Automation Testing in CI CD Pipeline
by admin | Jul 4, 2019 | Automation Testing, Fixed, Blog | 0 comments
The prime motive of the continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) paradigm is to enable software development teams to release a constant stream of software updates into production. This approach seeks to speed up the software release cycles, lower the costs of development and testing, and reduce the risks that ‘afflict’ modern software development systems and processes. The said paradigm also aims to spur the software release process by empowering teams to find and fix glitches in software early in the development cycle; an effective implementation of the CI/CD paradigm also encourages stronger collaboration between developers and testers, making it a crucial practice for Agile teams.
Time Efficiency
The deployment of test automation and QA automation in the CI/CD pipeline essentially accelerates the build-and-deploy cycle in favor of software developers and testers. Experts in this realm affirm that automation testing, checks codes and executes tests on a continuous basis on a corpus of modern software. This approach offers the clear benefit of providing feedback within minutes, thereby allowing agile developers to effect corrections in computer code. Bearing this in mind, testing veterans advocate the widespread use of automation in unit tests, system tests, and environment provisioning.
Faster Integrations
The modern software testing company should encourage QA automation keeping in mind the business requirements of clients and customers. Therefore, such organizations should undertake to test computer code on a regular and sustained basis to promote faster integrations between computer code and corrections instituted by automated testing mechanisms. This clearly marks a radical departure from traditional test paradigms wherein wait periods extended from days to weeks, thereby elongating development cycles much to the detriment of customer interests.
Managing Test Environments
Ideally, test automation should first be applied to software testing environments that mimic the production environment desired by the client. The modern QA company must appreciate the fact that digital technology changes at a fast pace; therefore, an automated management of the test environment will translate into faster upgrades inside new operating systems, browser versions, and system performance. The ensuing client delight can work in favor of a software testing company by contributing to the commercial bottom line. These actions reinforce the idea that the scope for automation testing should be expansive in the interests of over-delivering on client expectations.
Fewer Tear Downs
QA automation in the CI/CD pipeline works by eliminating the scope for errors in software applications and packages. Fewer errors result in this approach, thereby nullifying scenarios wherein software development teams and test professionals are forced to tear down an environment only to begin anew. The benefits of automation also include better management of test environments, thereby placing testing professionals in an optimal position to defeat unforeseen events that may impact the client experience. The reduced scope of uncertainty reinforces the business case for deploying automated testing in the CI/CD pipeline.
Boost for Shift Left Testing
Shift Left testing promotes the practice of detecting (or unearthing) glitches in software in the requirements gathering phase of the software development life cycle. Automation testing complements such efforts in the CI/CD pipeline. This early discovery of bugs has a significant impact, since the action helps to reduce the costs and resource bandwidth that would otherwise address late discovery (and the subsequent remediation) of software glitches. Therefore, every QA company should systematically undertake Shift Left testing practices in alliance with the core concepts that underlie test automation.
Faster DevOps
The seamless integration of QA automation into CI/CD pipelines allows software development teams to reap the full benefit of the DevOps paradigm. This culture connotes heightened collaboration between software development and operations teams in the mission to deploy flawless computer code. Further, test automation ensures that quality assurance activities remain continuous, reliable, and agile, in tune with other sections of the DevOps paradigm. We may state that automation testing strengthens the promise of competent testing resulting in quality computer code in short bursts of code development.
Smoother Software Delivery
A QA company that endorses the use of automated testing is positioned better to release software updates than its commercial competitors. Automated testing promotes the consistent and speedy efforts of testing professionals that participate in the CI/CD pipeline. In addition, QA automation cuts delays in production cycles and the implementation of updates inside such cycles. These facts translate into definitive gains for the QA Company in terms of guaranteeing client satisfaction and streamlining the various processes that underlie software delivery systems.
Faster CI/CD Pipeline
Automation testing is uniquely positioned to drive the CI/CD pipeline owing to the sheer speed of executing code testing operations. Modern QA automation runs in diverse spheres that includes unit testing, component integration testing, user interface testing, middleware testing, functional software testing, and regression testing. This thorough approach to software testing empowers a software testing company to offer secure, value-added services that ensure client delight by driving an exact adherence to client specifications. The alternative is manual testing which, according to experts, falls woefully short of the robust demands imposed by said pipeline.
In Conclusion
It is significantly simpler to understand, analyze, and appreciate the innate value proposition that resides in automation testing processes when these are applied to the CI/CD pipeline. In time, software testing professionals may work to expand the scope of such automation to accelerate newer paradigms designed to spur software development processes. As frontrunners in the realm of automation testing in the CI/CD pipeline, we offer more value to our clients. Connect with us to see the difference!
Key Benefits of Automation Testing For a Successful Release
by admin | Jul 8, 2019 | Automation Testing, Fixed, Blog | 0 comments
As a software testing technique, automation testing eliminates the human component in software testing practices. Such testing systems hinge on writing test scripts and applying these inside the automation framework. In modern times, testing professionals rely on test automation to automate repetitive tasks and other testing actions that are difficult to perform in manual mode.
Clear Reports
The framework of modern automation testing includes powerful dashboards that promote visibility into the progress registered by various test processes. These dashboards empower all stakeholders in the testing process to access test information in real time. Such visibility (and reporting) also allows test engineers to drive the various planks that ensure a successful software release.
Reusability of Test Scripts
The best QA companies can derive distinct benefits by implementing automation testing in their systems and processes. Experts say that part of the benefits arise out the reusability of test scripts compiled through significant investments of time and effort. The re-application of such scripts in new testing ventures allows an automation testing company to save time when executing software tests in future projects.
Better Shift-Left Testing
Automation testing allows test professionals to initiate testing in step with the commencement of a software development cycle. This stance allows the early discovery of glitches in software code and applications, thereby promoting the creation of robust and error-free software packages. Once implemented as part of regular testing processes, automation testing raises the proverbial bar for software testing frameworks.
Less is more
Experts recommend the use of automation testing in view of the fact that such testing entails the minimum use of code and improves the testing structure. In addition, the best QA companies often deploy non-technical personnel to drive such testing techniques and processes. Further, automation testing allows training periods during which testers receiving short term yet robust training. These facts promote better and successful releases of new software applications and packages.
Shorter Cycles
Shorter time cycles represent an interesting aspect that issues from widespread implementation of automation testing. The use of automation empowers software testers to detect a higher percentage of defects, shorter release cycles, minimal time consumed in the run-up to a release, higher levels of customer satisfaction, and more. In line with these facts, software testing companies must consider a deeper implementation of automation testing across the enterprise.
Lower Costs, Manpower used Better
A crop of software testing companies is earnestly investing in automation testing since this framework reduces the cost of doing business in the long term. When systematically implemented, automation testing exhibits high potential for effective resource utilization, which is a critical requirement in the world of software development and testing. The best QA companies also endorse this form of testing because it promotes prompt troubleshooting of testing errors and script failures. These attributes combine to promote a successful release of new software packages.
Boosting the Quality of Manual Tests
The leaders of an automation testing company can devote resources to the promotion of automation testing in light of its obvious advantages. However, such testing systems and practices also cast a positive effect on manual testing processes by liberating testers from tedious work such as repeated testing. Such time savings can be invested – especially in formulating improved (and more diverse) test scenarios and test cases as an extended part of manual testing activities.
Regular Smoke Testing
This form of testing is best complemented by the extensive use of automation testing systems and practices. Some common misconceptions in terms of smoke testing convey that such testing reduce can reduce the bandwidth of a tester. However, testers can defeat such misconceptions by creating automated test builds and combining these with random smoke test scenarios. Such actions, when regularly implemented, allow for robust releases of flawless software packages in the public domain.
Distributed Test Execution
One of the key benefits of automation testing resides in its ability to efficiently drive distributed test executions. Such distribution can cover multiple machines, operating systems, and browsers working in tandem to yield favorable test results. In line with this, software testing companies that are keen to achieve smooth releases of software packages can invest in the many dimensions of automation testing.
Demolishing Complexity
Software testing companies that undertake complex, time-consuming, and lengthy testing processes must consider the benefits of automation testing. These testing techniques cut the inherent risks that attend complex and lengthy test scenarios, thereby generating greater returns on investment for testing organizations. Automation testing also allows developers to rely on the services of a robust test script that can be applied to multiple test cases that populate certain sections of a software package.
In Conclusion:
These represent only some of the key benefits arising from business decisions to deploy automation testing in the modern software development and testing industry. Cumulatively, these suggestions can propel the successful release of a software application, while ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction. Work with experts with relevant and extensive experience in this realm to remove all your automation testing worries – connect with us for this and more.
Why Automation Testing is Critical at Any Scale?
by admin | Jul 26, 2019 | Automation Testing, Blog | 0 comments
The digital domain has cast an all-pervasive shadow on human existence, with such trends gaining momentum even as attempts are made to bridge the gap between the realms of analog and the digital. Test Automation represents one of the core ideas molding the domain of modern software testing. This ties closely with the considerable abilities of the digital domain, in that Test Automation confers greater flexibility on software testers that choose to test at any time. This implies testing engineers can schedule test case execution at any hour of the day, thereby matching client preferences and meeting urgent deadlines and business goals. Managing automated testing with super efficiency is critical at any scale and at any stage.
Smooth Release Cycles
The use of Automated Test schedules help to ease the task of regression testing. This stems from the fact automated test casing represents a one-time effort that can be applied repeatedly in a variety of test scenarios. Therefore, Automation Testing defeats the time constraints that are usually associated with software development and release cycles. In addition, this form of testing ensures uniformity in the execution of testing practices and procedures; it removes the element of variability that perpetually emerges in the course of manual testing activities.
Reusability is Key
Automation Testing empowers test professionals with the ability to reuse their testing scripts. This form of testing, therefore, amplifies the outcomes of deploying meticulously constructed testing scripts in a variety of contexts that center on software testing activities. This fact encourages testing organizations to deploy QA Automation systems for the benefit of the client or customer. It is apparent that Test Automation allows considerable savings in terms of time and costs, while ensuring steady outcomes.
Review Testing Reports
Automation Testing bestows significant benefits when we consider the fine details generated by software testing activities. This form of software testing allows QA Automation personnel to review the work of other engineers, assess the quality of testing scripts already in use, the range and scope of software testing, review lists of glitches and flaws unearthed and remedied, and several other activities. This surfeit of information allows for a richer testing experience and ultimately leads to the creation of a competent digital product./p>
Maximize Return on Investment
Most experts in the software testing domain agree a roadmap is crucial to ensure positive outcomes for any Automation Testing exercise. Such a map allows organizations and Test Automation professionals to achieve clarity in terms of the goals and objectives. Once these are defined, QA Automation allows developers and testers to cut the scope for confusion in testing schedules and testing activities. The downstream effects of such activities may include a higher return on investment for the testing organization.
Efficient Use of Time and Resources
Automation Testing takes the proverbial grunt work out of software testing activities, allowing testing professionals and Automated Test engineers to focus on creating expansive test cases that generate a positive impact on the performance of the software application or package. In addition, this form of testing empowers test professionals to register high levels of productivity in the workplace and speed up the software testing process. These factors are crucial inputs in the work performance of a QA Automation organization. They also help generate client delight and add substance to the bottom line of said organization.
Complementary Test Strategies
Test Automation frameworks register a crucial departure from the limitations imposed by manual software testing processes. An Automated Test strategy allows testers to execute parallel testing and cloud-based testing in the interests of conducting comprehensive testing exercises. This is significant because cloud technologies are gaining significance in the realms of software development and testing. In addition, testers can deploy Test Automation strategies to execute testing in different environments, which may include variations in Web traffic.
Quality of Software
Veteran testers corroborate the fact that Automation Testing enforces quality standards in the software development and testing processes. This implies significant benefits for downstream users because they gain the benefit of using (or reviewing) a bug-free software product. In addition, Automation Testing confers business benefits in terms of enabling software developers create and include new features within a new software application. Automation also leads to shorter development cycles, thereby enforcing the integrity of a body of computer code in all stages of the testing cycle.
Faster Feedback
QA Automation methods often enable faster feedback mechanisms, which help to arrest the incidence of bugs and glitches inside an application or product. This holds true for different phases of a software development project, thereby creating real benefits for all stakeholders. Further, Automated Test mechanisms offer definitive time savings, which translates into commercial benefits even for mission-critical development projects. This form of testing also helps reduce business expenses for any organization that offers QA Automation services.
In Conclusion
These insights and analyses allow the appreciation of the significance of automated testing in multiple scenarios. The ongoing evolution of digital technologies may reinforce these benefits in the future, while creating potentially greater scope for new testing methods and applications. We are future ready and are consistently helping our clients to get there too – ahead of the crowd. Connect with us to gain all these benefits and more.
Adopting Behavior Driven Testing within Automated Testing
by admin | Jun 20, 2019 | Automation Testing, Blog | 0 comments
Behavior Driven Testing drives focus to the requirements and the business point of view, as opposed to focusing too much on testing the technical implementation. Behavior Driven Testing uses easily understandable language to broadcast product ideas. The objective of such testing is to ensure everyone on the team gains a clear understanding of testing objectives.
In line with this, Behavior Driven Testing allows non-technical people, who are in charge of business analysis and product management, to actively join the testing process. This form of software testing is gaining significant momentum since modern organizations are viewing it as a solution to challenges posed by automation testing and collaboration.
Some testing experts aver, “The goal of behavior driven testing is a business readable and domain specific language that allows you to describe a system’s behavior without detailing how that behavior is implemented.” (Further), “behavior driven tests in the form of plain text feature descriptions with scenarios and are typically written before anything else and verified by the non-technical stakeholders.”
Drives Collaboration
Behavior Driven Testing builds closer relationships among business analysts, QA groups, and software development teams through the Behavior Clarification Reviews. This form of software testing, lends itself well to automation testing and helps communicate requirements effectively; however, the requirements have to be verified by business analysts and testers before they reach a common ground for acceptance criteria.
Easy Review and Feedback
Behavior Driven Testing requires no development skills because this form of testing hinges on writing the test cases in natural language (which is human-readable). Hence, non-coding professionals such as business analysts can actively participate in the process of automation testing and creating automated test cases, review the same, and offer feedback for improvements.
Easy Automation
Business teams review testing scenarios, developed by manual testers; following this, an automation engineer can develop the step definitions for the scenario steps. The path to automation testing runs through the QA team, which automates the scenarios; once executed, glitches that emerge are remediated. The automated tests are run as regression tests, following which the user accepts the software by certifying that acceptance and quality criteria have been met.
Focus on Testing Behavior
Since Behavior Driven Testing focuses on testing behavior, testers can implement automation testing by building detailed automated unit tests. Testers therefore, must develop test cases keeping the scenario in mind, not just code implementation. In doing so, testers would not need to change the test, inputs, and outputs should the requirements undergo change. This makes unit Test Automation much faster, less tedious, and more accurate.
Ease of Implementation
The availability of a large range of open source Behavior Driven Testing frameworks remains key to the success of “automation testing”. “Test Automation” demands the Behavior Driven Testing layer is positioned on top of a customized framework. Subsequently, the Behavior Driven Tests are given the when-then style steps written in natural language. However, testers must implement these steps in a programming language of their choice.
Areas of Concern
Skilled technical resources are required to build and maintain the automation testing framework that will enable Behavior Driven Testing. This approach to development differs significantly from other popular automation tools. In addition, certain scenarios may emerge wherein the tests written by the manual tester (or business analysts) do not lend themselves to automation. However, Behavior Driven Testing does not require specific documentation because the feature file serves as the requirement specifications or repository of use cases.
In Conclusion:
Behavior Driven Testing (BDT) is not a frequently used term in the realm of software testing and or development. This is because the testing focuses on user behavior and not the technical performance and functions of the software, and is used to highlight the requirements of a product and the point of view of the business. Our experts understand the use of BDT as a solution and premise for implementing data driven testing – connect with us to achieve this more speedily and successfully in a consistent manner.
Ensuring Automated Software Testing is Consistently Successful
by admin | Jun 15, 2019 | Automation Testing, Blog | 0 comments
Software testing represents an integral part of modern software development cycles and processes. In recent times, automated testing processes have emerged as part of techniques designed to aid the creation of flawless software packages that conform to all mission parameters. Contemporary definitions of automated software testing indicate it “is an automatic technique where the tester writes scripts by own and uses suitable software to test the software. Like regression testing, automation testing also used to test the application from load, performance and stress point of view.”
Best Suited for Large Projects
This form of software testing is well-suited when testers are involved in projects of significant reach and scope. The utility of such Test Automation stems from the fact large projects require testing the same areas in repeated patterns. The utility extends to software development projects that have already undergone an initial manual testing process.
Reduced Testing Time
The use of automated software testing systems and procedures reduces the time spent on such exercises. These time savings can now be invested in activities wherein software coders can refine the test procedures, improve the quality of such tests, and adjust the duration of testing cycles. Further, valid Test Automation schedules, systems, and procedures can be re-used in the service of future software development plans.
Correct Allocation of Resources
A successful Automation Testing regimen is ideally preceded by the allocation of human resources, budgets, the delineation of testing needs, the selection of appropriate testing technology, etc. Each of these criteria, when adequately fulfilled, leads to the execution of a successful Test Automation system. Such actions require advance planning on the part of project personnel in order to meet with success in the testing mission.
Which Test Cases to Automate
The proper selection of test cases is a pre-requisite for successful Automation Testing. This action stems from the realization that not every single aspect of testing can be automated. Hence, code testers and software developers must arrive at common ground in terms of determining which test cases should be automated. In line with this, tests that must be performed only infrequently can remain outside a Test Automation regime. In contrast, test cases that run frequently and require large amounts of data must find priority inclusion in said regimes.
Focus on a single objective
When software developers set about creating Automation Testing regimes, they must retain a narrow focus on a single, stated objective. This is important to ensure the success of an automated software testing paradigm. Testers may, for instance, develop separate tests for read-only software functions and read/write functions. This approach empowers testers to use these individual tests repeatedly without invoking the whole testing regime.
Select the Right Testing Methodology
Automation Testing plans are best served when testers choose the right testing methodology, the correct plan, and monitor test coverage. As part of these actions, testers are required to build a pitch; this testing process validates the software product prior to delivery. In recent times, most software testers and coders have adopted the Agile testing methodology. Time savings inherent in this testing methodology drive this preference, as do consistent sprints that enhance the testing process, and higher levels of client satisfaction with the product.
Advance Preparation of Test Cases & Scenario
Experts recommend testers identify the test scenario and create test cases prior to executing Automation Testing systems & procedures. The preparation of test cases in advance allows testers and coders to identify the test execution times and potential defects in the body of computer code to be tested. Advance preparation for Test Automation also helps identify other scenarios and workflows of the application that hold potential for successful automation.
Utilize Quality Test Data
Quality test data is intrinsic for successful QA Automation. This implies that data size should be optimal and must contain information (and components) that are relevant for application testing requirements. In addition, testers should undertake best practices by perusing data sets that are combined and separated into different categories. These categories include valid data, invalid data, boundary condition, etc. As a corollary, testers must work to ensure the data that is referred for testing consistently defeats the threat of obsolescence and remains updated from time-to-time.
Review Tests Periodically
Coders and software testers must review test data and test cases at regular intervals with a view to identify the data’s validity for undergoing tests. Such actions also help identify unnecessary and outdated tests that are no longer relevant to the current test cycle. The real world outcomes of such actions includes reduced costs and maintenance efforts for software developer(s). In addition, a consistent review of tests allows developers to validate and verify the substance of tests; this casts long-term effects on the test automation project.
In Conclusion
Automated software testing is usually a neglected part of software development, which can prove to be a costly mistake. The overlooking of testing is usually the result of the many challenges it poses for testers. Detecting bugs and errors requires in-depth experience, dedicated teams, and expertise – which together ensure that even the minutest errors and bugs can be detected early on. It is good business sense for any company to outsource this and other critical software testing tasks to a professional service provider – connect with us to gain the advantage of successful automated software testing.
Optimizing Tests for Continuous Integration
by admin | Apr 29, 2019 | Automation Testing, Blog | 0 comments
Continuous Integration (CI) is a powerful strategy in software development, especially in agile environments. Software testers are increasingly using the practice of Continuous Integration in automated tests for assessing test suites in terms of value.
Continuous Integration allows frequent execution of software tests and, therefore, enables testers to fix problems shortly after spotting them. With developers integrating codes into a shared repository at frequent intervals, automated tests can verify the integrations regularly if an organization has a Continuous Integration program in place.
To optimize tests for Continuous Integration, some beneficial practices that organizations should follow are listed below, which can be effectively managed by an expert software testing company.
Creating Small, Valuable Test SuitesA leading and renowned QA company will corroborate the fact that tests can be optimized for Continuous Integration effectively if a small suite of some important, gross-level tests is created. The tests comprising the small suite should typically include build acceptance tests, build verification tests or other vital tests that can qualify the system or application for further tests. Upon the successful execution of these tests, testers can advance to other tests.
Building an Automated Testing FrameworkThe demarcation of development phases is somewhat blurred in agile environments since each new code committed by a developer triggers a new build cycle. Hence, tests runs need to be executed several times during the test phase. The inclusion of several tests in a Continuous Integration suite, together with some shell scripting, can trigger tests automatically on a regular basis. An automated testing framework enables testers to easily identify the change that causes a failed test run.
Using Automation across Different Types of TestingCompanies striving to offer top-notch QA services should ensure that the automation framework they build for optimizing tests for Continuous Integration should cover a diverse range of tests. Some of the functional and non-functional tests that should be part of the coverage of automation testing include Load testing, Performance Testing, Stress Testing, Regression Testing, Acceptance Testing, and Database testing, among others.
Updating the Test Setup for Faster ExecutionTests can be optimized for Continuous Integration if the test setup is refactored to enable a faster execution. An updated or restructured test setup code can lead to an overall improvement in testing services since failures due to timing issues or other minor problems would be avoided. For effectively refactoring the test setup, testers should first examine the performance of their tests with the existing test setup and then consider the possibility of an enhanced setup.
Replacing Sleep Statements with Wait Statements
However, for optimizing tests for Continuous Integration, testers should be smart with their wait times. Testers mostly use sleep statements as a temporary workaround for flaky tests that consistently fail due to the ongoing loading of some resources, or a non-responding back end.
They should avoid sleep statements and, instead, use wait statements that end in coincidence with the occurrence of an event rather than ending after a stipulated period.
Running Tests Suites in ParallelTest suites that take a long time to execute should be broken up into different suites and run in parallel, especially to keep pace with consistent software integration. Parallel test runs, facilitated by a robust automated testing mechanism, optimize testing for Continuous Integration given frequent execution. In addition, parallel testing also leads to improved test coverage and fewer unidentified bugs.
Avoiding the Execution of Unit Tests with Integrated TestsTo optimize tests for Continuous Integration, testers must understand the difference between unit tests and integrated tests, and avoid running them together. Unit tests are aimed at basic code correction. They are fast and need to be run frequently for early detection of bugs in business logic. In contrast, integrated tests take a notably longer execution time. Identifying the cause of a failed integrated test is a complex process because of their vast span across several modules and devices.
Logging Extensively to Analyze FailureExtensive logging holds immense significance in analyzing a failed test since it uncovers the root of the problem. For this reason, extensive logging can play a key role in optimizing tests for Continuous Integration. However, extensive logging should be done only when required because it may have an adverse effect on performance. Moreover, it is pertinent to use a competent logging framework capable of identifying cases for minimal logging and exhaustive logging.
In Conclusion:
Optimizing tests for Continuous Integration has become a crucial software development practice in recent years because of its key principles of automated testing, build automation, revision control, and greater accuracy. When tests are optimized for Continuous Integration, the degree of errors during software development drops drastically owing to increased automation, quicker bug fixes, and an efficient feedback mechanism. Connect with our team of experts to help your business with this critical to success activity.