endeavor to break programs that software engineers make to dodge issues that can influence the end-user.
Quality Assurance testers use computer and computer systems to test software. In the case that a software engineer assigns a QA tester with testing an app for Android and iPad systems, they will lead their testing on tablet computers. In like manner, the software tester would test a server app on a computer server.
Pay of Software Tester depends on:

  • Aptitudes and level of skills
  • Experience
  • Current Salary (if moving to a new position)
  • Company
  • Place
  • Type of employment,e. full-time vs. contractual vs. freelancing
  • Benefits
  • Also, sometimes the negotiation abilities of the candidate/employee

Career Path of Software Testers
The career progress as a software tester (QA Analyst) will look like the following, but can differ from one corporation to another –

  • Fresher – QA Analyst
  • 2-3 years’ experience – Sr. QA Analyst
  • 5-6 years’ experience – QA Team Coordinator
  • 8-11 years’ experience – Test Manager
  • 14+ experience – Senior Test Manager

Employment Outlook for Software Testers
BLS – The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not give information particular to the profession of the software tester. In any case, the BLS offers generous data about software engineers, who for the most work inseparably with software or QA testers.

Also Read: Selenium 4: New Features and Updates

As indicated by the BLS, vacancies for software engineers should increment by about 25%, through 2026. So, it’s obvious that there is also a huge opportunity for software testers as both professionals work hand in hand.
What’s the Market Trend for Software Testers in 2021?
We have already mentioned that the pay rates of a software tester change from one venture to the next, skills, and experience. Now it is time to have a look at the market trend regarding the salary of software testers.
As indicated by Naukri.com, a primary Indian Job portal, there isn’t much variation between the standard yearly pay rates of QAs and the software developers.

  • Software Tester Salary in India

The average base pay of a software tester in India with 2-3 years of experience is  (Rs 342k per annum).   On the other hand, the average salary of a QA analyst is (Rs 395000) and the salary of a software test engineer is (Rs. 250000) per annum.
Salary of various profiles in software testing include,
(Average salary)
QA Leader – USA $71k  India –  Rs. 1292000/ year)
Test Engineer – USA – $72k  India –   Rs. 475600/year
Manual Test Engineer – USA – $52000  India – 532000/year
Automated Test Engineer – USA – $67000  India – 448391/year
Tester   – USA –  $44k  India – Rs. 493k / year

  • Tester’s Salary Range in the United Kingdom

The national average Software Tester salary in the United Kingdom is £25,712. Pay rate estimates are based on 115 salaries anonymously submitted to Glassdoor by Software Tester workers in the UK.
Whereas the average Quality Assurance Tester salary in London, UK is £24,000. These pay rate estimates are based on 47 salaries anonymously submitted to Glassdoor by QA Tester workers in London, UK.
Further, the national average Software Testing Engineer salary in the United Kingdom is £33,797. Pay rate estimates are based on 123 salaries anonymously submitted to Glassdoor by Software Testing Engineer workers in the UK.
Tester’s Salary Range in the United States
The average compensation for a Software Tester in the United States is $71,289. Salary rates estimates depend on 88 pay rates anonymously presented to Glassdoor by Software Tester representatives in New York City, NY.
Then the average Quality Assurance Tester salary in the United States is $37.58 per hour. Pay range estimates are based on 1,512 salaries anonymously submitted to Indeed by Quality Assurance Tester users, workers, and collected from present and past job advertisements on Indeed in the last 36 months.

Moreover, the average Software Test Engineer salary in the United States is $104,968 per year. These salary range estimates are based on 6,340 salaries anonymously presented to Indeed by Software Test Engineer users, workers, and collected from present and past job advertisements on Indeed in the last 36 months.
Tester’s Salary Range in Canada
The average salary for Software Tester in Canada is $27.09 per hour or $52,825 per year. The fresher level positions begin at $40,450 annually whereas the most skilled employees can take up to $89,803 per year.
Further, the average Quality Assurance Tester compensation in Canada is $38.46 per hour or $75,000 per year. The salary for fresher level’s positions begins at $20,876 annually while most experienced employees make up to $127,500 for a year.
On the other hand, the average for Software Test Engineer in Canada is $51.28 per hour or $100,000 per year. The fresher level positions begin at $44,051 annually whereas the most experienced employees can take up to $125,494 per year.
Where would you be able to discover software testing employment opportunities?
There are such a significant number of websites out there that the list given below is negligible. You can generally do a complete web scan for a thorough checklist to find a job profile as per your prerequisite.
Here’s a small list –

  • Indeed.com
  • QAJobs.net
  • Monster.com
  • Glassdoor.com
  • Naukri.com
  • SoftwareTestingJobs.com
  • SoftwareTestingJobs.net
  • TestingJobz.com
  • JobCentral.com
  • HotJobs.Yahoo.com
  • ITJobs.com
  • ITJobs.net
  • Jobs.com
  • ComputerJobs.com

Final words…
Keep in mind that one need not generally wait for employment opportunities to apply for a vacancy; you can usually present an expression of interest to an organization and expectation that you will be kept in a choice for future settlement. Occupations, similar to fortunes, only sometimes fall on your lap from the up above – you should be proactive.

More or less, despite the fact that market analysis supports a decent advancement in the salary of software testers, QA testers, and software test engineers, the sort of project and expertise tells what the immediate earning would be for testers. Likewise, the software tester’s responsibility in the project and aptitude can be a noteworthy factor. At the end of the day, as a QA tester promotes to a project manager, then the pay disparity would not be a concerning factor.

Also Read: Roles & Responsibilities in a Software Testing Team

REST API Testing Using Cucumber

Posted on by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

In this Revolutionary Era of Technology, applications depend highly on well tested, well designed, developed, and well-documented API.

However, the number of such API’s is still increasing. Writing test scripts for REST endpoints is no more enough. APIs nowadays, demand living documentation with good tests.
This tutorial will give you an introduction to Cucumber. Cucumber is the most popular tool for testing REST APIs and user acceptance testing.
Cucumber – A Testing Framework
Cucumber is a framework highly used for testing REST APIs, compatible with BDD (Behaviour Driven Development). BDD allows the developers and users to define the operations of an application in plain text. It works on the DSL (Gherkin Domain Specific Language).
dsf
Gherkin is the language of cucumber used for writing tests. It is a simple but powerful syntax that allows the testers and developers to write complex tests and keeping it simple and easy-to-write for non-technical users.
One of Cucumber’s most convincing highlights is that it gives the capacity to compose these portrayals utilizing plain and easy content in your local language.
Cucumber’s dialect, Gherkin, is usable in a developing assortment of human dialects, which also includes LOLZ. The benefit of this is that these element portrayals can be composed or potentially comprehended by non-specialized individuals engaged with the undertaking.
Very importantly, Cucumber isn’t a substitution for RSpec, test/unit, and so on. It’s anything but a low dimension testing/determination system.

Cucumber is crucial for an advancement approach called Behavior Driven Development (BDD).
BDD with Cucumber– Introduction
Behaviour Driven Development (BDD) is a communitarian way to deal with programming advancement that connects the correspondence hole among business and IT.

Also Read: API Security Testing: Rules And Checklist

It enables groups to discuss prerequisites with more accuracy, find absconds early and deliver programming that remains part viable after some time.
This is what Cucumber Framework does. Cucumber BDD enables groups to make business necessities that can be comprehended by the entire group. Determining precedents reveals misconception that individuals probably won’t know about.
Groups training CucumberBDD center on forestalling abandon instead of discovering them. This prompts less improve and faster time to showcase.
The two fundamental practices in the Cucumber BDD approach are disclosure workshops, which connect the correspondence hole among business, IT, and executable features.
Cucumber BDD – Features
A Feature is what your product does (or ought to do) and for the most part, relates to a client story or an approach to tell when it’s done and that it works. The most common organization of a feature is:
Highlight: <short description>
<story>
<scenario 1>
…
<scenario n>
Inside the meaning of a feature, you can give a plain content depiction of the story. You can utilize any arrangement for this; however, having a type of layout makes it simpler to see the critical bits of data with a speedy look. One of the typical layouts is talked by Mike Cohn in a User Stor Applied:
As a <role>
I need <feature>
so that <business value>
This arrangement centers use around three essential inquiries:
Who’s utilizing the framework?
What’s happening to them?
For what reason do they give it a second thought?
Cucumber – Situations
A component is characterized by at least one situation. A situation is an arrangement of ventures through the component that practices one way. Cucumber utilizes the BDD style that Dan North advanced with his jBehave venture: given-_when_-_then_.
A situation is comprised of 3 segments identified with the 3 sorts of steps:
Given: This sets up preconditions, or setting, for the situation. It works much like the setup in xUnit and before squares in RSpec.
At the point when: This is the thing that the component is discussing, the activity, the conduct that was centered around.

At that point: This checks postconditions… it confirms that the correct thing occurs in the When arrange.
The general type of a situation is:
Situation: <description>
<step 1>
…
<step n>
Opting for Cucumber – Why you should choose?
We should expect there is a necessity from a customer for an E-Commerce site to build the offers of the item with actualizing some new highlights on the site. The main test of the improvement group is to change over the customer thought into something that really conveys the advantages to the customer.
The first thought is magnificent. However, the main test here is that the individual who is building up the thought isn’t a similar individual who has this thought.
On the off chance that the individual who has the thought, happens to be a skilled programming designer, at that point we may be in luckiness: the thought could be transformed into working programming while never waiting to be disclosed to any other individual.
Presently the thought should be imparted and needs to go from Business Owners (Client) to the advancement groups or numerous other individuals.
Most programming tasks include groups of few people working cooperatively together, so amazing correspondence is basic to their prosperity.

Also Read: Selenium Automation Testing With Cucumber Integration

As you most likely know, great correspondence isn’t just about articulately depicting your plans to other people; you additionally need to request criticism to guarantee you’ve been seen accurately.
This is the reason the programming groups have figured out how to function in little augmentations, utilizing the product that is constructed steadily as the criticism that says to the partners that are this is what he meant? With the assistance of Gherkin dialect, cucumber encourages the revelation and utilization of a pervasive dialect inside the group.
Tests written in cucumber straightforwardly collaborate with the advancement code, yet the tests are written in a dialect that is very straightforward by the business partners. Cucumber test expels numerous mistaken assumptions sometime before they make any ambiguities into the code.
Configuring JUnit with Cucumber
To make the JUnit aware of Cucumber and read feature files when operating, the ‘Cucumber’ must be declared as the ‘Runner’.
In the above example, it can be observed that the Feature element of CucumberOption locates the feature file that was created before. Glue. gives paths to definitions. But, if the step definition and test case are in the same package as in the above tutorial, then the element may be dropped.
Running Tests for REST APIs
First and foremost, we will get started with JSON structure to demonstrate the data uploaded to the server by a POST application. We will then download this application to the client using a GET. This structure will be saved in the jsonString field.

1 {
“testing-framework”: “cucumber”,
“supported-language”:
[
“Ruby”,
“Java”,
“Javascript”,
“PHP”,
“Python”,
“C++”
],
 
“website”: “cucumber.io”
}

 
A WireMock server plays its role to demonstrate a REST API. i.e.
WireMockServer wireMockServer = new WireMockServer(options().dynamicPort());
This tutorial will also be using Apache HttpClient API to illustrate the client used to connect to the server which is –
CloseableHttpClient httpClient = HttpClients.createDefault();
Lets, begin with writing testing code within step definitions.
Note: The server ‘ wireMockServer.start();’ should be running already before the client connects to it.
WireMock API will be used now to stub the REST service:
configureFor(“localhost”, wireMockServer.port());
stubFor(post(urlEqualTo(“/create”))
.withHeader(“content-type”, equalTo(“application/json”))
.withRequestBody(containing(“testing-framework”))
.willReturn(aResponse().withStatus(200)));
Now, a POST application needs to be sent to the content received from the jsonString field decalared already above to the server:
HttpPost request = new HttpPost(“http://localhost:” + wireMockServer.port() + “/create”);
StringEntity entity = new StringEntity(jsonString);
request.addHeader(“content-type”, “application/json”);
request.setEntity(entity);
HttpResponse response = httpClient.execute(request);
If the POST application has been successfully handelled, the following code will assert:
assertEquals(200, response.getStatusLine().getStatusCode());
verify(postRequestedFor(urlEqualTo(“/create”))
.withHeader(“content-type”, equalTo(“application/json”)));
Note: The server must stop after use: wireMockServer.stop();
Conclusion
In this article, we covered some fundamental use of the Cucumber framework that uses the Gherkin domain-specific language to test the REST APIs.
banner
With the assistance of Gherkin dialect cucumber encourages the disclosure and utilization of an omnipresent dialect inside the group. Tests written in cucumber straightforwardly associate with the advancement code, yet the tests are written in a dialect that is very straightforward by the business partners. Cucumber test evacuates numerous errors well before they make any ambiguities into the code.

Also Read: Top 10 Automation Testing Tools 2019

Top 10 Software Testing Certifications 2021

Posted on by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

The software testing certification can assert and ensure a certain individual’s specific knowledge of software testing. Software testing certifications guarantee the skill for testing software and help the testers to be more efficient and effective in their respective works.
This gives certification on their competency in the area of software testing. One can progress in their career by taking next levels of software testing and gradually become an expert in this area.
Here are the top software testing certifications one can go to in 2021.
Table of Contents

  1. ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board)
  2. CAST (Certified Associate in Software Testing)
  3. CETPA
  4. CMC
  5. CSTE (Certified Software Testing Engineer)
  6. Seed Infotech
  7. QA Campus
  8. Qspiders Software Testing
  9. STC
  10. V Skills

Read on to Know More About Them in Detail
1. ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board)
ISTQB is one of the leading software testing certifications which has its global imprint. With its headquarters in Belgium, it has testing exam centers all across the world.

It is seen as one of the favorite certifications to acquire a job in software testing overseas as well as in India. One needs to have ISTQB certification in order to take up work in any company in the United States.
There are several levels of certifications within the ISTQB, starting from the beginner level to the advanced and expert level.
There are a predefined syllabus and standards one needs to have to come out of this examination. Further, as they say, there is no end to learning.
After you finish the advanced levels, one may still have furthermore courses to take on, such as post-expert level.
2. CAST (Certified Associate in Software Testing)
This certification is provided by Quality Assurance Institute in the US. One can be eligible to undertake this course only if you have three or four-year experience in IT or an accredited college or if you have a two-year college with one year of experience.

Once the registration is done, the candidate will receive a Software Testing Body of Knowledge book which will help to prepare and give the examination.
The material which is received after registering is sufficient to pass the examination. 70% of pass score is needed for this examination.
3. CETPA
This examination is what you need in case if you are looking for abundant exposure to the number of advanced technologies in software testing techniques.

Hands-on experience is given on various tools such as Load Runner, Selenium, and HP Quality Control and so on.
CETPA is widely known for its testing mostly in northern parts of the Indian subcontinent. With its 13 years of experience, it is known to cover various testing domains in manual, database, and automation.
4. CMC
CMC is a Tata enterprise that offers certifications in several of its niches in software development. It is one of the leading IT consulting organizations.

With CMMI level V accreditation, this stands out as a well-known center for its diploma course. The diploma in software testing offers certification is very well known for its manual techniques as well as automation techniques.

Read also: How to Get a Job In QA Testing Company?

The CMC offers a three-month course for software testing. A student without an IT background can also learn the course through the CMC limited.
5. CSTE (Certified Software Testing Engineer)
This course is also provided by the Quality Assurance Institute of USA. This comes in the second level or intermediate level for software testing certification.

Those with five to eight years of experience in the field can be eligible to undertake the course. One should have a three or four-year degree in an accredited college along with two or three years experience in the IT field in order to undertake this given course.
They provide sufficient and quality material to registered students in order to prepare for the examination.
6. Seed Infotech
Seed Infotech is known for its certification in manual and automation testing. Known to be one of the best testing institutes in India, they not only train for the course but also offer mock interviews and placements for its candidates.

This organization is associated with around 300 plus companies in India making it as one of the largest and well known certification organization in the country. This company also offers ISTQB training.
7. QA Campus
The QA campus is based in Delhi which provides certifications for various niches in IT. This organization has programs to cater to the needs of different candidates in the software testing levels.

Keeping the needs as per the evolving market and present demand scenario, the institute manages to train its SQA skills to its candidates.

Read also: How To Write an Impressive Software Tester Resume

With its placement program, those students in this agency get placed at the largest and popular companies in the country.
8. Qspiders Software Testing
Qspiders is one of the successful and reputed training institutes for software training in India. Not only professionals but also students can enroll in this course for software testing.

They are well known for providing good study materials and classes for the candidates and help them to build a good career in software testing. There are also placements available in top MNCs which is a plus point.
9. STC
STC Technologies is known to provide world-class software testing with a good curriculum. The study materials also keep changing in STC as per the latest trends and developments in the industry.

Expert professionals help with the study materials which help to deliver top-notch quality in the study. The specialty with them is their e-learning facility. The course, which is a diploma in Software testing, also gives practical experience with its training modules.
10. V Skills
The V skills is a joint venture by the government of India and the Government of NCT. It is one of the largest manpower companies in Delhi.

The advantage of this certification is it does not need a minimum educational qualification to enroll in the course.
Hence this can be helpful and useful to not only professionals in this field but also students in the area of software testing. It helps to make the candidate acquire the requisite knowledge and make his job-ready.

Read also :  Top 50 Software Testing  Interview Questions

It does not require a huge time commitment and it opens options for those with different sector backgrounds. There is no restriction on the number of attempts too. Automation testing and QTP are covered in this course.
The above mentioned are top ten software testing certifications available in 2020. Once the beginners and intermediate level is completed, one can also go to post expert level to further learn about software testing.