by admin | Nov 21, 2019 | Software Testing, Fixed, Blog |
Quality Assurance or QA encompasses a wide range of activities within the realm of software. It certainly is not something that needs to be added at the end of software delivery or as a separate entity that should be ignored by developers. Everyone seeks high quality in every sphere of life – the idea of the quality, of course, differs for each person. Within the software, the dimensions or parameters of quality include reliability, ease of use, value for money, and meeting the purpose for which it was intended.
As a leading QA company we believe in the value of delivering high-quality software products – meaning those that satisfy our clients. Websites, web, and mobile applications could seemingly be the best, but unless the customer is satisfied, the product is not high quality. Hence, the question arises – how does one deliver a quality product that will satisfy the customer? We know that there is a process to actually delivering high-quality products.
The actual step of QA – A tester ensures through a series of tests that could be either automated or manual that the product is ready for high usage. Further, the process that developers must undertake such as code reviews, adequate unit and integration test coverage, and continuous delivery, also makes up for the QA process. There are some practices that work towards delivering high-quality software products, and as one of the best QA companies we list some of them here:
What Works Well?
Unfortunately today there are several software partners who use and propagate a large number of practices but which do not work – that is do not deliver high-quality software. It is necessary for all stakeholders to agree on what would constitute ‘high quality and this can be achieved by analyzing what the client would deem as high quality. It would help to check past reviews and determine whether the client feedback was positive or negative and work towards improving the quality based on the feedback.
A cohesive team – The development team must include at least one or two testers full-time. This ensures that testers remain involved in all phases of the process of development, which in turn eliminates the risk of a breakdown in communication between testers and developers.
Developers must conduct exploratory tests first – Prior to testers putting their test plan into action, developers must run some tests, which saves time on further testing since they would usually be able to find flaws fixable in real-time. Testers would then be able to dive straight into more detailed testing since the easily fixable issues would already be out of the way.
Automated tests – With exploratory testing completed, the next step is automated acceptance tests, which can be written either by developers or the testers, if the testers have the skills.
Code Reviews – Reviewing code ensures top quality of the code. It would look at aspects such as whether the code can be easily maintained and understood, not just immediately but in the future too. In addition, it is important to remember that code changes must include unit tests and functional or integration tests as well if coding is happening across APIs.
Continuous Delivery is necessary since it does have tangible and practical advantages – reduction in development costs while significantly enhancing quality.
In Conclusion:
There is no silver bullet that can ensure significantly improved quality with no ‘cost’, despite the stream of tools, design patterns, and development methods. Improving and delivering high-quality software must be a combined effort of all the stakeholders. Enhancing the efficacy of software testing is one of the best ways to significantly improve software quality. It makes business sense to partner with an expert service provider, who consistently learns and uses upgraded and contemporary tools and techniques for testing. Connect with us to work with the best in the industry and to ensure that your software products are of consistently high quality, each time.
by admin | Oct 14, 2019 | Software Testing, Fixed, Blog |
Software testing cannot be implemented within a silo and neither is it a standalone task. The changes and developments within the realm of technology and testing influence the creation and development of software. As a leading Software Testing Company, we understand the importance of testing applications and websites outside the pre-set corporate boundaries. We have a team with experts in open source technologies, automated processes, and more, making us a leading QA company. Over the years, the realm of software testing has seen significant evolution, and the introduction of new technologies has affected several positive changes in the design, development, testing, and delivery of software. We have been consistently helping businesses achieve their testing goals and achieve large-scale cost optimization through our digital transformation methods.
Implementing technologies is not enough – businesses expect high quality, reliability – to complement the reduction in software errors, enhanced security, and performance. It is a positive sign that companies have turned their focus on high-quality software testing, and we support them through quality assurance and meticulous testing of software. As a top software testing company, we believe that there are some technologies and trends that are and will continue to transform the realm of software testing.
Agile for a Digital Revolution
Today data is the goldmine for any business – it helps businesses gain invaluable insights into the behaviors and expectations of clients. One of the top ways for digital transformation is the adoption and practice of the agile methodology. It is a significant tool to help businesses meet their needs while being aligned to top initiatives that will affect a digital revolution. When you work with us – experts in the realm – we help define objectives, use cases, and even challenges when implementing Agile. We understand that affecting long-term and sustainable digital transformation is not an overnight process but an ongoing one, but with Agile it is possible to deliver important and appreciable outcomes regularly for a business.
Using ML in Testing
Machine Learning (ML) has affected some major and transformational changes in work processes and flows. In the realm of software testing, ML helps with the optimization of test suites to identify outmoded and unique test cases, and to predict the key parameters of the software testing processes based on historical data. Additionally, ML helps with log analytics – identifying test cases ‘eligible’ for automatic execution, and traceability, which is the process to achieve test coverage by extracting keywords from the RTM (Requirements Traceability Matrix). ML also helps to identify defects and high-risk segments of an application, which enables the prioritization of regression testing for those areas.
Expanding DevOps Acceptance and Implementation
In the realm of DevOps, testing is done at the start of the development cycle. This approach simplifies and enables Continuous Delivery and Continuous Integration, which in turn allows testers to perform testing with the aim of validating the application developed. This is because both performance and functionality are tested simultaneously with development. Our testing experts follow a structured method – align the test design and automation, and the development of the test case. This approach is followed to not only verify code changes but to ensure that the changes do not cause problems/defects in the product.
Testing Big Data
High volume of data generated at an intensified speed is Big Data. Testing these huge amounts of data is all about focusing on high level performance and functionality. Of course, as software testing experts we know that data quality is a key component of this type of testing, and must be checked for accuracy, consistency, validity, conformity, completeness, and more.
Linking / Merging Manual and Automated Testing
As a top-quality QA company, we understand the importance of harnessing the benefits of both approaches (manual and automated testing), which helps to fill the gap of their individual limitations.
Reducing Delivery Cycle
Customer demands, extensive changes in technologies, and improvements in platforms and devices are placing increased pressure on software developers to deliver finished products speedily and at shorter intervals. As a software testing team, we understand and manage this challenge by helping the integration of testing at the development stage, thereby reducing delivery cycles.
In Conclusion:
The technologies/trends mentioned are in no way the only – it is not an exhaustive list. Software testing has changed and continues to develop at a consistent pace to match the ever-evolving technologies. It is necessary for businesses to embrace these advancements, and using the services of a leading software testing partner, is the best way to approach these changes. Our team is one of the best – therefore we remain the go-to partner to help clients build applications and websites that would easily match the future. Connect with us to experience all this and more.
by admin | Oct 12, 2019 | Software Testing, Fixed, Blog |
In the context of a software product (as is the case of most products), the user is either the person utilizing the product or the person who asked to create such a product. Hence, UAT or beta/end-user testing is the testing conducted from the usability perspective of the user. This is tail-end testing done post system and regression testing and functional testing are completed. Any top company offering software testing services would inform their clients of the usefulness and importance of UAT. The aim of this form of testing is the validation of the software against the requirements and expectations of the client’s business. Validation is conducted by any end-user with an understanding of the specific requirements. UAT, alpha, and beta testing comprise the different types of acceptance testing.
When to Perform UAT?
The experts at software testing companies, who perform UAT, understand that as the last step before a product goes to market, User Acceptance Testing must be meticulous. The following steps are required for top-quality UAT:
- A clear outlined strategy for UAT is prepared in the planning stage
- The next stage would be designing test cases that cover functional scenarios in the real world. These test cases must be simple to understand language and ensure that the testing process for testers is simple and swift
- The testing team must comprise of real-world end users
- The next step is executing the test cases, with some random but relevant tests. Post this the results and bugs need to be properly documented
- Post the finding of the bugs, the next step would be to make the necessary adjustments and remove the bugs, ensuring a high-quality bug-free software
- The testing team provides the go-to-market approval for the software
User Acceptance Testing – Who conducts it and why is it important?
The team would comprise of beta testers and or someone buying the product or who may have asked for the software to be created. In addition, the customers could have a say in which members should be part of the testing team to ensure that every user role is tested as required. The software testing companies with expertise in this domain stand by the fact that UAT is critical to ensure that the software is operating as per the business functions, and would be suited to real world usage and scenarios.
User Acceptance testing plays a crucial role to validate business requirements, by using live data and real use cases. Rather than suffer losses and embarrassment, post-release, due to issues, it is wise for businesses to ensure User Acceptance Testing is conducted by experts. These domain experts know that the cost of fixing defects post-release is a lot higher and extensive, as compared to fixing the bugs prior to release.
In Conclusion:
Several businesses might skimp on User Acceptance Testing since their products would have already undergone several systems, integration, and regression testing. However, experts contradict this thought by explaining that UAT is the most important phase of any project since it is here that actual users validate the system and confirm that the software functions as required. Expert testing companies actually recommend involving end-users in the early stages of the project, in order to gain their views and recommendations thereby enabling a better software product. UAT is the perfect way to find out whether your product would be acceptable to the target audience – it is the ‘Agile’ way of conducting and delivering business. Business users are now keen on being closely involved in projects and delivering their opinion and feedback. By partnering with an expert software testing company, your business will get all these benefits and more – connect with our experts today.
by admin | Oct 18, 2019 | Software Testing, Fixed, Blog |
Businesses and software testing companies, both, understand that the realm of testing is in an accelerated mode owing to rapid technological advancements. This has translated to the fact that testing, to ensure top quality and functionality, is also moving to match the pace in order to remain competitive. While several aspects and strategies are constantly in the limelight in the realm of testing – automation, continuous integration, and others – common reasons for why bugs go undetected and what can be done to prevent this, seems to be missing. As a leading software testing company, we understand the critical nature of detecting bugs early in SDLC and are listing out some of the reasons bugs slip through’ and what can be done to prevent these ‘slips’.
Incorrect / inadequate mix of factors to Trigger Bugs
Since testing is never absolute, there would be times that triggers for bugs may not uncover all of them, leading to some of them slipping to production. At the production stage to these could remain hidden and only come to the fore when the product reaches users.
What can be done? It is important that when possible and practical, an application should be tested using a variety of condition combinations. Focusing on the most commonly used combinations by customers is a good starting point.
Backlog of Bugs – Becomes ForgottenThere are times when the backlog of bug tickets slips through given current priorities. This does not mean that there is no intention to resolve them. Tickets for bugs are created, slip into a backlog, and are subsequently forgotten, meaning that the bugs are missed too.
What can be done?There should be one person responsible to go through the backlog regularly to ensure that bug tickets are not forgotten. It is possible that some bugs may have already been resolved, and hence those tickets can be closed and removed from the backlog list.
Bugs were noticed but no actionIt is well known that testers and developers do not always get along, and pointing out bugs is one aspect that is ignored or there is no action taken. There would be times when a newbie tester might notice a bug but may not point it out given the senior position of a programmer/developer. This could mean that the bug goes unnoticed and hence the chances of it being resolved would be diminished too.
What can be done? All those parts of the project must work cohesively – there must be a culture and environment of respect, openness, and approachability. Testers and developers must communicate directly, ask questions, and be respectful to each other regardless of experience and authority levels.
One Bug Conceals AnotherOne of the most potent ways that bugs go undetected would be the presence of another bug – concealing the other one. A new or more obvious bug could prevent the triggering of another bug or even knowing that it exists.
What can be done? It is necessary to make proper notes during the testing process – including what was done and the things that remained undone. It would be necessary to fix these undone items in the next round of testing, and then conduct another full and thorough round of testing.
Paucity of TimeAs an expert QA company, we know that time is one of the most precious and scarce commodities. In the realm of testing, it is the lack of time that sometimes leads to businesses wanting to hurry up the process, which in turn leads to overlooking bugs – even the ones that may be obvious.
What can be done? In the event that there are delays, and there is a possibility that a deadline may not be met – it is necessary to highlight the delays and the reasons for the same. It is necessary to prioritize tests – omitting low-risk areas and focusing on critical to business functionalities. It is important for the testing team to let all know what could be tested within deadlines and what testing may not be possible. Transparency and open communication are necessary to ensure that no bug reaches the end-users.
Inadequate Requirement Documentation Inadequate documentation with regard to requirements can often lead to all usage scenarios not being covered, which would mean that testers leave out these scenarios from their testing regime.
What can be done? Proper and clear requirements in a document would help to identify all user scenarios, which would ensure that any bugs are uncovered and fixed too. Meticulously prepared documentation is a great way to ensure that no miscommunication happens and that defects and errors are noticed early on. Sound technical knowledge and considering all possible use cases and testing functionality from every user perspective will ensure that bugs are not missed.
In Conclusion:
Software testing is not and will never be an insignificant exercise. As experts in this realm, we essay the role of ‘guardians’ or ‘gatekeepers’ to ensure that the product that reaches the customers is top-notch. We are able to consistently meet the requirements of our clients since we conduct testing by approaching it from the perspective of users, reviewing the entire process of testing, which in turn helps to prevent any bugs from slipping through. Connect with us to work with an experienced, meticulous, and highly skilled team in the overarching realm of software testing.
by admin | Oct 31, 2019 | Software Testing, Fixed, Blog |
In the entire gamut of the Software testing life cycle, bug reproduction has been a crucial aspect in the process of delivering a product devoid of bugs. Whenever a software tester is watchful and hints you of a bug, if there exists a possibility of recreating it in the development environment, then you are in the game of discovering precisely what goes wrong and fixing it even before the users identify it. The more descriptive the steps are from the tester which leads to the bug identification, the better chances you have of identifying it for yourself.
However, the process of software bug reproduction many times is accompanied by loads and loads of ever-growing challenges. In this blog article, we try to through light on those grey areas of bug reproduction.
1. The depiction of the issue is precise that the programmer is able to comprehend the essence of the issue and why it arises
2. Having ingress into the steps to reproduce the bug, including necessary information about what the user was doing when the problem arose
As a matter of fact not all bugs can be reproduced. Lack of basic information may hamper the programmer from being able to reproduce it. Secondly, devoid of tools in place to reproduce it. In certain instances, the reason could be a user error or a local issue on the part of the tester. The first two issues can potentially be evaded by resorting to a professional software testing service by a top software testing company like us, Our proven research-driven strategies in software bug reproduction have helped clients across the globe deliver glitch free product without hassles.
Why software bug reproduction is vital?
Listed below are some of the elements which ensures that if a software bug gets fixed:
- Thorough and complete information of the defect report
- Checking whether the development team member can ascertain the actual occurrence of a defect under specific conditions?
- The underlying IT environment, tools, and application versions should be within the reach of the developers at all instances on which the defect is reported by the testers
Successfully writing defect “Steps to reproduce”:
- Be concise
- Incorporate perfect data used during the software testing process for easy reference
- All the steps ought to be in definitive order
- Don’t forget to quote all pre-requisite data points as and when needed
- Avoid writing complex steps, Say for instance, if a scenario requires you to save a document from MS Word, then it can be written as, ‘Open the File menu and click on save option’.
- Recheck your steps invariably to reproduce on a new system, clearing all cookies and cache memory
- Make sure the sentences are precise and unambiguous
Conclusion:
The insurmountable objective of any product owner has always been an incredible product free from all possible glitches. Software bug reproduction is the need of the hour at such instances. Connect with our distinctly different team of software test engineers for all your QA services.
by admin | Sep 16, 2019 | Software Testing, Fixed, Blog |
The truth about test coverage is that there is never a 100% accurate method to gauge or calculate test coverage. However, using a combination of several metrics and tools, it is possible for a high level of accuracy. The tools and methods chosen would depend on the functionality of the project and the amount of time and resources at the disposal of the testers. All the data would help to provide a relatively stable and high level of test coverage across projects, which in turn would significantly elevate the quality of your product.
Benefits of Test Coverage Measurement
A popular dictum states that what is not measured cannot be improved. Hence, even though 100% accuracy is not possible, measuring test coverage still has several advantages.
- Meticulous measurement of test coverage enables testers to understand the duration of time required to complete project testing
- Test coverage uncovers gaps, which in turn would help testers to script and add newer tests with the aim of elevating the quality of a project
- The statistics that come through from test coverage enables testers to understand which tests perform the same function, thereby helping to eliminate too many tests. This in turn saves time and valuable resources.
How Does an Expert Software Testing Services Company Assess Test Coverage?
There are several methods that apply a variety of tools and metrics to pull together information that would indicate actual test coverage. Several are used only for some types of projects that provide pertinent and concentrated data. There are some methods applicable to any type of project and both manual and automated testing, which help to get the best out of test coverage.
1. Test Coverage by Features The testers prepare a list of all the features available to the project and ensure that the tests to be conducted cover all of them. While this step does not assess the quality of the features, it definitely ensures that all the features are listed and accounted for, such that none are left out.
2. Test Code Coverage This has a slightly elevated level of complexity – white box testing to create conditions through which testers can execute each path or branch or line of code.
3. Test Coverage through Use Case The testers examine the use case document to assess which features would remain part of the system and which ones should be removed. The test case would be based on the steps that would be part of the use case pre and post-conditions. Testers then would check the performance of the system, and any unwanted ‘behaviors’ would help them to create negative test cases. For testers to get the best out of test coverage, all these approaches can either be used in conjunction or independently – depending on the software/system.
In Conclusion
As mentioned, a reputed Software Testing company will honestly tell you that 100% accuracy in measuring test coverage is not possible, irrespective of the tools, metrics, or tests used. There will always be gaps, and collecting large amounts of data is not only time-consuming but would quickly use up a number of precious resources. Most businesses do not have the in-house ability to deal with these issues, and it is feasible and more efficient to partner with experts in this realm and the wider gamut of software testing. We excel at every realm of software testing and would love to help your business succeed – connect with us today.
