Testbytes Software

What is A/B Testing? How to Use it?

Posted on October 11, 2017 by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

Websites and apps with high conversion rates have something unique in them. This uniqueness is nothing but the optimal distribution of attributes that pull the visitors and convert them to customers. To achieve this balance, the company or the developers have to hypothesize different scenario and design the attributes accordingly. The process has the name A/B testing
However, how do you compare between two versions of the same website? How do you know that the painstaking efforts in changing the attributes, here and there, have really led to higher conversion rate? You can rely on A/B testing for all these.
What is Open Source A/B testing Software?

The essence of A/B testing is like testing a copy of a page or app with the B copy of it. It is also known as bucket testing, since you split the page or app into two with different attributes and then experiment with them for their relative efficacy in achieving higher conversion rate.
Why should you do A/B Testing?
1) Trial and error
With open source A/B testing software you have the ability to test the performance of your website or application with two different attributes. Let us say you made a landing page of a website and now want to see if changing some attribute like colour, font or anything else will make some difference in terms of user satisfaction and conversion rate.
To see that you need to change the attribute that you think may make a difference and use the A/B testing open source software to experiment with the traffic and conversion rate in each version of the page. Such trial and error to arrive at the best product is possible with the help of A/B testing open source software.
2) Data integrity
If you are using third party analytical services like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics your data integrity may be lost. You need to handover your business critical sensitive data to these third party analytic firms. With A/B testing open source software you need not lose hold of your data. So data integrity is maintained.
3) Customized User Interface
For conducting different tests, you need a user interface that is customized for attributes specific to your business goals and needs. With A/B testing open source software, you are able to not only experiment with pages and apps, but also have the results of the split test reflected in a user friendly interface.
4) Real Time Result
Experiments with any A/B testing open source software can get real time results, and this helps the organisation in minimizing the time required in experimentation.
5) Selecting the most suitable Open Source A/B Testing Software
A very important aspect of selecting an A/B testing software is to see that it integrates with a variety of renowned content providers. This will ensure good content for your site and if your goal is better conversion rate then, the software must also have a feature of tracking revenues, sign ups, conversion rates etc. Another important aspect to note is the unlimited undo which will help in fixing mistakes.
How To do A/B testing?
Shockingly, numerous marketers are as yet doing unplanned tests without keeping clear objectives and regulations at the top of their priority list.
They don’t consider a definitive motivation behind the content before playing out and at last, they don’t notice any growth.

Keep in mind what works for your competitor, may not generally work for you! You must never aimlessly follow the success of other marketers without testing it on your individual platform first.
When you direct A/B testing, firstly, answer sensibly every below-listed question prior to starting in the accurate pattern.
What is my objective; boost conversions to the website or more signups or to increase income?
How am I going to assess results subsequent to actualizing A/B testing?
What things will I alter or enhance after this testing?
Did the real results coordinate with my assumed objectives?
Subsequent to deciding your primary objectives, the following level is choosing what components ought to be tested keeping in mind the goal to boost your conversions.
A conversion is another approach of saying the number of individuals who achieved your objective.
Now, after all this, you can start by establishing your A/B testing for your social media campaign.
Remember the given crucial tips to successfully execute A/B Testing for your social media campaigns.
For what A/B testing is used for?

Email campaigns
Individual emails
Website design
Multimedia marketing strategies
Paid internet advertising
Newsletters

How A/B Testing works?

Have an idea about what to test from the initial stage itself
Make two version of the update that’s about to be implemented. Or a new product
Subject it to customer review
Have a clear idea about how the website /competitor product is performing
Choose the correct tool to analyse the traffic change and user behavior
In your testing program create variation based on hypothesis
And wait for the response.
Make sure that you have a clear idea about the results you are looking for
Tests needs to be carried over simultaneously

Process involved in A/B Testing

Identify the real problem that you are experiencing, no conversions is can’t be considered as a real problem. Emphasis should be one of the multiple problems that’s preventing conversions
Find out what’s relevant for the user by analyzing user data
Develop a hypothesis to test
Run A/B test with various versions of the page or the software
Once the test is over analyse the results to find out what worked and what not
If an option wins in the test, again, test it against other options which are equally successful.

A/B testing your social media Campaign

Outline Your Plan

The more conscious and centered you are about each progression of your testing, the steadier your discoveries will be.
As already said, the initial step is to decide the objective of the test. It may be to increment average sales per client, get more repeat buys or grow conversion rates.
You ought to likewise have an objective for the outcomes you need to accomplish. You know where you are currently, so you have to set an objective for where you need to be.
Also, one must invest in the right tools. There is a lot of A/B testing tools accessible that will assist you in setting up, running and assessing tests.
Make certain to look into a few alternatives to locate the one that best obliges your social media needs. It’s a little yet great investment which will eventually upgrade your net revenues.

Discover Your Target Audience

Prior to beginning a social media campaign, you need to become acquainted with your targeted audience.
This procedure for testing is one of a kind, in that you will not be changing the real content of the social media campaign.
Rather, you will demonstrate a similar post or ads to different sections to observe which one will respond best.
When testing Facebook advertisements, for example, you will, for the most part, need to fragment by area, gender, age, platform, device, or interests.

Strategize With Certainty

A/B testing is possibly the most effortless path for the marketers to advance their online business through social media platform for more conversion.
With the assistance of this philosophy, you can undoubtedly wipe out the mystery and take steps that give results through increased conversion rates and search ranking.
Utilizing this strategy, you can attempt and test variations to your web pages against the present plan and execute those that give the high-grade results.
By estimating the effect of the variation, you need to present on your social media page, you can settle on an educated choice and guarantee that it will deliver positive results. Basically, it can have a major effect on the viability of conversion rates and your business site.

Test Landing Page

Landing pages are a key component we test to check paid and organic execution.
An essential best practice here is that when you know which post copy and image perform best, you should develop your landing page depending on them.
At that point, there is conversion testing.
Tools make it simple to set up modifications of your landing page.
These can go from slight changes, for example, CTA buttons to totally extraordinary styles.
In the last situation, every variant will be checked on half of your users. Following parameters empower you to detect customer engagement with every change – and which accomplishes your objectives best.
Remember that the more components you include, the more post variations you should make and the all the more tracking codes you should control.

Test CTAs and Copy

One fundamental yet crucial test you can do – with different variations of your messaging copy.
By utilizing both engagement and performance estimations, you will have the capacity to rapidly make sense of which copy setting accomplishes the best outcomes.
Obviously, this relies upon the objectives behind your post e.g. engagement, traffic, conversation etc. It is suggested that you leave a couple of days between posts, however, attempt to put them out at the same time.
Also, it’s a smart idea to keep alternate components, for example, the picture same in each test. Furthermore, make sure to modify your tracking codes for every version.

Drive Your Test Minimum For a Week

Make a point to run your idea of A/B test for no less than seven days. But in case that you are testing a low activity page, you may need to wait for a couple of more weeks and considerably more, to acquire results with the statistical importance.
A standout among-st the most imperative things to remember when performing an A/B test is to dependably wait till your outcomes are factually notable.
Such as deciding the time length to run an A/B test, waiting for the factually important number of visitors ought to be based off your certainty interim.

Test Pictures

Pictures are another great component to A/B test. Symbolism is crucial on social media platforms where posts must emerge to get a valuable attention of the users. Here too you should utilize differentiated tracking codes.

Gather Data

By utilizing the analytics tools, you will get assistance on verifying which particular territories of your social media content you ought to A/B test. For a more granular understanding, you could utilize a heat map to discover how clients are or are not utilizing your marketing initiative to get a strong beginning stage.

Get Customer Involved

You may have many A/B testing plans as the main priority, however, instead of wasting your time attempting all of them, get your customers included.
Invite them to take a survey about their experience with the page and distinguish objects in the conversion process that they discovered inadmissible or confusing.
Other than this, you can likewise take a look at the chat transcripts and connect with your sales and customer support group to discover the regular inquiries and reviews that the audience has.
This will enable you to recognize A/B tests that may be the most essential to actualize.

Interpret Adequacy & Repeat

Apparently, the most vital component of the test procedure is to check the effectiveness of the A/B testing.
As it empowers you to apply what you have determined from the test results keeping in mind the goal to roll out positive improvements.
The work of A/B tester is never concluded. Eventually, user choices change after some time, and you will need to keep your posts new and that locks in.

Despite the fact that you had arrived on an awesome setup for your social media content, you may need to extend your innovative models and take a stab at something new.
Once the winning post has been discovered, it is best to keep distributing that variety. Nonetheless, much of the time, a testing round will rouse new ideas to be sought after through further testing.

Need for Quality Assurance Initiatives in Automation Testing

Posted on October 10, 2017 by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

Automation testing is the process in which an automation tool is used to test a particular product for its functionality and other features. This process of testing is preferred over manual testing due to a number of reasons like it is cost-effective, less time consuming, easy to conduct testing on multi-lingual sites, does not require human intervention as well as increases test coverage.
However, automation testing aims to increase the test efficiency and software’s value, implementing this process also involves a number of risks. Some of these include high starting cost, limited features that can be set for automated testing, requires one to have good understanding of programming, etc. Therefore, it is important for the person conducting automation testing to be sure about the choice he/she makes of the software to conduct this test and also be vigilant of all the risks involved.

Since, testing is the process that is carried out before launching a product in the market and in fact, even after that. Therefore, it becomes important to maintain highest quality standards and take some quality assurance initiatives so as to ensure that the product delivered is flawless and best in terms of quality.
Need of Quality Assurance Initiatives
Quality assurance is a planned and organized set of activities that are carried out to ensure that the product delivered is highest in quality as well as conform to the set requirements, procedures and standards. This is not a one stage process but a regular initiative that needs to be taken during the entire software development life cycle (SDLC).
Almost every company follows this practice and ensures that the product delivered by it has been delivered in compliance with pre-determined requirements and standards. Ensuring the best quality in its product is one of the simplest yet most effective way to retain customers for long and make sure that the product manufactured is used by the intended audience.
Quality Assurance Initiatives in Automation Testing
Like every testing process, it is also important in case of automation testing to ensure that the utmost level of quality is maintained. It is the responsibility of the testing team and other members of the project to ensure that the necessary quality assurance initiatives are taken. This is to ensure that testing a product using automation testing tools does not degrade its quality.
Apart from this, there are a number of other reasons that make it essential for the companies to take quality assurance initiatives in automation testing. Some of these include:

Maximize performance:

Testing a product using automation testing does not imply that all the bugs would be easily identified and fixed. It is important to understand that automation testing does the majority of testing job but manual intervention is important to ensure that there are no errors or flaws that might act as a hurdle in the product’s performance.
Setting high quality standards ensures that the product delivered in the market after testing is free from flaws and hence, can be used to maximize performance and output.

Value Customers’ time:

Companies should understand that it is extremely crucial and important to value the time of their customers. It is easy to simply develop and launch a product in the market. But, this might turn out to be a major loss causing decision ever taken by the company.
Launching the product without rigorous testing and ensuring quality even in the testing process might lead to a delivery of poor performing product. This, in turn, might end up wasting a lot of customers’ precious time as well as their trust in the company.

Increased Business:

Delivering a high-performing and reliable product in the market help ensure higher retention rate of the company. Retention rate implies the rate at which a company is able to hold back its customers or increase their loyalty towards the company.
A product without a flaw is sure to gather higher attention and more users. This, in turn, helps the company to win more customers and hence, attain more positive publicity.

Optimum Quality:

Taking quality assurance initiatives in automation testing is not just about bug fixing, it is also about fulfilling promises made to the customers. Whether the demand for the product was raised by the customer or it is a company owned product, taking some extra initiatives pays back in long run.
Higher product quality implies that the customer would be able to trust the company as well as its products easily.

Ends Scope of Error:

While it is true that testing in itself is the process that helps ensure the delivery of best quality products in the market, taking extra caution can be an added advantage. A product might have been developed by the best team of developers but this does not end the scope of errors and flaws. This, in turn, proves that a product without proper testing is very likely to fail.

If a product is under automation testing process and one still opts to take quality assurance initiatives, this is sure to ensure the product delivered will be without any sort of flaws and complications.
Quality assurance initiatives in automation testing is not about doubting the proficiency of the team or the process. It is just about being extra careful and making sure that the company is able to win a happy and satisfied clientele. Also, taking quality assurance initiatives in automation testing is not about lengthening the process, it is actually more about improving the results for the company in long run.

5 Major Steps to Test Automation Assessment

Posted on October 6, 2017 by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

Gone are the days when the companies used to hire several employees to conduct manual testing on its products. A majority of companies these days rely on the invaluable process of test automation. Being a cost and time-saving process, it is important to make the best possible utilization of the process. In order to do so, it is important for the companies to assess the actual value of the process and try to obtain maximum benefit from the same.
It is important to run these processes on an automation assessment tool so as to identify if there are any sort of loopholes present and fix them so that, the maximum benefit is obtained out of these. It is also beneficial to run these tests because it helps an organization determine whether it is ready to implement the test automation process or not.
The key areas where this assessment focuses are automation framework in which reusable function libraries, test object maps, etc are detailed; integration in which test and defect managed is detailed; and the process’ fitment that includes details about existing/target automation coverage, test prioritization etc. in the software development life cycle (SDLC).
Test automation assessment can be implemented in five simple steps as mentioned below:

Understanding the Existing System

At this stage, an understanding of the existing system, technology and processes is developed to check the present quality standards as well as testing processes that are followed. It is also good to develop a thorough understanding of the objectives, their technology stack, user flow as well as manual test cases if any.

Assessment

A thorough assessment in terms of the tools usage and the extent to which they are ready to be automated is determined. This is done by preparing a requirement traceability matrix breakdown that contains the complete details of the extent of test cases, the exact business requirements, details of the exact functional requirements as well as the areas where there are chances of quality improvement.
Apart from these, the feasibility of a particular tool, its confirmation as well as an analysis report on automation ROI (return on investment) is also done. Some of the most business-critical test cases are also identified at this step.

Conduct a Proof of Concept (POC)

The POC is implemented to identify the type of test cases that are feasible for a particular product. In other words, it includes the process in which a few selected test cases are implemented to conduct POC and determining the exact need of a complete automation.

Recommendation & Implementation

On the basis of these tests and their results, necessary recommendations are made so as to improve the product quality, its performance and deliverability.

Implementation

The recommendations made are, then, implemented at this stage. Apart from this, certain specific test automation tools, feasibility, and its approach is also defined clearly at this stage. The best and appropriate automation strategies are executed at this stage so that it helps in enhancing the testing quality as well as reducing the required testing effort and time.

The outcome of a perfect test automation assessment process comes from following the right automation strategy and helps in enhancing test quality, reduce testing efforts, on-time delivery and get return in investments. Assessing test automation is not only beneficial in terms of improving the testing process but it is also advantageous for the companies, who plan to deliver the best and most advanced products to the market.

5 Latest Software Testing Standards

Posted on October 4, 2017 by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

Software testing standards are a set of rules or standards that are expected to be met in a particular product or service offered by a company. Compliance to these set of rules is important for a company as it defines the extent to which a company is performing it duty legally and is not engaged in any sort of malpractice. Moreover, doing so also ensures the delivery of high quality products.

While there are several software testing standards like ISO and IEEE standards already in place, another ISO has been recently added to the list in order to match with the pace of global technological advancements and it is ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119.

IEEE Standards Association

According to the IEEE standards association, the latest software testing standards are permitted to be used within a software development life cycle (SDLC) or in any particular organization that is involved in software development and testing.
Implementing these standards is an excellent way for the companies to adhere to the only internationally recognized and agreed standards for software testing as well as find a supreme quality approach towards quality assurance.
Introduced and developed by a group known as “Working Group 26” in May 2007, the new software testing standards have been developed as a series that when executed ensures maximum quality and performance of the product.

Standards of ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119

Divided into five different sections, each section of this testing standard has a different purpose and need to serve as mentioned below:
1. ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-1
This software testing standard focuses on definitions and concepts of all other standards in the 29119 series of quality standards. It helps user understand the vocabulary on which the other standards in the series are built as well as provides relevant examples to show the way in which each concept works in practice.
A complete knowledge bank, the 29119-1 can also be considered to be the foundation of IEEE software testing standards. Some of the topics that are included in this series are introduction to software testing, testing processes in SDLC, risk-based testing, common test practices, defect management, etc.
2. ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-2
This standard has been designed with an aim to develop a generic process model that can be used for conducting testing in any SDLC.
As per this standard, the testing process will work on a three-layer process that would include organizational test specifications such as organizational test policy and test strategy, test management and dynamic testing.
Laying a special emphasis on alleviation of risks, this standard allows the process of testing to focus on product’s key features and attributes under test.
3. ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-3
With a special focus on documentation, this standard provides standardized templates that are designed in a way that covers the entire SDLC. However, these templates can also be customized as per each organization’s unique requirements.
Designed in alignment with the process defined in the ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-2, this software testing standard is likely to surpass the IEEE 829 standard.
4. ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-4
With a focus on software test design techniques developed for organizations and SDLC models, the techniques present in this standard can be an effective way to develop test cases that can be used to present evidence that each requirement mentioned under test have been successfully met or there are certain defects that need to be rectified.
Designed on the basis of BS-7925-2 component testing standard, this standard covers a number of dynamic software testing techniques such as equivalence partitioning, classification tree method and boundary value analysis.
5. ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-5
This standard supports those techniques and approaches that support keyword driven testing, a technique that involves describing test cases on the basis of predefined set of keywords.
These keywords are based on a set of actions that are required to be performed using specific steps in a test case. Writing keywords in a natural language helps one gain an easy understanding of these test cases.
Implementing these standards may enable companies to deliver better products in the market, a lot of these are encouraging to follow authentic and reliable software techniques and approaches as a whole.
Conclusion
Software testing standards are a must as it serves a validation for customers as well as the owner the testing company in ensuring that software testing is meeting certain standards.

It doesn’t matter what kind of standards or regulatory rule your company is complying. Ultimately these standards will make sure that customer is happy and the testing company is getting good reviews. A win win situation for everybody.

7 Essentials For Successful Software Testing Projects

Posted on October 3, 2017 by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

Testing, the process ensures that the software is designed in such a way that it fulfills its business and technical requirements. This also helps in determining that the software is designed following the client’s as well as end-users requirements. The process helps in identifying the defects or flaw that may later cause financial and reputation damage to the organization.

Here we are sharing software testing essentials that would help tester is ensuring that the software testing process is done in a proper way. It is helpful to think about software testing in terms of seven essential elements that are discussed below:
Test Strategy: The purpose of testing is to point out the defects that are not apparent. When we talk about test strategy, it is about the type of testing, which will be implemented to detect the flaws of the product. The strategy is decided on the basis or requirements and information that help on finding customer’s focus. Choosing a right test strategy helps in saving time and money. It is suggested to start working on test strategy in the middle of the design phase.
Testing Plan: As the name says, testing plan deals with the testing task. This software testing essential includes all the details such as who will do which tasks, when to start, ending when, how much effort it will demand. A list is prepared that covers all the things that need to be performed for testing. The testing plan helps in identifying the dependencies among the tasks. The tester can start filling the details of the testing plan as soon as the test strategy is completed. Test strategy and testing plan keep changing with the advancement of project.
Test Cases: The development of a test case is determined on the basis of prioritizing requirement. A tester has to keep in mind the customer’s approach as well as quality dimensions that need to be delivered. Apart from ad hoc testing, all test cases must be prepared before starting the testing. The test case development occurs parallel to software development task.
Creating a test case is as challenging as software programming!! To create a perfect test case, one must possess sound knowledge of requirements and business rules, all these information help the tester in predicting the expected result. It is the expected result that works as a benchmark in deciding whether the test will pass or fail. A good test case is designed in such a way that it finds out all the visible and hidden defects.
Test Data: Now your test case is ready and to execute the test case one require a test data. The test data can be anything like names, addresses, product orders, or whatever other information the system uses. Test data development is usually done simultaneously with test case development.
Test Environment: Test environment refer the place where testing is done and for that one may require a set of equipment as well. One may require a couple of machines to create a proper test environment. When we talk about test environment, we try to create a mini-environment that reflects the environment where the software will actually run in the future. Tips to set up a test environment are the part of the test planning process and it should be completed before starting the testing.
Testing tools: Testing tools are another important aspect of software testing essentials. There are a variety of tools available in the market, the smart implementation of such tools ensure that nothing remains unnoticed from the eyes of the tester.

Tester’s Experience: All the theoretical part and tools can infer result only when it is used by someone who has the knowledge to use it. It is very important to work with a skilled and experienced tester to make the most of the available sources.
Conclusion:
For a better and precise software testing, it is important to ensure that above mentioned 7 elements are taken into consideration. Testers often complain about the lack of resources and lack of involvement in the development process at the initial stage, but focusing on these 7 software testing essentials to ensure better testing.

Why is it Important to Test an Ecommerce Application

Posted on September 28, 2017 by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

Browsing through products in online stores and ordering them online is just one facet of e-commerce. E-commerce is a multifaceted way of conducting business online. Both B to C and B to B businesses use and rely on e-commerce these days. In fact e-commerce is driving changes in the traditional market and giving rise to new trends.

The changing trends are reflected in almost every sphere of business. Online fund transfer, digital marketing, integrated inventory management, supply chain management etc are some of the examples of e-commerce applications that have changed the face of business permanently. All these ecommerce applications have contributed significantly to transparency in day to day activities of businesses, real time inventory management, finances etc in a B2B environment. In the B2C front e-commerce applications have made life easier and even less expensive in some cases.

Here, are a few reasons why its important to test an e-commerce application:

1) Customer Friendly Designs and Features

In a B2C environment you need extreme customer friendly designs and features in e-commerce applications. However, such designs and features may sometime be at odds with the functionality of the site. This is more so because e-commerce websites may need to handle huge amounts of traffic for certain period of time followed by certain periods of lull. So it’s important that you test the functionality of a site when the traffic goes up very high. You need to see that it retains the functionality at extreme level of traffic and at the same time have customer friendly designs and features.

2) Different Browsers

E-commerce sites are loaded with JavaScript plug-ins, rich images, social media integration, product description, informative videos etc. These are the features that enhance customer experience and help visitors convert to customers. These sites are opened in multiple browsers like Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, Opera etc. The developers need to ensure that the site offers a smooth experience to the customer irrespective of the browser that he or she is using. So, testing of ecommerce sites and applications should be a continuous process as any glitch would rob the company of a significant amount of revenue.

3) Different Platforms

People access e-commerce sites from a number of devices such as smart phones, tablets, computers, laptops etc. Therefore, a company needs to ensure that customers have a seamless experience across all devices. And for this, testing e-commerce sites and applications Is necessary.

4) Security and Vulnerability

Ecommerce sites and applications are more prone to security and vulnerability threats than others. Since people are using these applications to purchase products using their confidential banking data like card number, PIN number etc, it is of utmost importance that security and vulnerability of applications like Payment Gateway are always checked and updated.

5) Billing

E-commerce sites need to ensure that billing of products is done correctly. These companies offer various discounts and coupons to consumers. Sometimes the discounts are for targeted consumers such as those who make a certain amount of purchase. The billing application needs to take into account everything that goes into determining the price of the product or service availed. This will ensure customer confidence and allegiance. It also needs to take into account applicable taxes correctly. Then there are automated processes like generation of invoice and emails etc. that are integral to the billing process. To ensure all these, the business needs to conduct repeated tests on all these applications.

Final Verdict

The retail industry is highly volatile and ever evolving. Choosing the right methods and doing the right tests is recommendable before the e-commerce site is launched. By performing a strict test on your e-commerce website/application, you can certainly reduce the number of errors that crop up when the website is made live to your customers. This depicts that the site doesn’t always stay the same for too long. Therefore, it could get inordinate for many.

Basics of Embedded Software Testing Using C

Posted on September 26, 2017 by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

Testing is an integral part of the software development lifecycle. In case of embedded systems the need for testing is even greater because of the unique features & functionalities it has to offer. Embedded systems such as those present in the gadgets, used as part of your daily activity such as the transmission system or locking system in your car, the television remote, the smartphone etc., all suffer from space and time constraint. Nevertheless, the response is needed in real time.

If the system is not able to override the time constraint then it will be termed as a system failure. This unique environment and constraints of embedded systems make it incumbent on testers to test the software rigorously. A big challenge for testers is the decreasing design cycles for developing as well as supporting new technologies. The ever proliferating range of communication mechanisms and hardware platforms necessitates the use of automated C unit testing tools.
Using Automated C Unit Testing Tools
Developers writing automated testing tools in C find enhanced quality in their software. With the usage of such testing tools, the design also improves and the time constraints of the project becomes more manageable. In normal cases, developers have to write a large set of automated tests and change codes several times during development of embedded systems. Doing the same with automated tools such as automated C unit testing tools helps the process, the software, the project as well as the developer.
The unique and very much sought after dimension of using automated C unit testing tool is that every time the code is changed all the relevant tests are run automatically. Such continuous integration is very much an essential part of good embedded software testing.
Testing Embedded Systems is Unique
Though the testing process for embedded systems is much like testing software, there are features that differentiate embedded systems clearly from other software systems.

Application development and execution platform are separate for embedded systems, but not in system software
For embedded systems there is a large variety of hardware where the system is expected to be executed. This is not so in case of software
The deployment architecture in case of embedded systems is also different from other system software. Embedded systems typically are feedback control algorithm
In embedded systems there is a co-existence of various implementation models unlike in application software
The execution platforms in case of embedded systems impose strict time and space constraints. Response has to be in real time and resource is bare minimum
There is an ever increasing standard of quality and certification for embedded systems
Embedded systems may have characteristics that are quite different from applications software. These characteristics also need to be reflected in the test plan

All these issues do affect the ease and range of testing of embedded systems.

Regression Testing with C

Developers change the codes again and again to arrive at an optimum set. Every time the code is changed or modified, automatic testing should be run to ensure that the modifications have not broken the intended behavior of the software. Through C test scripts, such tests can be automated. This can bring down bugs to a great extent. If you design a definite set of inputs/outputs the automated regression test with C will automatically execute the defined number of tests and then compare the output against the “best output” scenario. Every time the developer incorporates a change the full regression test is run to ensure that the process is not broken.

Black Box Testing with C

Black box testing is integral to embedded systems, like application software. However, because of the nature of possible inputs in embedded systems the range of black box testing is comprehensive in such systems. With automated testing tools using C black box testing can be performed quite efficiently.
How Embedded Systems Affect these Testing Procedures
Since embedded systems are designed on a platform that is completely different from the platform it is targeted and deployed, the platform is exclusively intended for the end user. Dealing with the dual platform issues, the testing tools play a crucial role and transparent, but efficient way possible. In fact, such complexities are normally hidden from the end-users.
Final Words:
It’s difficult, rather highly contentious, to give an exact overview in short. Thus testing timing constraints is as important as testing functional behaviour for an embedded system.
If the timing short comes of the system are not met, system failure is said to have occurred. And for some systems, identified as safety-critical, failure is not an option.

How to Create Test Cases For Android Application

Posted on September 23, 2017 by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

A test case is a set of test inputs, their implementation conditions and expected results that are developed keeping a particular outcome in focus. In simple words, a test case is a set of conditions under which a tester checks in a particular system to determine if it meets the specific test requirements and functions properly.

Developing test cases is also helpful in determining the issues, requirements and design of a particular application being tested.
Test cases are categorized into two, which include formal and informal test cases. A formal test case includes a well-defined input and an expected output that is written before the execution of a test.
The aim behind writing an input beforehand is to test a precondition and that of output is to test a post condition. To test an application for all the requirements, there are at least one positive and one negative test case that is created for each requirement.
In case any of these requirements has a sub-requirement, then each sub-requirement will also have at least two test cases. Informal test cases are used when there are no formal requirements for a test.

These are written on the basis of the accepted normal operation of the programs of a similar class. To conduct these tests, imaginary situations are used to enable a tester to think about different probabilities in a complex situation.
However, these are not written in detail, these test cases can be as simple as a diagram or a description written in prose.
How to Write a typical Test Case?
Generally, there are different types of test management tools that are used by the companies to determine the elements that are to be included in a test case. This, in turn, leads to an inclusion of a different set of elements in each test. But, there are certain elements that are common in almost every test case as mentioned below:

Test suite ID
Test case ID
Test case summary
Related requirement
Prerequisites of conducting the test
Procedure to conduct the test
Test data or links to the same
Expected result
Actual result
Status of the test
Comments, if any
Creator and date of creation of the test case
Name of the executor
Date of execution
Test environment

Android Testing

Android is the most popular mobile operating system in the world with its number of varied versions available in the market. Like any other software, it is important to test an android apps rigorously to avoid any sort of flaws in its functioning such as, installation failure, crash during execution, scaling issues, layout problems, hang issue and issue with its landscape/portrait mode.
Levels of Writing Test Cases for Android Testing
Writing test cases is important to ensure the optimum functioning of any application. The test cases that are written by a team are typically categorized as per different levels. This is done to ensure that there are no duplicate efforts of a team being invested in a single function.
The levels of writing test cases are:

Level 1: This level includes the writing of test cases that are based on the available information about the product’s specification and user documentation
Level 2: Considered to be a practical stage, this level includes writing of test cases on the basis of actual functional and system flow of the application
Level 3: At this level, some test cases are grouped together to write a test procedure. Test procedure refers to a group of small test cases and can include a maximum of 10 test cases
Level 4: The process is automated at this level. This helps in minimizing the human interaction with the system, which enables the QA to focus only on currently updated functionalities to test

Tips to Write Test Cases for Android Application

Writing a good test case is easy. However, it just requires an individual’s hard work, determination and clear focus. Some of the simple tips to write an effective test case for Android application include:

Test cases should be written in such a way that they allow a person to test only one feature at a time
One should not overlap or complicate test cases
Cover all the positive and negative probabilities of the test outcomes
Write in simple language with exact and accurate names of forms, fields, etc.
Android developers should make sure that they continue to create test cases when the application code is still in the process of writing
Test cases should be stores in version control along with source code
The focus should also be on continuous integration of the new test cases
Tests should be run every time the code is changed
Avoid using emulators and rooted devices

Conclusion
Apart from these, it is also important that the test cases are accurate and meet the exact purpose of conducting a test. These should also be free from any sort of unnecessary information and be capable of being reused.

Conducting a test on an Android application is essential as this is one crucial step that can decide the fate of the entire application. If conducted properly, one can fix all the bugs and launch a superb quality product in the market. Therefore, make sure that launch of your next product is preceded by its thorough testing so as to ensure a superb quality.

A Beginner’s Guide to iOS Automation Testing

Posted on September 21, 2017 by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

Needless to mention, iOS is the official name of the platform licensed by Apple for its applications. And it is only through Apple devices that this platform allows applications to be installed and run. This is a sharp contrast to the Android operating system which authorizes other devices to operate its applications. Apple through its world-famous patented iOS platform makes its presence felt through devices such as the iPhone, iPad, iPod and iPad Mini. And these are the four devices that will demand the intervention of iOS app testing.

Tagged as an important characteristic for developers who churn out mobile applications provided by Apple, iOS automation testing comes with certain pre-defined objectives. Supporting a new instrument called as “Automation”, this is a type of UI testing that delves deep into looking into the functionalities of various applications teamed with Instruments that are tested for. Additionally, iOS Automation testing looks into the productivity of the JavaScript library. All in an attempt to authenticate an application, here is the rundown of the basic uses of iOS Automation testing.

A robust tool that permits you to collate information about the response and performance of a single or multiple processes that are running on the iOS platform
Permits you to collect varied types of data in addition to facilitating you to understand them closely by keeping all the information next to each other
Every instrument is tagged as a source of a different type of information that can either be classified under the head of “memory use” or “file access”
Can offer purse-friendly results by cutting down your cost of developing software alongside helping you garner increased productivity
Plenty of open source testing frameworks which support iOS automation testing can be incorporated

iOS Automation Testing – A One-Stop Solution to a “Bug-Free” Application
Not withstanding the fact that it takes a lot of time and effort to design and implement an iOS application, a word of caution is to ensure that every application is free from bugs. Given the numerous common bugs, these errors when overlooked will adversely affect the functioning of the application. Below is the list of the number of ways in which the name and fame of the iOS platform and the globally-renowned features of Apple can be safeguarded, alongside meeting your quality standards.

Instances of application crashing can be averted
Developers can steer clear of incompatibilities in an application
Can tighten the data security feature of iOS devices, thereby preventing them to be hacked
Can offer a strong retort to memory leaks

Below is an iOS Testing Mind Map, a graphical representation of the different facets that the iOS tester has to keep in mind while subjecting an application to Automation testing.

Types of iOS automated tests:

Unit Test – This is a test to validate a specific case in a class which ensures that the class can work and deliver results as a stand-alone operation.
UI Test – Also called as Integration test, UI test helps in testing user interactions of the application, ensuring that all the classes as in perfect sync with each other to deliver the intended result.

Having understood the basic information concerning iOS automation testing, now let’s get started with writing iOS automation testing cases.

Make use of XCTest: This is a helpful tool provided by Apple to facilitate Unit testing process. The XCTest framework is used to create a new Xcode project which includes 3 important factors:

A separate target for each and every test
A group for every test class
An example test

Create your first iOS Unit Test

Under this head, you need to create a new test case class while naming a new subclass
Exclude the boilerplate code
Next is to link your test with the class that should be tested
Write a test code
Add a private category
Initiate and run the test by pressing Command-U
Analyze the results which will be displayed via the Test Navigator

With the entire guidelines in place, you can create unit tests to verify and validate the performance of an iOS application through an automated and programmed manner. All for the sake of churning out a verified and fool-proof software, the iOS automation testing cracks the whip on data breaches and memory leaks that can damage the goodwill of Apple and its patented iOS platform.

5 Test Data Generation Techniques You Need to Know

Posted on September 20, 2017 by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

It is quite well-known that testing is the process in which the functionality of a software program is tested on the basis of data availability. The data available for conducting any test is the medium using which the entire functioning of the software is tested and then, the necessary changes can be implemented. But, what exactly is test data?

In simple terms, test data is the documented form which is to be used to check the functioning of a software program. It is the collection of data that affects or is affected due to the implementation of a specific module. Test data can be categorized into two categories that include positive and negative test data. Positive test data is used to validate whether a specific input for a given function leads to an expected result. Negative testing is done to check a program’s ability to handle unusual and unexpected inputs.
Test data generation is another essential part of software testing. It is a process in which a set of data is created to test the competence of new and revised software applications. This can either be the actual data that has been taken from the previous operations or a set of artificial data designed specifically for this purpose.
Generally, test data is generated in sync with the test case for which it is intended to be used. There are multiple ways in which test data can be generated. Some of these are as mentioned below:

Manual Test Data Generation

This is a simple and direct way of generating test data. Often done to cover all the essential test cases, the test data generated is, then, used to test various scenarios. Some of the common types of test data include null, valid, invalid, valid, data set for performance and standard production data.
One of the most prominent benefits of using this technique for test data creation is that it does not require any additional resources to be factored in. The test data is generally created by the testers using their own skills and judgments. However, this technique has its own disadvantages. The technique is time-taking and thus, leads to low productivity. It is difficult to get more data added as doing so will require a number of resources. Along with this, it is also important for the person entering the data to have a domain knowledge to create data without any flaw.

Automated Test Data Generation

This technique makes use of data generation tools, which, in turn, helps accelerate the process and lead to better results and higher volume of data. One of the common tools that is used in this technique is Selenium/Lean FT and Web services APIs.
One of the major benefits of automated test data creation is the high level of accuracy. There is also a better speed and delivery of output with this technique. The best aspect of this technique is that it can perform without the presence of any human interaction and during non-working hours. This, in turn, helps in saving a lot of time as well as generating a large volume of accurate data.
The major disadvantage of using this technique is its high cost. Moreover, these are available in a specific framework, which, in turn, makes it difficult to completely understand the system. This, in turn, makes it a mandate for the human resources to possess requisite skills as well as for the companies to provide adequate training to its available resources.

Back-end Data Injection

Back-end data injection technique makes use of back-end servers available with a huge database. This is because the existing databases can be updated directly using the test data stored in the database, which, in turn, makes a huge volume of data quickly available through SQL queries. However, this test data generation technique eliminates the need of front-end data entry, it should be ensured that this is done with utmost attention and carefulness so as to avoid any sort of fiddling with database relationships.

The best aspect of using this technique is in terms of its ability to quickly inject data into the system. It also demands less technical expertise from the person executing this process. Above all, it allows one to create backdated entries, which is one of the major hurdles while using manual as well as automated test data generation techniques.
But, this technique has its own drawbacks and can lead to disaster if not implemented correctly. It also requires one to have domain expertise so that he/she is able to understand the data flow in the system as well the entry of accurate database tables. There are also high risks of corrupted databases as well as application due to this technique. Therefore, it becomes important for the team to have a proper database backup while using this technique.

Third-Party Tools

Easily available in the market, third party tools are a great way to create data and inject it into the system. These tools have a complete understanding about the back-end applications data, which enable these tools to pump in data similar to the real-time scenario. Thus, it makes diverse data available in high volume for the testers.
The major benefit of using third-party tools is the accuracy of data that this offer. This is owing to the tools’ thorough understanding of the system as well as the domain. Another advantage is in terms of taking care of the backdated data fill, which allows users to execute all the required tests on historical data. Moreover, performing these tests does not require one to have detailed domain knowledge and expertise.
What bothers the users of third party tools is their huge cost that can burn a hole in the organization’s pocket. Another dis-advantage, is their limited use only to a specific type of system, which, in turn, limits their usage for the users and applications they can work with.

Path wise Test Data Generators

Considered to be one of the best technique to generate test data, this technique provides the user with a specific approach instead of multiple paths to avoid confusion. Using this technique helps the users to gain specific and better knowledge as well as predict its coverage. This technique makes the user enter the program to be tested, as well as the criteria on which it is to be tested such as path coverage, statement coverage, etc.
The test data generation techniques are multiple and varied. All one needs to do is choose the best one as per their requirements and program. If done properly, this can benefit the company in different aspects and lead to remarkable results.