Category: Process

What is Quality Assurance (QA)? Process and Methodology

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Quality Assurance (QA) is something other than manual testing. The current frameworks are more unpredictable than customary methodologies can deal with. New automated test methods have developed enabling machines to automatically and thoroughly test themselves for flaws.

With this article, we are going to give you in-depth knowledge about Quality Assurance.
quality assurance
What is Quality Assurance?

Quality Assurance (QA) or Software Quality Assurance (SQA) is a planned and systematic model of activities essential to give satisfactory assurance that a product adjusts to prerequisites amid software improvement.

SQA incorporates the complete software development life cycle, and the purpose is to make sure that the development and support processes are refined continuously to generate products which satisfy specs.

Remember that the range of quality isn’t restricted to merely Software Testing. For instance, how adequately the requirements are asserted and also maintained quite matter.

Software Quality Assurance comprises of strategies and practices of evaluating the software development methods, processes, technologies, and tools used to guarantee the quality of the created product. It is typically accomplished by using well-planned standard systems, covering processes and tools, for quality control to assure the reliability and dependability of the product.

What are the principles of software quality assurance?

The important principles to follow for software quality assurance are:

1. Stopping Problems Before They Happen: It is better to prevent mistakes in the software development process from occurring rather than correcting them later on. This principle states the importance of finding and temporarily resolving issues at an early stage in a procedure.

2. Always Getting Better: Quality assurance of software is not a one-off process. It should be an integral part of the entire development cycle. This principle advocates for constant checking and updating of the software throughout its operation.

3. Including Everyone: All stakeholders, such as developers clients and testers along with the project managers need to work together. This principle notifies that all need to communicate and work together to produce quality software.

4. Focusing on the Big Risks: It is necessary to define and manage the most significant risks in software. This principle refers to focusing on the risks that have the maximum potential impact on software.

Due to these principles, the software is not just fixed when problems appear but it is made with high quality from the beginning.

The Quality Assurance process can involve –

  • Recognizing standards when any applied in software development methods.
  • To carry traditional processes, for example, quality reviews.
  • Conduct in-process test data recording processes.
  • Encouraging documentation procedure measures.

This extraordinary issue fills in as a platform for experts to display hypothesis, results, understanding, and different progressions in Software Quality Assurance process.
Process of Quality Assurance


Below are a few quality characteristics of the Quality Assurance process –

  1. Concentrate on the User Experience

Testing at all stages of the venture is critical. However, the most dominant point is the user experience.
In case that the UX is terrible, it unavoidably implies the quality isn’t of standard. Despite the fact that this will presumably result in variations in the earlier stage of software development, the user experience should dependably be at the leading place.

  1. Automation and Continuous Integration

Automation is essential since it offers quick review, empowering continuous integration – an important part of the agile approach.
Automation is additionally solution to lessening costs and improving the productivity of your QA staff; that is one of the principle reasons why QA engineers must teach themselves and be apt to execute automation processes.

  1. Test and Code Coverage

Numerous QA managers ramble about “test coverage,” that gives a decent broad image of the quality of the product. But to accomplish genuine quality, test cases and code coverage examination both ought to be held.
For instance, regardless of the fact that 100% test coverage is performed by you, you have to, in any case, go for a minimum 90% function code coverage to guarantee the best outcomes.

  1. The Shift-Left Approach

Software testing begins commonly once the coding stage is finished. In any case, for ideal quality in an agile strategy, you have to drive the concentration and start checking as well as testing directly from the origin of the venture. It guarantees bugs are identified sooner, that saves both money and time.
Additionally, it ensures a positive association with developers in the group, quickens the delivery of the application, and takes into consideration more noteworthy test coverage.

  1. Smart Testing

Full and thorough testing can now and again lead to a challenge since numerous personals might not have resources or time to experience each reasonable combination of cases.
But you ought to be smart in how and what to test. It implies, speaking with the engineer to discover little experiments that will identify the best number of bugs.

  1. Bug Prevention

QA managers are prepared to detect bugs, but an ingenious QA specialist will likewise consider how to avoid them in any case.
Conventional QA begins testing at the UI level, yet an agile process begins with the functional and unit testing and after that moves to the UI phase. This methodology keeps bugs from entering the top level of development which can later on lead to more severe issues and likely postpone the delivery.
Furthermore, concentrate on major crucial bugs and errors at first as opposed to many small errors.

  1. Portability

It is critical for software to adjust to various environments. For example, a framework should operate just as efficiently on a web platform as it works on mobile.
The versatility, installability, replaceability, and conformance of the product should be recorded respectively.

  1. Reliability

A system crash is not a unique situation. However, in quality testing, you require to check the system’s capacity to resist component breakdown. The system ought to be ready to get back into complete control even after a possible malfunction in the product.

  1. Documentation

This process manages the administration and archiving of documents. Any variation in a record is done by using the appropriate change control method. Approval of all kinds of documents is also done in this process.
Methods Used in Quality Assurance


There are a few distinct kinds of QA testing, which are all critical for guaranteeing your application is having no bug. Beneath, we’ve given the most vital QA testing methods to offer you a full comprehension of the testing procedure and how it improves your application, product, or software.
Non-functional Testing
QA testing can be separated into two sections: functional and non-functional testing. Before we discuss the functional testing, how about we take a look at the four phases of non-functional testing –

  • Vulnerability Testing

Vulnerability testing includes testing a site or application to find security holes and vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers. The objective of this phase of testing is to make sure that there are no security risks that could compromise users’ information or other sensitive data.

  • Compatibility Testing

Similarity testing includes checking that product is completely compatible with the software and hardware it will be running on.
A few components are tested amid this stage, from internet browsers to hardware, operating systems, integral modules, and that’s only the tip of the iceberg.

  • Usability Testing

Convenience testing includes testing that the software is intuitive and easy to use. The objective of this phase of the testing process is to ensure that the end user can utilize the product without dissatisfaction or confusion because of its design and UI.

  • Performance Testing

Performance testing includes confirmation that the product performs adequately in an assortment of conditions that could influence users, from substantial load to insufficient battery power.
The goal of a performance test is to make sure the application runs as it ought to and to determine its confinement utilizing load testing.
Functional Testing
Functional testing is generally separated into four segments. Every one of them is depicted beneath –

  • Unit Testing

The Unit testing method is the testing of individual software modules or parts that make up a system or an application.
The module’s developers normally write these tests and in a test-driven-improvement strategy, (for example, Agile, XP, or Scrum).They are written before the module is made as a component of the spec. Every module function is tested by a particular unit test installation written in a similar programming language like the module.

  • Integration Testing

This part of the testing process includes the testing of the distinctive modules or components that have been effectively unit tested when incorporated together to perform particular activities and tasks (otherwise called scenario testing).
This testing is typically finished with a combination of manual testing and automated functional tests relying upon the fact that it is easy to make automated tests for particular integrated components.

  • System Testing

System testing expands the scale of integration testing to test the whole framework all in all. A standard system test includes running the whole framework so as to find beforehand neglected bugs, stability problems, and serious issues.
As should be obvious, the initial three phases of functional testing include a steady increment in range, from a sole unit to many integrated units to a whole system.

  • Acceptance Testing

The acceptance testing technique is the last stage of functional software testing and includes ensuring that all the project or product necessities have been met. It also assures that the customers and end-users have tested the framework to ensure it works as assumed and meets all their defined prerequisites.

Different approaches to SQA

Within the scope of Software Quality Assurance (SQA), several approaches can be adapted depending on the specific nature of the software development process. Here’s an overview of different approaches:

1. Traditional Approach (Waterfall Model):
The traditional approach follows a hierarchical process, which is also referred to as the Waterfall model. All stages of requirement analysis, design, coding, testing and maintenance are completed before moving on to the next one. SQA is performed at the end of each gateway to verify requirements are met and minimize errors and defects.

2. Agile Approach:
The Agile approach includes its iterative, incremental and dynamic nature. It involves the delivery of small sections of software as well as enabling cooperation between development teams, testing teams and stakeholders. The focus is on self-organizing teams, continuous integration, testing test delivery and feedback which allows obtaining better results.

3. DevOps Approach:
As a combination of development and IT operations, DevOps puts customer satisfaction first. It focuses on collaboration, automation and continuous delivery while relying on continuous integration, testing and deployment of software for efficiency. This technique is appropriate for projects that need frequent revisions.

4. Six Sigma Approach:
The Six Sigma method uses a data-driven approach to minimize defects and errors in the software product. Through the use of statistical methods, it measures and enhances software quality. This methodology is appropriate for projects that focus on defect elimination.

5. Lean Approach:
Efficiency and waste reduction are the focus concerning Lean software development. Pointing to continuous improvement and elimination of non-value-added activities it is appropriate for projects aimed at efficacy enhancement and waste minimization.

6. Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) Approach:
CI/CD, on the other hand, focuses on continuous integration and deployment of software products. Focusing on automation, continuous testing and delivery, it is suitable for projects that require constant integration as well as deployment.

7. Test-Driven Development (TDD) Approach:
In Test-Driven Development, automated tests are written before the code is developed. This enables the code to comply with the requirements and specifications of a software product. Activities involved in the process are test case development, execution of tests and restructuring code to ensure quality results.

8. Risk-Based Approach:
The Risk-Based Approach to SQA implies defining and controlling the risks arising from software products. It includes risk analysis, mitigation and monitoring to ensure compliance with specified standards by the software product.

Finally, organizations can choose the SQA method that suits their goals, needs and resources to have software products with appropriate quality.

What is the importance of software quality assurance?

The importance of Software Quality Assurance (SQA) can be understood through various important aspects.
To commence, SQA ensures compliance of the software with specified quality standards and requirements thus creating a reliable product that is efficient as well as user-friendly.

Second, it saves costs and time by letting developers detect bugs before the program release eliminating prolonged modifications after an application launch.

Moreover, SQA contributes to ensuring the stability and competitiveness of a software product by inspecting every element against industry standards. This granular testing for multiple requirements including reliability, functionality, usability and portability creates a product of high quality.

In addition, SQA preserves a firm’s image by avoiding the delivery of poor-quality products. It is essential for a brand image and reputation to resolve issues before customers notice that there are problems.

Additionally, SQA is critical in driving security and compliance. It aids in helping the organizations to validate that their applications are effective, safe and reliable as per relevant regulatory requirements or industry-specific compliance standards, particularly on matters related to security data.

Finally, SQA ensures customer satisfaction.

In such a way, complete evaluation and testing of the software lead to final product development in line with all needs expressed by customers while functioning perfectly well. In short, the overall SQA process is a mandatory stage of any product launch for software.

What is the difference between quality assurance and quality control?

Two important concepts in software development, quality control and quality assurance often get distorted. Although they are both concerned with the quality of software, their approaches and goals are different.

Now, let us focus on the major distinctions between quality assurance and quality control in software development

Conclusion
Software Quality Assurance covers the entire process of development cycle to make sure that a product has met its specification in the top most quality possible.

Quality assurance identifies weakness and issues related to the process and will make sure that nothing like that surfaces. It works on continually improving the process of producing a better product. Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) and ISO 9000 are widely used systems when it comes to Quality management.

What is gray/ grey box testing? Examples Included!

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Gray box testing/ grey box testing is a method of testing a software system – application or product, externally and internally by using a combination of “white box testing” and “black-box testing”.
Gray box testing is carried out with limited or partial knowledge of the internal workings of the software system/application.
With a view to conquering the deficiencies and ambiguities found in such type of testing, Grey Box Testing (also spelled as Gray Box Testing) has been developed as a productive merger of white box and black box testing.
White Box Testing – the internal structure (code) is known
Black Box Testing – the internal structure (code) is unknown
Grey Box Testing – the internal structure (code) is partially known
let’s dive dip into the implication of grey/gray box testing in software engineering.
white box testing + black box testing
Grey Box Testing Methodology
First – White Box Testing to study and gain a basic understanding of the internal features of the application.
Second – Design and define test cases based on thorough knowledge and understanding to cover each and every aspect of the application.
Third – Black box testing to execute developed test cases to externally test the qualities of the software application.
Best Suited Applications:
Grey-box testing is an ideal fit for Web-based applications.
Grey-box testing is the best technique for domain or functional testing
Grey Box Testing Strategy in software engineering
It’s not necessary in this methodology that source code is required by the tester to design test cases. To carry out this testing process, test cases can be designed based on the algorithm, knowledge of architectures, internal states, or other advanced descriptions of the program behavior.
It utilizes all the clear-cut techniques of black box testing for function testing. The generation of a test case is based on requirements and presetting all the conditions by the assertion method.
The standard steps to carry out Grey box Testing are as follows:
Step 1: Selection and identification of inputs from White-Box and Black-Box testing inputs.
Step 2: Identification of probable outputs from the above-selected inputs.
Step 3: Identification of all the key paths to pass through during the testing phase.
Step 4: Identification of sub-functions to carry out deep-level testing.
Step 5: Identification of inputs for sub-functions.
Step 6: Identification of likely outputs for sub-functions.
Step 7: Execution of a test case for sub-functions.
Step 8: Verification of the appropriateness of outcome.
Step 9: Repetition of Steps 4 and 8.
Step 10: Repetition of Steps 7 and 8.
Security-related, GUI-related, Database related, Browser related, and Operational system-related testing are all part of the test cases designed for the process.
Types of Grey box testing/gray box testing/Grey box testing techniques
Matrix Testing
Matrix testing, a technique coming under Grey Box testing, defines all the used variables of a particular program. In any program, variables are the essential elements through which values can move through the program.
It should be on par with the requirement without which the readability of the program and speed of the software will be reduced. The matrix technique is a way to eliminate uninitialized and unused variables by identifying used variables from the program.
Examination of inherent risks like technical risks and business risks that are associated with the variables with different frequencies labeled by the software developer is carried out under this type of testing.
The design of test cases becomes smooth and easier when all of this information is summarized in two types of tables as in the following example:
All Info About Grey Box Testing (With Examples) All Info About Grey Box Testing (With Examples)
From the information in the above two tables, the testing analyst can immediately make out that the technical and business aspect of the code, namely saving and deleting records requires testing.
Regression Testing
This type of testing is carried out after executing a functional development or repair to the program.
To verify whether the modification in any of the previous versions of the software has regressed or caused any unintended or adverse side effect in other aspects of the program in the new version, the following testing strategies can be pursued:

  • Retesting within a firewall where dependencies are analyzed for choosing baseline tests
  • Retesting risky use cases where the risk factor is considered
  • Retesting all existing test cases
  • Retesting by profile where time is allocated in proportion to the operational profile
  • Retesting changed segment where code changes are compared for choosing baseline tests

At some stage in confirmation testing, if any defect got rectified, and that part of the software started functioning as intended, there might be a possibility that the rectified defect may have initiated a different defect somewhere else in the software.
Here, regression testing takes care of these types of defects by utilizing the above-mentioned testing strategies. The tester, as a reference, may use 80% of the allowed time to run existing test cases and 20% of the allowed time to execute exploratory testing.
Orthogonal Array Testing or OAT
The intention behind this testing is to locate defective logic in the system by providing coverage with the maximum code as well as GUI functions and with minimum test cases in a statistical and organized way of software testing.
Complex applications and e-comm products can be tested with this technique. Orthogonal Array Testing is composed of an array of values in which a variable is represented in each column and a test case is represented in each row.
A simple example is as follows:
All Info About Grey Box Testing (With Examples)
By conveying values for each factor and then, of course, extrapolating for combined pairing, the total number of test cases will surely come down to nine from 27.
Though simple, this effective technique helps in maximizing the required testing coverage.
Pattern Testing
This testing is carried out by using the record of analysis on the historical data of the previous system defects. These analyses may contain specific reasons for the defect or bug with information on the problem that has been addressed, applicable situation, generic test cases, etc.
Unlike black box testing, grey box testing plows within the code to determine the reason for the failure so that they can be fixed in the next software. It is noteworthy that pattern testing is applicable only to such type of software that has been developed by following the same pattern of previous software as the possibility of similar defects occurs in this software only.
Generally, the Grey box methodology employs automated software testing tools to conduct the testing. Module drivers and stubs are created to relieve the tester from manually generating the code.
Examples for grey/gray box testing
Grey Box Testing is said to be performed when –

  • The codes for two modules or units are studied for designing test cases which is the White Box Testing method and then
  • Actual tests are conducted using the exposed interfaces which are the Black Box Testing method.

For example, during testing of Drupal website containing links, if an error crops up while clicking that link, changes can be made in the HTML code for further checking. Here the user is carrying out white box testing by altering the code and black-box testing by testing on the front end.
Types of testing
Objectives of Grey Box Testing
Some of the main objectives are:

  1. To help combine the inputs from both testers and developers to get the best results
  2. To improve the overall quality of the product with less cost
  3. To find defects early and get the developers more time to fix the issues
  4. To combine the advantages of both black box and white box testing
  5. To reduce the overhead of functional and non-functional test documentations

Advantages of Grey Box Testing
Now, let us look at some of the advantages of choosing Grey Box testing.

  1. The testing is carried out from a user perspective and hence helps to improve the overall quality of the application.
  2. In most cases, the testers do not need technical or programming knowledge to get started with grey box testing. This also means that the manual and automation testers can both perform this testing with equal ease.
  3. Since the defects are found earlier, it gives the development teams more time to fix and deploy the changes.
  4. The clarity and transparency of the test ensure there are no conflicts between the testers and developers.
  5. It can be much more effective both quality-wise and cost-wise when compared to integration testing

Disadvantages of Grey Box Testing
In this section, we look at some disadvantages of Grey Box testing

  1. Since we are looking at only part of the system, it is very difficult to assign defects to a particular module.
  2. Since the testers have only limited access to the code, they have only limited knowledge about the paths traversed. This can reduce the coverage.
  3. It can be difficult to design effective test cases for grey box testing
  4. It can not be used for algorithm testing
  5. Neither white box nor black box testing benefits can be reaped fully through the process.

Challenges in Grey Box Testing
Here, we discuss few common challenges related to Grey Box Testing, that are preventing companies from utilizing it fully.

  1. In some cases, the test case may be a pass but the displayed results would be incorrect. Such cases can not be handled well in grey box testing.
  2. In case the module under test crashes it may lead to aborting the test and it would be difficult to find the reason.
  3. Testers do not have access to the source code, hence they may miss some critical vulnerabilities in the application
  4. For large applications, it can be very time-consuming to check all the input combinations and traverse all the different paths involved.

Tools used for Grey Box Testing
The tools used for automation of black and white box testing can also very well be used for Grey Box Testing. The most popular tools used are:

  • Selenium
  • Appium
  • Postman
  • Chrome Dev Tools
  • Burp Suite
  • JUnit
  • Cucumber
  • RestAssured

What is gray box penetration testing?
The main idea behind the gray box/ grey box pen testing is to form a precise idea about network security.  By leveraging the information provided in the design document of a particular network assessments can be made that can be used to predict risk-prone areas in a network.  Usually minimal credential and information is available for this type of testing.  The level of access a hacker could gain can be envisioned using this type of testing. In short, both internal and external attacks can be simulated
Grey-box-penetration-testing
Conclusion
Nowadays in this modern world, nobody is indisputably safe from cybercrime irrespective of whether it is a big corporate or an individual, government organization, or non-benefit association.
The potentiality of becoming a cybercrime target looms large. Grey box testing comes up as a priceless tool for securing security in software. Significant vulnerabilities can be uncovered by giving in less effort and cost.

Dating Apps Test: How To Test?

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Dating Apps Test: Why do we need that? this question might have come across many companies thinking about leveraging the popularity of such apps.
You must Remember that there are hundreds of dating apps out there. Many are not successful? Reason? Bugs! Users will be always driven towards apps that have high user experience and stable.
To make a stable app you need to test it rigorously so that no bug will be there and the app can assure your company success.
to know more about how to perform Dating Apps Test, continue reading this blog

How to test a dating application
Before we move further in the topic of dating application, it is essential to know how these applications are even tested. This solid foundation will open up new doors in terms of coding and testing for us to understand the main concept of the headliner.
There are several applications for dating that can be downloaded in order to test them. Once, you have tested them, you can easily put up a review for developers to understand what goes wrong.
Whereas in most of the scenarios, a testing team is assigned to ensure that they understand the flow of an application and test it with the highest priority.
The main thing that a tester knows better than others is that a location specific application is easy to test but when it comes to multiple locations then it can be a daunting task.
It requires a lot of struggle and localization for the testing methods to come into play. So, let us understand the workflow in order to get a hang off dating application testing.
1. Download an application
It will actually depend whether you are putting up an application in the beta mode of testing or having a team to do the deed.
In the beta mode, some of the users are given an authority to test an application by downloading it and checking on the essential features. Whereas in the testing team mode, the testing team will follow up a certain process to test an application properly.
In the beta mode, a user is required to search an application on the store of their phone. One can easily click into an application with the help of keywords, description, and title of an application given by the developer.
In addition to this, it is essential to know the localization of that particular application. This will help in placing it in the group of a global or local audience.
Once, this is done, the people can download the application which has signed up for the beta mode. They can send out their reviews for developers to understand the bugs or errors. It is the best in case one don’t have local testers or they want the live response of their audience. The first and foremost thing that this will help in is to understand the downloading and installing process.

  • There are times when a user has trouble in downloading an application. This will help in eliminating that trouble.
  • Then there is third-party interference in an application that might trigger a user off. This point must be tested as well.
  • There can be a custom error during the time of launch that can be filtered out.
  • In addition to this, there might be memory errors or location issues.

In order to avoid these problems, it is better to launch an application as the beta testing. This will reveal a new dating application to users and even test your application.
2. Get registered
Now, since the download and installing are handled, comes the registration process of a user. For every single application, we all have seen two types of application. One of them is having a personal user password and ID while other depends on an API network. In the case of testing, it is essential to test both the aspect.
In the personal name and password system, one needs to fill in their account details and get them verified. There are many mandatory conditions such as email address and phone number through which an identity of an individual can be tested.
As the tester, you must know the importance of reset and cancel button as well. Then, once the details are submitted, check in the table and database where it is getting stored and how they are verifying the information. Make sure that no personal data is shared with the third-party application.
In case, some of the information is missing, check on the popup. These are essential things during the whole process. Then, comes the API network of the registration process.
This type of method requires an Open authorization (OAuth) process to check on the checklist of a process. The main thing that check is to know the security of the API network that is followed by the creditability.
3. Match Made
This is the most essential part of the whole dating application. The main work done by such an application is to make a perfect match as per the algorithm. The main aspect will be movies, books, hobbies, music, etc.

In this step, one needs to review the test criteria of a user on which the match is done. This can be achieved with the help of matching criteria test. Then, you need to check that if one criterion is changed then how an application is reacting.
This can be verified while matching the data of both the parties after the match is made. Then, you need to understand the whole concept of rejecting a person in the algorithm. This will give you basic information about the whole process of acceptance and rejection that occur in a dating application.
4. Personal Chats on the application
Once, the work is done, now move to the next step which will be getting in touch with the matched person. It is the part where one gets involved in the personal chat.
This features must be tested as per the connectivity and how many characters are shared among individual. There are two types of testing mode that is used to test this feature such as a functional test and performance test.
In the functional testing mode, the functions are tested in regards to launching a chat, sending and receiving messages, emoticons, files, etc. This will also include sharing off video, image, and even doc files.
The further steps will include the testing of the send button, launching options, visiting the profile, status of chats and even total limit of sending a message.
In the performance testing mode, one will check on the smoothness while running an application. It will include the personal chats time exist, continuous mode of working, the response time of the chats, failed message ratio, and even the sending mode of files. This will involve every aspect and how the application is reacting to the change.
5. Mode of Payment
Nothing is for free in the world, not even a dating application. There is a different mode of earning that is used by the developers to make bucks such as pro-version, in-app ads, in-app purchase and even user subscriptions.
These are the basic mode in which the developers make money. For all the cases, it is essential to test off few essential parts of an application such as card details, data transferring, etc.
The card details will include the personal information of users such as card type, card number, account number user registration number, expiration date, CVV number, holders name, etc.
This type of information is extremely sensitive and requires multiple modes of security. Hence, it becomes essential to test the data transferring to ensure that no data of a user can be leaked. For be sure, a tester needs to test, the server connection security and also the verification mode such as SMS, phone, Chatbot and even emails.
6. Testing user experience
Now, the final step of testing is to test how the total experience of a user is while testing a date application. It can be determined in terms of the technical viewpoint to check on the perspective of a user.

However, this can be tested by the user as per their planning mode since there is a different mode to follow this type of testing. It will have a transition animation scale, window animation scale, animator duration scale, etc.
Final Words
The main reason that people are actually bending toward dating application is that it is extremely popular as compared to other application.
People are depending on them due to advancement in the globalization of an application.
This allows them to get in touch with other people all around the globe. Also, due to modernization, people don’t have much time to go and focus on their love life.
It is a chance for them to get a proper life with different people. Also, one can found their soulmate or a friend for a lifetime. Hence, it is a win-win situation.

7 Important Tips for Successful QA Outsourcing

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Regular Quality Assurance of a product is a useful solution for detecting small bugs before they lead to severe issues.

Frequently, an in-house team might not have sufficient time or assets fundamental for complete QA testing process, driving numerous organizations rather outsource this task.

The Benefits of QA Testing Outsourcing

To begin with, you should know the benefits of outsourcing QA requirements, so that you can without much of difficulty can settle on a smart choice for your product testing necessities.
Because of the simplicity of assigning the QA workload and cost-adequacy, outsourcing QA administrations have turned out to be very influential.
Here are some essential advantages that QA outsourcing team can return to your business –

  • It saves your costs from investing in resources that you would have generally put into obtaining extra hardware and software.
  • QA outsourcing service providers guarantee your venture gets full coverage with the most exceptional testing tools.
  • Outsourcing helps in limiting the endeavors of the management.
  • It diminishes the general time period of the software development cycle. Thus, giving adequate time to market.
  • It can offer you the chance to get services of the fantastic outside aptitude and talent.
  • The final product delivered will be high in quality with the top-grade functions.

But before trusting the nature of basic software with one of the QA testing outsourcing agencies, the organization must consider some elements of QA vendor. So, with this post, we will tell you 7principles for successful QA outsourcing service to accomplish the ideal outcomes.

Know More: QA Career Path: What You Need to Know!

Portfolio

Study the organization’s portfolio as far as possible like its mission, vision, goals, involvement, and existing client. The organization ought to be settled in the outsourcing world and have decent compatibility in the industry.
You need to have a check on three factors to understand their capabilities:

  • References:

Obviously, you’ll put the proper effort of checking the references that the service provider shows to you, yet go past that and glance around.
Which QA outsourcing service providers are gaining progress in the business? Check market analysis and analyst reports? You will get a more transparent image of your imminent outsourcing company’s position and share in the overall industry.
When you get positive references, try to give accomplices opportunities on smaller undertakings first and afterward increment the range of responsibility as you develop trust.

  • Industry expertise:

Every industry space has its one of a kind business processes, so getting testers who have never served in your industry vertical will just back off your testing endeavors.
On the other side, a group of QA experts who see how your business functions not exclusively will add proficiency to testing, yet additionally can support in centering your quality endeavors on guaranteeing that the regions with the most top level of business impression get the most noteworthy testing preference.

  • Strong technical skills:

Proficient QAs give excellent testing administrations because they additionally have a certain engagement in software development. Thinking about various development levels and remaining mindful of different subtleties, they effectively develop automated tests.
Furthermore, the most talented software testers are ISTQB/CTAL/CTFL certified that proves their skill in testing technologies and methods which are compliant to industry norms.

Engagement models

Amongst the essential choices to make when outsourcing QA tasks are choosing an engagement model. A few variables go into this thought, covering -choosing the geological area, features of global business policy, understanding the landscape and settling on the outsourcing methodology.
The fundamental part of this determination is whether you’ll execute total outsourcing or incremental outsourcing.
Incremental outsourcing strategy enables you to relieve your risk by separating work into little, progressively reasonable tasks. Total outsourcing includes re-appropriating various ventures and projects to a company.

Sign a General Service Level Agreement

It is the agreement signed between the client and the service provider which characterizes the result anticipated from the QA outsourcing company.
A service-level agreement (SLA) ought to never be disregarded when you need your outsourcing partnership for software testing. An SLA secures the two parties. Further, it gives a nitty-gritty layout of venture particulars and due dates while tending to different problems that may emerge while testing.
At each level of testing, there ought to be clear standards and rules, as a general blueprint of your venture might be excessively dubious and can prompt miscommunication.
Some key rules to have in your SLA are –

  • Product quality measures including test case performance, test plan quality, defect detailing quality, traceability, and so forth.
  • Project management and reporting schedules
  • Knowledge exchange
  • Procedure compliance

Adaptability and Security

An outsourced QA staff needs to manage out of the blue changing necessities, testing plan changes, regression errors, missing testing records that are to be reproduced. An accomplished service provider has their skill and best practices to work in this continually evolving condition.

Plus, they should be sufficiently flexible to satisfy your particular internal procedures and principles.
Their testing system likewise should be adaptable to address the present undertaking’s issues and to adjust automated, and manual testing endeavors as presented automation can reduce the testing time and spending plan while various testing types better stay manual not to negotiate the testing quality.
Securing data is vital from a business point of view. QA outsourcing companies have data security strategies and norms. Numerous companies get their committed staff to work in an Offshore Development Center (ODC) where the group just work for a specific customer venture locale.
The entrance of any outer staff is limited in ODCs. ODCs likewise limit the utilization of cameras, mobile devices, storage gadgets like pen drives, and so forth.

Coordinate your staff with an outsourcing staff

Development and testing arrangement is amongst the most critical issues in QA outsourcing.
Frequently, outside testing groups need to deal with the hesitance of in-staff development team to communicate freely and openly. The absence of communication may result in poor comprehension of product prerequisites, vague bug reports, late changes of a testing plan, and, therefore, missed iteration objectives and due dates.
Along these lines, the allocated QA team needs to convince the developers that the best way to make an easily working arrangement infers collaboration and common comprehension, settle on a convenient communication means to make on-going participation between groups less difficult and speedier.
Further, as we discussed above that proper interaction is a key to coordination between in-house staff and QA outsourcing team so, communication skills become a priority too.
So, when contacting a potential QA service provider, consider the quality of communication that they provide. Things like their spoken and written English skills, their perception of your business aims and strategies, the speed at which they are ready to respond to your requests, the significance of their answers, and so forth matter here.
Another vital viewpoint is the potential to reach the right individual in the organization when required. It ought to be reasonably simple for you to reach the right responsible individual. It will make sure that any connection bottlenecks can be dodged throughout the project accomplishment.

Keep outsourcing team concentrated on QA

Outsourcing service providers who are testing for quality must only be undertaken for duties identified with quality assurance. Having the outsourcing collaboration on developing code can be counterproductive when they additionally need to test the code. Partial testing is bound to happen when engineers are normally increasingly reluctant to underline their own irregularities.
In case that an unbiased team is outsourced for QA testing, their testing strategies will seek the fundamental protocols that guarantee quality. At the point when QA outsourced testers are meticulous and report all faulty codes and bugs, little issues can be corrected instantly preceding they turn out to be costly errors.

Know More: How To Get a Job in QA Testing Company? Traits and Techniques

Frequently evaluate the outsourcing service provider

Evaluating a QA outsourcing service provider all the time guarantees that your organization achieves what you’ve aimedfor your product.
Your QA outsourcing agency assessment is to incorporate the most pertinent execution and pricing criteria. With these assessments, you can comprehend the company’s current position, choose whether to look for some other agency or discover possible outcomes to upgrade your current partnership.
You have to evaluate testing documentation minimum once per month. You additionally need to give the QA team standard review, distinguish hidden inefficient actions and cost drivers, adjust your business systems with the outsourcing company’s and reveal the underlying drivers of testing process entanglements.
If several bugs are missed or vaguely reported, your QA manager ought to give the vendor the necessary review for them to wipe out the genuine cause behind these flaws.
Final words…
The QA outsourcing service revolution has turned into a vital part of present-day IT organizations. The principal purpose of outsourcing QA services is to obtain upgraded quality at a moderate cost as well as allow the organization to concentrate on its main business operations.
app testing
When you comprehend that outsourcing QA vendor is reasonable for your organization, make certain to develop effective mutual collaboration with a certified QA testing vendor since such a methodology will undoubtedly present you plenty of benefits.

Types of Test Estimation Techniques in Software Testing

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Test estimation is one of the most active forms of work criteria that is used to ensure that the task is done with a proper approximation. In addition to this, it helps in working on the total time taken by a team to work on the time period.
This time management holds a lot of importance in any software testing. The success of a project depends on proper execution and estimation that works on the development cycle of a project. It is also important due to the reputation of a client that worked on the basis of estimation only.
What to estimate?
There are so many things in a test that are counted for the estimation of test cases such as:

  • Time – It is one of the most vital necessities of any project. It is considered at the priority for the completion of an overall project with delivery as per the deadline.
  • Cost –Another of the vital thing is to keep in mind is the budget of a project. It will work on the total amount that will be invested in a project for the completion of a project.
  • Resources –Without proper resources, it will be difficult to complete any project. It is essential for the testing team to have proper resources to ensure that the project is done as per the requirements. It can be people, funding, facilities, equipment, etc. These resources made sure that the project is completed within the time
  • Human Skills –The skills matter a lot as well with experience and knowledge. This is considered for all the members of the team that can affect the estimation as well.


Ways to estimate
There are different techniques to estimate the software such as:

  • Delphi technique for the wide-band
  • Breakdown structure on the working basis
  • Use-case point approach
  • 3-point estimation technique for software testing
  • Testing point and function point analysis
  • Ad-hoc method
  • Percentage distribution

A Four-Step Process For Estimation
There is a total of a four-step process that is followed by the other techniques. These are divided into four major steps such as:

  • Division of project in smaller modules
  • Allocating these divided tasks among members of the team
  • Estimating total efforts that are put up in tasks
  • Estimating validation

Now, let us go through these proper steps into details.
1. Division of project in smaller modules
There is no doubt that dividing the overall task into small units have a lot of accuracy to it. This is the technique that is similar to the work breakdown structure. These modules are essential to ensure to work on the sub-modules as well. The smallest tasks will be easy to resolve and work on as compared to the whole project.
2. Allocating these divided tasks among members of the team
Once, the tasks are divided into the small modules then make sure to assign them properly. Keep the testing module for testing team, development for developers, an environment built for test administrator, etc.
3. Estimating total efforts that are put up in tasks
The estimation technique will work on two essential parts such as three-point estimation and functional point method. In the later part, the method is divided as per the size, cost, and duration of the project. Whereas in the further point, the best-case estimation, worst case estimation, and likely estimation are calculated.
4. Estimating validation
The final step for the overall project is the aggregation of the project as per the estimation in the management The approval and review of this aggregated estimation are checked in this part of the project. It works on reason and logical part of a project.
Best Practices For Test Estimation
There are different tips that fall under the category of the accuracy of the testing. Such as:

  • Buffer time – There is no doubt that a project might consist of some unpredictable things. It can be more time taken by the testing team, members quitting jobs and so on. Hence, it becomes essential to add on some extra time in case of any mishaps. It gives time for the team to overcome some hurdles and ensure that the project is delivered on time.
  • Reference experience of past –Here reference means a past project in which the team worked on. These play a vital role in the completion of a project where the time is estimated as per the past experience. There is a huge possibility that a part project or a part of it is similar to the latest one. Hence, it becomes easy to avoid any of the difficulties that one might have tackled in the past. Also, it gives an idea of how things might work out in case a route is taken.

Know : Software Testing Process – What Happens in Software Testing?

  • Estimation on planning account resource –There are so many things that might fall into account if a single thing comes up. One might fall sick or have to take an urgent leave. In such a case, it becomes essential to have a few days of space to ensure that the delivery is done on time. Also, the realistic approach is an efficient part of such space to ensure that no major defaults are done.
  • Re-estimation–One needs to understand that it is known as estimation because there might be a few things that can go wrong. Hence, it becomes essential for the team to keep checking and modifying the estimation in order to keep fixing them as per the projected There might be a few things that can modify the date of delivery in which, one has to convince customer as well.
  • Bug cycle – In software testing, one can never be sure about the bugs in a project. Hence, it becomes essential to put enough time in the test cycle to get things done and still have more time left. This will help in putting things in a flow to get a parameter work done.
  • The scope of the project – Another of the essential thing is that the scope of a project must be defined well. This will also include the test scripts, test data, and test bed to set off the work.


Conclusion
The overall software test estimation is one of the most vital approaches that is used in a project. Professionals will work on the experience to get involved with the industry approach.
It works on the use case and test case point with a proper practice that will get in help with an open mind. These customization will work amazingly well with the process. Hence, it will ensure the success of the project.

5 Tips to Enhance the Efficiency of Software Testing

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There is no doubt that one of the major software testing work phases deals with higher pressure.

In such a case, accurate metrics can help in ensuring that the company can improve and progress the work with the indicators.
It is one of the most essential factors of software testing to be consistent in the workflow.

This ensures that the critical bugs are found on time and can be contributed with accuracy. It holds great value for the improvement of software before it is launched in the market.
Even after perfection, it is possible that there are a few unidentified bugs in the system.

This can be eliminated with the help of accurate testing techniques. So, here are the tips that can help to smoothen the overall software testing process and increase efficiency.
Video Courtesy: CA Technologies
1. Testing Culture Cultivation – One of the major things that must be kept in mind while one is running an application in testing is It becomes essential to work on a stable work culture for testing to ensure that no major points are missed out.

in addition to this, it will also help in having a stable quality for software even in the development process. In order to work with a stable workflow, it is essential to have the follow up on these basic points:

Know More : Software Tester Salary in India, USA, Uk and Canada

  • It is essential to understand that the quality assurance phase is not the final setup. When it comes to agility in the development phase, then it becomes one of the major additions to the overall It is essential to have an integral element for ongoing and regular development.
  • Another essential thing added to the testing culture is the reporting of bugs that are added as per the information. If proper communication is maintained among team members including developers then it will be easy for the team to work on any sort of bugs.
  • Another is efficient tools which are required to ensure that testing is done with reliability and ease. This holds a lot of value with the technical leads to ensure that code is tested with accuracy.
  • In order to give the best results, it is essential to have proper documentation as per the user demand. The user manual must be up-to-date with the addition of all major software and its visibility to ensure stability.

2. Test Preparations – If the preparations of the product are not well-maintained then the only result will be obtained. Hence, it is essential for the company to have proper software exploration to guarantee growth. In order to obtain this, it is essential to follow certain steps.

  • It gives a proper product map to guarantee workflow and work with accurate requirements of a project. In addition to this, if the graphical model is established then it will be easy to get a better understanding and concise of the workflow.
  • The test management tools must be kept flexible so that in case of any error, an alternative can be put in use. This will help with easy adaptation and no obstacle in case of an error that can taper workflow.
  • It is essential to keep software stability as the main goal if one has to grow with agility. This will give an insight into growth and ensure that no bugs are obtained giving positive results for the overall
  • In addition to this, it is essential to have the proper data flow understanding to know the overall components. This gives a better understanding of the security issue and failures to recognize the application. Also, it helps in detecting bugs faster and with a proper report schedule.

3. Considerations for Testing – While testing software, it becomes essential to have proper guidance and workflow. Hence, it becomes important to make sure that the essential things are ticked in the testing This will guarantee a stable growth and workflow with the straight points and get assured working system.

  • The first and foremost thing to keep in mind is the entire journey of software from development to user-end. This gives a better understanding of the overall interaction that might occur with the software.
  • Load testing is one of the most vital types of testing that must be performed for better results. It also gives surety that software is to the mark with any sort of hitches and gains steady traffic to increase user growth.
  • Other than this, it is essential for the testing team to cover up logical acceptance tests to ensure that no major bugs are left in the software. It will also give a clear idea about the items along with discussions to get clarity on sets.
  • The quality of code is another vital point that must be covered up in order to ensure that no major things are messed up. This will guarantee a stable growth and helps in working up with accurate paraments, factors, numbers, and

4. Testing Efficiency Improvement – The whole task is done in order to ensure that work stability and efficiency are maintained. In addition to this, it gives better assurance for quality to maintain working with the manager or team.

  • It is essential for the testing team to have a proper plan set to achieve the goals. However, if no planning is done then it is easy for a team to face failure that will not sit well with the software. In such a case, it becomes important for experts to work with a plan that has proper test cases, scope, objectives, executions, deadlines, limitations, budgets, etc. in mind.
  • As per the saying, it is essential to focus on the quality of the test cases instead of their quantity. Even with fewer test cases, but a better one, it is easy to achieve more accuracy with more cases. So, no need to focus on the one that might not be reliable but the one that can guarantee growth.
  • With the advancement in the terms of automation, it will be the right choice to add it in testing as well. This will guarantee that a company works with efficient and effective testing of software. In addition to this, it will also have cheaper and short-term addition in the combination of inputs and environment.

5. Test Results Leveraging – Just because the overall testing of the software is completed, doesn’t mean that it will guarantee any sort of success in the software. Even after the testing phase, it is possible that the test will fail but instead of getting frustrated over it, one can troubleshoot it. This can easily give the solution to that bug which will help out in the overall flow.

Know More: 50 Quick Ideas To improve the Software Testing Process

  • Software testing is not only about finding the bugs and working on them. This will also include reaching the main cause that is ending up failing the test cases. It is essential to work on the bugs log to get a proper idea about the errors and their solutions to guarantee efficient testing.
  • While testing software, there might be a point where a bottleneck or deadlock condition arises. In such a case, it is better to work on the performance slowly to identify the cause. Also, it is essential to have profiled the database of the software that can provide an accurate solution to all with the logs, speed, and tracing of the database.
  • Pattern recognition is now becoming one of the major points in the software. This helps in the easy identification of bugs and then sends out alerts to work on them efficiently. It can be a similar code or even the small bugs that sometimes are unidentified or unnoticed.

Conclusion

 

At last, don’t forget to put up your years of experience in the testing phase. This will help to guarantee that no major points are missed out on in the working of the software. Also, it will be easy for the team to work efficiently with proper planning.

The Cruciality of Statistical Testing

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Most software testing techniques are aimed towards finding errors and defects in software or program which hamper its functioning or cause security breaches.

However, checking a system for errors is not enough; we also need to test the system for its reliability.

However, checking a system for errors is not enough; we also need to test the system for its reliability.

In order to deliver the most reliable software it is important to understand what causes errors and system failures, how frequently do errors interrupt the system, what is the program failure rate, which paths to test while performing software testing and analyzing the failures is very important.

Statistical testing is one such testing which covers all the above requirements. It helps you build and deliver reliable and robust software which work efficiently.

What is Statistical Testing?

Statistical Testing is a testing technique which is used to determine the reliability of the system. In statistical testing, we use statistical models and functions to monitor and check the overall working of the system.

The aim of statistical testing is not to find defects, but to understand how the faults in a program will affect the functioning and operations of the software.

In Statistical testing, statistical models are used to generate test data and test cases which stimulate a working environment. Operations and research models are used to solve any problems detected during the software testing process.

During statistical testing, empirical data is collected which helps testers take efficient decisions for further testing, deployment, maintenance and evolution of the software system. The statistical principles and methods are applied to software testing process with the help of the operational usage model.

What is the need for Statistical Testing?

Software testing is a lengthy process which includes the documentation and use of heavy numerical and statistical values. These values help in decision making for future testing cycles and also are seen as the results of the testing process.

However, software testing is a very complicated process and the complex statistical values are hard to handle and understand. Some issues faced during software testing are:

  1. There is a high cost involved in achieving 100% path coverage when the defects found are of complex nature and quality.
  2. The defects found by software testing need to be reworked and integrated into the system during the development life cycle.
  3. Without proper knowledge about statistical formulas and methods, the tester cannot conduct a bias free software test.
  4. Statistical functions are required to deduce an accurate solution and make efficient decisions during testing. 

For this reason, statistical principles are used to facilitate and guide the testing process and generate better results.

The Statistical Testing process

The Statistical Testing process consists of the following steps:

  1. Operational usage modeling
  2. Analysis of the model and Validation
  3. Test planning
  4. Testing

Operational Usage Model

During Statistical testing, a model is needed in order to characterize and infer the population of uses of the software system. The model is used to generate a statistically accurate sample of the uses if the software.

The Usage model is one such model which characterizes the population of the possible uses in the intended environment. It does not depend on the program code but is based on the software specifications. Thus, it ensures that frequently occurring failures and bugs get detected in the early stages of software testing.

No extra time is required to develop this model as it can be created parallel to the software. This reduces the time required in completing and delivering the software.

The model is also known to improve the specifications, provides a scientific reasoning and analytical description of the specifications, quantifies testing costs, and provides bases for statistical testing which improves the system reliability.

Thus, statistical testing which is based on this model provides strong scientific foundation for quantifying the software reliability.

Usage Model generates multiple execution paths and all possible use cases for the software. It can be seen as a graph containing nodes and arcs and transition probabilities which are associated with each arc.

During operational usage modeling the following process is followed:

  1. Building Model Structure
  2. Assigning Transition Probabilities
  3. Generating Transition Probabilities

Step 1: You need to identify the hardware, software and human users of the software, the stimuli that these users can send, and the system boundary.

Step 2: Create a structure of the usage model by sequencing the stimuli. You need to identify the areas which can become complex and increase the cost of system development. Provide solutions and alternatives to simplify these complexities.

Step 3: Determine the number of environments to be modeled for the system and also define the environments of use which are important, e.g., malicious use, routine use, maximum capacity use, etc.

Step 4: Create transition probabilities of the usage model.

Model Analysis and Validation

A standard set of statistics exists for the usage models which have significant interpretations for safety analysis, test planning, resource allocation, and field support.

The most commonly calculated statistics include:

  • Long-run occupancy of each state
  • Occurrence probability
  • Occurrence frequency
  • First occurrence
  • Expected sequence length

During the model validation process the analytical results are studied and you may find that the system functionalities which you deemed as unimportant have significant usage and those which you thought to be important may have little to no use.

Step 1: First you need to develop standard analytical results for the model. The analytical values need to be interpreted in terms of the specifications and expected usage in order to validate their accuracy.

Step 2: if values or model structure do not suit the requirements and specifications, you can change them accordingly.

Step 3: After changing the model and incorporating changes you need to repeat the first and second steps.

Step 4: Now, create test cases and check if they are realistic. If the test cases do not look realistic you need to repeat step 2.

Step 5: Use the model to facilitate activities such as performance planning, test planning, safety analysis, and correctness verification.

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Test Planning

There are two types of test cases: Random test cases and Crafted/ Non-random test cases.

Non-random test cases remove uncertainties about the functioning of the system and provide control over the overall testing process whether random or crafted.

These are the non-random test cases which should be performed before random ones:

  • Model Coverage Tests
  • Mandatory Tests
  • Regression Tests
  • Critical but unlikely use
  • Importance Tests
  • Partition Test

Step 1: Generate the number of random test cases by using the expected test case length derived during model analysis.

Step 2: Determine the best case scenario where there are no failures during random testing. Also determine the values of product quality and process sufficiency that can be achieved by running the number of test cases generated in Step 1.

Step 3: Determine the worst case scenario by assuming that failures occur constantly and create a log of the failures.

Step 4: Study and analyze the coverage of the model stats, paths, and arcs.

Testing

After the test cases are planned, you can proceed to the testing part.

Step 1: Record the specifications and constants for each version of the software that is tested for reference.

Step 2: Apply these conditions and sustain them in the environment throughout the test.

Step 3: Execute test cases in the order that they were generated.

Step 4: Communication is the key during statistical testing. You need to communicate and discuss matters that affect test decisions with the testing team regularly.

Step 5: Record the failures and bugs that are encountered.

Step 6: You should maintain the testing chain for the current version as well as the history of testing across all the previous versions. The current testing chain will be used for certification and the historical testing chain will be used to study the development and testing process.

Step 7: If you encounter more than one error in the current version you need to take a decision of whether to discontinue testing or not. This decision depends on various factors like the nature of the failures, organizational policies, and schedules.

Guide your stopping decisions based on reliability, confidence, and convergence.

Step 8: If there are no failures during current testing you can base your stopping decision on the reliability, confidence, and convergence measures together with remaining schedules and budgets.

Advantages of Statistical testing

  1. It allows testers to focus on testing the parts of the software which have significant usage.
  2. It allows you to develop more reliable systems.
  3. The estimation of reliability using statistical testing is more accurate than of other methods.

Disadvantages of Statistical Testing

  1. Performing and implementing statistical testing properly is not easy.
  2. Defining operation profiles is complex and there is no way to repeat the process.
  3. Developing statistically significant test cases in statistical testing is very hard.

Conclusion

Statistical testing is not aimed to find defects and faults; its main aim is to increase the reliability of software.

It helps testers take informed and accurate decisions during the software testing process. This is the reason why statistical testing is important in today’s world if you want to deliver reliable and robust software applications.

Meta: Use of statistics is fathomable. What if they can be used for software testing? Have a look at this unheard testing technique.

What is Exploratory Testing in Software Testing?

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Exploratory testing is a process where testers can be creative in exploring the software without knowing much about the working of the system. let’s dig deep

What is Exploratory Testing?

It is a testing approach where you explore the system and venture into those aspects and functionalities which may or may not directly affect the system’s outputs, in order to find underlying errors.

It is all about exploring the system, discovering hidden errors, investigating their cause, and rectifying them. There are no pre-defined test cases formed in exploratory testing and therefore the testers explore the system aimlessly in hopes to find unforeseen bugs.

Exploratory Testing

The purpose of performing exploratory tests is to learn more about the system and its functionality and using your existing knowledge about the system to find errors.

Testers need to be very creative and innovative in order to perform exploratory testing as the aim is to test the system for unexpected errors using unexpected techniques.

Even though there are no pre-defined test cases, testers may note down or document their ideas and things they want to test before performing the test.

Description of exploratory testing techniques?

There are different ways the process can be done. Based on that it can be divided into 3 main types as below:

  1. Freestyle Testing: As the name suggests, this is ad-hoc testing where-in each tester picks up a module or the entire application and randomly runs through the application. It is like a quick smoke test done to ensure everything is as expected.
  2. Scenario-based testing: In this type of exploratory testing, each tester picks up a user scenario and tests the application flows around that use case. They try to cover as many navigations, data permutations, and flow as possible to ensure the stability and functionality of that scenario.
  3. Strategy-based testing: This type of testing involves implementing the core testing methodologies into an exploratory test. In this test, the experienced tester would apply techniques like BVA (boundary value analysis), equivalence techniques, and more to the objects in the application.

How is functional exploratory testing different from structured exploratory testing?

1. Flow of the test

In structured testing, the flow of the test is directed by test cases that are prepared ahead of time.

Test cases are not determined in advance in exploratory testing and the flow is directed from exploring the system.

2. The objective of testing

The main objective of structured testing is to find foreseen errors whereas in exploratory testing the aim is to learn about the system and gain knowledge about its functionality.

3. Nature

Structured testing is predictive in nature as the flow of the test is predicted in advance.

Exploratory testing is spontaneous and investigative in nature. Tests are performed on a proper investigation is conducted.

4. The end results

The end results of structured tests are known and anticipated. However, the end results in exploratory tests are unknown and unexpected.

Wish to know about the types of software testing? Read here

When to use exploratory testing?

The process is mostly standalone and can not be used to confirm the quality of any software product, it is always used to supplement the other testings. Some of the situations where exploratory testing will be very fruitful and helpful are:

  1. To understand how the application works including the look and feel.
  2. In cases where the testing bandwidth is very crunched, exploratory testing may be performed on the least critical or rarely used modules of the application
  3. Check out the new features and changes in the application after each new release.
  4. To help new testers to understand the application, and also to test the application from a fresh perspective
  5. To supplement the structured testing towards the end of the testing phase

Exploratory Testing Process

1.      Learning

This is the first step of exploratory testing and one which is very crucial. Learning about the system is important because you will be able to better analyze all the minor and major functionalities of the system and check it for bugs.

Your knowledge about the system will help you explore the system and create test designs and plans accordingly.

Unless you do not have knowledge about the system you will not be able to explore it in detail.

2.      Test Design

Tests designs are created spontaneously during exploratory testing and there is no need for documentation of test cases, scripts and the conditions of the test.

3.      Test Execution

Test execution is performed along with test designing. As soon as you plan and design your test you execute it without waiting for formal documentation. Only the key components of the test are recorded like the bugs that are detected or ideas for the next test.

4.      Analysis

When some bugs are detected on exploring the system, proper analysis and feedback are made in order to rectify the errors.

The previous test result feedback helps testers to prepare for future tests and apply logical reasoning to guide the future of the software testing life cycle.

Advantages of Exploratory Testing

  1. During the process, there is no preparation time required before a test. It saves a lot of time and effort from the testers as they can focus solely on exploring and learning about the system rather than preparing test cases and documentation.
  2. It allows testers to find critical and hidden bugs and errors that cannot be found through formal testing approaches. All the bugs which do not directly affect the system outputs and get overlooked during initial testing can be detected through exploratory tests.
  3. The results of the previous tests help testers guide their future tests and explore the system in a better and more detailed way. This speeds up the testing process and testers are able to find more bugs easily.
  4. Exploratory testing helps testers gain in-depth knowledge about the system. When a bug is found they can learn its scope, size, nature, etc., and provide better solutions to the developers.
  5. When the system under test is intricate, complex, and vast, exploratory testing may generate better results and prove to be more efficient in finding bugs than formal testing techniques.
  6. When there is very little time for testing a system, exploratory testing is the best way to detect bugs quicker and in more efficient ways. Lots of time is saved when the documentation process is eliminated.
  7. The most significant advantage of exploratory testing is that it helps testers learn about the system. Testers are able to develop and test the system for different scenarios and get to know how the system will perform under such circumstances.

Disadvantages of Exploratory Testing

There are some disadvantages related to exploratory testing which make it a little harder to implement.

  1. The tests that are performed during exploratory testing are spontaneous and not documented which makes them hard to review and keep for future references.
  2. Since there is no documentation involved, keeping a track of the tests performed and the functionalities already explored is difficult.
  3. Repeating a test performed during exploratory testing the exact same way again is not possible. This is a huge disadvantage when you need to repeat a test to find a specific error found in a previous test.

  4. Challenges in exploratory testing

    There are some challenges in exploratory testing because it is not structured. Let us check out some of the major challenges:

    1. Issue Reproduction: once an issue is found, it may be difficult to reproduce it, since there are no defined steps that the tester followed. To avoid this tester would either enable recording in the device.
    2. No Exit Criteria: It is difficult to decide when to stop the testing as there are no defined tasks that need to be completed before concluding the tests.
    3. Uncertainty in test coverage: There are no defined documents or procedures to capture what is tested and what is not tested. Hence the test coverage can not be determined
    4. No defined metrics or reports: There are no formal metrics or reports to substantiate the amount of testing or the success of the testing activity. Many times it becomes a challenge to convince the management of the effort involved and the purpose.

Steps in exploratory testing

Exploratory testing does not follow a particular structure; however, there are a few steps that are common to each exploratory test. The preparation of exploratory tests is a 5 step process:

1.      Learning and classifying errors

The first stage of exploratory testing is gathering the results of the previous exploratory test in order to learn the errors found in the past projects. Testers need to analyze these errors and understand the root causes of the bugs so that they can develop a test plan or strategy to test their system.

2.      Test Charter tool

Test charter is a tool that is used to run exploratory tests. The stakeholders define the scope of the test and risks that need to be found using the test charter. Thus the charter should tell testers the following things:

  • What tests should be performed
  • How the system can be tested
  • What risks should be focused on while exploring the system

3.      Time Box

Time Boxing is the practice of setting a fixed amount of time known as a timebox during which a tester or a team of testers work together to find bugs. The time box session should not be interrupted and the testers should only focus on testing the system.

The testers working in pairs or groups can come up with the most creative exploration techniques and device efficient solutions to the errors found.

4.      Analyzing the results

Once the testing process is completed, the results of the test are reviewed. The defects found are evaluated and testers learn the causes of the defects in order to come up with the best solutions.

5.      Feedback

The results are compiled and compared with the charter. This helps testers identify whether they have tested the system according to the stakeholder’s needs and demands.

Things to keep in mind for exploratory testing

1.      Understand the main aim of testing

Exploratory testing is all about learning about the system and understanding its core functionality by exploring unexpected system paths. During this process, certain unforeseen bugs are detected.

2.      Planning the test is very important

Although test cases are not pre-defined during exploratory testing, it does not mean that exploratory tests are completely unplanned. Testers study the system and previous test results in order to figure out and plan their test. This helps them save a lot of time as they know what they are looking for.

3.      This is skill-based testing

Testing skills are an essential part of exploratory testing. Testers completely rely on their skills in order to explore the system and test it for defects. Therefore exploratory testers should be highly skilled and have good knowledge of all software testing techniques.

4.      Keeping a record of the test can be very beneficial

Even though exploratory tests are not documented, recording the findings, results, and defects found or any other outcomes of an exploratory test can be very beneficial.

5.      Exploratory testing should be a team activity

It is always better to perform exploratory tests in pairs or in a team. This helps testers to come up with better test plans, exploration techniques, and solutions to the defects found.

Top 10 Ideas for exploratory testing

10 Tips for exploratory testing

Wish to know about various QA methodologies? Read here

Example for Exploratory testing

The below image is an indication of how test cases are created for checking out the functionality of a web app. 

Exploratory testing example

Exploratory testing documentation

  • Keeping documented through notes is an effective way.

Eg:  *NEW* /LIVE/ “Browser: Login with  Gmailfirefox” (23-july-2021 09:44:20)

newUser@gmail.com

Client id = 357

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox

Login page displayed => OK

Previous account name displayed => OK

Login => OK

Logout Button available => OK

</OK>

  • Mind Map style

You can use web-based tools such as XMind7 to document the process.  The conventional mind mapping technique would not work in this case.  Create all the test cases as nodes and can be saved into a template. Data such as environment, date, execution browser, time,  the theme of the site, input data, environment, output data

Exploratory testing vs ad-hoc testing

Exploratory Testing

Adhoc Testing

Testing is carried out without much knowledge about the software but in a formal way

Complete freedom in testing the software

Documentation is mandatory

Not that important

Charter directed testing

No particular plan

Maximum test cases are executed

No need for test cases

Form of positive testing

Form of negative testing

Helps in learning the application

Helps in developing innovative ideas in testing

Does not need much time to commence

Needs preparation time

 

Conclusion

It overcomes all the shortcomings of structured testing. It helps testers detect errors that go unnoticed during scripted tests as they do not directly affect the outcome or working of the system.

This is the reason exploratory testing has become a very popular testing approach, especially for complicated systems. Exploratory testing has many advantages over scripted testing and helps testers focus on gaining knowledge about the system.

Defect Triage: All You Need to Know is here!

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What is Defect Triage?

Defect Triage is a process where the testers find out the bug and assign a degree of risk, re-occurrence, and severity to it. This degree essentially prioritizes the bug to be treated first.

Triage however is a medical term which basically means trial or a try-out. When you arrive at the emergency department, your first medical evaluation is done by a nurse.

defect triage

In the emergency department, it is typically done in the triage room. During this time it is very important that the patient describes their problem to the nurse so that she can accurately assess what needs to happen next.

Based on the severity or urgency of another person’s medical condition, they may be taken back quicker than you. This is exactly what happens when a software tester runs a defect or bug triage.

They assign a severity degree to each bug and the bug which seems more severe or the bug which has more potential to compromise the integrity of the system is taken into consideration first.

Defect Triage Meeting

Triage meetings are facilitated by the QA lead and it is coordinated with business analysts, IT lead, project manager, or even the product manager.

During the development or testing phase, testers come across a lot of issues or bugs which keep bothering everyone. To take care of these bugs, the defect triage meeting is organized.

The main objective of this triage meeting is to categorize, prioritize, and track issues.

Triage meetings happen every so often, sometimes even 3 – 4 times in a week depending on the size of the project, project situation, schedule, and number of defects. Multiple factors play a role in determining the number of triage meetings needed to eliminate a bug once and for all.

All these meetings involve discussions of complexity of the defect, risk involved in it, assignments, re-assignments, and rejections. All these updates are captured in the bug tracking system.

For the best results, QA lead should send out the bug report with the existing defects or new defects for every meeting.

Each defect should be analyzed to see whether correct priority and severity has been assigned. The main motive of this meeting is to fix all issues in a timely, fixed, and accurate manner.

During the meeting, each bug is categorized in one of the three categories:

  • IMMEDIATE ACTION TO FIX THE BUG: The defect falls in this category because of two reasons. The first reason is that there are sufficient resources with the team to fix the bug and the second reason is that the bug might cause problems in the future therefore it is important that they fix the bug immediately.
  • ACTION ON THE BUG AT A POINT LATER IN TIME: A bug falls in this category when the team knows that it is not something major and can be treated after some time.
  • NO ACTION BUG: This basically means that the bug is very minor and doesn’t have any effect on the whole system. Therefore, there is no need to take an action on such bug.

Steps in Defect Triage

The triage team consists of project manager, tester, test lead, developer, environment manager, test manager, and business analyst. There are 3 steps in defect triage; defect review, defect assessment, and defect assignment. Each of the steps is discussed in detail below:

  • DEFECT REVIEW: All the personnel mentioned above dive deep into the origin and consequences of each defect in an attempt to fix them.
  • DEFECT ASSESSMENT: In this step, the defects are categorized into 2 categories; to be fixed and on hold. The severity of the defect is the main basis of this segregation. The above mentioned personnel collectively make the decision on which defect to treat immediately and which defect to be kept on hold.
  • DEFECT ASSIGNMENT: Now that the team has a list of defects that need to be treated first hand, they assign each defect to the concerned person. All this is done after the defect has been properly and comprehensively evaluated.

Roles and Responsibilities of Each Member in the Triage Team

  • TEST LEAD: The test lead is the one who starts it all. Test lead sends a formal invite to all the triage members along with a detailed defect report. The test lead is the first person to identify and assign a degree of severity to each defect. One of the main responsibilities of the test lead is to prepare a presentation for the triage team which would give them more insight on each defect. This presentation helps the team members to get to the root of the problem quickly.
  • PROJECT MANAGER: The project manager plays a pivotal role in prioritizing defects, making the defect list, and mediating the whole meeting. He also ensures that all the members of the triage team are present for the discussion. Sometimes the discussion heats up and that’s where the project manager steps in to allow the team members express things from their perspective.
  • DEVELOPMENT TEAM LEAD: Development team lead and project manager collectively prioritize defects. The main function of the development lead is to communicate the risks involved and the complexity level of each defect. Also, he is the one who assigns tasks to different members of the triage team.

There are other members in the team but the project manager, test lead, and the development team lead are the key persons. The meeting would not reach a conclusion if any of these is missing.

What Happens in a Triage Meeting?

 

defect triage meeting

The defect triage meeting is divided into 3 parts; pre-meeting, during meeting, and post-meeting. Before the meeting starts, the test lead sends a report to all the members of the triage team so that they are aware to some extent about the latest bugs.

  • PRE-MEETING: Testers have a key role to play in the pre-meeting. Testers give information about the bug to the team and they categorize each bug in different sections on the basis of severity and priority. So basically, the pre-meeting session is owned by the testers.
  • DURING MEETING: It doesn’t always happen that all the issues in a meeting are resolved. Some pending issues from the previous defect triage meeting are discussed before moving on to the new issues. Then the progress on previous issues is discussed. From this point forth, every point is noted down about the severity of the existing defects. The team members collectively make a decision on which defect to be fixed immediately and which defect they can postpone to a later date. If the deadline is near, the bugs with a higher degree of severity will be treated first and the less severe bugs will be kept on hold. However, if there is no pressure of deadlines, even the pettiest bugs can be fixed in the starting of the project. Based on this, the bug list is updated and this is where the assignment of tasks comes in. The test lead has the last word in the meeting. He quickly summarizes the whole meeting and communicates the immediate courses of action to respective team members.
  • POST-MEETING: MOM (minutes of the meeting) is shared to the defect triage team after the accomplishment of the meeting. This document contains the key points discussed during the meeting.

Contents of a Bug Triage Report

  1. DEFECT ID: Each defect has a unique number assigned to it which differentiates it from other defects.
  2. DEFECT DESCRIPTION: This is related to how the defect causes malfunction in the system.
  3. CREATION DATE: It is the date on which the bug was noticed for the first time.
  4. CREATOR: Creator is the person who first noticed and reported the defect.
  5. SEVERITY: This is a measure of how severe the bug is.
  6. PRIORITY: The priority could be high, medium, or low. High priority means that the bug requires immediate attention, medium priority means that the bug can be resolved after sometime and doesn’t require immediate action, and low priority means that the bug doesn’t have any significant or noticeable impact on the project and therefore may or may not be resolved.
  7. STATUS: Whether the bug is new, under review, in progress, or completed is determined by referring to the bug status.
  8. ASSIGNMENT DATE: This is the date on which the bug was assigned to the respective personnel for resolution.
  9. ASSIGNED TO: This field has the name of the person to which the bug has been assigned for resolution.
  10. RESOLUTION: What is being done to resolve the bug.
  11. DATE OF RESOLUTION: Estimated date on which the defect will be completely resolved.
  12. ESTIMATED TIME: Speculated time of resolving the defect.
  13. ACTUAL TIME: Total time elapsed for resolving the defect.
  14. ROOT CAUSE DESCRIPTION: This field has information related to why the bug appeared in the first place.

Why do We Need Defect Triage?

The main benefit that you gain from the process is that your team will get to evaluate the severity of the bug, devise plans to fish it out and come to a conclusion regarding the resources that need to be allocated for the process. Defect triage is mainly used in agile testing methodology

CONCLUSION

To resolve the defect, a defect triage meeting is called. The test lead, project manager, and development team lead must be present among all the triage team members.

The defect triage meeting is completed in 3 stages; pre-meeting, during meeting, and post meeting. After all this, the test lead prepares a detailed triage report.

The report has all the information starting from when the defect was initially noticed until the root cause of the defect.

The frequency of the defect triage completely depends on the size of the project. It can be organized on a weekly, monthly, or daily basis.

Mainframe Testing – What Happens?

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Here is everything that you need to know about Mainframe Testing – what it is and what is the process that is followed, essentially a complete beginner’s guide to Mainframe Testing.

What is Mainframe Testing?

Mainframe Testing is the process of testing Software Services and Applications that are based on the Mainframe Systems.

The process is crucial part of the Application Development Process as it is instrumental in adhering to the cost and quality standards of the industry.

Mainframe Testing ensures that the system is in fact, ready to be launched in the market.

What are the steps followed while undertaking Mainframe Testing?

  • Smoke Testing – Also known as Shakedown, this is the take-off point of the process of Mainframe Testing. Before any action is taken on the codes that are to be used, this first step is to ensure that all the codes that have been deployed are actually in the right testing environment.
  • Only after the adaptability of the code has been confirmed, and the codes checked for any critical technical glitches, are they approved to be worked on in the later stages of the Mainframe Testing Process.
  • System Testing – This stage involves a series of testing that is undertaken to test the functionality of individual systems that comprise the Mainframe system, as well as their performance with respect to each other.
  • Batch Testing – The Batch Jobs begin by testing the scope of data and files, recording the results and making changes wherever necessary. The Batch Testing is the stage where the validation of the test results on output files and data as done by the batch jobs take place.
  • Online Testing – While the Batch Testing can be loosely understood as the back-end testing phase, with Online Testing, the testing moves to the front end of the mainframe application. The Mainframe Application is tested here in relation to the entry fields that are used by the system.
  • Online-Batch Integration Testing – This stage bridges the gap between the back-end and the front-end of the Mainframe System. Through this integrative testing, the data flow, as well as the interaction that takes place between the online screen and the batch job, is validated and approved before being passed on to the next stages of the Mainframe Testing process.
  • Database Testing – At this stage, the database of all data for the Mainframe Application is stored is validated for the layout of the data storage.
  • System Integration Testing – Once the basics have been covered, System Integration Testing is initiated to test the functionality of the system under test and their response to, as well as their interaction with other systems. This is rather a broad spectrum and is prone to be considered as unnecessary, but it is an essential step as it ensures that the new system integrates with other systems in an organized manner.

The relationship between the different systems here is not in terms of either being affected by the requirements of the other.

But in the sense that each use data that is being collected, stored or managed by the other systems.

Hence, testing the exchange of data takes place, and how commands and results flow from one system to the other is essential to create a streamlined integration process between different systems.

Again, the different types of testing processes that are used for System Integration Testing are Batch Testing, Online Testing and Online-Batch Integration Testing (as discussed previously).

  • Regression Testing – This can be understood as the counteractive stage to the previous one. While the System Interaction Testing ensures that the different systems that comprise the Mainframe function simultaneously and are conducive to the performance of the System as a whole, the Regression Testing is a way to ensure that the different systems do not hinder the performance of each other.

Each system should not only be involved in the functioning of the other, as long as it is beneficial for both of the systems. Therefore, Regression Testing is responsible for making sure that the batch jobs or online screens, for instance, do not negatively affect the system that is currently being reviewed or vice versa.

  • Performance Testing – Once we know that each system that is currently at work is doing its job in relation to the new system, or an update being tested and that the new system under test does not hamper the functionality of an existing system, the next step is to test the performance of the system in its specific environment. It involves identifying bottlenecks in high hit areas like the front end data, or other activities like upgrading online databases and to check and understand the scalability of the application.
  • Security Testing – When it comes to software or well any Technology for that matter, the first question that needs to be answered is whether it is a secure platform or a safe space for the users. The same goes for the Mainframe Testing process. Before approving it for being used in the system, it is important that the system is tested to see how it fares against the security attacks. Security Testing is a stage that evaluates the design and development of the application and its ability to withstand potential security attacks. It includes the system’s independence in countering those attacks and keeping all information and data entrusted to it, absolutely safe. The two most common types of Security Testing that need to be undertaken are the Mainframe Security and Network Security. The features that both these tiers of security tests, check in their specific ways are – Integrity, Confidentiality, Authorization, Authentication, and Availability.
selenium

This is the basic model that is followed by testers when it comes to Mainframe Testing.

While specificities might vary depending on the particular project at hand, the basic outline that is to be followed remains the same. As with every other aspect of Technology, there is enough room to negotiate or experiment with this industry standard.

Experimenting and exploring unchartered territories though might lead to dead ends or tunnels that don’t always end with light.

But you can always trace your steps back, and find out where you went wrong and take corrective measures as and when required.

The next section focuses on the challenges or problems that are faced by the Mainframe Testing team and how can they find their way out of a tight spot.

What are the common challenges faced in the process of Mainframe Testing?

Each and every kind of Testing is a series of hit and trial until you arrive at the best possible system. Mainframe Testing is no different. Though we have discussed the steps that are generally followed during the process of Mainframe Testing, even the closest adherence to these steps do not always ensure the best solution in the first attempt.

There will always be challenges or troubleshooting that the testing team will be faced with during the process.

Discussed below are some issues that have been often reported by the testers and the possible approach that can be adapted to find a solution to that problem.

  • Unclear Requirements

Problem – It is extremely important to have clearly set requirements before you working on any testing project. While a supporting manual might be available, it does not always cater to the demands and needs of the project at hand. The problematic of unclear, incomplete or impractical documentation is a problem that hinders the testing process.

Solution – The testing team should be actively involved in the Software Development Life Cycle right from the time when Requirements are being set for the system. Their involvement in the early stages will ensure that they can verify that the requirements that are being set are after all testable and practical. This saves time, money and efforts of the team, while also ensuring that the Software Development Process does not come to a standstill at a later point in the testing phase.

  • Ad-hoc Request

Problem – it may so happen that upstream or downstream application issues might necessitate end-to-end testing needs. These unexpected requests have the potential to disrupt the pre-defined schedule of the testing process by increasing the time, efforts and other resources required in the execution cycle.

Solution – To provide for the unforeseeable issues during the testing process, it is advisable to have automation scripts, regression scripts, skeleton scripts and any other backup plans to implement immediately as and when faced with a problem. This considerably reduces the overall time and efforts required for the completion of the project.

Here goes your basic guide to Mainframe Testing. This is not an exhaustive guide, there is always more that we can learn, and there is always room for improvement and efficiency. Keep exploring.