Software testing Archives - Page 3 of 5

5 Main Software Testing Issues and Methods to Resolve Them

Posted on October 31, 2017 by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

Software testing is an integral part of any software development phase. Testing often accounts for more than 50% of the expenditure incurred in developing a particular software. The more complex is the software, the more time and resources need to be spent to make sure that flaws are detected and set right. However, often this is not the real picture.

Software or systems are often installed and rolled out with hundreds of defect in them. The result is poor performance and loss of many days both for the software development firm as well as the client. To avoid such problems team leads or managers must sort out some issues which are inherent to software testing. Let us go through 5 main software testing issues and methods to resolve them.

Inadequate schedule of testing:

Testing is a time consuming affair. It has to be so since it is done to bring out the defects or inadequacies of the system under different conditions and not to show that it works. Testing needs to go hand in hand with development. This will make sure that inadequacies or errors in a particular functionality of the system is brought to the notice of the development team and sorted out sooner than later.
However, more often than not what happens is that managers keep on postponing testing until late in the development process. This leaves very little time for final testing which results in inadequate schedule of the process.

The managers must emphasize the need for testing as a follow up and they have to make sure that development and testing of different functionalities of a system goes side by side. This will give the testing team enough time to look at the systemic inadequacies and vulnerabilities comprehensively.

Insufficient testing environment and tools:

Tools and environments are backbones of proper software testing. However, testing is often carried out in inadequate testing environment. An over reliance on manual testing or COTS testing tools is another aspect. Moreover, some of the environmental components themselves suffer from defects. What is commonly seen is that test environment, test data and test software are not under adequate configuration control.

Team managers must ensure that actual or close enough hardware and software requirements are met in a testing environment. This will make sure that testing brings out the flaws that would actually evolve during operations by the end user
Team managers must also deploy automated testing tools if the testing process is complex, as involving more human testers is not possible. This will make sure that testing is carried out fast, with limited resource and repeatedly and can bring out more flaws in the system

Wrong testing mindset

Often the mindset of the software testing team revolves around finding out functionality of the system rather than finding defects in it. This itself prohibits the team from finding out flaws in the software.

It is the duty of team lead to inculcate the notion that testing is done to find fault with the system or software under different conditions and not to prove that it works

Testing lessons are often ignored

It is often seen that same type of problems are repeated in systems,projects after projects.

This is purely a management related problem. Management must ensure that team leads are careful enough to document each and every lesson learnt in previous projects and implement them in projects thereafter.

Poor integration of testing and engineering processes

Often it is seen that testing and engineering processes are not properly integrated. This means that components or subsystems are often tested for flaws before they are mature enough to be tested on all parameters. Moreover, there may be some project specific needs that need to be looked into. One size fits all formula does not apply to software testing.

Testing team must ensure that components and subsystems are tested when they are mature enough to be tested on all parameters. This can only happen if the testing and engineering team works are well coordinated.

Conclusion
For letting us conclude, it is best said that unlike a single person, being a team is smarter. So, the best advice is to get together and fly high. Large enterprise and customers should not spend too much time accounting for errors which come up. Following a good and systematic practice for your QA needs will certainly provide quality to your team.

9 Best Practices to Improve Software Testing Process

Posted on October 26, 2017 by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

Software testing is the process used to evaluate a product to find out whether it actually meets the specific functions. It is the process that helps to provide the product owners with the information about its quality and whether it meets the required standards.

Providing the team with an unbiased and independent view of the software, software testing is an excellent step that allows business houses to comprehend the risks associated with the implementation of the software. Some of the common properties that are tested during software testing include whether it meets specified needs such as its design, development, responds correctly to all kinds of inputs, executes the desired functions within the desired time frame, is operational and achieves the results as desired by the stakeholders.
Software testing is conducted at a different stage of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). However, when a team chooses to begin it early, it helps in saving a lot of time, cost as well as ensure the delivery of an error-free product. If not, the team can always begin to conduct testing on a software as soon as an executable version of the software is available.
A typical testing process can be divided into five major steps:

Planning
Analysis and designing
Implementation and execution
Evaluating and reporting
Test closure activities

While every organization ensures that the software testing is conducted in a way that helps identify and fix all bugs, there is always a scope of improvement. Mentioned below are some of the simple ways that can be implanted to ensure process improvement in software testing:

Define a process

To ensure a successful execution of a software testing process, it is important to have a process in place beforehand. The process defined by the company should be robust as well as approved by the experts to ensure that there is no hurdle in its execution. Even though it is not required that the testing team follows this process stringently, but this definitely can serve as a guideline to begin the process. The process can improve and develop along with the product and testing requirements.

Involve testers in development

It is an excellent practice to involve testers in the process of product development right from the beginning of the SDLC. This is because, it helps the testers gain a better understanding of the product, its requirements and thus, develop comprehensive tests for the product. Along with this, doing so is also a cost-effective option to avoid bugs in the final product as well as prevent any delays in its delivery.

Maintain all the records

While it is true that all the bugs and product development related information is readily available over email, it is highly advisable to store this information intelligently in the form of documents and reports. This is to ensure that there is no scattering of the information over email or internet rather, it can be easily accessed from one single place, which, in turn, helps improve productivity.

Keep test cases ready in advance

It is good to keep the test cases ready in advance during requirement analysis and design phase. This will help improve the productivity as well as save a lot of time of both the developers as well as testers. It can also help the testers identify and determine whether the requirements mentioned for the product can be tested or not.
It is important to make sure that the test cases were written are clear enough to be comprehended by both the developer as well as a tester.

Have a positive mindset

For a tester to successfully implement the testing of a software, it is important to have a positive mindset before starting the test. This is because having a positive attitude helps one to easily identify any bugs or errors in the application. Think that there are multiple bugs and errors in the code and you will definitely end up finding many.

Divide the functional module

It is important for the testing team to divide the entire product module into smaller parts. This is because it helps ensure that each and every aspect of a particular application is tested. The division of the entire logic into smaller modules also make it easier to identify and fix the bugs so as to deliver a high-quality product.

Write a detailed bug report

When a testing team opts to write a clear and detailed bug report, it not only saves a lot of time of the company but also for the developers. It is important for the testers to understand that the clarity in the bug report is essential to fix any sort of bugs that are present in the product and hence, ensure the delivery of an error-free product.
Establish a good relationship with the development team by not only sharing a bug report but also suggesting them the most appropriate ways to fix the same. This will not only save the time of developers’ but also safeguard you from any sort of delay.

Create a good test environment

It is the responsibility of the testing team to ensure that the test environments established by it are an exact imitation of the product’s production. This is to ensure that there are no flaws or bugs that are missed out during the product’s testing.
For instance, there might be a situation when a developer has added certain configurations or run scripts but has missed adding the same in release document or configuration file. This, in turn, would lead to the application’s success in the lower environment but failure during production. In such a situation, when the testing team has complete control over the testing environment but developers do not, it is possible to gain a control over such situations.

Increase communication with developer

Establishing better and improved channels of communication between tester and developer can help in the process improvement in software testing. Having a discussion with the developer regarding any sort of issues, bugs and confusion can help in making things, process and the product better.

It is important to keep a record of all such discussions over email so that one can refer back to them in the case of any clashes or when the need arises.
To meet the ever-changing demands of the clients, it is important for the testing team to upgrade their skills and meet the essential requirements. Incorporating the above-mentioned tips can also be helpful for process improvement in software testing. Thus, it is the time that you stand strong professionally with your skills and deliver the best to the market.

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.

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.

Key Differences between Test Plan, Test Scenario, Test Case, Test Strategy, Test Condition, Test Script

Posted on August 11, 2017 by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

Seeming and sounding so very similar to each other, below are the most commonly used terms in the software testing parlance along with their differences. All in an attempt to clarify doubts concerning these technical terms, the details of these testing techniques come under their respective headings; pairing one term with another.

Let us now look at the pairs along with the differences between them.
Test Plan and Test Strategy
First and foremost, let us focus on defining the two closely resembling terms; Test Plan and Test Strategy.
What is a Test Plan?
A test plan is a deliverable, enlisting all the activities that make up a complete Quality Assurance project. It is a plan that is chalked out by a testing lead or test manager. The plan is a record of the various testing activities supported by their schedules. Included in this exhaustive document are all the details which answer questions centering around “what”, “when”, “how” and “who”.
The Test Plan which emerges as part of the Software Requirement Specification (SRS), clearly indicates what should be tested, when should the test be run, how should the test be conducted and who will be the tester responsible to carry out the test.
Components of a Test Plan:

Every test comes with a unique ID. The test plan is a super document that defines the Test Plan ID
Indicating the type of test environment that is required to run certain tests, a test plan clearly spells out such details along with a list of all the features that will and won’t be tested
The test plan clearly indicates when to start a test and the point at which a test should be abandoned. Specifying the entry and exit criteria, these details help testers to deliver their testing duties as per plan
The test plan clearly point to the status of the test; whether a test case has passed or failed or not tested. Along with the results, a detailed reasoning for the same is documented
Allowing new testers to join the existing workforce, a test plan through its concise preface and introduction gives a clear “behind the scenes” picture.

What makes up a Test Strategy?
While the word plan and strategy are used interchangeably, there is a difference between them when it concerns the process of testing. While both are tagged as methods to achieve a pre-defined goal, a test plan is different from a test strategy.
A test strategy is a rough draft of the testing approach. Identified as a subset of the Test Plan, a test strategy is a high-level and static document that highlights the method of testing that will be implemented. This is derived from the Business Requirement Specification (BRS).
Components of a Test Strategy:

A test strategy enlists the scope and objectives of the test, before the actual testing procedure begins
Addressing business issues, the test strategy throws light on the budgeting requirements of the project. Clearly citing the time required for testing, the strategy highlights workforce requirements
Enlists all the various documents that should be delivered by the testing team and the manner in which the testing cycles should be conducted
The inclusion of a defect tracking tool along with the manner in which the testing team will interact with the development team is another segment of a test strategy
Training requirements concerning the use of a new or complex tool are indicated along with the details of the trainer who is ordained to conduct the training sessions
In the event the project demands automation testing, a test strategy throws light on the scripting language, the different tools that can be employed along with the reporting and coding practices that should follow

What about Test Scenario and Test Condition?
Simply put, a test scenario is a method in which an application can be tested. On the flip side, a test condition enlists all the specifications a tester should adhere to, as part of testing an application or functionality. That means, there can be multiple test conditions in a single test scenario.

If you are keen to understand the difference between these two terms, the following explanation clarifies all your doubts.

A test scenario enlists all the ways in which an application can be tested. A test condition, on the other hand is a description of the specifications that need to be followed by you as a tester of an application
A test scenario can be a collection of test cases or a single test case. Speaking of a test condition, it is the goal of a test case; a segment of a functionality that you wish to test
A test scenario comes into play when you are hard pressed for time and you are keen on testing a functionality of an application. A test condition is a part of the system that can be tested by a single test case or multiple test cases
Compartmentalizing the various aspects of a functionality can pave way for an effective test scenario. A favorable “bug-free” situation is the outcome of a good test condition
A test scenario delves on numerous possibilities. On the flip side, a test condition is all about enlisting specific details concerning testing

Test Script and Test Case
Test Script – The Detailed Story
The word “script” can be linked to a story which narrates a descriptive account of all the incidents that take place between different characters. So is the case with a test script. Tagged as a detailed description of a test, the test script includes a series of minute details of all the various actions along with data requirements that are essential to carry out the test. Typically presented in the form of a “line-by-line” description, the test script is a step-wise documentation of the manner in which the software program can be used. Details about which buttons to tap and their serial order to be able to perform a pre-defined function are enlisted.

Coming as a leading light, a test script to a new tester is a handy tool that will help him understand the product details better while also introducing him to business domain specifics. Allowing you to follow all the instructions, it is through a test script that you will be able to meet all the specifications of the test idea to complete the testing procedure.
Test Case
A test case describes a specific functionality that should be tested. It is also important to note that the test case does not include a detailed explanation of the various steps that need to be taken or the information that will come handy to complete the test. Without enlisting any mandatory pre-requisites, a test case certainly gives you a free hand. Allowing you to apply your instincts, it is through this discretion that you will be in total control of what exactly needs to be done to complete the test.
However, this freedom can be of utmost help to the testers who are conversant with the details of the software along with the risks that come with its functionalities. If a tester lacks this basic understanding, a test case may prove to be dysfunctional.

The Need of Unit Testing in Software Development

Posted on March 20, 2017 by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

Imagine the architect building your dream house skipping your ventilation or forgetting to leave points for power plugins. Wouldn’t it be odd? Of course it will be

Just like that, unit testing is also something you cannot afford to forget while building up a software.

So what is this unit testing?

Read also

3 Key Fears of Software Testing Professionals

Unit testing is a part of software testing like integration testing, penetration testing, usability testing and so on. In unit testing, a program or software is divided into the smallest functional unitsmaking testing effective and helps testers find out bugs easily. Unit testing is not something that produces an end product, but it is something that goes on with the process

In fact, unit testing makes your job easy.

In the developmental stage itself, unit testing reduces bugs which save time and money in the long run. As unit testing breaks software into simple codes and undergo testing of functionalities one by one, it gives more clarity and enables testers to find errors instantly.

You know what happens when you have a tendency to postpone unit testing ?

Testers have the tendency to drop unit testing for later, considering it as the last thing to do.

This happens not because developers are lazy, (unless they actually are’) ;But because unit testing is different from all other kinds of testing. Unit testing requires totally different kind of programs, written to test the function and logic errors of a software.

It has to be maintained throughout the life time process of a software.

Try cutting it down to the line and you face the risk of critical errors costing you.

How unit testing reduces bugs?

Don’t worry, this is not going to cost you any extra money.

Then how is it going to work? Let’s take a look

Effective unit testing happens with a good developer. Some suggest that keeping codes in written formats helps you understand codes better. Even though smaller projects may benefit from unit testing, larger projects are the usual ones that are in immediate need of unit testing. For them it’s mandatory.

If unit testing is going to be the very next step after creating initial prototype, then developers and clients have to be aware about the time needed to develop unit testing at the time of developing project.

Patience in doing unit testing brings difference. Take a little time and get the job done, don’t act quickly.

Since unit testing is done in modules, it’s easy to understand the additions and changes done to the software.They won’t get mixed with other codes or sections. Unit testing can provide a classic quality to your software.

Always remember to avoid complicated codes and pay some attention to threat warning.

‘Thinking twice’ and checking twice can also help in successful testing.

Recommended Read

Top Software Testing Skills Required for Success in 2017

Objectives of unit testing

when writing unit testing don’t forget to remember these three points:-

Codes should be readable
Allow automation testing
Written tests should be manageable.

How you can benefit from unit testing

Quickly allows to make changes
Saves time
Test driven development tell you when to stop coding
Helps define and document what something is supposed to do.
Codes can be re-used in new project
Coding constipation can be fixed by test-driven development, they help in fast movements of complicated codes
Test driven development brings a successful outcome combining the codes and test work together
Instead of constructing a code, testing outlines all the codes you need and brings out what developer wants the codes to do.
Instant visual feedback
Unit testing helps developers understand the code instead of writing code for an expected outcome.

IT Spend on Applications Testing Increase by 40% in The Last Three Years

Posted on January 18, 2017 by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

According to Capgemini’s World Quality Report, which surveyed 1500 people working in 1000+ employee organisations, spend for the application quality and performance has increased by 40% in the last three years.

The urge for digital transformation in business has seen global CIOs increase their spending QA and testing.

Read Also

Global Outsourcing Software Testing Market To Grow From Crowd Sourcing

The report found that 39% of the surveyed people claimed that the dependency on manual testing is a great challenge faced by application developers. The report says that it is a clear evidence that the approach towards testing is not up-to the expectation or excellent to meet today’s IT functions.
Organizations have begun to invest higher budgets in QA and testing.
Source

Global Outsourcing Software Testing Market To Grow From Crowd Sourcing

Posted on January 18, 2017 by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

Global Outsourced Software Testing Market 2016-2020 says that there has been an increase in demand for crowd sourcing testing service lately. Crowd sourcing actively collects various testers from worldwide for an single project to work with. Crowd sourcing provides quality and detect problems in lifecycle that exist. It offer on time feedback with great productivity.

Since outsourcing software testing services have various complications such as cultural and time zone differences, service provider can find meeting exact client needs to be challenging. They might also fail to understand the cost saving parameters leading to extra work and expense. Due to these issues, the outsourcing market growth is hindered.
For the requirement of study, the experts have divided and expanded the outsourcing software testing market to America. Europe, Middile East, Africa and Asia-Pacific.This has expected to show a great increase in market and thus support outsourcing software testing market.
Source

Popular Software Testing Misconceptions

Posted on December 3, 2015 by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

Software Testing is an important and inevitable part of the software industry. Even then, it is a field that is filled with myths, misconceptions, and a whole lot of false beliefs. These myths are about Software Testing and Software Tester as a whole. Every person in the industry, including a Software Tester, believes in a few things that are not actually true. When these misconceptions start spreading among the management, it becomes a serious issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

A number of expectations are put on a Software Tester, and a number of them are not actually realisable. Moreover, they are not given the due respect and importance they deserve. Here are a few common myths and misconceptions regarding the field of Software Testing Services that need to be get rid of:

Software Testing Requires no Brains

Yes, many people do actually believe that software testing is a mundane and no brainer job that can be taken up by any person. Well, the irony is that even testers feel this at times. Testing is a job that can get too boring, monotonous, and mechanical, but only if you are not doing it right! People believe that they are doing the same things over and over again, and start getting bored with their testing job. Well, it is just a belief.
If you consider Software Testing to be boring, then every other job like web designing, programming, accounting, banking, analysis, and everything else would be boring right? Why jobs, even daily tasks like eating, sleeping, and socialising are boring. If you consider the part of repetition, then this holds true for everything you do in life. But we do not stop at that, right. We do continue eating and sleeping the same way all through our lives.
A good Software Tester has the ability to look at his job in a creative manner. He finds it a way to gather information through activities done to explore and discover answers to questions that no one has ever asked before. His job is not just finding bugs and flaws in the software. The software in hand needs to be studied, explored, observed, and analyzed completely for you to be able to evaluate it. This is definitely not boring!
The job of a Software Tester is not boring. You just need to change the way you are testing. An all new approach to test, think, and devise test ideas will make you love your job once again. Give it a try.

A Tester can test Anything

A tester will be able to test everything in hand only if you provide the resources, infrastructure, time, budget, and everything else indefinitely. It is totally foolish on your part if you expect a Software Tester or a Software Testing team to be able to test all the test scenarios with a limited amount of resources in the given time frame. A good tester makes it a point to prioritise the requirements and build test scenarios that are critical at present. But, testing all these test scenarios is not a possible task. The myth that testing will deliver a 100% bug free software product is what needs to be debunked.
There are several reasons as to why a tester cannot yield 100% accurate results. The lack of infrastructure, lack of resources, limited time frames, the vastness of the permutation and combination for a product, and so on are just a few of the many reasons. Testing can only show you that bugs do exist; it can never guarantee that bugs do not exist.
This can be proven with a simple example. Life-critical systems that are used in fields like medicine, spaceships, and airplanes do go through really critical and stringent testing procedures before they are actually used practically to make sure they function effectively. Even then, it is not possible for a tester to predict accurately and test the actual altitude, air pressure, number of crew members and passengers, the wind speed, total load on the flight, temperature, and so on given a particular day. The simulator is not able to create any random day’s environmental and other variable conditions. As such, you never know what exactly the flight will have to endure once it is put in to use.

Read Also: How Usability Testing Benefits the End User

The job of a tester is to find bugs

There are a huge number of people who believe in this. Well, you cannot be blamed if you also do. It is easy, especially for a person who has just started working as a Software Tester. He could get confused about his job and role in the industry. As such, many believe that their job is to just find out the bugs in the software and report them.
Well, an important part of the job of a Software Tester is finding bugs, but not limited to it alone. There are further roles that come with it. Apart from digging out bugs, testers need to analyze the requirements, review the architecture of the product, give his reviews and feedback to improve the product and make it more user friendly, validate the help documents for the product, and perform a number of other related tasks.

Testers are of no value to the software

People usually believe that the role of a software tester is just limited, and this adds to value to the software product. Well, this is absolutely an insult to the whole field of Software Testing Services. A good and skilled software tester is an expert of the software product under test. The programmers usually spend time working on specific areas, modules, functions, or components in the software. But, the tester is someone who has overall knowledge about the whole product. He analyzes and understands the working of the entire system from an end to end standpoint. A tester has a better chance to be able to demonstrate how well they understand the product such that it adds value to the product.

Test automation will replace human testers

Most of the automation testing experts spread this myth all over. This is just an outrageous prediction with no basis at all. The most insane part of it is that even software testers themselves have started to believe in this.
Test automation tools can never ever replace human testers. There is no big logic to understand the reason behind this fact. There was a time when Computer Aided Software Engineering or CASE had emerged and people had started assuming that one day computers will start writing codes and replace human programmers rendering them jobless. As you see, that never even happened.
Similarly, test automation will never eliminate the need for human testers. Well, not unless human robots take over the planet, long thought!! Till that never happens, human testes will never be replaced for any reason. Humans have a basic capability that test automation tools do not have, which is “emotions”. Since it is only humans who use the software under test, you always need human testers to test it. Test automation tools have this one disadvantage that does not let them replace human testers.
Test automation tools are able to tell you if the colours, layout, and fonts in the screen are as per the requirements, but it can never say if the user will find it pleasant and comfortable to use. Automated testing does not come straight out of a box or a download. It is like you get an engine, but not the whole car.
You can never expect automated testing to find a whole lot of bugs. In fact, you must not even automate all your tests. It is important for some tests to stay manual. Some tests need a whole lot of time to get automated. You must never use automation if it provides no value.

It is not that automation tools are bad or ineffective. In fact, they are absolutely useful for testing definite areas like testing involving performance and load, large amount of calculations, regression tests, and so on. These areas are time consuming and really hectic for human testers. As such, test automation tools behave as supplementary tools that can make the job of a software tester even easier and more accurate, but not as a replacement.

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Testers love to break your code

One thing you must remember is that testers do not work to break your code and put you at fault. They do not love breaking your code. In fact, the code is already broken, and a software tester helps you by finding it. They only disperse the illusion that a product is working perfectly. They show you the bugs and errors that you might have missed out on while coding. This helps you in correcting yourself and making the code unbreakable.
Testers break the false beliefs that the developers and stakeholders have about a software product. They introduce you to the realities and show you where you have gone. This gives a better chance to correct the code. Testers help you and give you a chance to correct your mistakes.

Testers and Developers are not Friends

This is a very dangerous, yet very common misconception that prevails across the industry. Even the management encourages on maintaining such a relation between the developers and testers. This does more harm than good in the long run, and its effects could be devastating. A friendly relation between the two could foster a valuable product. The testers will be able to approach the developers for interesting test ideas and even get important clues to help them with the testing process. This enables a better test environment and helps the software product as a whole. One thing you need to remember is that bugs are introduced in the product by the developers, so they are the best persons to consult to find out possible ways to detect them.
These are some of the most common misconceptions that people have regarding the field of Software Testing. Free yourself of these myths and understand the reality. These rumours have been spreading far and wide throughout the IT industry for a long time now. It is high time to put an end to them and start looking at this profession in a better light.

How is Auditing and Software Testing Connected

Posted on November 5, 2015 by tbsupadminnxtbackendacc

Everyone in the business of testing software is aware of its importance. But auditing is just as important. This blog will help you to understand its importance and how it helps in your testing process.

Software testing is a process of executing a program or application with the intent of finding the bugs within. It is a type of software review in which one or more auditors conduct an independent examination of a software product. These auditors may not necessarily be members of the same software development team.
It comprises of a process or set of processes that helps you to assess a product’s compliance with pre-mentioned specifications. You can also use it for validation and verification that ensures a software program or application or product meeting your requirements that helped in its design and development.

How software testing and auditing complement each other?

A software firm’s test management software provides high-quality collaboration, even for your employees who work offsite. It lets you share information with ease. There is also the added benefit of reusing these test scenarios. This will help you to remove friction that may accompany test standardization and remote interaction.

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What more do you need?
Software auditing also keeps your testing and QA teams on track. For those of you who are unaware, auditors are often responsible for verification of a product’s compliance with certain standards. But it is also their responsibility to maintain the integrity, security and sustainability of technical processes.
Hence responsible auditing and test management further ensures you that software is being developed and used in accordance with company requirements. This pairing is especially benefitted by organizations as it gives a good insight into day-to-day practices, along with areas needing improvement. Combining technology and procedure helps you to put these applications in a context where they can be correctly evaluated.
Need for Auditing In Testing
Auditing the Software Development Processes helps you to ensure transparency and reliability of the IT systems. From a technical point of view, an audit checks for what kind of bugs may have slipped through the cracks during testing which may cost your company millions.
In the context of testing, it helps us to ensure that the testing processes are followed as defined.

Various Testing Process Audits

The reasons to conduct auditing are in plenty and will certainly help you to achieve certain set of goals. Based on that we can classify them as follows:
Audit to verify compliance: The prime motive here is to evaluate if a process complies with given standards. In these scenarios, the actual testing process is compared with a documented one. For example, our software testing processes needs to be defined according to ISO Standards. The audit verifies whether testing was conducted as per documentation.

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Audit for improving process and problem solving: Here the motivation is to audit and trace the various steps involved in the process and try eliminating the problems. For instance it was noticed that quite a lot of software defects were overlooked even after following testing process to the core. So the audit is done as a preliminary step to collect facts and analyze them.
Audit for Root Cause Analysis: This type of audit deals with finding a root cause for a specific problem using various testing processes. For instance, if a customer discovers something wrong with your software. Retracing our testing steps helps to find out where and how things went wrong in a specific case.
Internal Audits
Here initiation of internal audit is done from within an organization.
External Audits
Auditing is done and initiated by external agencies while conducting external audits.