Category: Test Management

15 Most Powerful & Reliable Security Testing Tools

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Security testing is a technique that aims to determine if a system or software performs well enough to protect data and deliver functionality as planned. This technique forms to be an integral part, when it is considered in terms of testing software for banking, website hosting or any other high-security application.

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It works on six basic principles that include confidentiality, integrity, authorization, authentication, non-repudiation, and availability. Performing this technique is a challenging task as it requires a tester who has in-depth knowledge and understanding of the process so that he/she is able to check and verify any risk factors, loopholes or issues in the program.

As compared to the normal testing, this method aims to break the entire program into different parts and then, test its safety and security under normal and abnormal circumstances.
With a large number of software and apps available in the market, there is certainly an increasing demand for high performing and reliable security testing tools that can help ensure that these programs are up to the mark in terms of their security.

While there are several companies that offer a number of high performing security testing tools to the market, these 15 top the chart of the most powerful and reliable security testing tools.

  1. Metaspoilt

Popularly used for penetration testing, Metaspoilt is one of the most advanced frameworks that work on the concept of ‘exploit’. Exploit is a code that can test a system to extremes by surpassing the security measures and entering the system. When entered, exploit runs a ‘payload’, which is a code that performs operations on a target machine, to create the most appropriate framework for penetration testing.
This framework can be used for security testing on web applications, networks as well as servers.

  1. Wireshark

Available for free, Wireshark is one of the most popular open source packet analyzers. This protocol is capable of providing the users with the minutest details about the network protocols, packet information, decryption, and others. One can use this protocol on Windows, Linux, OS X, Solaris, FreeBSD, NetBSD, and many other systems.

  1. W3af

 W3af is a freely-available web application audit framework that works effectively against multiple odd vulnerabilities. With a GUI that is available with expert tools, this framework is capable of sending HTTP request and cluster HTTP responses. Some of its impressive features include quick HTTP requests, integration of web and proxy servers into the code, etc.

  1. CORE Impact

This tool can be used for multiple testing purposes such as, mobile device penetration, password identification and cracking, network device penetration, and several others. With a GUI click-able interface, this works best on Microsoft Windows and is one of the most expensive tool in this category.

  1. Netsparker

Available with a vigorous web application scanner, Netsparker is an excellent tool to recognize vulnerabilities and accordingly suggest remedial action. Available with a command-line and GUI interface, Netsparker can help on to exploit SQL injection and LFI (local file induction).

  1. Burpsuite

 This is one such tool on which security testing specialists highly rely. Although this tool majorly functions as a scanner, Burpsuite has a limited scope to deal with attacks. Interrupting proxy, creeping content and functionality and web application scanning are some of the common functions performed by this tool.

  1. Cain & Abel

Cain &Abel is an excellent tool to crack encrypted passwords and network keys. Available exclusively for Microsoft operating systems, the functions are performed on the basis of network sniffing, Dictionary, Cryptanalysis attacks and Brute-Force and routing protocol analysis methods to achieve this.

  1. Acunetix

Developed specifically for web applications, acunetix is a scanner that helps identify the probable dangers for these applications. This security testing tool performs various functions for its users such as SQL injection, cross site scripting testing, PCI compliance reports etc. Although a bit expensive, one can get its free trial version to understand how it actually works.

  1. Retina

Available as a complete package known as Retina Community, this is one such tool that targets the entire company at once. The Retina is a commercial product that should be used more as a vulnerability management tool instead of a pen-testing tool.

  1. Canvas

Canvas is a security testing tool that can be used for testing the security issues of web applications, wireless systems, and networks. With multiple payload options, this tool is available with GUI interface and can work on Linux, Apple Mac OS X, and Microsoft Windows.

  1. Nmap

Also known as Network Mapper, this tool is a must have for ethical hackers as it makes it easy to understand the characteristics of any target network. These characteristics can include things like host, services, OS and packet filters. The tool is open sourced and can perform in any environment.

  1. Dradis

This tool is an open source framework, which is used majorly for keeping a record of information that can be shared among multiple participants of penetration testing. When this information is interpreted, it helps them understand the details of testing such as, the aspects that are already covered and others that are still to be covered. With a GUI interface, this tool is open source and can work on Linux, Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS X.

  1. Security Onion

Security is an easy to manage security monitoring system that can be used in place of expensive commercial grey boxes. Simple to setup and configure, this tool is an effective way to identify any security related issues on the network.

  1. Nikto

 This is a web server testing tool that entered the market of security testing tools almost a decade ago. The tool is highly effective to identify vulnerable scripts, configuration mistakes and related security problems. However, this tool cannot identify XSS and SQL web application bugs.

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  1. Vega

Vega is a vulnerability scanning and testing tool that works well on various platforms including OS X, Linux and Windows platforms. With a GUI, Vega is available with an automated scanner and an interrupting proxy that can help identify web application vulnerabilities, header injection, cross site scripting etc.
Apart from these, there are a number of other security testing tools already available in the market or ready to be launched with latest upgrades. The ultimate purpose of using any such tool is to deliver an exclusive product that ensures the maximum benefit to the company.

What is Test Scenario? How to Write a Test Scenario?

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What is Test Scenario?

A test scenario also called as Test Condition or Test Possibility is a document that specifies all the functionalities that need to be tested for a software application to deliver what it is meant to. Exactly defining what should be tested as part of a particular feature or application, a test scenario calls for the tester to identify himself as the end-user.
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It is only then he/she will be able to relate to the requirements of the user. This process of the tester putting himself in the shoes of the customer will help him unveil many real-life scenarios that need to be addressed for the application to perform its ordained task.
Scenario Testing
Getting its name from testing different functionalities, Scenario Testing is an arm of software testing. Tagged as a simple way of testing complicated systems, scenario testing is all about enlisting different scenarios to be tested for the entire application to perform without any bugs. Below is a simple example that will help you understand what a test scenario is all about.
The Purpose behind Test Scenarios
After understanding the definition of a test scenario, it is now important to know the benefits of test scenarios. Here is a rundown of the purpose behind the documentation of a test scenario.

  1. A test scenario is a comprehensive testing procedure.
  2. Test scenarios are quick tools that will help identify crucial end-to-end transactions supported by the real utility of various software applications.
  3. It is a document that can be vetted by stakeholders including developers, business analysts and end-users.
  4. Helping to measure testing efforts, test scenarios assist your clients in the formulation of a proposal to reorganize their manpower requirements.
  5. The prime objective of a test scenario is to ensure that the entire functionality coming under a test is checked completely for its performance.

Step-Wise Detailing to Formulate a Test Scenario
You as a tester can follow the below mentioned 5 steps to create different test scenarios:
1st Step: Primarily, you should be read and understand requirement documents. These include: SRS (Software Requirement Specifications), FRS (Functional Requirements Statement) and BRS (Business Requirement Specification) concerning the System Under Test (SUT).
2nd Step: Delving deep into each and every requirement, it is important that you identify various possible user actions that will come up while specifying all the user objectives. Attaching technical specifications to every requirement, this step is complete once you discover various scenarios when the system can be abused through the intervention of a hacker.

This is the most important part of the second step when you put yourself in the shoes of a hacker and try to come up with loopholes concerning the breach of application security and functioning.
3rd Step:  Gathering of information and inferences gained after the completion of the above 2 steps will be your next step. This is followed by the enlisting of various test scenarios that call for verifying each and every function of your software that is to be tested.
4th Step: After enlisting all the probable test scenarios, you should chalk out a Traceability Matrix. This is a document that is created to confirm that every requirement has a matching test scenario that should be tested.
5th Step:  The last step is all about reviewing the test scenarios. Involving your supervisor, all the test scenarios drafted by you will be studied. Upon the successful scrutiny by your superiors, your test scenarios will reach the tables of your stakeholders who will then sit for reviewing of the scrutinized document.
Tips to Create Effective Test Scenarios
Below is the list of simple tips that will help you chalk out comprehensive test scenarios:

  • As a tester, it is not only your ordained duty to ensure that every requirement should be tied to a test scenario but also to adhere to the specifications of the Project Methodology
  • It is only when you compartmentalize complex requirements that you can check whether every requirement comes attached with a test scenario. This tip thus helps you cover all the requirements in total.
  • It is best to stay away from creating complicated test scenarios concerning multiple functional requirements.
  • It also comes as an intelligent move to stick to your client’s priority list. Bearing in mind the cost involved in testing multiple scenarios, it is important that you conduct selected test scenarios that are vital to your client.

Read also : Difference Between Test Case vs Test Scenario [Infographic]

Conclusion
Tagged as a significant component of testing, a Test Scenario effectively saves a lot of money and time involved in testing procedures. Adhering to the quality specifications of the software at every step, this document goes a long way in delivering bug-free functionalities. Not to confuse a test scenario with a test case, it is an important fact to understand that a test case primarily relies on a Test Scenario and not the other way round.

What is Bucket Testing and How is it Performed?

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Commonly, a large number of business houses rely on their website’s design, content and other features to gain popularity. However, this becomes easier and much more ensured when a thorough testing and study of the complete website is done by the owners. And, this is what bucket testing is meant for.
Bucket testing, also known as A/B testing or split testing, is a kind of testing which is conducted on (at least) two different versions of a website to check which one performs better. This test is based on a set of key metrics like clicks, downloads or purchases that are measured from each page variation.
Companies that are into online selling and dealing majorly rely on bucket testing to maximize their profit by optimizing the conversion rates for their websites and landing pages.

How it works?
Any bucket test begins with a hypothesis, which can be in the form of text, design or usability change. This hypothesis is based on a team’s decision which believes that incorporating a particular change in real-time situation can work effectively to improve conversion rates.
On conducting the test, if it is found that a particular variation would be able to perform better than the control page for key metrics, the necessary change is incorporated in the website and landing page design.
There is no limit on the number of bucket tests that can be conducted on a particular page. One can continue to conduct these until he/she is satisfied with the outcomes of the new change.
For instance, there is an existing landing page for a free magazine. This page, also known as control or Variation A, will include all the relevant information about the magazine along with a sign-up form and a ‘Submit’ button.
A bucket test can be conducted on this page with a minor textual change incorporated at its bottom that will replace the word ‘Submit’ with ‘Get your free copy’.  This page with the new change will be known as Variation B. The metric to be measured during this test would be the number of visitors who successfully fill the form completely.
Since, it is an ad-campaign landing page, the probabilities are very high that there will be a large number of visitors on the page. However, only a few will successfully complete the form. In such a situation, when the key metric is measuring the number of people completing the form and the results are not satisfactory, the bucket test will be conducted again with some other variation.
Common elements to test
One should have a clear understanding about the elements that can impact their website or landing page’s conversion rate. Some of the most common elements that are tested include:

  • Headlines and sub-headlines such as altering the length, size and font.
  • Images such as the number of images on each page, their placement, type of imagery and subject matter.
  • Textual such as varying the number of words, style and font.
  • Call-to-action (CTA) buttons such as ‘Buy Now,’ ‘Sign Up,’ ‘Submit’ or ‘Get Started.’
  • Logos of customers or third party sites.

Optimizing conversions
The basic purpose behind creating any website for a business firm is to generate maximum leads by attracting a large number of visitors. Therefore, a lot is spent by the companies to meet this goal.

However, incorporating simple changes in terms of text, image or layout can benefit the company. With bucket testing, there is no need of subjective opinions about the page’s design or layout. The quantitative data collected from this test can drive the decision.

7 Best Practices You Can Consider for Functional Testing

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Testing plays a vital role in any software or application development.
Functional testing is done to test features or functionality of an application or software. All the possibilities, including failure and boundary conditions are considered in functional testing.
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Any functionality is tested by providing inputs, observing its output and comparing the actual results with the expected ones. Here are some effective procedures or best practices that may come handy while you perform functional testing:
1. Collect information required to perform testing
It is important to know what is to be tested and what the plan or procedure is, for testing. The development team has information about critical user commands and processes. Collect the information and test the critical things first.
It is important to be aware of market demands for product development. Document or matrix should be prepared to link the product to the requirement and to the test cases. Matrices should be modified as per the changes in requirement.
2. Make Test plan and test cases
Planning for what should be done to perform the testing, includes goals and scope of testing, number of people, hardware and software tools to be involved in the testing and schedule of testing, and number of test cases that should be written to perform testing. Test cases are nothing but input data based on the functionality’s specification. These test cases should be arranged and ranked as per priority to reduce delay and risk. The development team should review these test plans.
3. Execute the test
Test plans and actual functionality should match to execute the test correctly. Test cases should be written in such a way that it canbe modified if necessary with the changing needs of the product. For further analysis, problems faced and its solutions can be documented.
4. Consider the automated testing
Automated testing is done to improve quality of the product or software and also to save time. The tester has to decide about what should be automated.
Automated testing is slightly costlier in short span; but, in the long run it is more beneficial for the product. Avoid performing automation on things that can be cheaply and effectively done by manual testing.
5. Manage defects with data storage system
Many people working on same functionality may result in repetition of defect reports, incorrect order of issue solving, consideration of wrong defects and much more. To avoid this, acentralized data storage system should be managed which can be referred by everyone.
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The system includes standard templates for defect reporting and verifying, ranking of defects as per priority and information about the assignment of tasks. This helps in solving problemsone by one.
6. Reporting of test results
A test result report is presented in a specific format which includes summary of all test cases executed and the time taken at each stage for each feature with its status and progress. It also provides details of any new defect found during testing.
Overall, test result report should be presented in a clear and simple way for understanding of the development team.
7. Analysis
Problems and options in both testing and development can be detected during analysis. It helps in improving procedures followed in product development. Analysis is helpful to make product success.

6 Factors You Should Consider When Choosing a Software Testing Services Company

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There are a variety of quality assurance companies cropping up around the world. You have plenty of available options to test your mobile app or other software. So, you might be naturally confused to make a choice for your project. Here are a few tips to help you out.

Specialization

First of all, see if the software testing services company you are looking at is a specialized team of testers with both experienced and skilled testers. There are lots of companies which do testing as a make-shift business. Their developers might double up as testers. Which is not an ideal scenario.

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You can look at the client list and see if the agency has worked with businesses similar to yours. A specialized QA company will have a bankable clientele who can vouch for them. So, if possible, try to contact couple of their previous clients.

Such companies would also incorporate a variety of testing options with both manual and automation methods

Read Also : 4 Smart Ideas to Get the Best from Your Software Testing Service Team

Testing Platform

It is quite important that you understand which testing platform quality assurance recruitment agencies employ. Some agencies vary their testing platforms according to your application requirements. There are also a number of services that make use of cloud environment to ensure secure and easily accessible testing environment.

Early Release Testing Options

In certain cases, testers get used to the software they test so much that they do not see a number of defects any longer. In such cases, beta testing or other early release testing options on the web would ensure that your consumers get the best software. Employing beta users to report on bugs is also a low-cost method of testing for testing services companies

Communication

Whichever business you are working in, communication is significantly important. Clear, on-time communication means they get a clear idea of your test objectives. One easy way to identify such companies is by looking at their clientele. If they have numerous long-term clients, they are clearly good at communication. Also, they are definitely providing good testing service.

Recommended Read : 10 Must-have Tools for Software Testing Services

Business Aspects

What are the types of business models your vendor offers and does any of them suit your work requirements? Also, see if the company capable of managing sudden and dynamic technology changes. If they require team resizing, can your QA company handle it efficiently?

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And above all, check if their management style suits your working style. If they are a company with CMMI Level 5 certification, and your company is not, there is a high probability of frequent communication issues.

Information Security

Your business software or app might have unique features that make it special. So, you should be protected against the leakage of protected data with proper documents. There should be essential non-disclosure agreements signed-off between you and the software testing services company.

Having highly secure premises are an added advantage as it will provide additional security to your valuable data.

4 Smart Ideas to Get the Best from Your Software Testing Service Team

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As you might know, a business analyst, a toolsmith, a few technical investigators and probably a manager usually constitute a software testing service team.
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Let’s take the technical investigating team as an example. It’s quite natural that one of the guys in the team may be interested in mobile, another one in API’s.
A clever manager can easily understand the situation and is able to assign the right task to the right person. This will probably raise some questions.
Can he do this all the time? Suppose there is heavy workload and an experienced mobile professional goes on leave, or imagine a situation if the team members feel that they are “pigeonholed”.
What all things an efficient manager can do? Let’s have a look

  1. Discovering your “Testing Types”

When it comes to fix the testing team, we usually seek suggestions from our team members. Like a casual conversation, we ask “Should we keep a proportion for testers per programmer?”
Obviously, several opinions may arise. Some members suggest you’ve to provide only one tester to ten developers, as it‘s economic. Some say “No, if you want to ensure quality performance of apps, better keep a ratio of one tester per programmer”, and the conversation goes on like that.
Finally, the discussion settles with Agile testing ratio for the likes of many. We get maybe a couple of testers, perhaps zero, for every small group of programmers.
Having more than one slot allows you to deal an organizational problem much easier. For instance, for a couple of years back, when we had two open spaces, we choose a person who knows the basics of technical skills and another guy with a proficient knowledge of testing. More than that we attempt to get whatever number alternate viewpoints and perspectives as could reasonably be expected.
Many testers like to specialize; interestingly, some have genuine technical slashes and assume the role of a toolsmith making code that is beneficial for any production platform. Some others spend their time finding out about estimation, problem solving, and how individuals think and work, as they are interested in the origins of testing in philosophy and social science. In addition to this there are specialists in the business field and experts as well in making projects successful. So, everyone possesses special talents and it’s a challenge to fit them into teams.
One strategy you can do in this circumstance is to concentrate on your strengths.
Suppose you have to include a toolsmith in a small development team. The toolsmith can assist developers in programming automated checks in tune with the new features. The toolsmith is stubbing tests and creating the framework, while the new features are being developed.
You May Also Like : Mobile Software Testing Guide for First Time App Developers

  1. Blending skills

A decent long haul tactic may look similar to that, with some ability change blended in for both the tester and developer.
When we work with fresh teams it is really difficult to devise strategies in creating beneficial codes.
Pairing quite often makes a difference. With front-end designers, we stroll through javascript and discuss how information is being purified by cutting off driving or trailing white space (or not) before being passed to the database.
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Being engaged in Javascript for some time is a decent approach to stay aware of the new libraries that are turning out what appears like consistently. It likewise taught us how to depict issues in a way that would help them detect the code error quickly.
It’s obvious that most developers won’t transform into specialists and most testers likely won’t get to the point of writing production code. Unless you have a pleasant long professional career, there sufficiently isn’t time in the day. But, there is nothing wrong with making things a bit better.

  1. Learn, train and grow

A few teams have swung similarly as they can run and wound up with not very many, if any committed testers on their team.
It’s difficult to pick a spot to begin fixing testers on teams when you have much a greater number of teams than testers. You could attempt to have that exhausted tester jump between teams, dependably on the losing end of the stream of work, and attempt to work each aspect as it requires. On the other hand, you could begin from the flip side of the condition.
We are bringing you one of the experiences shared by a tester while he was an employee of a software testing company which had many development teams.
The company had a handful of developers and just two testers to go around. He was the one and the other guy was very junior. They worked in tandem and did the features as they came.
They got too many tasks daily, so sometimes they neglected one or two tasks. In fact, his plan was to slowly sow testing thoughts in the development team during lunch breaks and learns, showing issues and clarifying how he discovered them, and for the most part looking at testing.
Therefore, the quality of the code enhanced before they saw it and they could test less, and have less back and forth, while as yet keeping up trust in the work.
Everything went there like “tester as a trainer” model. Everyone is basically a developer at pivotal, however a few people are testing experts and share their expertise. Testers mingled with teams and train them via games and pairing on testing problems.
As a result, the developers have turned out to be all the more in fact, technically competent and they could also improve testing.
Read Also: 10 Must-have Tools for Software Testing Services

  1. Manage terrible fits

This way of sorting out teams is intense; it requires individuals that are devoted to change all around, and willing to manage change over long periods of time. That won’t work for everybody, and some may be a terrible fit in spite of being great individuals. Here are a couple of tactics to consider.

  • The Shuffle: Suppose a tester doesn’t fit into the requirements of one team, possibly they will work out with another. Assume, your team is looking for someone who can help you with test- driven development (TDD), unfortunately he is unable to pick it up even after a couple of weeks. He might fit for another team which is not that focused on automation tests. A person without much technical knowledge can contribute to that team. Perhaps they can even work on such rusty technical skills when required.

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  • Entire team testing: The well-known saying ‘anybody can test’ is valid, yet you better ensure you have the right team members. Getting sorted out is essential, even when there is no test team.Usuallly product managers are experts in finding the right clients, the right business area and are capable to identify work progress and business related issues. For instance, if you need to identify problems with core part of the products, sales people are your best choice, as they demo those products regularly.
  • Testability: This is the way we discuss how simple, or hard your product is to test. Do you have great logging? Do you have reliable methods for individuals to test their product without a client interface? Is it simple to make sense of how to get around and utilize the product? Making it simpler to get data about your product will help testers identify their quality.

The size of our software testing service team reduced, as we have a small team of developers and only so several slots for testing professionals. Fitting the professionals in the right group, or making sense of how to develop an expertise set will reward you in the long run.

Top Automation Tools for iOS App Testing Services

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Unlike Android app testing, iOS App Testing is different and more complex. Testing services use many tools to tackle the set of challenges.

Here are top mobile automation tools for iOS mobile app testing services.

  1. XCTest

XCTest is provided by Apple. You can use this framework for unit testing. You can write and run your tests easily with this tool owing to its good interaction with the IDE. Even doing TDD workflow is much easier with XCTest.

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You might have heard of OCUnit tool. It was used to perform unit testing prior to iOS 6. OCUnit has now become obsolete and XCTest is the recommended tool ever since the Xcode 5.

Read Also : 8 Must-Know iOS Testing Tips

  1. UI Automation

UI Automation is an Apple sanctioned way of performing iOS functional testing. You might be familiar with typical functional tests or black-box tests. In such tests you’ve to write code that simulates an end user navigating your app, in fact you’re doing a kind of UI Automation there.

You have to use instruments to utilize UI Automation. For example, tools that come with Xcode can be used for this purpose.

iOS code is written in Objective – C or Swift, whereas UI Automation tests are written in JavaScript. This is the only drawback of UI Automation.

Since UI Automation is lightly documented, there is chance for experiencing technical problems. As there is not much of a community around it, you are devoid of technical support as well.

If new versions of XCODE are launched, Apple may provide updates to UI Automation. In the event, apple doesn’t give you technical support; you can rely on third party ways to test your iOS code.

  1. OCmock

OCmock is a popular iOS app testing tool. As it as an efficient tool, you can use it for stubbing out and making mock objects of stuff. For instance, it works like a code that leverages in a remote API.

There are codes that relies on a User Interface (UI), you can utilize OCmock tool for such codes. It’s not easy for you to represent yourself like UI objects.

  1. KIF (Keep It Functional)

KIF is an amazing tool for iOS App Testing Services. It can be used as an alternative to UI Automation.

It’s an open source and third party tool as well.

As you write tests in UI Automation, this tool also enables you to write tests somewhat in the similar fashion.

KIF depends on accessibility labels much similar to UI Automation. Since you are allowed to define your application, you can design your app that is accessible for visually impaired persons as well. Instructions for using the app can be prompted through audio queues.

KIF has a couple of advantages over UI Automation. You have to swap languages between Objective – C and JavaScript in UI Automation. As KIF is written in Objective – C which supports Swift too, you don’t need to swap between languages.

  1. FBSnapshotTestCase

FBSnapshotTestCase helps you to verify your UI code by performing visual diffs between saved screenshots. Facebook has created this brilliant tool and maintained by them as well.

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Unlike taking the full screenshot of the device, Snapshot tool helps you to do in a more granular level. It enables you to choose UI view for widgets on the screen. Additionally, you are able to separate snapshot test case into UI view subclass. This is a useful feature when compared to the normal kind of simulated click and play used in UI Automation.

Read Also : Best practices to follow for iOS mobile app testing

  1. FRANK – BDD for iOS

Frank tool permits you to build acceptance tests utilizing Cucumber<. You can do end- to- end testing in iOS with this tool.

Since it acts like an adaptor connecting your app to Cucumber, Frank helps you to run BDD tests for your iOS app.

You will get step- by- step recipe from the Cucumber recipes book (Test iOS using Frank), that would be a great help for you.

We highly recommend these amazing tools for iOS App Testing Services, as it is successfully used by experienced engineers to automate their own projects.

6 Automation Tools for iOS App Testing

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Developing application for iOS is not similar to developing an application for Android Operating System. Apple has certain guidelines that could stop the development efforts. And it will become a balancing act of developing an appropriate app and getting the Apple’s approval. There are so many advantages in developing iOS platform rather than developing the android platform. There are six iOS app testing tools that are to be mentioned if one need to know about mobile automation testing.

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Below follows the top six automation tools for iOS app testing:

  1. XCTest

One can use the framework called XCTest for the purpose of unit testing. This framework is provided by Apple. They can also maintain a good integration with integrated data environment in order to write test, run test and doing test-driven development work-flow. XCTest is the recommended testing framework when the use of Xcode5 and OCUnit got depreciated.

Read Also: 8 Must-Know iOS Testing Tips

2. User Interface Automation

There is User Interface Automation, especially for the more typical functional test or black box tests where the user is going to write code that stimulates end user navigating the app. User Interface Automation is also by Apple and is one of the apple sanctioned way of carrying out iOS app testing. For using User Interface Automation, there is the need of instruments that comes as one of the tools of Xcode. The only disadvantage of using User Interface Automation is that tests are written in Javascript which is entirely different from iOS code written in Objective-C or Swift.

3. Ocmock

It is a typical mock framework that acts like a code that leverages in a remote application program interface just like a web service. We can also use Ocmock for code which relies on user interface objects that you can’t easily represent by yourself through unit tests.

4. KIF (keep it functional)

One of the better alternatives for User Interface Automation is a tool called KIF. KIF is an abbreviation for keeping it functional. It is an open source and better than User Interface Automation. It mostly relies on accessibility labels just like User Interface Automation. While defining the application, it should be made sure that the app is accessible to people who are visually impaired. When compared to User Interface automation, KIF has certain benefits that are, one can write a test in Objective-C which supports Swift. This is not possible for User Interface automation. Also, KIF tests are executed in the same way as unit tests. Graphical User Interface based tests are much easier to execute with the help of KIF.

You May Also Like: 11 Differences Between iOS And Android Mobile App Testing

5. FBSnapshotTestCase

As the name suggests, it is indeed created and maintained by Facebook. The basic function of this tool is that it allows to verify one’s User Interface code by doing visual differences between saved screenshots. One can do it in a granular level than the full screenshot. You can take little User Interface view where you will get widget on the screen. One can isolate the snapshot text case to the User interface subclass view to change anything.

6. FRANK- Behavior Driven Development for iOS

For doing end-to-end testing and to use behavior driven development and cucumber ( written using a ruby programming language), it is better to use the tool called Frank. It allows us to create acceptance tests and requirements using cucumber. Frank helps to run behavior driven development tests against our iOS app testing.

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In almost every testing process, automated tests are used. Automated testing can help to exclude errors and can thus take care of omission in the test that takes place at the time of execution caused by humans. Each of the above automation tools is unique and possess certain characteristics.

Top 5 Automation Testing Tools for Android

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Automation testing is used these days in almost all the test processes. The advantage of a reduced testing time along with reduction in error has led to its widespread acceptance among software testers. With a wide variety of testing tools available for this purpose, one should be aware of their features to better understand them.
automation testing
Choosing a single tool to support you entire project is rather impossible, since most tools may not be able to fully correspond to you project. Here we discuss the top 5 tools that have been the most sought after by Android testers around the globe.
1.Robotium Android Testing Tool
Pros
It is one of the first and frequently used automation tools for Android software testing. Robotium, a free Android UI testing tool is suitable for test automation of different Android versions. Often referred to as Selenium by Android Software developers, the tests created by Robotium are written in Java. Robotium is also a library for unit tests.
Cons
But Robotium is time consuming and needs much more effort to create tests in it. This is because in order to automate tests, one must work with the program source code. Also the tool is unsuitable for interacting with system software; it is incapable of locking and unlocking smart phones or tablets. Robotium does not have a record or a play function and it also does not provide screenshots. As part of continuous integration, Robotium incorporates easily with Maven, Gradle or Ant for the execution of tests.
2.MonkeyRunner
Pros
This is a popular Android app testing tool used for the automation of functional tests for Android software. This tool is more low-level when compared to Robotium, but does not have to work with the source code in order to automate tests. Written in Python, it also gives provision of using a recording tool for creating tests.
With MonkeyRunner, it is possible to run tests on real devices connected to a PC or emulators. The API within the tool helps to control a smart phone, a tablet or an emulator from outside of the Android code.
Cons
The biggest disadvantage of this mobile app testing tool is the necessity of writing scripts for each device. Another drawback is the need for a test to be adjusted each time the user interface of a test program changes.
3.Appium Android Automation Framework
Pros
Appium is used to test iOS and Android native mobile web and hybrid applications. While native apps are written with the help of iOS or Android SDKs, mobile web apps can be opened on mobile browsers and hybrid apps are totally involved with “webview”. It is an open-source mobile automation tool.
The running of tests does not require any changes to be made in the source code which is a huge advantage. The Selenium JSON Wire Protocol used in Appium allows you to write the test in any language supported by Selenium. Appium facilitates testers to reuse the code between iOS and Android test suites even though it is considered a “cross-platform” tool.
Cons
The advantages are in plenty, but it would be a sin not to discuss its drawbacks as well. It takes a long time to configure appium for both android and iOS and also is prone to too many unexpected errors.
4.UI Automator
Pros
UI Automator allows you to do more in Android app testing and games when compared to the basic framework that is Robotium. You can test the user interface (UI) of your native Android apps on one or more devices with Google’s test framework. Another advantage of UI Automator is that the cases can span across different processes with JUnit test cases having special privileges. It also provides five different classes for developers.
app testing
Cons
UI Automator has its downsides, one of them being it only works on Android devices with API level of 16 or higher. Another drawback of UI Automator is its lack of support for webview, were directly accessing Android objects is not possible.
5.Espresso
Pros
It is the latest Android test automation framework open-sourced by Google. It is available for developers and software testers to work on their UIs. Its API is small and predictable making it easy to learn and above all built on top of the Android instrumentation framework.
It helps to write concise and reliable Android UI tests and is supported on API level 8 (Froyo), 10 (Gingerbread), and 15 (Ice Cream Sandwich) till current versions.
Its reliability and the ability to synchronize with the UI thread makes it fast since there is no need for any sleeps.
Cons
Just like UI Automator, it too suffers the drawback of not supporting webviews.

5 Most Common Software Testing Methodologies

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Software testing services offer a number of testing models. But for you to choose the right testing model, you need to be aware of the capabilities and shortcomings of each model. In this blog, we help you to choose the testing methodologies that best suits your software testing needs.
Software Testing Methodologies
Various approaches are used by software testers in software development processes. A software development process is also called a Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). Here we will discuss 5 of the most frequently used testing methodologies and the advantages and disadvantages of using them in a Software Development Life Cycle.
1. Waterfall Model
Developed by Winston Royce in the early 1970s, it is one of the most basic life cycle models. It was the first successful process model with a sequential development phase. The process flows progressively like that of a waterfall through multiple phases and hence the name waterfall model. The model as such is divided in into the following phases:

  • Requirement Gathering and Analysis phase
  • Software Design
  • Implementation and Testing
  • Maintenance

All the phases are sequential and each step is dependent on the previous one. This means that for a particular phase to begin, all the defined set of objectives and goals belonging to the previous step needs to be completed. This can sometimes become a disadvantage, but the simplicity in implementation and ease of maintenance is what fuels the popularity of this model.
The amount of resources required is minimal when compared to other models. A document is created after every phase of the model which helps to better understand and design the system. Creating deadlines for each stage helps to develop the system within a predetermined time frame. This model is rigid and lacks flexibility. It is impossible to make changes in the development of the system.
Advantage

  • Simple and easy
  • Since the model is rigid, it’s easy to manage
  • Clearly defined
  • Minimum client intervention
  • The only completion can lead to the next phase

Disadvantage

  • Can’t be used for a complex project
  • Highly risky
  • Not meant for big projects
  • Changes in the project are not possible

2. V-Model
To overcome the disadvantages of the Waterfall Model, an alternative called V Model was introduced. It enables testing at each phase of SDLC, while the Waterfall Model supports testing only in the end phase. This helped testers to find issues at the earlier stages rather than at the end.
Before the start of actual testing, the testing team works on various activities like preparing the Test Strategy, Test Planning, Creation of Test cases and Test Scripts. These work in parallel with the development activity, helping to get the test completed on time. It is also called the verification or validation model.

In this process, the “Do-Procedure” is handled by the developer team whereas the “Check-Procedure” is followed by the testing team to meet the requirements. The V-model typically consists of the following phases:
1. Unit Testing: Preparation of Unit Test Cases
2. Integration Testing: Preparation of Integration Test Cases
3. System Testing: Preparation of System test cases
4. Acceptance Testing: Preparation of Acceptance Test Cases
Advantage

  • Systematic progress
  • Extensive functional area coverage
  • Works for small projects
  • High usage of resources
  • Detailed information about the problem with the software

Disadvantage

  • The process comes to an abrupt end when the project is finished, in short, re-usability is less
  • Not suitable for big projects
  • Risk management and risk mitigation is not possible
  • Not suitable if there is frequent change in requirement

3. Agile Model
The agile development model is a type of incremental model where the software is developed in incremental, rapid cycles. This produces small incremental releases with each release building on previous functionality. These releases are thoroughly tested to ensure software equality and the model is commonly used for time-critical applications.
It helps in the rapid and continuous delivery of useful software which ensures customer satisfaction. This model promotes constant interaction between customers, developers, and testers, and even facilitates face-to-face conversation.
Such a model demands a clear cut idea about the output or else the project can easily be taken off track. It is difficult for a newbie programmer and constantly requires the services of an experienced hand.
Agile welcomes changes that need to be implemented. This can be done at an affordable cost because of frequent increments that are produced. Unlike the waterfall model, the agile model requires very limited planning to get started with the project.
Advantage

  • Rapid continuous delivery
  • Changes in requirement will not be an issue
  • Concentration on the process
  • More focus on customer satisfaction

Disadvantage

  • Lengthy documentation
  • Cannot be used for small projects
  • If the customer is not sure about the project it can derail
  • Only experienced testers can be a part of the process

4. Spiral Model
It is similar to the incremental model but gives more emphasis on risk analysis. The spiral model has four phases:

  1. Planning
  2. Risk Analysis
  3. Engineering
  4. Evaluation.

A software project repeatedly goes through these phases in iterations and in the baseline spiral, starting in the planning phase, requirements are gathered and risk is analyzed. Each subsequent spiral builds on the baseline spiral.
There is a high amount of risk analysis taking place which helps to better avoid them. Additional functionalities can be added at a later stage of development. In spite of the advantages, this is a costly model to use and also the process of risk analysis requires highly specific expertise.
This model is widely used when costs and risk evaluation is of prime importance, especially in those medium to high-risk projects. For users who are unsure of what they need, this model can be quite helpful.
Advantages

  • Scope for extensive risk analysis
  • High documentation control
  • Accurate capturing of requirement
  • User can see the system clearly

Disadvantages

  • So complex
  • End of the project will not be known early
  • Only experts can do risk management
  • Objectives are hard to define
  • Can’t be practiced for small projects

5. RUP
It is an object-oriented and web-enabled program development methodology and is like an online mentor that provides guidelines, templates, and examples for all aspects and stages of program development. RUP is a comprehensive software engineering tool that combines the procedural aspects of development with other components of development within a unifying framework.
Advantage

  • An iterative process which is better than the waterfall model in many processes
  • Accurate documentation
  • Integration requires less time

Disadvantage

  • Relies heavily on experts
  • Complicated model
  • Since the process welcomes integration, it can lead to confusions


RUP establishes four phases of development:

·         Inception phase: Developers define the scope of the project and its business.

·         Elaboration phase: Developers analyze the project’s needs in greater detail and define its architectural foundation.

·         Construction phase: Developers create the application design and source code.

·         Transition phase: Developers deliver the system to users.