ISTQB Certification: What you need to do?

The present situation of the market is aggressive. Taking an online test can enable you to separate yourself from the rest, expand your work possibilities, and result in higher compensation.
One such certification is the ISTQB certification that can help you out with your career choice. ISTQB stands for the “International Software Testing Qualifications Board.” It offers an internationally recognized certification for testers which is also known as “ISTQB Certified Tester”.
So before you think about taking up this course, let us take you through some key points.
1. No certification is complete without good hands-on experience on live projects. It also provides you with crucial knowledge and an understanding of what will work and what won’t.
2. Candidates having work experience are always a preferred choice for people undertaking any course.
3. If you are a fresher, or new to the field of software testing, this certification can certainly come to your rescue. You could also think about taking up an internship program or a higher education course.
The ISTQB certification is divided into 3 levels
Foundation Level
An entry-level certification, this level is designed for both fresher as well as experienced professionals.
The objective of this course is to make sure the key concepts and fundamental practices are well understood by everyone. The syllabus includes 6 major topics:
1. Fundamentals of testing
2. Software testing lifecycle 
3. Static techniques like black box testing and white box testing
4. Testing tools and management
Advance Level
The advanced level course is designed for mid-level professionals who possess a minimum of 5 years of experience. The objective is to learn and understand advanced best practices and concepts of testing. The syllabus includes the following topics:
1. Advanced behavioral testing and standards for business-oriented testers
2. Advanced structural testing for technically-oriented testers
3. Experienced test management concepts for managers.
Expert Level
As the name suggests, the expert level courses are designed for true leaders in the field of software testing.
These professionals have experience of more than 8 years. The objective is to make understanding and execution of the current cutting edge technology.
Since the professionals are leaders in the field, the syllabus covers topics like:
1. Test process improvement
2. Test management
3. Test automation
4. Industry-specific techniques.
How Can You Appear For the ISTQB Certifications?
It is advisable to enroll for the certification well in advance for the given date. The following instructions are designed for ISTQB certification in India.
1. Find the upcoming ISTQB exam dates at (click here)
2. For enrolment, (click here) and complete your signup process
The Course Fee For the ISTQB Foundation Level Course is Currently $229
IQBBA Business Analyst exam fee:  $199
ISTQB Advanced Level exam fees: $249
ISTQB Expert Level exam fee: $375
1. Send a demand draft (DD) in favor of the Software Testing Certification Board, payable at ‘NEW DELHI’ to the ITB office in Noida at their given address.
2. The board will inform you about the time and procedure for taking up the exam.
Don’t forget to mention your registration details that you filled during the enrolment and also mention your contact information at the back of the DD.
1. On the scheduled date and time, be present at the exam venue.

  • Unlike any other exam, do carry your photo identity card like an Aadhar card and voter ID.
  • Since the exam is carried out online, you will be notified of the results immediately.

For all the other exams, the results are notified after 2 weeks.
1. For any other queries, visit their contact page at http://www.istqb.in/contact-us1
Why choose ISTQB Certification?
Several different certifications are available for testers. But the ISTQB continues to be the most favored one among most tester. Here is why:

  1. It is the number one testing certification, globally, with over 6,00,000 testing professionals across 100+ countries.
  2. The syllabus is updated frequently and is always in line with the trending developments in the testing domain. This adds more value to it.
  3. The certification focuses on the practical implementation of the testing concepts rather than theory. This means only professionals with expertise will be able to complete it.
  4. Through the 3 different levels, the certification helps in building a career path for the testing professional. Each level caters to a similar project designation in the organization.
  5. Most companies prefer ISTQB certified candidates over those without the certification. This opens many new and exciting career avenues for testing professionals.

Know More: Must Learn Selenium interview Questions

Is the ISTQB Certification Worth the Try?
Having the ISTQB certification on your resume can certainly add those stars to your qualification.
It is conducted by a non-profit organization which comprises of renowned knowledge experts having years of experience.
The other benefits of undertaking the course include:

  • The course is based on multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and is practical in nature.
  • There’s no specified or minimum qualification required to appear for the test.
  • Every individual with, IT, or non-IT background, can take up the exam. This means you can appear for the exam even when you are about to complete your college studies.
  • Certifications like ISTQB shows your mastery and interest in the software testing industry. You can have the best concepts and knowledge about the field and can help you advance in your career.
  • Also, the course is much less expensive than the course offered by private institutions. You do not need to attend extra classes outside to take up the exam. All the study material and guides will be provided to you.

What’s the Certificate Validity of ISTQB?

  1. Foundation Level: the certification is valid for a lifetime
  2. Advanced Level: also valid for a lifetime
  3. Expert Level: This is valid only for 5 years. It needs to be renewed after 5 years either by taking the exam again or by completing 200 certification extension credits (CECs).

What are the Certification Streams of ISTQB?
In line with the latest changes in the testing domain, it is now possible to take the certification in the chosen stream. Below are the details of the 3 streams currently offered by ISTQB:

  1. Core: Core is the traditional testing certification that was and continues to be followed by ISTQB. It includes the core testing concepts and understandings that are valid across multiple domains.
  2. Agile: This certification corresponds to testing practices and implementation in an Agile environment. With changing project development scenario and the industry-wide acceptance of the agile practices, ISTQB introduced this stream to specifically cater to agile testing.
  3. Specialist: As the name suggests, this certification is for specialization in different fields of testing. It follows a deep-down approach in a particular type of testing and expects the testing professionals to have a deeper understanding and knowledge of these specialized branches of testing. Currently available streams for foundation level include:
  • Acceptance Testing
  • Performance Testing
  • Mobile Application Testing
  • Gaming Industry Tester
  • Automotive Software Tester
  • Usability Testing
  • Model-based Testing

ISTQB Certification
How to prepare for the ISTQB exam?
Here are some points that will help prepare for the ISTQB certification.

  1. Plan well in advance. Do not rush into the certification.
  2. Understand the concepts and don’t just mug up the theory. It may not help.
  3. Get some hands-on experience or read case studies to help you understand the practical implementation of the testing concepts.
  4. Study in a group if possible. Sharing knowledge is the best and the fastest way of learning new things.
  5. If you are going in for a Specialist certificate, chose your niche according to knowledge and expertise.
  6. Avoid dependencies on dumps. The dumps can be used to check your preparedness for the exam but can’t substitute the learning. Do not make the mistake of taking the exam without the dumps.
  7. While preparing always take notes of important things you may want to refer to before the exam.
  8. Read the questions carefully. Sometimes they can be tricky. Take time to read and understand the question before answering them.
  9. During the exam do not spend too much time on a single question. If you find it confusing or you do not know the answer. Move to the next one and come back to it later.
  10. DO NOT PANIC. Ba calm and composed while answering the questions. Give it your best shot. Remember there is always the next time.

What is gray/ grey box testing? Examples Included!

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?

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.

11 Tips and Tricks For Appium and Selenium

Selenium and Appium are two well-known automation testing tools. Selenium is largely leveraged for testing web applications whereas Appium is widely used for testing mobile applications. Bundled with many features, both these tools are highly recommended for software testing.
But you need to have a proper understanding of these appium and selenium tools to get best out of them.  There are few tips and tricks that can help you get best out these tools and leverage them to their best abilities.
Let’s make our job easier with these veteran Tips and Tricks about Appium and Selenium.

The Use of Waits: 

Using Thread.Sleep() is a common method of “waiting” while any processing is going on. But it possesses a few drawbacks. Here is how we can overcome it.
a)    WebDriverWait.  It census your query every 500ms, and return when the wait condition is fulfilled. WebDriverWait can explicitly put a maximum threshold to elude locks and infinite waiting.
b)    FindElementBy / FindElement(..): Second method is by invoking FindElementBy or just FindElement(..). FindElementBy waits until the element is found and returns null if maximum wait time passes. But be sure you have to explicitly configure the implicitly waits.
1. Locating Elements
Locating element is not a tough job in selenium and there are many ways to do it. But the haunting part is getting StaleElementReferenceException.
It happens when you assign IWebElement reference but it already has some other location in the DOM. The solution to StaleElementReferenceException is to re-query and reassign the element reference.
2. Sending Keyboard input
Selenium allows sending inputs in two ways. First is by setting “value” property of editable elements by using ExecuteScript() / ExecuteAsyncScript(). Second is to use SendKeys() API.
I would suggest you use ExecuteScript() / ExecuteAsyncScript() method when you are more concerned about filling in a few fields and when you are not concerned about DOM events being fired and concurrent character-by-character verification.
But if you want to focus on real-time validation, the second method i.e. using SendKeys() API will be more apt for you.
3. Executing JavaScript code
You can execute JavaScript in either of the below-given ways depending upon your requirements.
i)    ExecuteScript().ExecuteScript() does not execute the next line of         test code till script execution is returned.
ii)    ExecuteAsyncScript() does not block your test code.
4. Drag & Drop Interfaces
Action Builder API, and the “DragAndDrop” and “DragAndDropToOffset” methods support easy drag and drop interface in Selenium.
5. Switching between windows and iframes
You can easily switch between windows and frames in Selenium.

  1. For iFrames

driver.SwitchTo().Frame(frameElement); //IWebElement

  1. For Windows

driver.SwitchTo().Window(handle);// driver window handle
and then can switch back to the original window by using
driver.SwitchTo().DefaultContent();

  1. Using drivers for multiple browsers

When using the driver API, always refer it by using RemoteWebDriver class for all the browsers used for running tests.
It is good to label your environment in a text/XML file and then deconstruct this and return the correct driver instance.
6. Cleaning UP
When you are done with your testing, you need to free all the resources and close the browser.
For this you can use Close(), Quit(), and Dispose().  Quit() closes all browsers, close() closes the existing browser  while Dispose() calls the quit() and closes all browsers.
Now when we are done with a few tips and tricks of working with selenium, let us now get better in our Apium skills.
Appium is one of the widely used mobile app testing tools. Though its users encounter some common problems while using it…
Here are some tips and tricks that can help you handle some common problems faced in using it and making it’s working more efficient and effective.
So, here we go…
7. Writing cross-platform tests 
One of the major issue in testing mobile apps is we have to write different test scenario for Android and iOS. Having common tests can be a big benefit in terms of saving time and efforts.
Though it gets much easier having the same set of test cases for both if your application is the same from a UI point-of-view.

Read also :  Testcafe Vs Selenium. Which is Better?

Just make sure that the accessibility IDs on corresponding UI elements in each version of the app matches with each other. If it stands true, you can run the same test on both applications. Also, be sure your test sets up the appropriate capabilities for each platform.
Based on different platforms, here are some more and little-known tips and tricks about Appium that can make your testing easier.
8. For All Platforms

  • AutoWebView – it is very useful for Cordova apps and helps to start in the webview context.

9. For Android

  • ignoreUnimportantViews – It is a very useful method to quicken your Android tests.
  • nativeWebScreenshot – Helps you to take a screenshot from UIAutomator. It is very useful if your screenshots from chromedriver are not as expected.

10. For IoS

  • locationServicesAuthorized – It helps you to prevent showing an alert when you are trying to use the user’s location by pre-authorizing location services.
  • Auto[Accept|Dismiss]Alerts – It helps you avoid alerts from disrupting your tests.
  • nativeWebTap – Permits users to use non-javascript taps.
  • safariIgnoreFraudWarning – It is beneficial in cases where your test environment doesn’t have 100% perfect SSL setup.
  • interKeyDelay – Sometimes Appium’s typing speed can cause a problem with your application, in such cases, interKeyDelay can evade the problem.
  • sendKeyStrategy – Helps in avoiding the keyboard altogether.

11. Networking Conditioning
You can use driver.setNetworkConnection(value) to stimulate various states of connectivity when you run your tests.
Hope these tips will prove helpful to you, will be back soon with some more useful testing tips and tricks. So stay tuned!

How to Write an efficient Cucumber Test?

Cucumber is integrated with the testing framework majorly used to introduce behavior driven framework. It allows testers to do the testing according to the behavior of the application.

There are different feature files being written which bridge the gap between different stakeholders of the project. Business Analyst, Customer, and Technical people should come on the same page so that the development of the product can meet the customer’s expectations and bug tracking can be faster as compared to conventional testing.
Now, you know how it is to write feature files. Let’s take an example of a feature file which tests an application login flow.

Feature: Login to the test application

It checks whether the login to the application is performed correctly or not.
Scenario: Successful Login to Test Application
Given User is at the login page
When User enters username as “nancy” and password as “pwd”
And User clicks on login button
Then User is able to successfully login to the Test Application.
Now, writing this feature file in a haphazard manner is very easy but have you ever imagined that there are some effective ways in which you can write your Cucumber Tests which we will be looking at in the below section. Let’s have a look at those:
1. You should use background keyword very wisely. If you want some common steps to run before each scenario of a feature file then you can put those steps in a background scenario. Those steps would run before each scenario in a feature file.

Feature: Test Background Feature

Description: This feature is to test the Background keyword
Given User is at the login page
When User enters username as “nancy” and password as “pwd”
And User clicks on login button
Then User is able to successfully login to the Test Application.

Scenario: Search a product and add the first product to the User basket

Given User type Acer Laptop in search box
When Add the first search result laptop to the basket
Then User basket should display the added item

Know More: Selenium Automation Testing using Cucumber Tool

Scenario: Add selected product and add the same to the User basket

Given User select Lenovo Laptop
When Select on the laptop to add it to the basket
Then User basket should display the added item
2. Every scenario should be independent of any other scenario. Any scenario should not depend on any other scenario for execution. Every scenario should be isolated and in this way, the execution of scenarios should not be dependent on any other scenario.

3. You should use a Scenario Outline when you want one scenario to be executed on a number of times. Just assume the case when you want to test the login scenario for different combinations of username and password. So, in that case, you can specify the combination of username and password for which the scenario will run n number of times.

Feature: Login to the test application using Scenario Outline

Description: It checks whether the login to the application is performed correctly or not for all set of specified users.
Scenario: Successful Login to Test Application using Scenario Outline
Given User is at the login page
When User enters Username as <username> and Password as <password>
And User clicks on login button
Then User is able to successfully login to the Test Application.
Example –
|username|password|
|user1|pwd1|
|user2|pwd2|
|user3|pwd3|
This scenario will run for three sets of users and password. It will, in turn, check the login flow for 3 usernames and password.

Know More: Rest API Testing using Cucumber Tools

4. You should make the scenarios more declarative and not imperative. The declarative styles make the scenarios more readable. It improves the readability of the scenario. Let’s take an example which is written in an imperative way and a scenario which is written in a declarative way. You would feel the difference in the readability of the scenarios.
Example: Imperative Scenario

Feature: Login to the test application

It checks whether the login to the application is performed correctly or not.
Scenario: Successful Login to Test Application
Given User is at the login page
When User enters username as “nancy” and password as “pwd”
And User clicks on login button
Then User is able to successfully login to the Test Application.
Example: Declarative

Feature: Login to the test application

It checks whether the login to the application is performed correctly or not.
Scenario: Successful Login to Test Application
Given User is at the login page
When User login In
Then User should be able to successfully login.

  1. Avoid doing hard coding I step definition files. Always try to parameterize the scenarios by passing username and password.

Feature: Login to the test application using Scenario Outline

Description: It checks whether the login to the application is performed correctly or not for all set of specified users.
Scenario: Successful Login to Test Application using Scenario Outline
Given User is at the login page
When User enters Username as <username> and Password as <password>
And User clicks on login button
Then User is able to successfully login to the Test Application.
Example –
|username|password|
|user1|pwd1|
|user2|pwd2|
|user3|pwd3|
You should write step definition files in which you take parameters from feature file.
@When(“^User enters Username as \”([^\”]*)\” and Password as \”([^\”]*)\”$”)
public void I_enter_Username_as_and_Password_as(String arg1, String arg2) {
driver.findElement(By.id(“email”)).sendKeys(user1);
driver.findElement(By.id(“password”)).sendKeys(pwd1);
driver.findElement(By.id(“login”)).click();
}
6. When you want to conjunct too many steps. You should do it by “and” keyword. Make sure that you do it into two steps and then use “and” keyword. One action per step should be used and it makes the steps more modular. It increases the scenario more readable.

Feature: Login to the test application
It checks whether the login to the application is performed correctly or not.
Scenario: Successful Login to Test Application
Given User is at the login page
When User login In with username and password
And User clicks on login button
Then User should be able to successfully login.

Conclusion

You should follow some steps which will make the cucumber tests more efficient. These steps will make the tests more readable. All the best!

Why Should You Shift to Functional Automation Testing?

Do you get bored with manually testing your code for bugs again and again? Proper functioning of the code is the foremost thing that matters.  If your code does not act as per the requirement specification, it is no longer of any use.

Functional testing assures that your code functions as per the requirements. But alas! Even a small change or an alteration in your code can alter its working. Hence it is advisable to retest your code every time a change is made to the code.
But running same test cases again and again can be daunting. And there enters automation testing. Automating your functional testing can relieve you of a lot of burdens and can save you a lot of time.
What is Functional Automation Testing? 
Before moving on to functional automation testing, let us first know a little about Functional Testing.
As discussed earlier functional testing confirms that every function of your code works in accordance with the requirement specification. Functional testing requires you to send appropriate inputs and to verify the actual output with the expected output.
But being the foremost quality assurance process, you may be required to repeat functional testing. And hence to ease out your work it is advisable to automate your functional testing process.
Functional Automation testing is a process that assists you in easy and faster execution of your functional test cases. Manual testing requires you to execute the test case step by step, which can be time-consuming as it is done by hand.
And to outcast, this peril, automating functional test case comes as a savior saving on both time and efforts. It helps in executing functional test cases automatically with no human intervention.
Before moving forward let’s look into some drawbacks of manual functional testing.
Drawbacks of Manual Testing
Here are some weaknesses of manual testing that promote testers to adopt automated testing:

  • Manual functional testing is very time-consuming.
  • Functional testing like regression testing becomes very repetitive and losses testers’ interest.
  • It requires many resources.
  • It might miss out on a few scopes of functional testing.

Why Functional Automation Testing?
Considering the current scenario where we develop software at a fast speed and alterations and enhancements are done at an equally fast speed, we need a methodology where we can test our code with an equally high speed. And that is where a need arises for functional automation testing.

Know More: 7 Best Practices You can Consider for Functional Testing

Companies are now moving toward Agile and DevOps, increasing the importance of automation than ever before. The frequent integrations and enhancements in the code require test cases to run quickly and accurately. And automation functional testing assures the best accuracy and quick run avoiding all human errors.
The main reason for a switch to functional automation testing is to save on both time and money. It assists the quick feedback to the developers for any bugs and errors.
Apart from time and money savings, Functional automated testing also benefits in:

  • More precise benchmarking.
  • Fewer faults because of human error.
  • Gives wider test coverage.
  • Assists reusability.
  • Helps in faster release of the software.
  • Assists in faster feedbacks to the developers about the bugs in the code.

So are there any downsides to creating automated tests?
What’s the real story?
Functional test automation as software development
Functional automation tests or any other automation tests are a piece of software code that relies on one or other programing language. This makes it a complete software development activity where you develop a code to test another piece of code.

Developing functional testing code is equally complicated like other software development projects and presenting similar issues like them.
So take care to follow software development best practices to develop a successful functional automation test case.
Should you automate all your test cases?
Automating all the test cases does not seem to be a good idea. Rather, not everything is even automatable. To look out for what test cases you should ideally automate, consider the following things:

  • Deterministic test cases
  • Automate test cases that do not require manual communication
  • Test cases that deals with fiscal-related areas of the software
  • Test cases that deals with risk areas of the software
  • Test that requires running on different data sets.
  • Test cases those are difficult for manual testing.
  • Test cases those are required to run on various browsers, systems, etc.
  • Test cases that is time-consuming.
  • Stress/load test cases
  • Unit test cases

You can consider automating the more time-consuming and repetitive test cases. Though, the criterion may vary depending on various other conditions.
But what about Functional automation testing ROI? Let’s have a look into it.
Functional Automation Testing ROI 
Finally, it is ROI that majorly governs any business decisions. Whether to automate your test cases or not; is also largely dependent on ROI. The determination of ROI for automation testing is tricky. Here is a small formula that can help you find a rough estimate of the automation cost.

Know More: Difference Between Functional and Non Functional Testing

Automation Cost = automation tool cost + cost of the labor to automate test cases + maintenance cost
If your automation test cost turns out to be lower than the manual testing cost, you should look out for automating test cases.  Moreover, testing cost increases with every run in manual testing, whereas the ROI adds up with every run in automation testing
But there are some other factors apart from ROI that can affect your decision to whether or not to automate test cases.
What Not to Automate
Functional automation testing, no doubt save time and efforts. But automating all the test cases is not a good idea. There are certain types of test cases you should not consider automating.

  • Test cases that are to be performed only once.
  • Ad Hoc based test cases.
  • Test cases that do not have a predictive result.
  • Usability test cases.

Be wise in your selection of test cases to automate. Functional test case automation can be highly beneficial for you if done wisely.
Conclusion:
Functional testing is one of the most important phases of STLC. But sometimes functional testing can be very time-consuming and frantic task.

Automating function test cases is one most apt solution to overcome this snag. Functional automation testing can save you both time and money.
So be clever and consider functional automation testing for your upcoming projects.

Top 11 QA companies in India

Software testing or Quality Assurance is one of the most essential domains in the IT industry. Over the years, the domain has taken a new turn with a huge influence on the success of software or application.

This is helping in improving the business image and enhancing the quality of a project. The best thing is that it saves thousands of bucks to maintain or building the whole process or testing. To matter easier, there are a number of topmost companies that work specifically in the testing industry only. They provide cost-effective solutions to software with the best strategy to keep the top-notch quality.
Here is a list of top 11 companies that work in the testing domain to offer best services in India.
1. ISHIR
ISHIR’s Independent Testing and Quality Assurance (QA) services ensure that applications are vigorously examined using test methods with industry standards and QA processes. ISHIR has people and processes to build a test plan abroad for our clients. They follow rigorous testing procedures and standards and work in a structured environment that meets the Level 3 standards of SEI CMM. ISHIR offers a complete range of Software Testing and Quality Assurance (QA) services by maximizing the quality, performance, and availability of the software application while managing the costs and risks for our clients.
2. Testbytes
It is one of the biggest QA companies in Pune. The company is known as a community of software testers who are committed towards their profession and love to test bugs. The expertise of the company lies in App Testing for both Android and iOS. Along with this, Testbytes assures qualities of Web Apps together with automation testing, game testing, and desktop testing. With the best testing tool, the company ensures high software performance, utmost security, and functionality.
3. Resourcology
Another of the good testing company is Resourcology that deals in complying software development and testing cycle based on the concept of SDLC. In addition to this, the company covers testing of ERP, CRM, SAP, Web, and Mobile and all other types of Mainframe app. Their goal is to provide the best and error-free service to the customer ensuring that no errors are left. They also offer a trial form to ensure that the quality and solution is to the mark before signing the project.

Know More: Top 10 Mobile App Testing Companies in India

4. WebImprint
They are software testing Automation Company based in Mexico, India and Dubai. They provide quality management services and automated tests. They are also a solution provider for security testing, automation, acceptance testing, QA quality management system, validation testing, functional testing, performance testing, regression testing, system testing, integration testing and unit testing. They offer and guarantee faultless software at the customer’s end.
5. Mann India Technology
The Company is a Noida based QA  company that works with software development and is registered with the government as a private In addition to this, the company is famous for testing, development, design, on-time delivery, etc.

6. CresTech
CresTech is a leading software testing company with 300+ consultants spread across its delivery centers at Noida, Gurugram, Bangalore, Australia, and California in the US. It is an Independent company in the field of software testing to be assessed at CMMI Level 3 SVC. In addition, they work for test optimization, application performance, and transformation, application security, test automation, and mobile testing, etc.
7. Ironcode Gaming
This is the professional, creative and experienced company based in Dehradun. They deal in the development process of games and test off the product accurately. They work on different platforms such as Android, iOS, Window, Mac, and On top of that, the cross-platform is the main niche follow up by them and games are famous in the e-commerce market with Google Play, Amazon, Stream, Appstore, BigFish, AOL, Yahoo and Google. Their experts work in the direction of 2D/3D art, Game designing, Angkor, Riotball, Standing Game, etc. In addition to this, they follow the development concept to get the best service and work routine to follow up the testing and games.
8. Vyshnavi Information Technology
It is an international Information Technology Company rooted in the year 2001 with headoffice in Bangalore. The company has its development centers in Pune, the United States and Canada. . The company is a reputed firm for its Development, Design, testing, etc. Apart from Bangalore, the company also has offices in the US, Pune, and The main product for them is testing with a turn-key solution in the e-Governance, retail, mining, facilities, utility, etc. The firm is also famous as a product of Oracle Gold Partner and Microsoft Certified Gold Partner.

Know More: Top 25 Software Testing COmpanies to look out for in 2018

9. Terstriq QA Lab
With more than 12 years of experience in the industry, Terstriq has managed to have a strong reputation in the market. Quality Assurance, Project Management, Requirement Analysis, Test Planning and Execution, Software Quality Consulting and so forth serving to a vast industry domain, in the field of e-commerce, tourism, education, real estate, telecommunication, and many related fields.
10. Krify-Innovations
For the game fanatic, this is the QA company that might be familiar with and works in the direction of localization and working domains. There are a number of different platforms on which the company works in such as Mobile applications, Web, Wearable app development etc. They have a team of professionals that work for in-house games as well that include designing, development, testing, promotion, and With the workplace at Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India the company has managed to gain huge popularity over time along with global establishment at Chigwell and UK.
11. T&A Solutions
It is the Chandigarh based QA company that deals in the testing and development phase. The company deals in Manufacturing, R&D, Industrial Engineering, and Information Technology & Telecommunications Media Process Industries, Entertainment & Advertisement, Banking & Financial Services, FMCG & Consumer Durables, Pharmaceuticals & Medicine, IT Enabled Services Consulting, Marketing, Textiles & Garments Industries, Human Resource Personnel, and Industrial Relations.

The company is well known for its amazing and effortful work in development and non-development work phase. They are one of the major companies that have a chain of top quality and quantity workflow with a valuable customer.
These are a few of the top qa companies in India that are having a huge impact on the market over time. However, they are now reaching the global market and time is not far when they will be able to witness the success all across the world.

Mobile App Installation Testing: Ultimate Guide

Installation is a crucial aspect for the survival of any app. it doesn’t matter how well your app is working a minor flaw in installation sequence itself is enough for users to discard your app and never look back at it again. So, for the assurance, you need app installation testing.
Since we all believe in the saying that“Customer is the king” and “The first impression is the last impression”.
It is a must to keep our customers happy and leave a good impression on them. And thus it becomes very important to test your application for successful implementation to leave a good first impression on your customers.

So let us learn more about Application Installation Testing.
What is Application Installation Testing?
Application Implementation testing aka Application Installation Testing tests the successful installation of your mobile application across various mobile gadgets, models and operating systems.
Application Installation Testing is generally carried out before your application first interacts with its customers.
Application Installation Testing is the last phase of software testing life cycle (STLC).

Why should you do Application Installation Testing?
What if while installing your application, it corrupts the complete OS of user’s high-end mobile phone? FURY! Is all that you can expect.
To avoid such situations, it is a must that your application goes through an intensive round of Application Installation Testing.
Here are a few aspects that might help you apprehend the importance of Application Installation Testing.

  1. The first impression promotes the users to go deep into that thing and explore it. With an application, its implementation forms the first impression on its customers. Make sure your application is fit to be successfully installed by proper Application Installation Testing.
  2. Application Installation Testing makes sure that all the components of your application are entirely coordinated.
  3. Apart from Application Installation Testing, you cannot take application uninstallation testing lightly. After you uninstall the application from your hand-held device, it is important that all the related files are also deleted and application uninstallation testing ensures it commendably.


Type of Mobile Application Installation–Which one does your application supports?
Silent Installation: This kind of mobile Installation does not prompt any messages at the time of its installation. The related messages are saved in a log file.
Attended application installation: In attended mobile application installation, when you install your application; you are prompted and asked for various inputs. Few of the inputs that might be required from your end are:

  1. Accepting EULA/end user license.
  2. Entering the password is another input that you might be asked for.
  3. You can also be asked to give your input on various errors like internet connectivity issues.
  4. Some bigger applications can also ask you to use WiFi connection instead of mobile data for their installation.

Unattended mobile installation: In such type of installation you are not prompted during installation but if user intervention is required, it is done using an answer file where user mentions all the inputs that are required for installation.
Headless mobile installation/Network mobile Installation: Sometimes mobile networks install apps on their user’s mobile devices without having physical access to their devices. Such applications are installed from a network on a targeted mobile gadget.
Clean mobile Installation: In such mobile installation no older version of the application is installed, and it is being installed for the first time.
Automated mobile Installation: Such mobile installation is apt for applications where some prerequisite conditions are set and on meeting them the installation automatically starts.
Like for a few big applications user set a condition to be installed when the WiFi connection is on. When the application detects a WiFi connection on the gadget, it automatically installs it on the device.
Now when you know what type of installation does your application supports, its time to move on further.
Things to keep in mind before performing Application Installation Testing:

  1. Operating systems your application supports.
  2. Type of installation your application performs.
  3. The operating system on which you have to test your application.

How to perform Application Installation Testing?
Testing your application for proper installation is a must for a proper kick start of your application. Here are the steps that can help you carry out the testing properly.

  1. Check for an existing application and validate if your application checks for them too.
  2. Validate if installers draw all the instructions properly.
  3. Stop the installation process in between and check if the system returns to its original state.
  4. Manually check for the disk space and then validate if the application installer calculated the disk space appropriately.
  5. Confirm application responses for low disk space. Test if your application returns an appropriate error message when the disk space of your device is low.
  6. Test for registry changes that take place during the application installation process.
  7. Another important part that you need to consider isapplication uninstallation testing. After you uninstall the application from your hand-held device, it is important that all the related files are also deleted and application uninstallation testing ensures it commendably.

Know More: How To Test A Location-based App?

Test Cases for Application Installation Testing
Typical test cases you can test while performing Application Installation Testing:

  • Take into account your requirements and consider Test cases for all workflows.
  • Include test cases to check if the old version of an application is already installed and if it is available, and then have a test case to verify the installation of the application on the same path.
  • Have Test cases to check the Disk Space availability for installation.
  • Include Test cases which verify that your application prompts appropriate error message if an error occurs during installation.
  • Have Test cases to test the disk space before and just after installation.
  • Include Test script for checking the changes in the registry.
  • Include Test cases for the installation’s forced stop.
  • Include Test cases for custom installation and Default installation path.
  • Test your application installation when some other application of similar type is running concurrently.
  • Have test cases to test your application installation while an application that uses a lot of RAM for its operation is running.
  • Have Test cases for insufficient RAM condition and corresponding error message for it.
  • Test for inadequate disk space and corresponding error message for it.
  • Test application installation under high security, when the Firewall is on.
  • Test your installation process for variable Network speed.
  • Have test cases for multiple Concurrent installations.
  • Include Test cases for checking the Time in which installation and extraction process is completed.
  • Include test cases to test the path of extraction of application.
  • Test the log files that contain a list of all the events of installation.
  • Your testing should include test cases for Uninstallation and to test whether all related files are removed at the time of uninstallation.
  • Test for patch installation and Update installation.
  • Have Test cases to check uninstallation behavior when it is stopped in midway.
  • Have test cases to check the installer’s reaction when a newer version of the application is present, and the user is trying to install an older version.
  • Test if an older version of your application exists, the newer version is stored on the same path.
  • Have test cases for various interruptions like an incoming call or a message, low battery, putting in the charging socket, etc.
  • Have test cases to check the path of installation both in SD card and phone memory.


Challenges incurredinApplication Installation Testing
With, various mobile gadgets and operating systems the Application Installation Testing requires a complex execution and becomes time-consuming. It can also become very challenging sometimes. Some common challenges that can be faced while performing Application Installation Testing are:
Compatibility

    : With the wide increase in usage of mobile phones, year on year companies keep bringing new models of mobile phones and better versions of OS. It is important to check that your application is compatible with all of them. Checking your application’s compatibility with each of the gadgets and OS comes very challenging.

  • Interruptions: Testing should be done in various conditions. There are various conditions where your installation process might be interrupted like by an incoming call, low battery, a ping, etc. Checking for all such conditions can be another challenge for the tester.
  • Application Installation Testing is time-consuming, and the challenge is further enhanced with the running of multiple test cases on different configurations.
  • There are no clear test models, tools and test coverage criterion for Application Installation Testing that further increases the challenge for the testers.


Conclusion:
With the mobile application development industry blooming at a faster pace and more and more people finding their career in this field, it becomes very important to be best in it to survive this very tough competition.
Hence to offer your best make sure your application is free from all kinds of bugs and defects. And Application Installation Testing promises you a good starting interaction with your customers.
So make sure to conduct a round of Application Installation Testing before you launch your application in the market.

How To Test A Location-based App?

Geolocation is an important feature if you are developing a social media web or mobile application. According to a 2016 report by Pew Research Center, 90 percent smartphone users in the United States always keep the geolocation feature on.
There are bazillion apps out there that use GPS based features as the core functionality. But are they all successful?
No! Many of them fail owing to the lack of proper testing. What’s needed is correct methodology, tools, and the right team.

Click here to download our latest PDF on a GPS software system we tested lately

Testing a location-based app using mock location

To make the testing possible, you need a location simulator. Xcode is a popular simulator, which is used to test iOS apps. You can also use Location file formats called GPX and KML.
GPX or GPS Exchange Format is a document available in XML data format used to exchange location information of GPS data between your mobile application and the web service.

On the other hand, KML is the format the displays geographical data on Google Earth and other applications. It has a tag-based structure that uses nested attributes and elements, which is very similar to the XML standard.
To generate GPX or KML, you can use the many generators available online. Some of these include My Tracks, Google Earth to ADT plugin, RunKeeper, Google Earth, and KML Generator.

Generating GPX file using RunKeeper

Using RunKeeper is fairly simple but requires a bit of physical work. Let’s take a look:
Step 1 Download the RunKeeper app on your mobile phone.
Step 2  Finish the sign-up procedure and go to open ground. Make sure there are no buildings around.
Step 3  When you reach there, click on Start Activity and start walking around.
Step 4  Keep walking until you feel you have enough data. Hit STOP and click Yes I’m Done. Save the file and go back to your workplace.
Step 5  Open the RunKeeper website and log in using your username and password.
Step 6 Click on Activities and look for the Export GPX option. Download the file and save it on your computer.

Testing an Android App

Before you begin, create a GPX or KML route as mentioned in the images. Download Emulator Control and open the files on it (only one file at a time). Use DDMS perspective of Eclipse with ADT Plugin.
Step 1. Open Eclipse and click on Create a Project. Create an application that listens to Location Updates for the designated location provider.
Step 2  Click on Create Emulator. Go to your application’s folder in the project explorer. Right click on it and go to run as. Choose the option Android Application.
Step 3  Open Google Map. Go to DDMS and select Emulator Control.
Step 4  Go to Location Control, click on GPX, and open load your GPX file.
Step 5  After it uploads, select the file and hit the press button. Now you can start selecting mock locations. The process is the same for KML files.

Testing an iOS app

To test an iOS app, you will need a slightly different GPX file format. Use RunKeeper to convert the above Android-compatible route to iOS-compatible route. Also, you will need xCode simulator for this process.
Step 1 Open xCode project. Click Product > Debug > Simulate Location > Add GPX file to Your Project.
Step 2 Click on Location icon and then select your GPX file. The point on the map will start moving and you can start testing.

Testing location-based web applications using a mock location

With websites and web applications, testing geolocation is super easy. All you have to do is install VPN or Virtual Private Network, which is software that hides your current location.
You can send data without anyone else being able to track it. When you activate it, you simply have to change your current location to any location you want to and start testing.

Tips to remember while testing location-based apps

Location-based testing is challenging, which means you need to pay extra attention while performing it. Here are some tips that will help you out:

1. Mention the exact location

Choosing a location that is less than 100 meters from your point of testing can create a big difference in the results. If you aren’t sure you have pointed the right place, enter latitude and longitude of that location. You can find it easily on the internet.

2. Test flight mode

Testers often forget to test how the app works when the phone is on flight mode. It gives interesting results, so make sure you perform it.

3. Testing different conditions

Using a mock location to test is just one of the many conditions that you need to test. Others include app performance in motion, while talking phone, and during signal loss. Get creative and think of other conditions.

4. Check power-saving mode

When a person activates their phone’s power-saver mode, it has an effect on the GPS. Check how this affects your app’s performance. Also, if your app offers a power-saver mode, check the feature’s performance when you activate it.

5. Signal strengths

Always check your app’s location feature at varying signal strengths. It should be able to support GPS the maximum even at the lowest signal but if it doesn’t, you need to go back and make the changes. You can also check using different internet sources including Wi-Fi and 3G or 4G mobile data.

Perform a variety of tests while testing at mock locations including usability, security, functionality, and load testing.

7 Important Tips for Successful QA Outsourcing

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.