Automated Test Oracles in Software Testing

Test Evidence - What it is, Why & How to Capture?

Test Evidence – What it is, Why & How to Capture?

Karate and Postman are automated API testing tools, with different purposes and features. Karate is an Open Source, test-automation framework designed especially for automated API testing. It couples API test automation, mocks, performance testing, and even UI automation into a single, unified framework.



On the other hand, Postman is a widely used API testing and collaboration platform through which one can create, test, and document APIs with an intuitive interface. It allows automated testing supported via its scripting features, giving the ability to easily share API requests among teams much more quickly with responses attached.



However, they have certain limitations as well. Karate has a steeper learning curve for beginners, mainly because of the Gherkin syntax. Postman does very well in manual and semiautomated testing, but scaling it towards testing extensive automated test suites might be tricky.



In this article, let&#8217;s discuss the differences between these <a href="https://testsigma.com/api-testing-tools" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">API testing tools</a> &#8211; Karate vs Postman. We will discuss the key differences, features, similarities, limitations, and the best alternatives to these tools as well.



You can also check out this comprehensive list of the <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/web-service-testing-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">top 15 web service testing tools</a>.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Karate_vs_Postman_8211_Overview">1 Karate vs Postman &#8211; Overview</a><ul><li><a href="#Which_is_Karatenbsp">1.1 Which is Karate?&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_Postman">1.2 What is Postman?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Alternative_to_Karate_and_Postman_8211_Testsigma">2 Alternative to Karate and Postman &#8211; Testsigma</a><ul><li><a href="#Highlighting_Features_of_Testsigma">2.1 Highlighting Features of Testsigma</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Karate_vs_Postman_vs_Testsigma_8211_Key_Differences">3 Karate vs Postman vs Testsigma &#8211; Key Differences</a></li><li><a href="#Karate_and_Postman_8211_Similarities">4 Karate and Postman &#8211; Similarities</a></li><li><a href="#Should_I_Choose_Karate_or_Postman_for_API_Automated_Testing">5 Should I Choose Karate or Postman for API Automated Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">6 Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">7 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#Can_I_migrate_the_test_data_from_Postman_or_Karate_to_Testsigma">7.1 Can I migrate the test data from Postman or Karate to Testsigma?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-karate-vs-postman-overview">Karate vs Postman &#8211; Overview</h2>



Among API testing tools, the two most talked-about are Karate and Postman, but they have many distinguishing features and different capabilities. Knowing the unique advantages and some possible disadvantages of the tools helps the teams understand which tool suits their testing requirements.



<h3 id="h-which-is-karate">Which is Karate?&nbsp;</h3>



Karate is a compelling open-source framework developed for automated testing, with an explicit focus on APIs. It brings the ability to combine <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-api-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated testing in APIs</a>, mocks, performance testing, and UI automation into a unified framework. Tests in Karate are written in a very readable Gherkin syntax, making them approachable to non-developers. It integrates well with CI/CD pipelines, so tests can run and deploy automatically. It also has in-built support of the GraphQL and SOAP API for an extensive scope in a testing scenario.



<h3 id="h-what-is-postman">What is Postman?</h3>



Postman is a platform for creating and testing APIs, with an inbuilt user interface. Postman supports automation testing by enabling the scripting of detailed and reusable scenarios of tests. It has a user-friendly interface in which a team can share and manage the requests and responses of its APIs, providing grounds for collaboration among the developers and testers. It also includes API monitoring, mock servers, and environment management features. But for extensive automation and integration with CI/CD, you may need an extra suite of tools or manual, tailor-made scripts.



Check out the <a href="https://testsigma.com/api-testing-tools" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">top 10 API testing tools and alternatives</a>.



<h2 id="h-alternative-to-karate-and-postman-testsigma">Alternative to Karate and Postman &#8211; Testsigma</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1201" height="821" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/04112145/Alternative-to-Karate-and-Postman-Testsigma.png" alt="Alternative to Karate and Postman - Testsigma" class="wp-image-45870" srcset="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/04112145/Alternative-to-Karate-and-Postman-Testsigma.png 1201w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/04112145/Alternative-to-Karate-and-Postman-Testsigma-768x525.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1201px) 100vw, 1201px" /></figure></div>



Among the best alternatives for API testing stands <a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma</a>. Testsigma is a full-blown, AI-powered test automation platform; it supports not only API testing but also web and mobile application testing. You can easily create test cases using simple natural English language or you can also record your test steps based on the actions performed on an application.&nbsp;



It enables a unified approach toward test automation that makes test maintenance and execution across different platforms accessible within one ecosystem. It provides a very intuitive interface and extensive features, making the whole testing process streamlined and team members collaborate smoothly.



Here’s a complete list of the <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-automation-frameworks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">best test automation frameworks</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfD9yLYLQzt4ZYW6lXEbC_AfdHcQTpbLVExtNeq7r1vPRXvxIf_YFfK4N-zBw4-QECf6sBILH1GeH2npGbNDtFNaGw0srUFc0qhiD50ELsOsqQ7Ny7_lGZwxCYwpvggX5cM7xWNCaokPGjsUIAVNQfkzeA?key=yjnUwcgL6bysZv9J91IsPw" alt=""/></figure>



<h3 id="h-highlighting-features-of-testsigma">Highlighting Features of Testsigma</h3>



<ol><li>Unified Test Automation: Single platform to support API, web, mobile, and desktop application testing.</li><li>No-Code/Low-Code Interface: Helps users to create tests with no or little programming experience, hence being user-friendly for non-developers.</li><li>CI/CD Integration: It integrates seamlessly with the most common and best-of-best CI/CD tools, including Jenkins, CircleCI, and Azure DevOps, to automate testing and deployments.</li><li>Cross-browser and Cross-device testing: It supports test execution across multiple devices, browsers, and OS environments to ensure both compatibility and performance.</li><li>Data-Driven Testing: It enables the testing of a product with various input data sets for functionality validation under different test conditions.</li><li>Real-Time Reporting and Analytics: Ensures a well-articulated test report and analytics to track test results, find issues, and improve test coverage.</li><li>Reusable Test Steps: It makes test steps and components reusable, thereby ensuring efficiency and eliminating duplications.</li><li>Parallel testing: It gives you the possibility to speed up the process of testing and, hence, minimize the overall amount of testing time required.&nbsp;</li><li>Collaboration Tools: It allows team collaboration, shared workspaces, and version control for coordinated testing efforts.</li></ol>



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Explore Testsigma for automating your API tests with end-to-end UI tests for web, mobile and desktop applications
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<h2 id="h-karate-vs-postman-vs-testsigma-key-differences">Karate vs Postman vs Testsigma &#8211; Key Differences</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Feature/Aspect</td><td>Karate</td><td>Postman</td><td>Testsigma</td></tr><tr><td>Primary Use</td><td>Automated API testing</td><td>API development and testing</td><td>Comprehensive test automation</td></tr><tr><td>Syntax</td><td>Gherkin</td><td>JavaScript for scripting</td><td>No-code/Low-code interface</td></tr><tr><td>UI/UX</td><td>Command-line and text-based</td><td>Intuitive graphical user interface</td><td>Intuitive graphical user interface</td></tr><tr><td>Integration with CI/CD</td><td>Excellent integration</td><td>Limited integration</td><td>Seamless integration</td></tr><tr><td>Performance Testing</td><td>Included</td><td>Requires additional tools</td><td>Not Included</td></tr><tr><td>API Types Supported</td><td>REST, SOAP, GraphQL</td><td>REST, SOAP</td><td>REST, GraphQL, Web, Mobile, Desktop</td></tr><tr><td>Data-Driven Testing</td><td>Supported</td><td>Supported</td><td>Supported</td></tr><tr><td>Ease of Use</td><td>Steep learning curve for beginners</td><td>Easy to use, suitable for beginners</td><td>Easy to use, suitable for beginners</td></tr><tr><td>Test Maintenance</td><td>Manual</td><td>Manual</td><td>AI-driven test maintenance</td></tr><tr><td>Parallel Execution</td><td>Supported</td><td>Requires additional setup</td><td>Supported</td></tr><tr><td>Cross-Platform Testing</td><td>API and UI testing</td><td>API testing only</td><td>Web, Mobile, Desktop testing</td></tr><tr><td>Collaboration Features</td><td>Limited</td><td>Strong collaboration features</td><td>Strong collaboration features</td></tr><tr><td>Real-Time Reporting</td><td>Limited</td><td>Detailed reports available</td><td>Detailed real-time reporting</td></tr><tr><td>Community and Support</td><td>Growing community</td><td>Large community and extensive support</td><td>Growing community and professional support</td></tr><tr><td>Reusable Test Steps</td><td>Limited</td><td>Limited</td><td>Extensive reuse capabilities</td></tr><tr><td>Environment Management</td><td>Limited</td><td>Strong environment management</td><td>Strong environment management</td></tr><tr><td>Cost</td><td>Free and open-source</td><td>Free tier, paid plans for advanced features</td><td>Paid plans with enterprise-level features</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 id="h-karate-and-postman-similarities">Karate and Postman &#8211; Similarities</h2>



Both Karate and Postman are <a href="https://testsigma.com/qa-automation-tools" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automation testing tools</a> explicitly aimed at making the testing of APIs easier, allowing one to check whether the APIs are working, reliable, and performant. They support the testing of both REST and SOAP APIs, thus covering a broad application domain within web services. There are also a couple of features, including mocking servers, offered by both Postman and Karate.



Another similarity between Karate and Postman is that both support data-driven testing. They allow the execution of tests with different data sets to build checks on API working under variant conditions. The tools seamlessly integrate with CI/CD pipelines to have API tests included in the automated deployment workflow for continuous validation and quality assurance.



Check out the <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/postman-alternatives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">best alternatives to Postman</a>.



<h2 id="h-should-i-choose-karate-or-postman-for-api-automated-testing">Should I Choose Karate or Postman for API Automated Testing?</h2>



The choice between Karate or Postman mainly depends on your exact requirements, what your team is experienced with, and your workflow preferences.&nbsp;



If your team requires a solution that is much richer in capabilities, including API testing, within the same framework without any integration, Karate is most likely the best candidate for you. Its Gherkin syntax makes it easily accessible even to non-developers, whereby stakeholders with less programming knowledge can effectively be involved in the process of creating and maintaining tests. Karate can help with several types of APIs: REST, SOAP, or GraphQL, and, again, integrates with CI/CD pipelines.



Postman, conversely, proves to be a user-friendly development and testing API platform, ideal for teams who consider ease of use and team effort most important. Its intuitive graphical interface easily facilitates the development, testing, and documentation of APIs, meaning it works great for developers and testers. Postman is rich in solid collaboration features, like shared workspaces and version control, making it easy for teams to communicate and coordinate. But for complete automation and integration with CI/CD, some other tooling support or scripting might be needed.&nbsp;



Ultimately, the choice between Karate and Postman would depend on the kind of test you have, the complexity, the technical ability of your team, and the necessity of collaborating on features as part of a workflow.



<h2 id="h-conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



To sum up, Karate and Postman each come with their benefits and different purposes within the software development lifecycle. Karate is particularly potent due to its all-in-one nature and its support for API, UI, and performance testing, with its syntax based on Gherkin. Postman, with its intuitive interface and robust collaboration functionalities, makes API development and testing very easy, and it is popular with teams with shared workspaces.



However, if you are looking for an alternative that brings forward the strengths of both Karate and Postman, then Testsigma is an exciting alternative with a Unified Test Automation platform using a no-code/ low-code interface and a rich set of features. With these taken into careful consideration, you should be able to make a fit tool choice according to the goals and develop a solid and reliable strategy for API testing.



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Explore Testsigma for automating your API tests with end-to-end UI tests for web, mobile and desktop applications
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<a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" class="cta-btn-v1" rel="noopener">Try for free</a>
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<h2 id="h-frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



<h3 id="h-can-i-migrate-the-test-data-from-postman-or-karate-to-testsigma">Can I migrate the test data from Postman or Karate to Testsigma?</h3>



Yes, test data migration from Postman or Karate to Testsigma is feasible. There are test import functionalities and APIs for Testsigma that can be used to migrate test cases and data. Most probably, the minimum manual effort required would be in reformatting the data and making some specific alterations in the test scripts. You are highly recommended to go through the extensive and helpful documentation and support provided by Testsigma so that the transition becomes seamless.

Karate vs Postman – Which One Should You Choose?

Coffee machines are like minicomputers today. Many have complex user interfaces that enable users to create different types of coffee, choose a size, add extra ingredients, or even set a temperature range.&nbsp;



Smart coffee machines also tell you when the coffee is low, the water tank needs cleaned, or filters need changing.&nbsp;



Coffee vending machines use software code to perform tasks. Software code requires full test coverage to ensure customer satisfaction.&nbsp;



Test cases for coffee machines need to verify that functionality meets requirements.&nbsp;



This guide provides samples of test cases for coffee machines, including functional, usability, user interface, boundary conditions, and negative test scenarios.&nbsp;



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Functional_Test_Cases_For_A_Coffee_Vending_Machine">1 Functional Test Cases For A Coffee Vending Machine</a></li><li><a href="#Usability_Test_Cases_For_Coffee_Vending_Machine">2 Usability Test Cases For Coffee Vending Machine</a></li><li><a href="#User_Interface_Test_Cases_For_Coffee_Machine">3 User Interface Test Cases For Coffee Machine</a></li><li><a href="#Boundary_Conditions_Test_Cases_For_Coffee_Vending_Machine">4 Boundary Conditions Test Cases For Coffee Vending Machine</a></li><li><a href="#Negative_Test_Cases_For_A_Coffee_Vending_Machine">5 Negative Test Cases For A Coffee Vending Machine</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Automate_Test_Cases_in_Testsigma">6 How to Automate Test Cases in Testsigma</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">7 Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-functional-test-cases-for-a-coffee-vending-machine">Functional Test Cases For A Coffee Vending Machine</h2>



What types of test cases for coffee machines verify functionality? Consider using basic <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/what-is-test-case/">test case </a>techniques to create every kind of test case. Use the functional requirements and the following functional test case samples to get started.



<ol><li>Fill the water, beans, and additives (creamer or milk) to the expected level.&nbsp;<ul><li>Press the large coffee button with no additives.&nbsp;<ol><li>Verify any indicator lights show the machine is brewing.&nbsp;</li><li>Verify a large coffee cup dispenses into the filling space.&nbsp;</li><li>Confirm the indicator lights let the user know when the coffee is ready.&nbsp;</li></ol></li><li>Verify the coffee fills as expected in the cup and the machine resets to receive a new order.&nbsp;<ol><li>Confirm there are no additives.&nbsp;</li><li>Use a thermometer to confirm the temperature matches requirements.&nbsp;</li></ol></li></ul></li></ol>



<ol start="2"><li>Fill the water, beans, and additives (creamer or milk) to the expected level.&nbsp;<ul><li>Ensure the unit is plugged in or has access to a power source.&nbsp;</li><li>Press the large coffee button and add two or more creams.&nbsp;<ol><li>Verify any indicator lights show the machine is brewing.&nbsp;</li><li>Verify a large coffee cup dispenses into the filling space.&nbsp;</li><li>Confirm two cream additives are added after the coffee.&nbsp;</li><li>Confirm the indicator lights show when the order is complete.&nbsp;</li></ol></li><li>Verify the coffee fills as expected in the cup, and that the machine resets to receive a new order.&nbsp;<ol><li>Use a thermometer to confirm the temperature matches requirements.</li></ol></li></ul></li></ol>



<ol start="3"><li>Select the ON button to activate the automatic cleaner.&nbsp;<ul><li>Confirm the machine indicates the coffee, additives, and water reservoirs are empty.&nbsp;</li><li>Verify that an indicator light shows the machine is locked for cleaning.&nbsp;<ol><li>Try to press the coffee button for any size coffee.</li><li>Verify the system shows a message indicating it is in cleaning mode.&nbsp;</li></ol></li><li>Time the cleaning process.&nbsp;<ol><li>Verify the time it takes to clean meets requirements automatically.&nbsp;</li></ol></li><li>Once the automatic cleaning process is completed, inspect the machine.&nbsp;<ol><li>Verify the cup dispenser is full.&nbsp;</li><li>Verify the water dispenser is clean and empty.&nbsp;</li><li>Verify the coffee dispenser is clean and empty.&nbsp;</li><li>Verify the additive dispensers are clean and empty.&nbsp;</li></ol></li><li>Confirm the machine resets after cleaning to indicate the user must fill the ingredients before brewing coffee.&nbsp;</li></ul></li></ol>



<ol start="4"><li>Fill all ingredients after cleaning.&nbsp;<ul><li>Select the ON button to brew a large cup of coffee with one cream and one sugar.&nbsp;<ol><li>Verify an indicator light shows the machine is brewing.&nbsp;</li><li>Verify a large coffee cup dispenses into the filling space.&nbsp;</li><li>Confirm one cream additive and one sugar are added after the coffee.&nbsp;</li><li>Confirm the indicator lights show when the order is complete.&nbsp;</li></ol></li><li>Verify the coffee fills as expected in the cup and the machine resets to receive a new order.&nbsp;<ol><li>Use a thermometer to confirm the temperature matches requirements.</li></ol></li></ul></li><li>Fill the coffee dispenser, not the cups, additives, or water dispenser.&nbsp;<ul><li>Select a large coffee with one cream and one sugar.&nbsp;</li><li>Verify an indicator light displays with a message that the machine is out of cups, additives, and water.&nbsp; Click the option to contact the operator.&nbsp;<ol><li>Verify an SMS message is sent to the coffee machine operator to indicate it needs service.&nbsp;</li></ol></li><li>Verify the machine shows a message apologizing for the inconvenience.&nbsp;</li><li>Confirm the machine does NOT dispense coffee without all ingredients present.</li></ul></li></ol>



<h2 id="usability-test-cases-for-coffee-vending-machine">Usability Test Cases For Coffee Vending Machine</h2>



Usability test cases for coffee machines are intended to ensure the user can successfully receive a cup of coffee at an accurate temperature and with any added ingredients at the size selected without issue. Need more test design options for non-functional tests? Consider different approaches to design.&nbsp;



<ol><li>Verify users can quickly locate the ON and OFF buttons.<ol><li>Turn the machine OFF.&nbsp;</li><li>As a user, determine how easy or difficult it is to locate the ON button.</li></ol></li><li>Verify the user’s coffee cup is full when service is complete.&nbsp;<ol><li>Brew each available size of coffee.&nbsp;</li><li>After service is complete, verify the cup is full to meet requirements (¼ inch below the rim, for example).&nbsp;</li></ol></li><li>Verify the machine displays an understandable error message for:<ol><li>No cup inventory</li><li>Any ingredient is empty</li><li>Machine requires service</li><li>The user selects a non-supported additive number&nbsp;</li></ol></li><li>Confirm the images and indicator lights match standards (green for ON or Ready, red for Error)<ol><li>View the indicator light colors when using the machine.&nbsp;<ol><li>Verify when an error exists the light is red (or per requirements).</li><li>Verify when the system is functioning then the light is green (or per requirements).&nbsp;</li></ol></li></ol></li></ol>



<h2 id="user-interface-test-cases-for-coffee-machine">User Interface Test Cases For Coffee Machine</h2>



User interface test cases for coffee machines intend to identify defects in functionality based on UI controls.



<ol><li>Verify button lights, images, or text match requirements for each function.</li><li>Verify the button indicators and lights exist for notifying users when ingredients are missing.</li><li>Confirm the correct brand and logo display according to requirements.</li><li>Verify the machine generates an error when it is plugged into an improper voltage power source.&nbsp;</li></ol>



<h2 id="boundary-conditions-test-cases-for-coffee-vending-machine">Boundary Conditions Test Cases For Coffee Vending Machine</h2>



Test cases for coffee machines must include verifying the machine operates with variances in values for all options: coffee, size, additives, and temperature.&nbsp;



<ol><li>Verify users receive a single serving for each coffee serving.&nbsp;</li><li>Verify when users press the coffee button repeatedly, users receive a single serving.&nbsp;</li><li>Verify users are limited to 0-6 additive servings.</li><li>Verify machine accepts only supported chip credit cards.&nbsp;</li></ol>



<h2 id="negative-test-cases-for-a-coffee-vending-machine">Negative Test Cases For A Coffee Vending Machine</h2>



Negative test cases for coffee machines are intended to identify defects when a user acts out of the expected sequence.&nbsp;



<ol><li>Press large and small coffee buttons at the same time.&nbsp;<ul><li>Verify only the first selection is fulfilled.&nbsp;</li></ul></li><li>Overfill the coffee beans and push the brew button.&nbsp;<ul><li>Verify the machine indicates an error with a red indicator light and a message that says the coffee beans are overfull.&nbsp;</li></ul></li><li>Turn the machine off and then press the coffee button.&nbsp;<ul><li>Verify the machine does not respond without power.&nbsp;</li></ul></li><li>Turn the machine on its side and try to press the coffee button.&nbsp;<ul><li>Verify the machine displays an error that it is not upright and cannot function.&nbsp;</li></ul></li></ol>



<h2 id="how-to-automate-test-cases-in-testsigma">How to Automate Test Cases in Testsigma</h2>



If you are a tester who creates test cases, you also will need to know how to automate those at some point of time. Testsigma is a low-code test automation platform that makes it very easy to learn and start with automating and executing test cases.



Leverage Generative AI (Gen-AI) technology by automating test cases using Testsigma.&nbsp;



Testsigma users can also perform test management, bug tracking, and test development in Testsigma. Get started with Testsigma using a free trial of the cloud-based tool.&nbsp;



Most organizations start by creating test cases:&nbsp;



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1600" height="804" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03120321/How-to-Automate-Test-Cases-in-Testsigma.png" alt="How to Automate Test Cases in Testsigma" class="wp-image-45853" srcset="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03120321/How-to-Automate-Test-Cases-in-Testsigma.png 1600w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03120321/How-to-Automate-Test-Cases-in-Testsigma-768x386.png 768w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03120321/How-to-Automate-Test-Cases-in-Testsigma-1536x772.png 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /></figure></div>



Next, organize tests into new test suites for easier tracking and status reporting:



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1600" height="914" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03121810/Test-Suites-1.png" alt="Test suites" class="wp-image-45857" srcset="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03121810/Test-Suites-1.png 1600w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03121810/Test-Suites-1-768x439.png 768w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03121810/Test-Suites-1-1536x877.png 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /></figure></div>







Write your automated scripts. Visit the test automation guide for creating automated scripts with Testsigma.



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<h2 id="conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



Testing coffee machine computer interfaces can be challenging. By understanding how to write test cases for coffee machines, testers can create full suites of effective, concise, and thorough test coverage.&nbsp;



Testing is more than proving functionality works, quality test cases also verify functionality through usability, user interface, boundary conditions, and negative test cases. Consider using Testsigma to automate test cases and leverage the power of AI for analytics, reporting, test development, and even maintenance.&nbsp;

Tips for Writing Test Cases for Coffee Machines

Accelq vs Provar | Which One You Should Choose?

Provar and Copado are prominent Salesforce test automation tools.&nbsp;



Provar is known for its end-to-end test automation capability, its codeless environment, and also the support for functional and regression testing for Salesforce applications.&nbsp;



Copado, on the other hand, is a more general DevOps solution, with test automation included in its set of tools designed for CI/CD within Salesforce.



However, both Provar and Copado have their own limitations as well.&nbsp;



Provar is tightly coupled with Salesforce metadata. Although this tight coupling allows for detailed testing, it also makes it hard when there are big updates within the Salesforce metadata.&nbsp;



Copado has a pretty good framework for integration with the pipeline for CI/CD with more focus on deployment and version control. However, its test automation features may not have the advanced capabilities and flexibility of a dedicated testing tool.



Hence, it’s always wise to look for a better alternative for <a href="https://testsigma.com/tools/salesforce-automation-testing-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salesforce test automation tools</a> like Provar and Copado.&nbsp;



In this article, let’s discuss what each of these tools brings to the table, the major differences between them, and the best alternative to Provar and Copado.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Provar_vs_Copado_8211_Overview">1 Provar vs Copado &#8211; Overview</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_Provarnbsp">1.1 What is Provar?&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_Copado">1.2 What is Copado?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Provar_vs_Copado_8211_Comparison_Table">2 Provar vs Copado &#8211; Comparison Table</a></li><li><a href="#Which_is_the_best_alternative_tool_for_Copado_and_Provar">3 Which is the best alternative tool for Copado and Provar?</a></li><li><a href="#Provar_vs_Copado_8211_Salesforce_Test_Automation_Comparison">4 Provar vs Copado &#8211; Salesforce Test Automation Comparison</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">5 Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">6 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#Can_we_migrate_test_data_from_Provar_or_Copado_to_Testsigma">6.1 Can we migrate test data from Provar or Copado to Testsigma?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-provar-vs-copado-overview">Provar vs Copado &#8211; Overview</h2>



Provar and Copado are two prominent tools in the Salesforce test automation space, with differences in terms of features and use cases. Let’s discuss each of them in more detail.



<h3 id="h-what-is-provar">What is Provar?&nbsp;</h3>



Provar is a test automation tool that can be used for Salesforce applications as well.



<ul><li>&nbsp;It offers a codeless interface so that the test case can be created, executed, and managed efficiently without any barrier, whether one is technical or not.&nbsp;</li><li>The unique selling point of Provar is its profound integration with Salesforce; that is how it supports different types of business processes, custom objects, and configurations. This integration ensures that the tests are relevant and accurate.&nbsp;</li><li>Provar also supports functional and regression testing so that new changes do not disrupt existing functionalities.&nbsp;</li><li>Besides being user-friendly, Provar also offers advanced features such as data-driven testing, parameterization, and reusable test components.</li></ul>



Check out the list of <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/provar-alternatives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">best Provar alternative tools</a>.



<h3 id="h-what-is-copado">What is Copado?</h3>



Copado is an all-inclusive DevOps platform.&nbsp;



<ul><li>It is built for maximizing efficiency in Salesforce development processes and deployments.&nbsp;</li><li>Even though the main goal of the platform is to offer robust version control, deployment management, and continuous integration/delivery, test automation is another essential aspect of its overall suite.&nbsp;</li><li>As far as the Salesforce test automation is concerned, Copado weaves automated testing as part of the change pipeline, and every time a new change is deployed, the test gets automatically executed.&nbsp;</li><li>While not as extensive as dedicated testing tools, the test automation features of Copado are more than sufficient to bring essential testing into the development workflow.&nbsp;</li><li>Copado automates the testing in the deployment pipeline, which means teams can bring new features and updates to their Salesforce applications at a much faster pace &#8211; none of which comes at the expense of quality.</li></ul>



Check out the <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/copado-alternatives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">best Copado alternative tools</a>.



<h2 id="h-provar-vs-copado-comparison-table">Provar vs Copado &#8211; Comparison Table</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Feature</td><td>Provar</td><td>Copado</td></tr><tr><td>Coding Requirement</td><td>Requires basic coding knowledge (Metadata &amp; SOQL)</td><td>Codeless, visual interface</td></tr><tr><td>Salesforce Test Automation</td><td>Supported</td><td>Supported</td></tr><tr><td>Test Creation</td><td>Manual script creation with drag-and-drop components</td><td>AI-powered recording and generation of test cases</td></tr><tr><td>Test Maintenance</td><td>Can be challenging as scripts may break with UI changes</td><td>Self-healing tests adapt to minor UI changes</td></tr><tr><td>Target Users</td><td>Technical testers, developers</td><td>Business users, admins, and technical testers</td></tr><tr><td>Scalability</td><td>Requires additional setup for parallel test execution</td><td>Built-in parallel test execution</td></tr><tr><td>Integration</td><td>Integrates with CI/CD tools like Jenkins</td><td>Native integration with Copado DevOps platform</td></tr><tr><td>Reporting</td><td>Customizable reports and dashboards</td><td>Integrated reports and dashboards within Copado</td></tr><tr><td>Pricing</td><td>Subscription-based, tailored to the number of users</td><td>Subscription-based, various plans available</td></tr><tr><td>Support for Other Platforms</td><td>Supports other platforms like Salesforce, SAP, and web apps</td><td>Primarily focused on Salesforce testing</td></tr><tr><td>Open Source</td><td>Proprietary</td><td>Based on Selenium</td></tr><tr><td>Community</td><td>Smaller community compared to Copado</td><td>Larger and active community with extensive resources</td></tr><tr><td>Learning Curve</td><td>Steeper learning curve due to coding requirements</td><td>Easier to learn due to the codeless interface</td></tr><tr><td>Test Data Management</td><td>Robust test data management features</td><td>Test data management included in the Copado platform</td></tr><tr><td>Mobile Testing</td><td>Supports mobile testing</td><td>Limited support for mobile testing</td></tr><tr><td>Customer Support</td><td>Dedicated customer support</td><td>Community and ticket-based support</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 id="h-which-is-the-best-alternative-tool-for-copado-and-provar">Which is the best alternative tool for Copado and Provar?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1600" height="980" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/28193422/testsigma-2.png" alt="" class="wp-image-45760" srcset="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/28193422/testsigma-2.png 1600w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/28193422/testsigma-2-768x470.png 768w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/28193422/testsigma-2-1536x941.png 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /></figure>



<a href="https://testsigma.com/">Testsigma</a> is an AI-powered test automation tool considered the best alternative to both Copado and Provar. It uniquely bundles simplicity, power, and flexibility for Salesforce test automation. Its cloud-based, low-code approach empowers teams to easily create and run complete test suites without requiring extensive coding expertise. You can easily create test cases in Testsigma using the natural English language or even automatically record test cases based on actions done on a Salesforce application.



Here’s a complete list of the <a href="https://testsigma.com/tools/salesforce-automation-testing-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">best Salesforce testing tools</a>.



Key Features and Capabilities of Testsigma for Salesforce Test Automation:



<ol><li>Low-Code Test Creation: Testsigma allows for test case creation using simple English or by recording user interactions, hence it is accessible to testers of all skills.</li><li>Salesforce-Specific Elements: It has built-in support for Salesforce-specific elements and APIs. It ensures that the testing of your salesforce applications takes place efficiently, precisely, and reliably.</li><li>Cross-Browser and Cross-Device Testing: Testsigma empowers you to run your Salesforce tests on different browsers and devices to offer consistency in user experience.</li><li>Data-driven testing: In Testsigma, tests can be parameterized with desired data sets or scenarios so as to make the test data-driven.</li><li>Integration with Salesforce Ecosystem: Testsigma integrates seamlessly with your Salesforce sandbox and production environments whereby, making all the test management and test execution simple.</li><li>CI/CD integration: It integrates with CI/CD pipelines making the process of testing automated and continuous resulting in quality builds.</li><li>AI-powered test maintenance: Testsigma uses AI to automatically spot and update tests when Salesforce UI changes, reducing maintenance efforts.</li><li>Comprehensive Reporting: Get detailed test reports and insights into test results, helping you pinpoint issues and improve your testing strategy.</li><li>Collaboration: It allows the team members to collaborate with features like shared test repositories, comments, and real-time updates.&nbsp;</li><li>Scalability: Testsigma&#8217;s cloud infrastructure and parallel testing capabilities allow one to scale the testing process as the salesforce application grows.</li></ol>



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<h2 id="h-provar-vs-copado-salesforce-test-automation-comparison">Provar vs Copado &#8211; Salesforce Test Automation Comparison</h2>



While Provar and Copado are both powerful tools for test automation in Salesforce, they vary significantly by approach, capability, and target user. The right tool for you will depend on your team&#8217;s skill set, testing requirements, and budget. In this regard, here is a comparison between Provar and Copado in terms of Salesforce test automation:



<ol><li>Test Creation Approach: Provar mainly relies on the manual creation of scripts with drag-and-drop components. In comparison, Copado uses AI-based test case generation and recording.</li><li>Coding Expertise: In-depth knowledge of Salesforce Metadata and SOQL is required for Provar for creating test scripts. With Copado, it&#8217;s codeless and thus doesn&#8217;t require any expertise in coding.</li><li>Test Maintenance: Provar tests, being tightly coupled with the Salesforce UI, may require more frequent updates due to changes to this UI. Tests created within Copado, on the other hand, use self-healing technology. This technology automatically flexes to minor changes in the UI.</li><li>Test Execution: Additional configurations are required in Provar for parallel test execution. In contrast, parallel testing is out-of-the-box for Copado, allowing it to deliver results much quicker than Provar.</li><li>Deployment Integration: Provar integrates relatively easily with most known CI/CD tools, such as Jenkins. Copado can integrate seamlessly with its own DevOps platform for easier deployment processes.</li><li>Reporting and Analytics: Both offer good reporting features, but Copado&#8217;s reports are natively integrated within its platform, so it&#8217;s a bit more unified.</li><li>Target Audience: Provar targets more technical testers and developers with some coding skills. At the same time, Copado has no technical requirements for its users as it is pretty user-friendly.</li><li>Customization: Provar allows maximum customization and flexibility in creating test scripts. On the other hand, Copado offers out-of-box Salesforce-specific test components to design faster tests.</li><li>Test Data Management: Both Provar and Copado provide comprehensive test data management capabilities.</li><li>Mobile testing: Provar has robust support for mobile testing of Salesforce applications, on the other hand, Copado&#8217;s mobile testing capabilities are fairly limited.</li><li>Community and Support: Copado has a larger, active community with proper resources, while Provar supports the customers via a small but very dedicated customer support team.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



To sum up, the choice of the best Salesforce test automation tool depends on your exact needs and priorities.&nbsp;



Provar provides comprehensive Salesforce integration and solid testing features for those seeking deep, codeless test automation.&nbsp;



On the other hand, Copado allows for a more holistic DevOps solution with integrated test automation for automating Salesforce testing processes.&nbsp;



However, Testsigma combines the power of both Provar and Copado and much more. It is a versatile option with an intuitive no-code interface and provides AI-driven capabilities and seamless CI/CD for deep test automation for Salesforce applications as well as other web, mobile, and API-based applications.



<h2 id="h-frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



<h3 id="h-can-we-migrate-test-data-from-provar-or-copado-to-testsigma">Can we migrate test data from Provar or Copado to Testsigma?</h3>



Migrating your test cases from Provar or Copado to Testsigma is quite easy and simple. You can export your existing test cases and test data from Provar or Copado into formats like CSV or JSON. Testsigma provides support for data-driven testing and you can easily import these files and parameterize your Testsigma test cases with the exported data. Moreover, for custom integration in case of more complex migration use cases, you can always use Testsigma&#8217;s flexible API.

Provar vs Copado | Which is Best for Salesforce Test Automation?

ACCELQ vs Tosca – Which One You Should Choose?

Testing mobile phone number fields sounds simple and it is, but it can be complex if multiple locations (countries) are supported. Phone number formats are often different depending on the country or nation. Supported locations make a difference when testing phone number formats, number entry patterns, and error messaging based on type and location.



<a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/what-is-test-case/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test cases</a> for mobile numbers vary based on a user&#8217;s global location (country). The application design or requirements are likely based on a specific location or multiple locations. If your documentation doesn’t specify, ask the product manager, designer, or developer for all supported locations to test against. 







<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_a_Mobile_Number_Field">1 What is a Mobile Number Field</a></li><li><a href="#Test_Cases_For_the_Mobile_Number_Field">2 Test Cases For the Mobile Number Field</a></li><li><a href="#Manual_and_Automatednbsp">3 Manual and Automated&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#Summary">4 Summary</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">5 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_are_the_negative_test_cases_for_the_phone_number_field">5.1 What are the negative test cases for the phone number field?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-a-mobile-number-field">What is a Mobile Number Field</h2>



A mobile number field is a representation of a user’s phone number. The format, style, and characters accepted change based on specific application requirements and whether the application is using the E.164 (The International Public Telecommunication Numbering Plan) standard and/or the NANP (North American Numbering Plan).&nbsp;



Test cases for mobile phones need to consider both the <a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/globalization/locale/telephone-numbers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">E.164 and NANP</a> if the application is sold globally. The E.164 sets a number limit of 15 characters including a three-digit country code. All nations using the NANP have a country code of 1 and a ten-digit number character limit. The first set of numbers represent the country code followed by the regional code and then the phone number.&nbsp;



<h2 id="test-cases-for-the-mobile-number-field">Test Cases For the Mobile Number Field</h2>



Phone number test cases are assumed in this blog to support both the E.164 and the NANP. We’ve listed the valid test cases first, followed by a few suggested tests for negative or error messaging testing.&nbsp;



Mobile number test cases for functional testing include:



<ul><li>Verify the mobile phone field exists and accepts data entry.</li><li>Enter a valid phone format for a specific location (US and other nations)<ul><li>Verify the user must include the country or area code.&nbsp;</li><li>Verify NANP standards apply to the United States, Canada, and Jamaica.</li><li>Verify E-164 standards apply to all other countries.&nbsp;</li><li>Verify any countries that don’t follow the E-164 standard.&nbsp;</li></ul></li><li>Copy and paste a valid number from a different form field.</li><li>If the mobile number field is required, verify there is a visual indicator to let the user know valid data must be entered.</li><li>Depending on the field design, including special characters to separate numbers like parentheses and dashes:<ul><li>Example: (202) 444-9876.</li></ul></li><li>If the application uses drop down selectors, select a valid country and enter a valid number for that location.</li><li>Select the country code dropdown and view the list of supported country formats.&nbsp;<ul><li>Verify the list is in alphabetical order for easier viewing.&nbsp;</li><li>Verify the number selected displays in the field as expected.&nbsp;</li></ul></li><li>Test that the tab order stops in the mobile phone field and allows the user to enter a valid number.&nbsp;</li><li>View the field and check that it aligns as expected with other fields and within a group.&nbsp;</li></ul>



Mobile number negative test cases include:



<ul><li>Exceeding the allowed character limit.</li><li>Entering a correct country or area code with an invalid number for that location.</li><li>Enter an invalid country or area code with a valid number.</li><li>Enter in numeric characters with alpha characters.<ul><li>Example: 1404abc9877.</li></ul></li><li>Enter a valid country code and a phone number that’s one or more numbers to short for the selected location.&nbsp;</li><li>Enter a valid country code and a phone number that exceeds the character limit for the location.</li><li>Enter a valid phone number but include various special characters (!@#$%^&amp;*())<ul><li>Example: 1720(3457)</li><li>Example: 005588#</li></ul></li><li>Enter as many characters as the field allows up to 100.&nbsp;<ul><li>This test sounds silly, but it’s a good way to verify that the application is coded to avoid mass data entry.&nbsp;</li></ul></li><li>Enter a scripted SQL or HTML coded string.&nbsp;<ul><li>This test checks that the field does not execute code.&nbsp;</li><li>Example: 18084560&lt;bold&gt;97&lt;/bold&gt;</li></ul></li><li>If the mobile phone field is required, try to enter and save information without filling it in.&nbsp;<ul><li>Optionally, try filling the mobile phone field with invalid data or partial valid numbers.&nbsp;</li></ul></li></ul>



For each negative test case, verify an error message is triggered indicating the error so the user can understand the problem and make corrections. Remember it’s good practice to have a peer or developer to <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-case-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">review test cases</a> when possible. The better the test case, the better the test coverage.&nbsp;



<h2 id="manual-and-automated">Manual and Automated&nbsp;</h2>



The table below gives you an example of typical test scenarios for creating manual test cases for mobile numbers:



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Test ID</td><td>Description</td><td>Expected Result</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Verify the mobile phone field exists and accepts data entry.</td><td>Confirm the field exists and is enabled to allow users to enter data.&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Enter a valid phone format for each specific location format supported.&nbsp;</td><td>Verify each supported format allows users to enter a valid phone number into the field without resulting in an error.&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>If the application uses drop down selectors, select a valid country and enter a valid number for that location.</td><td>Select each drop down option in turn and verify it matches with a valid phone number.&nbsp;Confirm no error messages are generated.&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Test that the tab order stops in the mobile phone field and allows the user to enter a valid number.</td><td>Tab through the form or page fields and verify it lands as expected in the mobile phone field.&nbsp;Enter a valid number and verify no errors are generated.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



The above table is a sampling only. You can write as many test cases as you need to cover requirements and standard functionality within your application. Additionally, you can create test cases in a design that fits with your development and QA team.&nbsp;



Creating test cases for mobile phones are excellent candidates for test automation. For creating test cases for mobile phones consider using Low code test automation platform, Testsigma and organize your tests in the following modular flow as below:



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Test ID</td><td>Description</td><td>Expected Result</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Click into the mobile phone field.&nbsp;Enter test data for a valid US based phone number: 1+(309)665-9087</td><td>Validate the correct phone number displays and is saved without error.&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Click into the mobile phone field. Enter test data for a valid UK phone number: +44&nbsp; 20 7123 4567 NOTE: Consider using Testsigma’s automation tool to run through all valid formats in a single test. Add validation points for each valid type.&nbsp;</td><td>Validate the correct phone number displays and is saved without error.&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Create a test script that enters all required fields with valid data including the mobile phone field.&nbsp; Click the Save/Submit button when all fields are filled.&nbsp;</td><td>Verify for each supported format type the application enters valid data into the database and saves/submits without error.&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>In the application form, enter valid phone numbers for each supported location type but leave off at least one digit.</td><td>Validate each supported format type generates the correct error message.&nbsp; Enter a validation point for each format’s specific error message.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Note, the above is a sample. You can learn how to use Testsigma to create automated scripts for each manual functional test &#8211; both positive and negative. Remember to create the relevant test data and ensure the data can be reset or refreshed for future automated test execution runs.&nbsp;



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<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2>



Phone number test cases at first seem quite easy and simple. However, once you start testing for all supported formats, there is a great deal of testing to cover. Due to mobile phone number test cases being repetitive, consider using Testsigma to create automated test scripts.&nbsp;



The first step for either automated or manual testing is understanding the relevant requirements and creating a thorough set of test data.&nbsp;



Testers don’t have the luxury of time to continually look up valid phone numbers for every location or country/region. Save your testing time by creating a full set of valid numbers or generating them using a test automation tool. Ensure you have fully covered testing in the field using both positive, negative, and error messaging test cases.&nbsp;



<h2 id="frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



<h3 id="what-are-the-negative-test-cases-for-the-phone-number-field">What are the negative test cases for the phone number field?</h3>



Test cases for mobile numbers are considered negative whenever the format or character type is invalid. A negative test can also be a violation of the character length.

How to write Test cases for mobile number

Cross-Platform-End-to-End-Testing–Explained-with-Real-life-scenarios

Accelq vs Selenium – Which One You Should Choose?

Scriptless Test Automation | What , Why it Matters & Examples

Desk checking is an essential technique in software development and testing that involves a thorough manual review of source code. It is one of the first lines of defense against bugs and errors, providing a unique opportunity for developers and testers to understand and verify code before it proceeds to more formal testing phases. This technique not only aids in detecting errors but also enhances the overall quality and reliability of the software product.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Desk_Checking_in_software_testing">1 What is Desk Checking in software testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Advantages_of_Desk_Checking">2 Advantages of Desk Checking</a></li><li><a href="#Best_Practices_in_Desk_Checking">3 Best Practices in Desk Checking</a></li><li><a href="#Use_Case_Desk_Checking_for_an_E-commerce_Application">4 Use Case: Desk Checking for an E-commerce Application</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">5 Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-desk-checking-in-software-testing">What is Desk Checking in software testing?</h2>



In the realm of <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software testing</a>, desk checking is considered a static testing method where code is analyzed manually without executing it. The process involves a developer or a tester going through the code line by line to check for logical errors, syntax inconsistencies, and compliance with coding standards and requirements. This method can be conducted by the coder who wrote the software, a peer, or a testing professional, often involving discussions or sessions where the logic and approach of the code are debated and scrutinized.



<h2 id="advantages-of-desk-checking">Advantages of Desk Checking</h2>



Desk checking offers multiple advantages that make it an invaluable tool in the software development lifecycle:



<ol><li>Early Error Detection: By identifying errors at an early stage, desk checking helps in mitigating the costs associated with later stages of testing and maintenance.</li><li>Improved Code Quality: As errors are detected and fixed early, the overall quality of the code improves, leading to more stable and reliable software.</li><li>Enhanced Understanding: This technique provides testers and developers with a deeper understanding of the code&#8217;s functionality and logic, which is crucial for effective testing and maintenance.</li><li>Cost&#8211;Effective: It is a cost-effective method of testing as it does not require any additional tools or software and can significantly reduce the future costs of debugging and development.</li><li>Facilitates Collaboration: Desk checking often involves multiple members of the development team, fostering better communication and collaboration, and shared understanding of the project goals and methodologies.</li></ol>



<h2 id="best-practices-in-desk-checking">Best Practices in Desk Checking</h2>



To maximize the effectiveness of desk checking, consider the following best practices:



<ol><li>Include Diverse Team Members: Engage individuals from different backgrounds such as development, testing, and design to provide multiple perspectives.</li><li>Prepare and Plan: Ensure that the code is well-documented and that all necessary materials (such as requirements, design documents, and coding standards) are available before the session.</li><li>Use Checklists: Develop checklists based on common error patterns in previous projects to ensure that critical aspects are not overlooked.</li><li>Record Findings: Document all observations and decisions made during the desk check for future reference and action.</li><li>Follow Up: It’s essential to address the findings from desk checking promptly. Plan follow-up sessions if needed to verify that corrections are properly implemented.</li></ol>



While conducting desk checks, there are certain pitfalls that need to be avoided:



<ol><li>Overlooking Complexity: Complex pieces of code should be given extra attention and might require more time or a different approach to thoroughly understand and check.</li><li>Bias: There can be a tendency to overlook errors in one&#8217;s own code or to not critique a peer’s code thoroughly. An unbiased approach is critical.</li><li>Inadequate Preparation: Without proper preparation, desk checking sessions can be less productive. Participants should be well-prepared with a good understanding of the code and related documents.</li><li>Lack of Engagement: All participants should be actively involved in the process to provide insights and identify potential issues.</li></ol>



<h2 id="use-case-desk-checking-for-an-e-commerce-application">Use Case: Desk Checking for an E-commerce Application</h2>



Scenario:



An e-commerce company is developing a new feature for their online shopping platform that allows users to apply multiple discount codes at checkout. The development team has just completed the initial coding phase of this feature.



Steps:



<ul><li>Preparation: <ul><li>Developer prepares the code and documentation, including the logic flow and any assumptions made during development. </li><li>A meeting is called to conduct the desk check.</li></ul></li><li>Initial Review:<ul><li>Developer presents the code, explaining the logic they implemented to handle multiple discount codes and how they interact with existing features like promotional discounts and loyalty points.</li><li>QA engineer reviews the code line by line, checking for logical consistency and adherence to the requirements specified in the design document.</li></ul></li><li>Identification of Issues:<ul><li>QA engineer identifies a section of the code that could lead to a race condition where two discounts are applied simultaneously in a way that exceeds the total cart value.</li><li>BA’s acknowledge the oversight and discuss possible solutions with developers.</li></ul></li><li>Resolution and Action Items:<ul><li>The team agrees on a strategy to modify the code to handle exceptions more gracefully, including adding additional checks for discount combinations that are not allowed.</li><li>Developer takes notes on all feedback and agrees to revise the code accordingly. They schedule a follow-up session for the team to review the changes.</li></ul></li><li>Documentation and Follow-up:<ul><li>QA engineer documents the findings and the agreed-upon action items in the project&#8217;s issue tracking system.</li><li>Project manager updates the project timeline to include additional time for re-testing the updated feature.</li></ul></li><li>Code Revision and Re-check:<ul><li>Developer revises the code, incorporating all feedback. Once the updates are made, he invites the team for a second desk check.</li><li>The team reviews the revised code, confirming that all previously identified issues have been resolved effectively.</li></ul></li><li>Final Approval and Move to Testing:<ul><li>QA engineer prepares to conduct <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/formal-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">formal testing</a>, including both automated and manual test cases, to ensure the feature works as expected under various scenarios.</li></ul></li></ul>



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</div>



<h2 id="conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



Desk checking is a fundamental practice in the testing strategy of any software development project. It not only helps in identifying and fixing errors early but also promotes a deeper understanding of the code among team members. By adhering to best practices and being mindful of common pitfalls, teams can effectively leverage desk checking to enhance software quality and reduce development time and costs. As technology evolves, the principles of desk checking remain relevant, underscoring its importance in achieving high-quality software products.

Desk Checking: How it can be useful for testers

Salesforce Integration Testing | What it is & How to Perform?

Functionize vs Selenium – Which One You Should Choose?

Breadth Testing in Software Testing

Mobile App API Testing | How to Use Testsigma For it?

Test Bed: It Is Used In Automation

Top 10 Android Testing Tools & Frameworks

Salesforce Testing Low Code Platform – A Complete Guide

I am excited to announce the general availability of our newest product &#8211; Salesforce Test Automation by Testsigma.&nbsp;



This new product has been built on top of Testsigma’s GenAI-powered, low-code platform that has already been a game-changer for enterprises worldwide.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Transforming_Salesforce_Testing_with_Ease_and_Efficiency">1 Transforming Salesforce Testing with Ease and Efficiency</a></li><li><a href="#Unbreakable_Automation_Powered_by_Salesforce_Metadata_and_APIs">2 Unbreakable Automation, Powered by Salesforce Metadata and APIs</a></li><li><a href="#Key_Benefits_of_Testsigma8217s_Salesforce_Test_Automation">3 Key Benefits of Testsigma&#8217;s Salesforce Test Automation:</a></li><li><a href="#Join_Us_in_the_Next_Era_of_Test_Automation">4 Join Us in the Next Era of Test Automation</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-transforming-salesforce-testing-with-ease-and-efficiency">Transforming Salesforce Testing with Ease and Efficiency</h2>



At Testsigma, our mission has always been to simplify and accelerate the test automation process. With our latest Salesforce Test Automation solution, we are taking this mission to new heights. Built on top of Testsigma’s robust low-code test automation platform, this product empowers you to automate Salesforce testing up to 10 times faster than traditional methods.



Our platform’s core strength lies in its Natural Language Programming (NLP) engine, which allows users to write test cases in plain English, but while taking a structured programming approach. This means that anyone, regardless of their technical background, can effortlessly create, manage, and execute automated tests at speed and scale. No more complex coding or steep learning curves—just straightforward, intuitive test automation.



<h2 id="unbreakable-automation-powered-by-salesforce-metadata-and-apis">Unbreakable Automation, Powered by Salesforce Metadata and APIs</h2>



One of the standout features of Testsigma&#8217;s Salesforce Test Automation product is its resilience and reliability. Traditional test automation often suffers from brittle scripts that break with the slightest change in the application. To combat this, Testsigma leverages Salesforce metadata and APIs. This means, tests written on Testsigma are not only robust but also adaptive to changes within the Salesforce environment. This coupled with Testsigma’s AI-powered self-healing means your automated tests are reliable and require minimal maintenance, saving you time and resources.



<h2 id="key-benefits-of-testsigma-s-salesforce-test-automation">Key Benefits of Testsigma&#8217;s Salesforce Test Automation:</h2>



<ul><li>Speed: Accelerate your test automation process by 10X, allowing you to deliver high-quality applications faster.</li><li>Simplicity: Our NLP engine enables test creation in plain English, making test automation accessible to everyone in your team.</li><li>Robustness: By relying on Salesforce metadata and APIs, our automation scripts are unbreakable and adaptive to changes.</li><li>Scalability: Easily scale your test automation efforts to match your enterprise needs without worrying about the underlying complexity.</li></ul>



<h2 id="join-us-in-the-next-era-of-test-automation">Join Us in the Next Era of Test Automation</h2>



As we continue to innovate and expand our offerings, we invite you to experience the power and simplicity of Testsigma&#8217;s AI-powered. Whether you are a seasoned automation engineer or a business analyst with no coding experience, our solution is designed to meet your needs and help you achieve your automation goals swiftly and effectively.



We are incredibly excited about this launch and the potential it holds for transforming your Salesforce testing processes. To get started, visit our website and explore the new Salesforce Test Automation features, or reach out to our team for a personalized demo.



<div class="cta-banner-v2">
<div class="title-with-description ">
Explore Testsigma’s new Salesforce test automation features
</div>
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I would also like to share with you that Testsigma has raised $8.2M in a new round of funding. This funding round was led by MassMutual Ventures and also saw participation from our existing investors &#8211; Accel Partners, STRIVE and Bold Cap.&nbsp;



I take this opportunity to welcome our new investors, customers and partners as we continue the groundbreaking innovation that we started this journey with.&nbsp;



It’s just day 1, and we are just getting started!

Salesforce Test Automation by Testsigma is here

Exciting news: Salesforce Test Automation by Testsigma is here!

Europe&#8217;s premier testing conference, EuroSTAR 2024, is just around the corner.



A QA conference where over 1,000 testers and assurance professionals including global leaders and QA enthusiasts from across the globe, gather.



It&#8217;s an event you won&#8217;t want to miss!



EuroSTAR 2024 will take place in Stockholm, Sweden, in July 2024. Over four days from July 11 to 14, attendees can expect a packed learning schedule, hands-on testing, and valuable networking opportunities within the testing community, revolving around the theme, &#8220;What Are We Doing Here?&#8221;.



As Platinum Partners, we&#8217;re excited to connect with decision-makers and industry leaders right in the heart of the action. And, we are thrilled to extend an invitation to join us there.



Drop us an email to community@testsigma.com if you plan to attend!



And, if you haven&#8217;t already registered, now&#8217;s the perfect time (you can use our discount code ES-TST10)! Don&#8217;t miss out on the opportunity to explore intriguing topics and workshops, covering everything from testing roles and new skills to AI and large language models and more! Here’s the <a href="https://conference.eurostarsoftwaretesting.com/conference/2024/programme/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">programme schedule</a>.



Team Testsigma is set to exhibit the latest developments with the QA community! We also have a cool set of newest launches and awesome upgrades all lined up and we can&#8217;t wait to preview them at the event!



If you are attending, be sure to swing by our booth and meet Piyush, Narain, Shreshtha, Kalyan, and KR. Let’s meet up, you can share your feedback, and challenges, and explore how Testsigma can revolutionize your testing journey.



Visit our booth to discover our newest launches, engage with our team, collect swags, and win some cool swag and this year’s <a href="https://forms.gle/8tR6JiWSec5VuD2W6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quality Champion Award</a>!



About Testsigma



Testsigma is an AI-driven, low-code test automation platform that enables QA teams to create, execute, maintain, and report automated tests 10X faster without any code and ship with confidence. It’s a unified platform to test:



<ul><li>Web Applications</li><li>iOS and Android Mobile Applications</li><li>Desktop Applications</li><li>Salesforce and packaged apps</li><li>APIs and Database</li></ul>



Don&#8217;t miss this chance to network with Testsigma at EuroSTAR 2024.



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See you there!

Testsigma joins EuroSTAR Sweden 2024 Software Testing Conference

Testsigma joins EuroSTAR Sweden 2024 Software Testing Conference￼￼

Career aspiration isn&#8217;t just a distant dream; it&#8217;s the compass guiding your professional journey, a vision for your future self. While goals are specific, like aiming for a promotion, aspirations are broader, reflecting your desire to make a lasting impact within your workplace.



 People who are in testing, many at times, do not have a computer related degree. Software Testing is also not taught in colleges except few chapters which comes as a part of Software Engineering Subject.



I was not aware about testing unless I got assigned to a testing team. It’s the same with many others who come to know about this role once they join the company.&nbsp;



Every role is important as it is responsible for the successful delivery of the project.



Constant learning is always needed whichever path you choose for yourself. With the way tech is changing / upgrading every few months with AI in picture now you will have to take baby steps to reach the goal.&nbsp;



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Factors_that_can_help_you_in_deciding_your_aspiration">1 Factors that can help you in deciding your aspiration:</a></li><li><a href="#Non_Coding">2 Non Coding</a></li><li><a href="#Management_Roles">3 Management Roles</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">4 Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="factors-that-can-help-you-in-deciding-your-aspiration">Factors that can help you in deciding your aspiration:</h2>



<ol><li>Understanding Your Strengths: Identify your areas of expertise within testing to leverage them effectively.</li></ol>



<ol start="2"><li>Interests: Determine what aspects of testing excite you the most – whether it&#8217;s <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/manual-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">manual testing</a>, automation, development, product management, or team leadership.</li></ol>



<ol start="3"><li>Find a mentor – A person who has taken a similar path can help you achieving your aspiration in a smoother way as they have seen the path and know about challenges or skills required to be there&nbsp;</li></ol>



<ol start="4"><li>Know your option – Check the opportunities available at your organization to align yourself with those and check if the opportunities align with your aspirations. A company or vertical you are working in might not have a product manager role. So you would have to check with your manager / senior / mentor what way you can take. If the company does not have a career path as per your aspiration, you can create your own on paper.</li></ol>



<ol start="5"><li>Skills – Know the skills required once you are in that role so you can prepare for it and it does not come as a surprise with different expectation&nbsp;</li></ol>



Having a goal is not enough you would have to attach a plan with it and execute it consistently, so the baby steps align with the plan&nbsp;



To go to next level, you should start performing some stuff which is required to be done at that level. This way your path to reach that level becomes easier.



Many testers aspire to remain in Testing. For them, the role starts with being a tester and ends with being a principal consultant.



Tester → Senior Tester → Feature Test Lead → Project Test Lead → Principal Consultant



For those in companies with SDET roles, the progression may include SDET I, SDET II, SDET III, and so forth.



It&#8217;s crucial not to become complacent with a particular skillset; continuous learning and skill diversification are key to staying relevant.



The title and number of years of experience required may vary with each organization you are part of. Also, the path shown could include more or fewer roles. 



You must be working on your <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/software-testing-skills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">skills as a tester</a> where you would be the expert of testing, automation and DevOps. With each level after certain years, you would become more like a generalist and think of a broader picture and long vision then focusing on the individual tools. You would be part of Architecture design.



Some other aspirations that are available for testers



SME – you can be an SME among the various options apart from <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/functional-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">functional testing</a> which include accessibility / security / performance / mobile / usability / ETL.&nbsp;



Architect – This could be one of the roles which is different that consultants. Here you design the architecture based on the product requirement deciding which all tech is required to make the system possible. Some companies even have Test Architect Role where you would be involved even in Pre Sales to provide estimates&nbsp;&nbsp;



SRE – This is also one of the areas where people move to. Site Reliability Engineering. There are less experts in this field and its all technical and exciting



DevOps – A project cannot run without DevOps tools. As it makes Continuous Integration&nbsp; / Continuous Delivery / Continuous Testing possible. Tools are one portion. DevOps is a mindset you should cultivate



Developer – Some testers are inclined towards development. So that option is always available. People who worked as a tester generally write better code as they always have the test running behind their mind whenever they are writing code&nbsp;



<h2 id="non-coding">Non Coding</h2>



In non-coding realms, testers have various avenues for career progression:



Scrum Master: This role focuses on enabling teams by removing obstacles in their path. It&#8217;s not just about facilitating Scrum calls but ensuring smooth workflow and collaboration.



Business Analyst: Transitioning to a Business Analyst role involves eliciting requirements from customers, translating them into EPICs, Features, and User Stories, and facilitating the development process. Strong communication skills and a deep understanding of the product and customer needs are essential for success in this role.



<h2 id="management-roles">Management Roles</h2>



In management roles, testers have a plethora of opportunities for career advancement:



QA Manager: As a QA Manager, you oversee the team and leverage your expertise in QA to guide them towards quality assurance excellence. This role may vary in designation across organizations.



Project Manager: This role revolves around project delivery, where you lead a diverse team including developers, testers, business analysts, and DevOps professionals to ensure successful project completion.



Product Manager: Product Managers play a crucial role in product-based organizations, developing a vision and roadmap for the product. They utilize customer feedback to drive <a href="https://theproductmanager.com/topics/feature-prioritization/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feature prioritization</a> and development.



Testing Coach / Mentors / Independent Consultants / Freelancers: Opportunities abound in coaching, mentoring, consultancy, and freelance roles, especially with the proliferation of tools like Topmate. Many professionals in this space offer courses on various topics, catering to the growing demand for expertise.



YouTuber: The realm of online education offers avenues for testers to share their knowledge and expertise. Many successful YouTubers focus on teaching automation tools and testing methodologies, contributing to the broader testing community.



Internal mobility within organizations often presents easier opportunities for role transitions than external job switches. By communicating your aspirations with your manager, you may gain access to resources and support to facilitate your career growth.



At the executive level, leadership and managerial skills take precedence, alongside a broad understanding of technology. Executives are involved in decision-making, policy formulation, and customer engagement, shaping the strategic direction of the company.



<h2 id="h-conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



In conclusion, the field of <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software testing</a> offers a myriad of avenues for career growth, ranging from technical expertise to managerial leadership. Whether aspiring to excel in testing methodologies, transition to management roles, or explore opportunities in coaching, consultancy, or online education, testers have ample pathways to realize their professional aspirations.



By embracing continuous learning, proactively seeking mentorship, and communicating aspirations with management, testers can chart a fulfilling career trajectory in the dynamic landscape of software testing.



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Career Aspirations for Tester

Top 10 Ranorex Alternatives List to Look For

BrowserStack vs AWS Device Farm | Top 10 Key Differences

How to Write Test Scenarios For Swiggy?

Top 6 Game Testing Tools You Need to Know

API Examples: A Complete List of 10 Use Cases

Hey there, are you on the lookout for a game-changing solution to amp up your <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-salesforce-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salesforce test automation</a>? If you&#8217;re the type who&#8217;s always up for exploring uncharted territory and pushing the envelope, then you&#8217;re in for a treat! We&#8217;re diving deep into the exciting world of Salesforce software testing, where having the right tools isn&#8217;t just a bonus – it&#8217;s a total game-changer. As the Salesforce landscape keeps evolving at lightning speed, so do the Provar alternatives we will uncover in this blog.<gwmw style="display:none;">



But no worries, we&#8217;ve got your back! Today&#8217;s journey is about uncovering a treasure trove of possibilities from NLP-powered test case generation to in-sprint automation; we&#8217;re turning the whole testing game on its head. These Provar alternatives aren&#8217;t just stand-ins – they can boost traction, adding a whole new dimension to your end-to-end testing experience.



So, buckle up and join us as we take you on a quest to introduce you to the 10 most intriguing alternatives for Salesforce test automation. Say goodbye to the mundane and get ready to dive into a world of innovation that will reshape how you view Salesforce testing. It&#8217;s time to bid adieu to the ordinary and warmly welcome the extraordinary!



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Why_do_people_choose_provar">1 Why do people choose provar?</a></li><li><a href="#What_are_the_limitations_of_Provar">2 What are the limitations of Provar?</a></li><li><a href="#Top_Provar_Alternatives_nbspfor_Salesforce_Testing">3 Top Provar Alternatives &nbsp;for Salesforce Testing</a><ul><li><a href="#1_Testsigma">3.1 1. Testsigma:</a></li><li><a href="#2_ACCELQ">3.2 2. ACCELQ:</a></li><li><a href="#3_Katalon">3.3 3. Katalon:</a></li><li><a href="#4_LambdaTest">3.4 4. LambdaTest:</a></li><li><a href="#5_BrowserStack">3.5 5. BrowserStack:</a></li><li><a href="#6_UiPath_Robotics_Process_Automation_RPA">3.6 6. UiPath: Robotics Process Automation (RPA):</a></li><li><a href="#7_TestRail">3.7 7. TestRail:</a></li><li><a href="#8_Postman">3.8 8. Postman:</a></li><li><a href="#9_GitHub">3.9 9. GitHub:</a></li><li><a href="#10_Tricentis_Tosca">3.10 10. Tricentis Tosca:</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Which_Tool_To_Choose_For_Test_Automation">4 Which Tool To Choose For Test Automation?</a><ul><li><a href="#Why_Choose_Testsigma">4.1 Why Choose Testsigma?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Summary">5 Summary</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">6 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#Is_Selenium_better_than_Provar_for_Salesforce">6.1 Is Selenium better than Provar for Salesforce?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-why-do-people-choose-provar">Why do people choose provar?</h2>



So, why do folks opt for Provar? Well, it&#8217;s got this nifty knack for rapid automation, making it a breeze for teams to jump right in. It&#8217;s all about end-to-end testing with Provar – they let you put your entire business processes through the paces, not just within Salesforce but beyond. They blend UI and API actions seamlessly to give you that all-encompassing coverage. Plus, the fact that Provar keeps up with Salesforce&#8217;s updates is a bonus – they&#8217;re in sync, so you can focus on innovating your business. Their R&amp;D game is strong, too, always in the loop with Salesforce&#8217;s latest moves.



But hold on, while Provar might sound like a solid choice, it&#8217;s always smart to keep your options open. There&#8217;s a whole world of Provar alternatives, each with unique features and outputs that might suit your needs even better. It&#8217;s like finding that perfect fit – exploring alternatives could lead you to a tool that aligns even more snugly with your testing goals.



<h2 id="h-what-are-the-limitations-of-provar">What are the limitations of Provar?</h2>



As with any tool, Provar has its share of limitations worth considering before making it your go-to choice. Here&#8217;s a quick rundown of where it might fall a bit short:



<ul><li>Automation Approach: Provar leans on a keyword-based automation approach. While it can get the job done, some users prefer more flexibility in their automation strategies.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Ease of Adoption and Maintenance: The adoption and maintenance of Provar might hover around the average mark. While it&#8217;s simple, it might not be the smoothest ride for everyone.</li></ul>



<ul><li>In-Sprint Automation: Unfortunately, Provar doesn&#8217;t offer in-sprint automation capabilities. If that&#8217;s a crucial aspect of your testing workflow, you might need to explore alternatives.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Test Design and Generation: Provar might not be as hands-on as some might prefer when it comes to test design and test case generation.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Test Asset/Source: Provar relies on external sources for its test assets. Depending on your preferences, this could be a factor worth considering.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Test Management: If you&#8217;re big on test management, Provar might need to provide more comprehensive features you&#8217;re seeking.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Reporting: While Provar offers to report, it might be more on the basic side. This could be a limitation for those who rely heavily on in-depth reporting.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Setup Complexity: Setting up Provar might be a challenging task, potentially requiring a bit of effort to get up and running smoothly.</li></ul>



It&#8217;s important to remember that no tool is one-size-fits-all, and what might be a limitation for some could be a non-issue for others. Exploring Provar alternative options could open doors to solutions that better align with your needs and preferences.



<h2 id="h-top-provar-alternatives-for-salesforce-testing">Top Provar Alternatives &nbsp;for Salesforce Testing</h2>



Regarding Salesforce testing, Provar isn&#8217;t the only player in the field. Let&#8217;s delve into the top 10 provar alternatives that could be your ticket to enhanced testing experiences:



<h3 id="h-1-testsigma">1. <a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma</a>:</h3>



&nbsp;Best for: Cloud-based Salesforce test automation.



Different from Provar: Utilizes NLP to create test cases in plain English, making testing faster and simpler. Offers codeless testing, Java extensions, and cross-device and cross-browser compatibility checks.



<div class="cta-banner-v2">
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Learn more about Testsigma
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<a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" class="cta-btn-v1" rel="noopener">Here</a>
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<h3 id="h-2-accelq">2. ACCELQ:</h3>



&nbsp;&nbsp;Best for: Codeless Salesforce UI and API testing.



&nbsp;&nbsp;Different from Provar: Boasts speedy testing with codeless automation, seamless third-party integrations, and cloud-based functionality.



<h3 id="h-3-katalon">3. Katalon:</h3>



&nbsp;&nbsp;Best for: Salesforce testing with various scripting options (Java, JavaScript, Groovy).



&nbsp;&nbsp;Different from Provar: Supports script-based testing, automation, seamless integration with CI/CD tools, and compatibility with both Salesforce Classic and Lightning versions.



<h3 id="h-4-lambdatest">4. LambdaTest:</h3>



&nbsp;&nbsp;Best for: Cross-browser and cross-device testing.



&nbsp;&nbsp;Different from Provar: Specializes in testing your Salesforce application&#8217;s compatibility across many real devices and browser/OS combinations.



<h3 id="h-5-browserstack">5. BrowserStack:</h3>



&nbsp;&nbsp;Best for: Comprehensive browser and device testing.



&nbsp;&nbsp;Different from Provar: Offers an expansive suite of real device and browser testing options for your Salesforce app.



<h3 id="h-6-uipath-robotics-process-automation-rpa">6. UiPath: Robotics Process Automation (RPA):</h3>



&nbsp;&nbsp;Best for: Robotic process automation, including Salesforce.



&nbsp;&nbsp;Different from Provar: Focuses on RPA and automation of repetitive tasks, potentially covering broader automation scenarios beyond testing.



<h3 id="h-7-testrail">7. TestRail:</h3>



&nbsp;&nbsp;Best for: Test case management and reporting.



&nbsp;&nbsp;Different from Provar: Primarily a test management tool, aiding in the organization and documentation of test cases and results.



<h3 id="h-8-postman">8. Postman:</h3>



&nbsp;&nbsp;Best for: API testing and collaboration.



&nbsp;&nbsp;Different from Provar: Specializes in testing APIs, allowing you to ensure the functionality and integration of your Salesforce APIs.



<h3 id="h-9-github">9. GitHub:</h3>



&nbsp;&nbsp;Best for: Version control and collaboration.



  Different from Provar: Primarily a platform for version control and collaborative development, important for maintaining your <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/salesforce-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salesforce testing</a> projects.<gwmw style="display:none;">



<h3 id="h-10-tricentis-tosca">10. Tricentis Tosca:</h3>



&nbsp;&nbsp;Best for: Comprehensive enterprise test automation.



&nbsp;Different from Provar: Offers a wide array of testing capabilities, including Salesforce, within a broader enterprise context.



While Provar might offer certain advantages, each of these Provar alternatives comes with unique strengths. Exploring these alternatives can help you find the one that perfectly aligns with your Salesforce testing needs, ensuring you have the right tool for the job.



<h2 id="h-which-tool-to-choose-for-test-automation">Which Tool To Choose For Test Automation?</h2>



The decision can be daunting when choosing the ideal test automation tool for your Salesforce testing needs. To help you navigate this maze, let&#8217;s look at two prominent contenders in the arena: Provar and Testsigma. Here&#8217;s a detailed comparison to assist you in making an informed choice:



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Criteria</td><td>Provar</td><td>Testsigma</td></tr><tr><td>Test Case Creation</td><td>Keyword-based</td><td>NLP-based (Simple English)</td></tr><tr><td>Testing Speed</td><td>Not specified, average</td><td>Up to 5 times faster</td></tr><tr><td>Ease of Use</td><td>Might need technical assistance, average</td><td>Very simple and easy</td></tr><tr><td>Deployment</td><td>On-premises and cloud options</td><td>Cloud-based</td></tr><tr><td>Scalability</td><td>Yes</td><td>Highly scalable and flexible</td></tr><tr><td>Codeless Testing</td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes,No-code, supports Java extensions if needed</td></tr><tr><td>Cross-Browser Testing</td><td>Not specified</td><td>Yes, across 3000+ real devices</td></tr><tr><td>Integrations</td><td>CI/CD tools, bug tracking, etc.</td><td>CI/CD tools, bug tracking, and more</td></tr><tr><td>In-Sprint Automation</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>Test Design/Generation</td><td>Limited</td><td>NLP-driven for simple test case creation</td></tr><tr><td>Test Management</td><td>Basic reporting</td><td>Integrates with third-party tools</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h3 id="h-why-choose-testsigma">Why Choose Testsigma?</h3>



Testsigma takes a refreshing approach to Salesforce testing, offering a slew of advantages:



<ul><li>NLP-Driven Test Case Creation: Crafting test cases in plain English using NLP makes the testing process much more intuitive and accessible.</li><li>Rapid Testing: With Testsigma, your testing speed can be up to 5 times faster, ensuring quicker results and reduced testing cycles.</li><li>In-Sprint Automation: The ability to perform in-sprint automation allows you to keep up with Agile development methodologies seamlessly.</li><li>Cross-Device Compatibility: Testing across 3000+ real devices and 1000+ browser/OS combinations ensures comprehensive coverage.</li><li>Cloud-Based Convenience: The cloud-based nature of Testsigma means you don&#8217;t need to worry about additional installations or frameworks.</li><li>Scalability: Testsigma&#8217;s scalability and flexibility grow with your testing needs, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes.</li><li>Integrations: Seamlessly integrate with CI/CD tools, bug tracking systems, collaborative tools, and more for a streamlined workflow.</li><li>Codeless Testing and Extensibility: While codeless, Testsigma allows Java extensions if you need more advanced capabilities.</li></ul>



While Provar and Testsigma offer unique features, Testsigma&#8217;s NLP-driven test case creation, rapid testing, in-sprint automation, and cross-device compatibility set it apart. It caters to small and Fortune 500 companies, ensuring your Salesforce testing needs are well-managed. So, when deciding, consider the factors that resonate most with your testing goals and embrace the tool that aligns best with your requirements.



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<h2 id="h-summary">Summary</h2>



So, there you have it! We&#8217;ve taken a deep dive into the exciting world of Provar alternatives for Salesforce testing. From the streamlined and language-powered Testsigma to the rapid ACCELQ and the robust Katalon, these alternatives offer a variety of approaches to suit your testing needs. Whether it&#8217;s NLP-driven test case creation, lightning-fast testing speeds, or seamless cross-device compatibility, these tools are all set to revolutionize your testing game. Remember, each tool comes with its unique strengths, so take your time, explore, and find the one that&#8217;s the perfect match for your Salesforce testing journey. Happy testing!



<h2 id="frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



<h3 id="is-selenium-better-than-provar-for-salesforce">Is Selenium better than Provar for Salesforce?</h3>



Selenium and Provar are popular tools for Salesforce testing but have different approaches. Selenium requires coding skills, which can be challenging for teams without expertise. Provar offers a no-code solution, simplifying the testing process for teams with limited coding capabilities. The decision depends on the team&#8217;s skills and requirements. Selenium provides flexibility, while Provar simplifies the testing journey without coding complexities. Assess your team&#8217;s strengths and priorities to choose the tool that best aligns with your Salesforce testing needs.

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Software testing is not only about verifying your software application manually with a bunch of testers. Test automation has become an important role in the software testing industry since it can save time and money while making the testers’ lives easier. Through this article, we are going to discuss two well-known test automation frameworks named WebDriverIO and Selenium and the tech battle of Selenium vs WebDriverIO using their key differences. At the end of the article, you will get to know what you should consider when making a choice between these two frameworks and what are the alternative solutions for those frameworks.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_WebDriverIO">1 What is WebDriverIO?</a><ul><li><a href="#How_does_WebDriverIO_worknbsp">1.1 How does WebDriverIO work?&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#Why_should_I_use_WebDriverIOnbsp">1.2 Why should I use WebDriverIO?&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#What_companies_use_WebDriverIO">1.3 What companies use WebDriverIO?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#What_is_Selenium">2 What is Selenium?</a><ul><li><a href="#How_does_Selenium_worknbsp">2.1 How does Selenium work?&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#Why_should_I_use_Seleniumnbsp">2.2 Why should I use Selenium?&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#What_companies_use_Selenium">2.3 What companies use Selenium?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Selenium_vs_WebDriverIO_What_are_Their_Differences">3 Selenium vs WebDriverIO: What are Their Differences?</a></li><li><a href="#Selenium_vs_WebDriverIO_How_to_choose">4 Selenium vs WebDriverIO: How to choose?</a></li><li><a href="#Alternatives_tool_for_WebdriverIo_and_Selenium">5 Alternatives tool for WebdriverIo and Selenium</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">6 Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">7 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#Which_is_better_Selenium_IDE_or_WebDriver">7.1 Which is better: Selenium IDE or WebDriver?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-webdriverio">What is WebDriverIO?</h2>



WebDriverIO is an open-source automation testing framework for web application testing. It is written in JavaScript and designed to simplify the automation process of browser interactions. WebDriverIO is built on WebDriver protocol which is a comprehensive way to interact with web browsers. Software testers consider WebDriverIO as a powerful tool for automating web browser interactions.



<h3 id="h-how-does-webdriverio-work">How does WebDriverIO work?&nbsp;</h3>



WebDriverIO works using WebDriver protocol to automate web browser activities. In WebDriverIO, the test scripts are written using JavaScript for comprehensive automated test execution. It allows users to interact with web elements and simulate user actions. This testing framework provides a powerful facility to automate web application processes with features such as cross-browser support and parallel execution.



<h3 id="h-why-should-i-use-webdriverio">Why should I use WebDriverIO?&nbsp;</h3>



Testers use WebDriverIO because of several reasons. First and foremost, this framework simplifies the web browser automation using JavaScript and that makes it accessible for both the developers and testers more familiar with the language. Secondly, WebDriverIO supports cross-browser testing and parallel execution and it ensures compatibility across different web browsers and efficient test suite execution. WebDriverIO can be integrated with various testing frameworks, cloud services, and tools. This flexibility makes it easier to <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-web-application-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automate web application testing </a>effectively.



<h3 id="h-what-companies-use-webdriverio">What companies use WebDriverIO?</h3>



WebDriverIO comes in second place with 25% of JavaScript users choosing it for their test automation needs. WebDriverIO is a very popular and widely used automation testing framework and it is used by a lot of companies across different industries. Alibaba Travels, Affirm, Taxdoo, Salesforce, and Scotiabank can be considered some of the well-known companies that use WebDriverIO for automating testing processes. If we take a close look at these organizations that use WebDriverIO, we can understand that WebDriverIO is not only limited to the software industry but also its involvement can be seen in industries such as e-commerce, banking, etc.



<h2 id="h-what-is-selenium">What is Selenium?</h2>



Selenium is also an open-source framework for web automation. It provides a bunch of tools and libraries that can be used across various platforms and supports a lot of programming languages such as Java, Python, ASP .Net, C#, Ruby, JavaScript, etc. Selenium can be called the most popular automation framework among web automation testers nowadays. It is commonly used for functional testing of web applications that can be used to script interactions with web elements, simulate user actions, and verify the expected behaviors of web pages.



<h3 id="h-how-does-selenium-work">How does Selenium work?&nbsp;</h3>



The initial functioning of the Selenium framework is based on the interactions with web browsers via its component called Selenium Webdriver. This communicates with the respective browsers using the browser’s native automation support. The test scripts which can be written using a preferred programming language guide the WebDriver to simulate user interactions such as clicks, form submissions, and text inputs. The WebDriver translates those commands into browser-specific actions. Selenium has been one of the most popular choices for automation testers because of its flexibility, cross-browser compatibility, and capability of integration with many programming languages. Especially, its WebDriver component enables direct communication with web browsers during testing. However, there are some differences in each when it comes to Selenium WebDriver vs WebDriverIO.



<h3 id="h-why-should-i-use-selenium">Why should I use Selenium?&nbsp;</h3>



Most of the automation testers choose Selenium due to various reasons. First, Selenium is a powerful open-source <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-automation-frameworks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automation framework</a> for web automation that provides cross-browser compatibility and support for a lot of programming languages. It allows the automation of various scenarios while ensuring reliability. Also, Selenium’s active community support, continuous updates, and integration with different testing frameworks make it the first choice of most QA engineers.



<h3 id="h-what-companies-use-selenium">What companies use Selenium?</h3>



Selenium has a market share of 32.53% in the testing and QA market and it says the rest of the story. Many well-known companies in various industries use Selenium as their web application automation framework. Thousands of tech organizations such as Google, Microsoft, Facebook, LinkedIn, and e-commerce platforms like Amazon and eBay use Selenium for their browser automation tasks. The usage of Selenium is not limited to those industries and many other industries get the benefit of it including machine learning, artificial intelligence, banking, entertainment, etc. The best examples that use selenium in those industries are CRED, Accenture, and Netflix.



<h2 id="h-selenium-vs-webdriverio-what-are-their-differences">Selenium vs WebDriverIO: What are Their Differences?</h2>



Even though both WebDriverIO and Selenium are open-source web automation frameworks and they have a lot of similarities, there are some key facts that differentiate WebDriverIO from Selenium. Let us have a look at the top 10 differences between Selenium vs WebDriverIO.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>WebDriverIO</td><td>Selenium</td></tr><tr><td>Supports only JavaScript language.</td><td>Supports multiple programming languages such as Java, Python, ASP .Net, C#, Ruby, and JavaScript.</td></tr><tr><td>The test automation framework is built only on top of the WebDriver protocol.</td><td>Has several tools such as Selenium IDE, WebDriver, Grid, and remote control.</td></tr><tr><td>Has in-built support for parallel automated test execution.</td><td>Requires additional tools like Selenium Grid for parallel automated test execution.</td></tr><tr><td>Configuration is easy and flexible with the use of configuration files.</td><td>Configuration steps can be different depending on the programming language and the tools used.</td></tr><tr><td>Has an active support community and the information is well-documented.</td><td>Has a well-established support community with extensive information documentation.</td></tr><tr><td>Can be integrated with testing frameworks such as Mocha and Jasmine.</td><td>Can be integrated with a lot of testing frameworks such as JUnit, TestNG, NUnit, etc.</td></tr><tr><td>Uses fluent and synchronous API and supports asynchronous operations as well.</td><td>Primarily uses synchronous API for most programming languages and asynchronous support for some.</td></tr><tr><td>Has built-in support for cross-browser testing.</td><td>Supports cross-browser testing through WebDriver and Selenium Grid.</td></tr><tr><td>Can be integrated with cloud testing services such as Sauce Labs, BrowserStack, etc.</td><td>Can be integrated with cloud services for remote test execution.</td></tr><tr><td>Easy to install and set up using Node Package Manager for JavaScript projects.</td><td>Requires downloading and configuring the Selenium server, which can be a bit complicated.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



There are some more differences when it comes to Selenium vs WebDriverIO other than the facts mentioned above. It is the responsibility of the tester to choose the most suitable test automation framework while considering the benefits and differences when it comes to Selenium vs WebDriverIO.



<h2 id="h-selenium-vs-webdriverio-how-to-choose">Selenium vs WebDriverIO: How to choose?</h2>



Your choice of Selenium vs WebDriverIO frameworks depends on many factors and considering the following facts it will be easier to make your decision. 



<ul><li>Programming language: If your team is an expert in JavaScript, WebDriverIO may be the best fit due to its native support for JavaScript. On the other hand, if your team is comfortable with languages like Java, .Net, Python, C#, or Ruby, Selenium offers more flexibility than WebDriverIO. </li><li>Ease of Setup and Configuration: Consider the ease of installation and setup when choosing automation frameworks. It is easy to install and set up WebDriverIO using Node Package Manager for JavaScript projects. Selenium may involve additional steps such as setting up the Selenium server, which could be more complex. </li><li>Testing framework integration: When choosing a suitable automation framework, you have to evaluate the compatibility with your preferred testing framework. As mentioned before, WebDriverIO integrates with popular frameworks like Mocha and Jasmine. And Selenium supports integration with various frameworks compared to WebDriverIO but yet, it might require additional configuration based on the chosen programming language. </li><li>Community and availability of documentation: Even though there are expert engineers in your team, they might struggle from time to time due to knowledge gaps. So it is very important to have proper community support and proper documentation for your chosen automation framework. WebDriverIO has an active community and it has well-documented information. Selenium also has a strong community which can be helpful when it comes to finding solutions for common issues. </li><li>Project requirements and flexibility: No matter what advantages you can earn from various automation frameworks, it should be aligned with your project requirements and needs. If you need more flexibility with a programming language, it is always better to go ahead with Selenium. However, WebDriverIO is more beneficial for JavaScript-based projects. </li><li>Parallel execution: If <a href="https://testsigma.com/parallel-test-runs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parallel test execution</a> is a critical factor for your test suite, WebDriverIO has built-in support for parallel execution. Selenium can achieve parallelism using tools like Selenium Grid but may require additional setup. </li><li>Browser and platform support: If you are going to choose an automation framework for web automation, you might have to think about browser support as well. Both WebDriverIO and Selenium support a wide range of browsers, but WebDriverIO&#8217;s native WebDriver protocol support ensures compatibility, especially with modern browsers. </li><li>Plugin support: WebDriverIO has a rich set of plugins, which can enhance functionality. On the other hand, Selenium also has a supportive community, but the variety of plugins may not be as big as WebDriverIO&#8217;s plugin collection. </li></ul>



Ultimately, the choice between Selenium vs WebDriverIO depends on your team&#8217;s expertise, project requirements, and preferences. It is very important to perform a proper evaluation based on the above-mentioned facts to make sure that the selected automation framework aligns with your needs and goals.



<h2 id="h-alternatives-tool-for-webdriverio-and-selenium">Alternatives tool for WebdriverIo and Selenium</h2>



Let’s keep the battle of Selenium vs WebDriverIO aside and think. Are you looking for an alternative tool that can replace WebDriverIO and Selenium? <a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma</a> is an AI-driven test automation platform that can be used instead of the choice of Selenium vs WebDriverIO. The main advantage of Testsigma is its no-code test automation which lets the testers create and execute test cases without advanced programming skills. They allow the testers to easily automate the test scenario using visual interfaces.



Other than that specialty, it has features such as using machine learning to execute test cases, the ability to adapt to application changes, and fewer maintenance efforts.&nbsp;



It is easier to collaborate and perform cross-browser testing with Testsigma. Ultimately, Testsigma provides a user-friendly and good solution for automated testing. 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/3SXShy1xRIjVFMWNBF6va0j-JE_3Zxlc1tTY5CwEwlruTLapQDP3lUmpufx8ibJI98pUXfPbQQ6ao_KziYn5kKwXzyoz7igN49pS6l8H2imkMVF0uUSwO8FPfbXdvlJFK4e3U4WRva6zNLeh6DOUxsc" alt="Testsigma- Alternatives tool for WebdriverIo and Selenium"/></figure></div>



 Testsigma lets you create test cases in simple English and also lets you record and play them. With that, the testers do not have to worry about writing complex code to automate a certain test scenario. Also, it is way easier to classify and group those recorded test cases and execute them when needed through some simple mouse clicks. This can be considered an easier way of test automation even for beginners.



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<h2 id="h-conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



Both WebDriverIO and Selenium frameworks are powerful tools for web automation. However, selenium webdriver vs webdriver io have some key differences when it comes to technology and usage. It is important to consider the tech stack, expertise, nature of your project, and requirements when selecting one of them as your web automation framework. Simply, if your team uses JavaScript and its associated frameworks, WebDriverIO can be more supportive. On the other hand, if you need support in multiple programming languages, Selenium might be the better choice.&nbsp;



Additionally, there are alternative solutions for those two frameworks such as Testsigma which can be more beneficial than them sometimes. At the end of the day, the right choice is yours to make the tester&#8217;s life easier.



<h2 id="h-frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



<h3 id="h-which-is-better-selenium-ide-or-webdriver">Which is better: Selenium IDE or WebDriver?</h3>



The choice between Selenium IDE and WebDriver depends on the background and requirements of your project. Selenium IDE is a simple record-and-playback tool and it is suitable for creating tests quickly, especially for beginners in test automation. On the other hand, WebDriver provides a more comprehensive solution. It allows advanced test automation scripting and cross-browser testing and also it can be integrated with a lot of programming languages as you prefer. Selenium WebDriver can be used for larger and more complex projects and Selenium IDE is most suitable for quick test executions and simpler test scenarios. Compare selenium webdriver vs webdriver io against their key features, before you decide which tool is most preferable for your project.

Selenium vs Webdriverio | Top 10 Key Differences

Scalability is the ability to handle a growing amount of load. Scalability is the most popular word in cloud computing. Scalability includes adding resources when there is a growing load and removing resources when they are not in use or when demand is reduced. Automation scalability refers to handling these varying resource requirements dynamically without manual intervention.&nbsp;



Automation scalability helps an organization in many ways. Most of the modern cloud providers already provide these features. When it comes to automation testing infrastructure, scalability is key. There may be a requirement to run the test automation on different platforms and different browsers on demand or based on requirement so automation scalability in automation testing infrastructure helps to reduce the cost.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Automation_Scalability">1 Automation Scalability</a></li><li><a href="#Why_is_automation_scalability_so_crucial_for_your_company">2 Why is automation scalability so crucial for your company?</a></li><li><a href="#Managing_Scalability_with_Automation">3 Managing Scalability with Automation</a></li><li><a href="#Scalability_in_Process_Automation">4 Scalability in Process Automation</a></li><li><a href="#Tips_to_Make_Your_Automation_Processes_Scalablenbsp">5 Tips to Make Your Automation Processes Scalable&nbsp;</a><ul><li><a href="#Choose_the_right_tools">5.1 Choose the right tools</a></li><li><a href="#Design_with_scalability_in_mind">5.2 Design with scalability in mind</a></li><li><a href="#Test_and_debug_thoroughly">5.3 Test and debug thoroughly</a></li><li><a href="#nbspImplement_version_control_and_backup">5.4 &nbsp;Implement version control and backup</a></li><li><a href="#Review_and_optimize_regularly">5.5 Review and optimize regularly</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Automation_Scalability_and_Test_automation">6 Automation Scalability and Test automation</a></li><li><a href="#Why_Testsigma_for_Scaling_Test_Automation">7 Why Testsigma for Scaling Test Automation?</a></li><li><a href="#Evaluation_Checklist_Scalable_Test_Automation">8 Evaluation Checklist: Scalable Test Automation</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">9 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#Can_Selenium_be_used_for_test_automation_scalability">9.1 Can Selenium be used for test automation scalability?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-automation-scalability">Automation Scalability</h2>



Automation scalability is the ability to increase or decrease a resource on growing or shrinking the demand. In short, scalability refers to automatically adjusting the resource as per the demand.



<h2 id="h-why-is-automation-scalability-so-crucial-for-your-company">Why is automation scalability so crucial for your company?</h2>



Consider an example, you have an end-of-season sale coming Friday and you are expecting a large number of hits to the website, and you have added resources before a week to cater to the expected demand. However, due to unforeseen conditions, you did not get the expected hits. All of your added resources are wasted. Imagine if these things can be done automatically only when the system sees an increasing trend. One of the advantages of automation scalability is resources are added dynamically and it will prevent resource wastage. It is also environmentally friendly.&nbsp;



Let&#8217;s consider one more scenario, your server is configured to serve the normal demand, one day you see a sudden surge in requests to the website and your server is not ready to handle the large number of requests, and the server crashes. There was a big opportunity for business and you lost them. In this place, if there was automation scalability configured, the crash wouldn&#8217;t have happened and parallelly you would have made a big profit.



The above scenarios help you to understand how crucial automation scalability is for any business to reduce costs, increase profit, and keep the brand reputation. You are also contributing to an environment-friendly initiative by using only the required number of resources.



<h2 id="h-managing-scalability-with-automation">Managing Scalability with Automation</h2>



Irrespective of what domain you are doing the business, the web traffic fluctuates. The business may grow. It might be difficult to create a system to meet all future requirements however the best option is to make the system ready for the future. The right solution is through automation.



Nowadays all cloud vendors are providing options to implement scalability automation. This automation can also be done on-premise cloud environments.&nbsp; As the environment scales you must have a specific set of tools to monitor them, such as alerting tools, auto-remediation tools, etc. These tools help you to monitor your scalability configuration and help you to take action immediately.



<h2 id="h-scalability-in-process-automation">Scalability in Process Automation</h2>



Process automation is to perform repetitive and complex tasks automatically without human intervention. It can help to save time, cost, and resources. When it comes to process automation infrastructure it may be difficult to gather the future requirements in advance, but if your process automation architecture is implemented considering the scalability in mind, it can reduce any future risks and make future changes adoption easily. So it is important to build a scalable automation architecture by following the best practices.



<h2 id="h-tips-to-make-your-automation-processes-scalable">Tips to Make Your Automation Processes Scalable&nbsp;</h2>



While designing the process automation architecture you should consider the scalability automation. Below are some of the best tips you can follow to make your automation process scalable.



<h3 id="h-choose-the-right-tools">Choose the right tools</h3>



The tool you choose should be simple, budget-friendly, and should have less complexity. Based on your requirements you may opt for low-code tools, platforms, and code-based tools. But ensure that the tool supports scalability, and meets all other requirements that you need. Importantly you should consider the learning curve, security, and integration options.



<h3 id="h-design-with-scalability-in-mind">Design with scalability in mind</h3>



The design process is important, as the design decides the future of your automation framework. Design your system as open as possible. It should be scalable, extendable, and reliable. Never hard code any values. Use configurations, paths, variables, and structured files as much as possible.



<h3 id="h-test-and-debug-thoroughly">Test and debug thoroughly</h3>



Before you deploy your automation process ensure, it works as expected and handles the required number of loads. In case the load exceeds, it should handle those corner cases gracefully. Use all different types of inputs or scenarios and analyze the outputs. Never forget to integrate logging and monitoring. Lack of logging and monitoring makes your system untraceable when the error occurs and it will be difficult to debug and find the solutions.



<h3 id="h-implement-version-control-and-backup">&nbsp;Implement version control and backup</h3>



Version control helps to track the code and configuration level changes. It protects you from any unexpected changes. Even if it happens you can easily revert to the previous state. So your process runs smoother. Similarly, the backup helps to keep your data safe. Accidental damage of data may incur huge losses to the organization and in turn, it can harm the reputation. The data backup can completely reduce those risks.



<h3 id="h-review-and-optimize-regularly">Review and optimize regularly</h3>



Finally, managing and maintaining your automation system or process helps you keep up-to-date with the latest technologies or libraries. You might have to optimize and make minor adjustments regularly to avoid instability of the system. Patiently listen to all the feedback and act on them positively and regularly.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-automation-scalability-and-test-automation">Automation Scalability and Test automation</h2>



Scalability is not limited to process automation. Scalability applies everywhere. As discussed earlier, if you are implementing scalability at your organization level you should consider every tool that supports scalability. Most of us think of test automation as a tool for automating test cases, we never think of the infrastructure required for test automation. Considering the test automation infrastructure, the resources you use may vary through the day, month, or year. For example, during the release cycle, you may use more resources than the usual days. If you are setting up infrastructure considering the demand for the release cycle, you may waste a lot of money and resources. Similarly, if your infrastructure doesn&#8217;t support the release cycle demands, then you may not be able to release faster and test thoroughly. The best solution for such a problem is to have infrastructure that can adapt to the testing demand automatically. In short, have a scalable automation testing infrastructure.



Scalable test automation infrastructure is not an easy task unless you use cloud-based vendors, many test automation tools don&#8217;t even provide the infrastructure support you might have to set up them. Setting up scalable infrastructure requires deep-level knowledge and is time-consuming.&nbsp;



Furthermore, you may need to integrate your test automation framework with cloud vendors like AWS and Azure or cloud test providers like Suacelabs, Browserstack, etc. In this case, you are investing in multiple tools &#8211; not only automation tools but also infrastructure tools. This may also impact your test automation return on investment(ROI).&nbsp;



The good news is that there are many testing tools, which are cloud-based tools that also provide scalable infrastructure and are budget-friendly. One of the good examples of such a tool is Testsigma.



<h2 id="h-why-testsigma-for-scaling-test-automation">Why Testsigma for Scaling Test Automation?</h2>



Testsigma is a cloud-based test automation tool and it can support scalability in many ways. If you don&#8217;t wish to go for a cloud-based version, Testsigma can support on-premise infrastructure as well. However, the cloud-based version has a lot more advantages than the on-premise version.



Testsigma can help you in scalable test automation by adjusting the automation testing infrastructure automatically based on the demand. Interestingly, if you already have an existing license with cloud-based testing vendors such as BrowserStack, Lamdatest, or Saucelabs you can integrate Testsigma with those vendors and you can reduce the infrastructure costs.



Testsigma has cloud-based testing infrastructure that can scale based on your needs. If you are using the pay-as-you-go pricing, these scalable features become budget-friendly. For example, if you have a requirement to execute the regression tests every day at 9 am, imagine your regression runs for an hour and it uses a lot more resources than any other suite. In such scenarios, you can schedule the execution by following the below steps.



Step 1: Choose the Test Plans



Test plans are available under the Test Development menu



<img loading="lazy" width="602" height="280" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/X8SXjbTIkUPeadO5nGMgOF3a7XPwy7bj9u3rKOCCqLWHUNCiyLZY-vuDD0abC636qNVMXmw4obwX4gotxG0JgnIQ8PrEz4eJ2JzJJHMFzNwmJ5BrhmsWzb0I5blKpHbdd-jZ8A3oDyLSGyea0E-7-A">



Step 2: Create a plan



Choose the schedule option by entering the values like Name, date, time and frequency.



During these planned hours, Testsigma automatically triggers the test and allocates the testing resources for you. Interestingly, you don&#8217;t have to reserve these resources. Testsigma can scale the resources based on demand. You will be charged based on the hours you spent on execution and the type of resources you have used.



 <img loading="lazy" width="602" height="280" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/JJzM9DIoTj2Qj9TWVaoo9cB59IR9q6NJLGpDAIFFC9NGcZuX_FuImQR-z6C6D9i07CLw0sFPqEaj1rBX5DKNApR-iv8STtutnGQOLVWXea114V-M-U3gxvuHnSZelRD9_xURv6gM8kPl81Os7hKTqw">



Above is one example of how Testsigma can support scalability, In the same way you choose the ad-hoc runs with any number of browsers, on any platform whether it be desktop, mobile, or mobile native app, a feature of scalability remains the same.&nbsp;



Having cloud-based tools like Testsigma can make a considerable positive difference in your ROI. Additionally, it will reduce the infrastructure maintenance overhead as it is completely maintained by the Testsigma team. Though you need to make some configurations, those configurations are nothing but some clicks on the user interface.



<h2 id="h-evaluation-checklist-scalable-test-automation">Evaluation Checklist: Scalable Test Automation</h2>



Scalable Test Automation is the future of test automation, so you should choose the right tool by following the evaluation checklist. This helps to compete with current and future trends in the market.



Below are checklist for the Scalable Test automation



<ul><li>The tool should support cross-platform and multiple browser execution based on your requirements. It should also support parallel execution to reduce the execution time</li><li>Reporting should be accurate and reliable. The report should not contain just a pass or fail. It should contain additional information like network logs, browser logs, and other logs which can help in debugging.</li><li>It should support CI/CD integration such as Jenkins, Azure DevOps, CircleCI, Gitlab, etc. to make automation testing part of your build pipeline</li><li>The future demand and requirements can never be predicated, so the tool should be built for scalability to adopt any future needs and requirements.</li><li>The framework should never compromise with the security feature. Any security flaws will be P1 incident and they can directly impact your organization&#8217;s reputation</li><li>It should be easy to use, preferably no-code tools, which don&#8217;t require any programming language knowledge.</li><li>The infrastructure should be available to use at any time, which means availability should be high</li><li>The tool should provide good support, it may be dedicated or have community support. Enterprise-grade support is mostly expected. Additionally, there should be good documentation.</li><li>Stability is another evaluation criterion which means that their output should be stable and reliable. There should not be any flaky tests or false failures.</li><li>Monitoring and alerting can help you to catch the bottlenecks and traces efficiently and it is good to have features.</li></ul>



Automation Scalability is a broad term that applies to almost every possible scenario where the infrastructure is involved. Scalability is everywhere including application functionality, handling the traffic, providing developer experience, process automation, and automation functional testing.&nbsp;



Scalability helps to adjust the resources based on the current demand. Scalability can help to reduce the cost and preserve the brand&#8217;s reputation.&nbsp;



When it comes to <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing">automation testing</a> there are only a few tools that support scalability. Testsigma is one such tool that is built with automation scalability in mind. Interestingly, all these configurations can be done without any coding and cloud knowledge. Choosing the right tool for test automation is key to automation testing success.



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<h2 id="h-frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



<h3 id="h-can-selenium-be-used-for-test-automation-scalability">Can Selenium be used for test automation scalability?</h3>



Selenium is a tool, it doesn&#8217;t provide any testing infrastructure support. However, some of the features like Selenium Grid, <a href="https://testsigma.com/parallel-test-runs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parallel execution</a>, cross-browser execution, and cross-platform support can be used with cloud-based systems to achieve scalability. It is a known fact that setting up scalable infrastructure is the most complex and time-consuming task. Often it may not be budget-friendly. Instead, you can choose the cloud-based testing tool Testsigma, and that helps to reduce the infrastructure setup and maintenance burdens. Testers can focus on their core tasks which is automating the use cases.

What is Automation Scalability? Things You Should Know

Best 10 Kobiton Alternatives List to Look For

SDET vs QA: Decoding the Mystery!



Ensuring software quality requires two crucial roles: SDETs and QAs. While both aim to deliver bug-free products, their approaches and skill sets differ.&nbsp;



Understanding these distinctions can help you choose the right career path or build an efficient testing team. Let&#8217;s dive into the top 10 critical differences between SDETs and QAs, unraveling their unique contributions to software development.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="644" height="436" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2024-05-02-at-12.52.29-PM.png" alt="SDETs and QAs" class="wp-image-41294"/></figure></div>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_SDET">1 What is SDET?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_QA">2 What is QA?</a></li><li><a href="#The_value_of_QA_and_SDETs_in_Agile_development">3 The value of QA and SDETs in Agile development</a></li><li><a href="#SDET_vs_QA_Core_Differences">4 SDET vs. QA – Core Differences</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">5 Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#FAQ">6 FAQ</a><ul><li><a href="#Can_an_SDET_and_a_QA_engineer_work_together">6.1 Can an SDET and a QA engineer work together?</a></li><li><a href="#How_can_I_choose_between_becoming_an_SDET_or_a_QA_engineer">6.2 How can I choose between becoming an SDET or a QA engineer?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-sdet">What is SDET?</h2>



An SDET, or Software Development Engineer in Test, is a unique role that blends development and testing disciplines.&nbsp;



They are more than just testers; they act as bridges between development and QA teams, wielding coding prowess and testing expertise to ensure software quality throughout its lifecycle.



Here are some key characteristics of an SDET:



Skillset:



<ul><li>Programming: Proficient in programming languages like Python, Java, JavaScript, etc., and familiar with testing frameworks like Selenium, Appium, etc. </li><li>Testing Expertise: Deep understanding of testing methodologies like functional testing, performance testing, security testing, etc. </li><li>Analytical thinking: Ability to identify and analyze potential issues and develop effective test cases. </li><li>Problem-solving: Strong problem-solving skills to troubleshoot and resolve testing challenges. </li><li>Collaboration: Ability to collaborate effectively with developers and other stakeholders.</li></ul>



Responsibilities:



<ul><li>Developing and maintaining automated test scripts: Writing code to automate test cases, improving test coverage and efficiency. </li><li>Designing and implementing testing frameworks: Creating custom frameworks to support specific testing needs. </li><li>Executing and analyzing test results: Running tests, analyzing results, and identifying bugs or defects. </li><li>Collaborating with developers: Working closely to fix bugs, improve code quality, and ensure testability. </li><li>Staying up-to-date with testing trends and technologies: Continuously learning new technologies and methodologies to enhance their testing skills.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-what-is-qa">What is QA?</h2>



QA, or Quality Assurance, is vital in ensuring the quality of software, products, and services. It encompasses a wide range of activities and processes to identify and prevent defects before they reach customers. 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="614" height="119" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2024-05-02-at-12.52.40-PM.png" alt="What is QA" class="wp-image-41296"/></figure></div>



Members of the Quality Assurance team are called QAs or Quality Assurance Engineers.&nbsp;



Objectives:



<ul><li>Delivering High-Quality Software: QAs strive to guarantee the software meets its intended purpose, functions flawlessly, and provides a positive user experience. </li><li>Identifying and Fixing Issues: They use various testing methodologies to uncover bugs, usability problems, and performance bottlenecks. </li><li>Improving Software Quality: QAs actively contribute to improving software quality by suggesting improvements, participating in code reviews, and collaborating with developers.</li></ul>



Key Responsibilities:



<ul><li>Designing and Executing Test Cases: QAs create comprehensive test plans covering different functionalities, user scenarios, and edge cases. They then execute these tests manually or through automation tools.</li></ul>



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<ul><li>Analyzing Test Results: QAs carefully evaluate test results, identify issues, document them clearly, and prioritize their severity for efficient resolution. </li><li>Reporting and Communication: They communicate test results and identified issues to developers, stakeholders, and project managers, ensuring everyone is on the same page. </li><li>Staying Updated: QAs remain informed about the latest testing trends, methodologies, and tools to adapt their approach and optimize testing effectiveness.</li></ul>



Types of QA:



<ul><li>Manual QA: Primarily involves manual software testing, often focusing on usability and user experience. </li><li>Automation QA: Utilizes <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-web-application-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated web application testing</a> tools to execute repetitive tests, improving efficiency and coverage. </li><li>Performance QA: Tests the software&#8217;s performance under various loads and conditions, ensuring responsiveness and stability. </li><li>Security QA: Focuses on identifying and mitigating potential security vulnerabilities in the software.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-the-value-of-qa-and-sdets-in-agile-development">The value of QA and SDETs in Agile development</h2>



In Agile development, both QA and SDETs have really important expertise.&nbsp;



QAs act as quality control, testing, and discovering issues throughout sprints. Their deep understanding of testing methodologies ensures comprehensive coverage, while clear communication with developers fosters rapid bug fixes.



SDETs, with their coding prowess, bridge the gap by automating tests, building frameworks, and collaborating on design. This proactive approach identifies potential issues early, saving time and ensuring high-quality releases within each iteration.&nbsp;



QA and SDETs form a dynamic duo, safeguarding quality and propelling successful Agile development.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="350" height="455" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2024-05-02-at-12.52.52-PM.png" alt="QA and SDETs" class="wp-image-41298"/></figure></div>



<h2 id="h-sdet-vs-qa-core-differences">SDET vs. QA – Core Differences</h2>



The term SDET is often used to describe a software developer specializing in creating automated testing frameworks and tools. Unlike traditional testers, SDETs are responsible for writing and maintaining the code that drives computerized tests.&nbsp;



In addition to their coding skills, they must also deeply understand<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/fundamentals-of-software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> software testing fundamentals</a> and best practices. This is because they are responsible for ensuring that the automated tests are effective and reliable and cover all aspects of the application under test.&nbsp;



On the other hand, a QA is a professional who specializes in executing automated tests. They typically work with a set of pre-existing computerized tests and are responsible for running them on different software builds.&nbsp;



Unlike SDETs, automated testers do not write or maintain the code that drives the automated tests. Instead, they focus on ensuring that the tests are executed correctly and that the results are accurate.



Technical Expertise:



<ul><li>SDET: Possesses advanced programming skills and in-depth system knowledge, allowing them to build custom test frameworks, contribute to code, and perform complex API testing.</li><li>QA: Typically has basic programming skills focused on scripting for automation. Their expertise lies in test case design, manual testing, and using pre-built test tools.</li></ul>



Ownership:



<ul><li>SDET: Owns the entire testing process, from designing and automating tests to analyzing results and collaborating with developers on improvements.</li><li>QA: Focuses on executing specific test cases assigned by SDETs or leads, providing feedback, and reporting issues.</li></ul>



Outgrowth Involvement:



<ul><li>SDET: Actively participates in the development lifecycle, collaborating with developers to identify potential issues and suggest improvements.</li><li>QA: Typically joins later in the development cycle, focusing on testing the completed product.</li></ul>



Hierarchy:



Due to their technical expertise and domain knowledge, SDETs may provide guidance and direction to QAs, especially in areas requiring programming skills.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="329" height="423" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2024-05-02-at-12.53.04-PM.png" alt="QA and SDETs" class="wp-image-41300"/></figure></div>



Here&#8217;s a simplified table summarizing the key differences:



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Criteria</td><td>SDET</td><td>QA</td></tr><tr><td>Main Goal</td><td>Improve system quality through automation &amp; thorough testing</td><td>Improve system quality through test execution &amp; reporting</td></tr><tr><td>Main Responsibility</td><td>Own the entire testing process</td><td>Execute specific test cases</td></tr><tr><td>Programming Skills</td><td>Advanced programming skills are needed</td><td>Basic programming skills are enough</td></tr><tr><td>System Knowledge</td><td>An in-depth understanding of system knowledge is necessary</td><td>Focus on the tested area is enough</td></tr><tr><td>Development Involvement</td><td>Active throughout the lifecycle</td><td>Joins later in the cycle</td></tr><tr><td>Role Hierarchy</td><td>Can become a lead/guide QAs</td><td>Reports to SDETs or leads</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 id="h-conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



Choosing between an SDET and a QA often hinges on your project&#8217;s specific needs. For intricate testing landscapes or projects demanding deep system understanding, an SDET&#8217;s combined skillset shines.&nbsp;



On the other hand, when robust manual testing and clear communication are paramount, a QA&#8217;s expertise excels.



I would say,&nbsp;



&#8220;By fostering communication, leveraging complementary strengths, and embracing a shared passion for quality, both SDETs and QAs can ensure your software sings its sweetest melody.&#8221;



Happy Testing!



Suggested Reading:



<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/what-are-the-kpis-of-software-testing-and-qa-testsigma/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testing kpis</a>



<h2 id="h-faq">FAQ</h2>



<h3 id="h-can-an-sdet-and-a-qa-engineer-work-together">Can an SDET and a QA engineer work together?</h3>



SDETs and QA engineers make a powerful combination. SDETs build automation frameworks while QAs dive deep into testing, creating a comprehensive approach to software quality.



<h3 id="h-how-can-i-choose-between-becoming-an-sdet-or-a-qa-engineer">How can I choose between becoming an SDET or a QA engineer?</h3>



Consider your strengths!&nbsp;



Do you love coding and building tools? SDET might be your jam.&nbsp;



Are you passionate about meticulous testing and user experience? QA could be your perfect fit.&nbsp; Remember: Both roles are crucial for software quality!

SDET vs QA – What are the top 10 key differences?

The world is evolving, and every day we see many tools and products coming up and trying to serve multiple purposes to our community. Do you think that all the products are satisfying and make the customers happy? The answer is, no.&nbsp;



Only a few organizations understand the importance of a quality product and a customer&#8217;s happiness. Why is it so? Because of the lack of awareness about the importance of quality.&nbsp; It&#8217;s not about how many features you have, how quickly you get the product to market, or how many accounts/downloads the app receives. It&#8217;s all about genuine usage, customer satisfaction, and loyalty, testimonials, and recommendations. Now you got the point, yes it’s about the “Customers”.&nbsp;



“Quality products make happy customers” &#8211; To make quality products, we work as a Team. Building a quality team leads to quality products.&nbsp;



In this blog, let’s explore some important aspects of building a quality team.&nbsp;



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Key_Principles_and_Pillars_for_Quality_Teams">1 Key Principles and Pillars for Quality Teams</a></li><li><a href="#Fostering_a_Culture_of_Quality_within_the_Team">2 Fostering a Culture of Quality within the Team</a></li><li><a href="#The_Role_of_Leadership_in_Upholding_Quality_Standards">3 The Role of Leadership in Upholding Quality Standards</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion_Striving_Towards_Excellence_Through_Continuous_Quality_Improvement">4 Conclusion: Striving Towards Excellence Through Continuous Quality Improvement</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-key-principles-and-pillars-for-quality-teams">Key Principles and Pillars for Quality Teams</h2>



Considering the current software testing teams and methodologies, a few can be listed as very important pointers that help to achieve a product’s quality as a Team.



<ul><li>Clear and precise Communication: We all know the importance of communication and timely updates. We should be able to clearly articulate issues, requirements, and feedback to other team members, fostering collaboration and understanding. Also one of the good practices I learned from my leaders is having a habit of providing interim updates. When specific tasks take longer time, always inform the stakeholders about the current status and progress. Also, it’s good to acknowledge the emails or chat messages, once consumed.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<ul><li>Continuous Testing: This may sound like a fancy term. But the implication is simple. Testing should be an ongoing process throughout the entire development cycle. By continuously testing and providing feedback, teams can identify and address issues early.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<ul><li>Accountability: Each team member should be accountable for their actions and responsibilities, hence this promotes a sense of ownership. This helps to avoid conflicts in the team.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<ul><li>Automation: Leveraging automation for testing can help to save our efforts for repetitive and bulk tasks. When it’s a stable application, we can automate the regression test cases and it can be useful in every release. Also for some projects, we require lots of test data, and automating it can be helpful for the team. If there’s an API involved, it’s a good practice to focus on API Automation. This can help to catch the functional bugs earlier. Before involving in automation, do an analysis and make sure to use the automation efforts fully.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<ul><li>Collaboration: It takes two hands to clap and make some noise. Quality is always a team effort. We should work closely with all the project stakeholders, and ensure everyone is on the same page. This helps with the alignment and avoids deviation from the end goal.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Transparency: Transparency is a basic in a Team for developing trust and accountability. Team members should be open and honest with one another, sharing feedback, and discussing the trivial and important things. This facilitates team synergy and bonding.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Problem-Solving Skills: Some say, software testers are problem-finders. Yes, we are. We have a strong sense of feeling about the quality of the product. We are equipped with problem-solving skills to effectively address quality issues. This includes identifying the root causes of the defects by deeper analysis, brainstorming solutions, and suggesting effective solutions.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Training and Development: Continuous learning is important, only then we can provide suggestions for the right situations. Keep learning and upgrade yourself to the latest trends in software testing, automation tools/frameworks, and quality practices.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<ul><li>Feedback Loop: Setting up a feedback loop within the team can help identify areas for improvement. Regular retrospectives and reviews can provide useful information about how the team can improve its processes and quality practices.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD): Adopting CI/CD practices can transform the approach to quality. By automating build, test, and deployment pipelines, they can achieve faster feedback loops and streamlined delivery cycles. This can lead to more stable releases with minimal defects reaching production environments.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-fostering-a-culture-of-quality-within-the-team">Fostering a Culture of Quality within the Team</h2>



To ensure that quality becomes ingrained in your team&#8217;s DNA, foster a culture that promotes collaboration, learning from mistakes, continuous improvement, and open communication. Encourage team members to run knowledge-sharing sessions/webinars, conduct regular code reviews, pair testing, partake in cross-functional training sessions, and celebrate all the big and small wins together.



1. Competence and Experience:



<ul><li>Team members should possess the relevant skills and a deep understanding of software testing principles and practices.</li><li>Certifications and industry experience are indicators of proficiency.</li></ul>



2. Communication and Teamwork:



<ul><li>Effective and precise communication among team members is essential for articulating expectations, resolving challenges, and fostering a cohesive work environment.</li><li>Choosing and Using the right mode of communication among the project stakeholders.</li><li>Strong communication leads to building good team morale, and teamwork makes wonders.</li></ul>



3. Well-defined Process and Methodology:



<ul><li>A well-structured testing process/strategy outlines the steps, roles, processes, and responsibilities involved in testing phases and guides the entire team.</li><li>Standardized methodologies like Agile or Waterfall or whatever fits the project nature can be chosen and implemented correctly.&nbsp;</li></ul>



4. Access to Adequate Tools and Resources:



<ul><li>Based on the latest growth in the software testing industry, it provides access and freedom to play around different tools and to do research.</li><li>Access to training materials and platforms ensures team members stay updated with the latest testing trends and technologies.</li></ul>



5. Supportive Management:



<ul><li>Leaders should act as a bridge between the management and employees.</li><li>Support from the management is required to provide the team with all the necessary resources/materials, power, freedom, and environment to perform their tasks effectively.</li><li>Setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, and recognizing and rewarding achievements contribute to a positive and motivating work culture.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-the-role-of-leadership-in-upholding-quality-standards">The Role of Leadership in Upholding Quality Standards</h2>



Leadership plays a crucial role in setting expectations around quality standards. By providing resources for training, and tools required for automation, and promoting a blame-free environment for sharing feedback openly – leaders can empower their teams to strive for excellence in every aspect of software testing.



In addition to these factors, a quality team in software testing can significantly benefit the broader software testing community:



Benefits for the Software Testing Community:



1. Enhanced Software Quality:



A quality team contributes to delivering high-quality, reliable, and secure software, benefiting end-users and stakeholders.



2. Sharing of Best Practices:



By sharing successful strategies, methodologies, and tools, a quality team can contribute to the overall improvement of software testing practices within the community.



3. Contribution to Resource Development:



Quality teams often contribute to the development of new testing tools, frameworks, and resources through open-source projects or publications.



4. Collaboration and Learning Opportunities:



Collaboration between quality teams fosters knowledge exchange, encourages innovation, and provides opportunities for continuous professional growth.



Fostering a quality team in software testing not only benefits the organization but also positively impacts the software testing community, leading to advancements in testing practices and improved software quality for everyone.



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<h2 id="h-conclusion-striving-towards-excellence-through-continuous-quality-improvement">Conclusion: Striving Towards Excellence Through Continuous Quality Improvement</h2>



In conclusion, achieving <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/quality-assurance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quality in software testing</a> is an ongoing journey that requires dedication from every team member. Also, it doesn’t happen overnight. The team needs to work through this together.&nbsp;



As we discussed, team harmony, leadership in testing, and implementing the best practices throughout the testing life cycle can help us to deliver high-quality products that make users happy and content. Start implementing these strategies today to elevate your team&#8217;s performance &amp; deliver top-notch products consistently!

How Should a Team Have Quality: For the Software Testing Community

What is an Automated Test Suite & How to Create it?

The role of testers is crucial to every project’s success. They act as investigators and quality champions that present insights, helping you understand the state of your software. Most companies struggle to hire talented testers and end up with AI-drafted resumes and rote learners on the top testing interview questions.&nbsp;



Interested in hiring talented and quality testers for your teams? Let’s dive in.



In this article, we will talk about the art and science of this talent hunt puzzle.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Interviewing_8211_The_Neglected_Skill">1 Interviewing &#8211; The Neglected Skill</a></li><li><a href="#Understanding_Common_Interviewing_Pitfalls">2 Understanding Common Interviewing Pitfalls</a></li><li><a href="#Key_Components_of_a_Healthy_Testing_Interview">3 Key Components of a Healthy Testing Interview</a><ul><li><a href="#1_The_Warm_Welcome">3.1 1. The Warm Welcome</a></li><li><a href="#2_Testing_Challenges_Puzzles_Observing_Their_Approach">3.2 2. Testing Challenges &amp; Puzzles: Observing Their Approach</a></li><li><a href="#3_Seek_Past_Project_Insights">3.3 3. Seek Past Project Insights</a></li><li><a href="#4_Go_Deep">3.4 4. Go Deep</a></li><li><a href="#5_Engage_in_Conversations">3.5 5. Engage in Conversations</a></li><li><a href="#6_The_Coding_Assignment">3.6 6. The Coding Assignment</a></li><li><a href="#7_Invite_their_Queries">3.7 7. Invite their Queries</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">4 Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="interviewing-the-neglected-skill">Interviewing &#8211; The Neglected Skill</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/_v9Zv2ttF5woBsaEclG8jZD7Pb2SY2eB2sYVpplvnI2kb_PY7RqZXYFptL7__B_nKcUGNe8qze37giFuMIGRE3N81H3L6oXnFzuPaKW9Ewnl0LUX_VEBXs3tZUiR5eBT9utIc9DhgIwV" alt="Interviewing - The Neglected Skill" width="621" height="413"/></figure></div>



Interviewing is a dynamic process where individuals engage in dialogue, exchange ideas, and explore each other’s perspectives.&nbsp;



It involves:&nbsp;



<ul><li>Asking thoughtful questions</li><li>Active listening</li><li>Understanding each other’s experiences, skills, and perspectives.&nbsp;</li></ul>



Unfortunately, interviewing is one of the most ignored skills in the tech industry, with most interviewers carrying on without caring about improving this skill. One major reason behind this is that most engineers are never judged or evaluated on this skill.&nbsp;



So, Why care to improve it?



If you are reading this, Congratulations! you are in the top 2% who really care about interviewing as a skill, thus bringing in talented candidates to your team. You will be adding massive value to your organization if you master the art of hiring talented and quality testers, trust me.



<h2 id="understanding-common-interviewing-pitfalls">Understanding Common Interviewing Pitfalls</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/V5JNYQDXydk-GBph8An81SbmBy9TbUBdgv-x2zeDnp90T7_e3kIbLv-auvzgdgdZLSwIMIYsP24TCdh2N73Fw6fKXqul78TAtb4RwDCxbAR0q6NhFe9ci59WoEflOuXNY9bcPdoMW_77" alt="Understanding Common Interviewing Pitfalls" width="-152" height="-101"/></figure></div>



Before we talk about the key aspects of doing great interviews, let’s understand some common mistakes that most recruiters make. Avoiding these pitfalls would automatically position you to filter skillful testers.



<ul><li>Asking a question(s) without providing context and expecting one “RIGHT” Answer.<ul><li>Most testing answers vary with context. There is rarely one RIGHT answer in the testing space.</li><li>Not sharing appropriate context or a medium for clarification can trap good candidates.&nbsp;</li></ul></li></ul>



Note: Give bonus marks if the candidate proactively asks you questions that help them clarify the context or break down the problem into smaller parts.



<ul><li>Picking questions from Google / Social Media.<ul><li>Candidates already mug up such questions.&nbsp;</li><li>It will only help you a little in uncovering the real skills.</li><li>Such open questions revolve more on theory and do not test practical craftsmanship skills.</li></ul></li><li>Not sharing communication protocol for the interview:&nbsp;<ul><li>It’s good to explicitly mention that it is fine to ask questions to clarify the context.&nbsp;</li><li>This will allow you to witness their questioning, reasoning, and critical thinking.</li><li>You can also do a role-play exercise with the candidate. Example: Take the role of a product owner, create the context, and ask the tester to share their testing approach.</li></ul></li><li>Having a fixed questioning list and pattern:<ul><li>An interview is a dynamic process.&nbsp;</li><li>It’s important to tune it to the candidate’s responses, and experiences.</li><li>You can use a fixed list of questions for screening or filter rounds. Avoid using one for the actual interviews.</li></ul></li><li>Crafting (Copying) Poor Job Descriptions:&nbsp;<ul><li>Your job description is a sales pitch to hire good testers.</li><li>Most testing job descriptions are poorly written.&nbsp;</li><li>Copying any existing testing job description increase your chances of creating a poor one.&nbsp;</li></ul></li><li>Don’t trade theoretical Concepts with Practical Skills<ul><li>Don’t trade off theoretical concepts with practical skills.&nbsp;</li><li>A tester who can find bugs better is more valuable than one who knows the difference between White box and Black box testing. Similarly, a tester who explores software better is more valuable than one who knows the Software Development Lifecycle.</li></ul></li></ul>



<h2 id="key-components-of-a-healthy-testing-interview">Key Components of a Healthy Testing Interview</h2>



<h3 id="h-1-the-warm-welcome">1. The Warm Welcome</h3>



Imagine walking into a room filled with strangers, each armed with questions.&nbsp;



Intimidating, right?&nbsp;



As an interviewer, your first and foremost responsibility is to put the candidate at ease. Start with a friendly smile and give a genuine introduction.&nbsp;



Example:



<ul><li>Yourself: “Hi, I’m Rahul Parwal, and I work as a Specialist in the testing team here.”</li><li>Your Company: “We’re a quality-driven organization that values innovation and collaboration. We have our presence in ….”</li><li>The Role: “Today, we’ll discuss your potential fit for our [Test Engineer] position.”</li></ul>



Remember, the primary goal of a healthy interview is to develop rapport, instead of bombarding the candidate with technical topics from the start.



<h3 id="h-2-testing-challenges-puzzles-observing-their-approach">2. Testing Challenges &amp; Puzzles: Observing Their Approach</h3>



You can use testing games, challenges, and puzzles to observe how the candidates approach them. Games help reduce barriers between the interviewer and interviewee. Games are fun and can help you to access multiple skills at once.&nbsp;



Here are popular collections for such testing challenges &amp; puzzles:



<ul><li><a href="https://yard-drain.unicornplatform.page/testersplayground/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Testers Playground</a></li><li><a href="http://testingchallenges.thetestingmap.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Testing Challenges (thetestingmap.org)</a></li></ul>



As these challenges unfold, pay attention to how the candidate approaches these problems.&nbsp;



Are they systematic or diving headfirst into the problem?&nbsp;



Is there a method or structure behind their approach?&nbsp;



Here are some cues to look for:



<ul><li>Making Notes: Good testers note down key points. It shows their organizational skills.</li><li>Using Tools: Proficiency with tools indicates practical experience. Ask them if they know of a tool to help with such problems.</li><li>Meaningful Data: Do they analyze data thoughtfully? Are they thinking of making diverse test data?</li><li>Asking Questions: Curiosity is a sign of a growth &amp; problem-solving mindset.</li><li>Time Management: Asking for time and constraints shows respect for schedules.</li><li>Hints: Seeking hints demonstrates adaptability. Check if they explicitly ask for hints.</li><li>Mistakes &amp; Assumptions: We all make them. Making mistakes is fine. It’s important to see how well do they handle slip-ups.</li><li>Doubts Clarification: Clear communication matters for planning and scope identification.</li><li>Meticulousness: Attention to detail is the hallmark of a meticulous tester.</li><li>Analytical Thinking: Testers are architects of logic, dissecting systems with analytical precision.</li><li>Learnability: In a fast-paced industry, quick adaptability and eagerness to learn are invaluable traits.</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-3-seek-past-project-insights">3. Seek Past Project Insights</h3>



Dig deeper into their past projects. Understand their contributions, the challenges faced, and what they enjoyed. You can ask about:



<ul><li>“Tell me about a project you worked on.”</li><li>“What did you like most about it?”</li><li>“If you could change something, what would it be?”</li><li>“What was one key innovation or initiative that you did in your project?”</li></ul>



Note: It’s recommended to communicate in advance that you do not expect them to disclose any sensitive data about their previous employer.



<h3 id="h-4-go-deep">4. Go Deep</h3>



Ask simple &amp; straightforward questions but encourage detailed responses. Probe further:



<ul><li>“Why did you choose that approach?”</li><li>“How would you handle X scenario?”</li><li>“What if constraints Y and Z were in play?”</li></ul>



Observe their reactions when you probe them with additional questions:



<ul><li>Do they defend themselves or are open to critique?</li><li>Do they get frustrated at any point? How did they cope back?</li><li>Did they question you back?</li><li>Do you both enjoy this deep conversation?</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-5-engage-in-conversations">5. Engage in Conversations</h3>



Beyond testing, it’s also important to assess their communication skills. You can also use non-technical topics to gauge these skills. Some sample questions:



<ul><li>Movies: “What’s the last movie you watched or liked?”</li><li>Books: “Any favorite reads? Technical Books?”</li><li>Podcasts: “Recommendations?”</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-6-the-coding-assignment">6. The Coding Assignment</h3>



If you want to check for someone who can do hands-on automation, then this is a must.&nbsp; Focus on their approach rather than nitpicking syntax. Some aspects to focus on:



<ul><li>Approach: How do they break down the problem?</li><li>Pace: Do they make steady progress, or do they rush in panic?</li><li>Logic: Do you see clear thinking or unorganized work?</li><li>Problem-solving: Are they trying to break the problems into small parts?</li><li>Variable Naming: A micro activity that helps you know the overall clarity in mind.</li><li>Comments: Are they putting insightful and meaningful comments or generic ones?</li></ul>



Don’t judge them on:



<ul><li>Syntax Correctness: We all Google syntax. Trust me, even I do 🙂</li><li>Exact Output: It’s about logic, reasoning, and thinking at the end.</li><li>IDE Usage: Familiarity varies, and these tools can always be quickly learned.</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-7-invite-their-queries">7. Invite their Queries</h3>



An interview is a two-way street. It is important to invite their queries. Questions will reveal insights into their priorities. See if they ask questions on the following:



<ul><li>Learning Curve: Are they eager to learn?</li><li>Opportunities: What excites them?</li><li>Infrastructure &amp; Logistics: Do they have some practical concerns?</li><li>Work Environment: What do they seek?</li><li>Company Culture: What matters to them?</li><li>Growth Prospects: Are they ambitious?</li></ul>



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<h2 id="h-conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



Hiring talented software testers is not just a task; it&#8217;s a voyage of discovery, a testament to human potential. Embrace the journey, cherish the dialogue, and celebrate the art of finding the perfect fit. As an interviewer, your goal is not just to evaluate but also to make candidates feel comfortable. So, next time you’re in the interviewer’s seat, help them get comfortable—they’ll appreciate it! 🌟



Happy hiring, and may the test of your hiring process turn GREEN soon.

Hiring Talented Software Testers: Unraveling the Secrets to Effective Hiring

Appium Vs Cypress: Which is Better for Your Project?

TestCafe vs Playwright | Comparison & Which one to choose?

Leapwork vs Selenium | Comparison & Which is Better?

Imagine peeking through a semi-transparent box, able to glimpse the inner workings while focusing on the outside experience. That&#8217;s where Grey Box Testing comes in!



It is a technique that&#8217;s somewhere between the black box of blind users and the white box of code-savvy developers.&nbsp;



This approach can reveal hidden defects in code structure, data handling, and integration points, strengthening your software&#8217;s foundation.&nbsp;



Welcome to the grey zone, where having partial knowledge can lead to powerful results.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="602" height="391" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2024-04-22-at-11.59.48-AM.png" alt="Grey Box Testing- grey zone" class="wp-image-40952"/></figure></div>



 



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Grey_Box_Testing">1 What is Grey Box Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Objectives_of_Grey_Box_Testing">2 Objectives of Grey Box Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Grey_Box_Testing_Techniques">3 Grey Box Testing Techniques</a></li><li><a href="#Advantages_of_Grey_Box_Testing">4 Advantages of Grey Box Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Disadvantages_of_Grey_Box_Testing">5 Disadvantages of Grey Box Testing</a></li><li><a href="#The_Grey_Box_Testing_Process">6 The Grey Box Testing Process</a></li><li><a href="#Summary">7 Summary</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">8 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_the_difference_between_Grey_box_and_Black_box_testing">8.1 What is the difference between Grey box and Black box testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_an_example_of_Grey_box_testing">8.2 What is an example of Grey box testing?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-grey-box-testing">What is Grey Box Testing?</h2>



Grey box testing, which is also called Gray box testing, is a way to debug software and find out if there are any vulnerabilities. In this type of testing, the tester needs to learn more about how the part they&#8217;re testing works.&nbsp;



This differs from black box testing, where the tester doesn&#8217;t know anything, and white box testing, where the tester knows everything.



In these tests, the tester usually knows what&#8217;s inside an application but not exactly how everything works together. This ensures that testing is like what real attackers and users would do.



Grey box testing is best for checking web applications, testing how things work together, looking at things across different systems, testing business ideas, and checking how secure something is.&nbsp;



Testers and developers must stay separate to ensure fair test results when doing this kind of testing.



As you already know, Grey box testing combines black box and white box testing. You can automate entire black box testing using <a href="https://testsigma.com/qa-automation-tools">automation testing tools</a> like Testsigma.&nbsp;



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<h2 id="h-objectives-of-grey-box-testing">Objectives of Grey Box Testing</h2>



Grey box testing is one kind of <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software testing</a>. Here we can check the objectives of Grey Box Testing:



<ul><li>Unify strengths of Black Box &amp; White Box testing: Combine the user-centric perspective of Black Box with the internal knowledge of White Box to uncover diverse defects. </li><li>Improve overall software quality: Identify a wider range of bugs, including logic errors, data manipulation issues, and security vulnerabilities, leading to a more robust product. </li><li>Optimize testing efficiency: Reduce redundant testing by leveraging Black Box and White Box techniques, saving time and resources. </li><li>Enhance tester-developer collaboration: Bridge the gap between development and testing teams by fostering a shared understanding of the software&#8217;s internal workings and user experience. </li><li>Focus on user perspective: Ensure the software behaves as expected from the user&#8217;s standpoint, not just from the developer&#8217;s perspective.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-grey-box-testing-techniques">Grey Box Testing Techniques</h2>



Gray Box Testing Techniques:



<ul><li>Boundary Value Analysis: Test extreme values (minimum, maximum, invalid) for inputs and outputs to discover edge case bugs. </li><li>Equivalence Partitioning: Divide input data into categories with similar characteristics and test one representative value from each, ensuring coverage of different scenarios.</li><li>Error Guessing: Leverage knowledge of common software errors to design test cases that target specific vulnerabilities. </li><li>API Testing: Utilize knowledge of API specifications and data structures to test data flow and functionality within the software&#8217;s internal components. </li><li>State Transition Testing: Test the software&#8217;s behavior as it transitions between different states (e.g., login, logout, edit, save) to identify state-related bugs. </li><li>Security Testing: Combine knowledge of best practices and potential attack vectors with user-based testing to uncover security vulnerabilities.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-advantages-of-grey-box-testing">Advantages of Grey Box Testing</h2>



&nbsp;The advantages of Grey Box Testing are as follows: 



<ul><li>Unifies Black Box and White Box benefits: Combines the external user perspective with internal knowledge for wider bug coverage, including logic errors, data issues, and user interaction flaws. </li><li>Improves software quality: Enhances overall robustness by uncovering hidden functionality, architecture, and data flow vulnerabilities. </li><li>Optimizes testing efficiency: reduces redundant testing by leveraging both Black Box and White Box techniques, saving time and resources. </li><li>Enhances collaboration: bridging the knowledge gap by fostering communication and shared understanding between developers and testers. </li><li>Focuses on user experience: prioritizes user-centric testing, ensuring software behavior aligns with actual expectations.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-disadvantages-of-grey-box-testing">Disadvantages of Grey Box Testing</h2>



<ul><li>Requires domain expertise: Testers need functional and internal knowledge, potentially requiring additional training or experience. </li><li>Limited by available information: The extent of benefits depends on the level of internal information accessible to testers. </li><li>Can be time-consuming: Striking the right balance between Black Box and White Box exploration can take longer than pure Black Box or White Box approaches. </li><li>Might miss deep code logic issues: While effective for broad functionalities, Grey Box might not delve as deeply into complex internal logic as pure White Box testing. </li><li>Requires careful planning and execution: Defining the right mix of techniques and knowledge access needs precise planning to avoid redundancy or over-reliance on internal details. </li></ul>



🔮Just a heads up, there&#8217;s no one-size-fits-all approach to software testing.&nbsp;



It all depends on the software and development context. Grey Box testing can be excellent, but knowing its limitations and using it wisely is essential to get the best results.



Visit Testsigma&#8217;s website to explore the <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automation testing</a> process and its features and see how their platform can empower your Grey Box testing strategies, bringing efficiency, depth, and confidence to your software quality assurance.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="593" height="295" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2024-04-22-at-12.01.28-PM.png" alt="Grey Box Testing " class="wp-image-40954"/></figure></div>



 



<h2 id="h-the-grey-box-testing-process">The Grey Box Testing Process</h2>



Grey box testers usually have access to some basic information about the system under test, such as design documents, flowcharts, or source code snippets.



Here are the steps involved in the Grey Box Testing Process:



1. Requirement Analysis: In this step, the testing team analyzes the requirements of the software application to be tested. They also gather information about the system architecture and its components.



2. Test Planning: After analyzing the requirements, the team prepares a test plan that outlines the testing objectives, scope, and approach. They also identify the test cases to be executed, the testing environment, and the tools required for testing.



3. Test Case Design: In this step, the test cases are designed based on the requirements and the partial knowledge of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systems_architecture" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">system architecture</a>. The test cases are designed to validate the functionality of the software application.



4. Test Case Execution: The designed test cases are executed in the testing environment using the identified tools. The test results are documented, and defects are reported to the development team for fixing.



5. Defect Retesting: After the development team fixes the defects, the testing team performs defect retesting to ensure that the defects are resolved and do not recur.



6. Regression Testing: Regression testing is performed to ensure that the changes made to the software application do not affect the existing functionality.



7. Test Closure: After all the test cases are executed, the testing team prepares a test closure report summarizing the testing activities, including the defects found and resolved. The report is shared with the stakeholders, and the testing process is closed.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-summary">Summary</h2>



<p id="h-grey-box-testing-is-tricky-and-involves-some-domain-expertise-it-s-like-a-mix-of-black-box-and-white-box-testing-where-you-need-to-balance-things-out-it-can-take-some-time-and-require-some-deep-code-logic-skills">Grey box testing is tricky and involves some domain expertise. It&#8217;s like a mix of Black Box and White Box testing where you need to balance things out. It can take some time and require some deep code logic skills.&nbsp;



You have to plan and execute things carefully to avoid repeating the same stuff or relying too much on internal details.



<h2 id="h-frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



<h3 id="h-what-is-the-difference-between-grey-box-and-black-box-testing">What is the difference between Grey box and Black box testing?</h3>



The black box tests software &#8220;blindly&#8221; from the user&#8217;s perspective, while the grey box peeks inside, using limited internal knowledge to uncover deeper bugs.



<h3 id="h-what-is-an-example-of-grey-box-testing">What is an example of Grey box testing?</h3>



Picture this &#8211; you&#8217;re trying out an online store&#8217;s checkout process.&nbsp;



To test it out, you&#8217;d add items, put in different addresses, and double-check if you got a confirmation message. But if you had some knowledge about the backend database, you could do a &#8220;grey box&#8221; test.&nbsp;



What&#8217;s that? It&#8217;s when you push the limits and try to trigger errors or uncover issues with data handling. It&#8217;s like being an investigator and finding out what&#8217;s going on behind the scenes.

Grey box testing: Techniques, Process & Example

Code Freeze and its Relevance

In the fast-moving world of software development, where being innovative and ensuring top-notch quality is crucial, the key to success lies in the skills of the testing team. A good testing team works seamlessly, making sure every bit of code meets strict standards for how well it works, how reliable it is, and how safe it keeps users&#8217; data.&nbsp;



Every aspect, from strategic planning by leaders to the collaboration between testers and developers, is crucial for achieving top-notch software quality. Let us see and understand the skills and dedication that define a testing team ready for success in today&#8217;s ever-evolving software environment. Test Lead : The role of a Test Lead in driving quality assurance excellence is crucial within a software testing team. Test Leads are responsible for overseeing the testing process from start to finish, ensuring that every aspect of the software is thoroughly tested to meet quality standards. Below are a few of the role-specific responsibilities that lie on the test lead’s shoulder. Planning: They are typically involved in creating a best-suited plan for the project keeping all the aspects in consideration. They strategize on how testing resources will be allocated and how test coverage will be achieved. 



Coordinating: Test Leads coordinate testing activities among team members, ensuring that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. They manage schedules, prioritize tasks, and track progress to keep testing efforts on track. They also coordinate with the team members from other teams if necessary to smoothen the testing process. Accountability: Ultimately, Test Leads are accountable for the overall success of the testing process. They monitor the quality of test execution, identify and mitigate risks, and make decisions to optimize testing efficiency and effectiveness. Overall test Leads play a critical role in driving quality assurance excellence by meticulously planning, coordinating, and leading testing efforts, while also emphasizing the importance of leadership, communication, and collaboration skills in their role.



Test Manager :&nbsp; Test Managers are mainly responsible for orchestrating the strategic direction of quality assurance efforts across the organization. These are some responsibilities that a test manager will have to take over, depending on the team size. Resource Management : Test Managers are responsible for allocating resources effectively, including personnel, tools, and budgets. They must assess project requirements and allocate resources accordingly to optimize testing efficiency and productivity.



Quality Assurance Leadership: Test Managers provide leadership and guidance to their testing teams, fostering a culture of quality, excellence, and continuous improvement. They mentor team members, provide feedback, and facilitate knowledge sharing to enhance testing capabilities and expertise.



Reflecting on Project Goals:Test Managers play a critical role in aligning testing activities with the overall goals and objectives of each project. They collaborate closely with project managers, stakeholders, and development teams to ensure that testing efforts are synchronized with project timelines, milestones, and deliverables.



Overall, Test Managers serve as the linchpin of a high-performing testing team, leveraging their strategic vision, resource management skills, and quality assurance leadership to drive successful outcomes across multiple projects.



Core Responsibilities of Testers: Multifaceted Responsibilities:Testers are not limited to executing predefined test cases but have a range of duties crucial for ensuring software quality. These responsibilities extend to various aspects of the testing process, contributing significantly to the overall effectiveness of testing efforts.Testers participate in requirement analysis to understand the project&#8217;s goals, objectives, and user needs. Testers are involved in test planning and design, where they define test objectives, scope, and strategies. Testers play a crucial role in identifying defects and issues during the testing process. Testers collaborate with developers, product managers, and other stakeholders throughout the software development lifecycle.



Designing <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/automated-test-scripts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Automated Test Scripts</a>: Automation Test Engineers create and develop automated test scripts to simulate user actions and verify software functionality.These scripts automate repetitive test scenarios, enhancing testing efficiency and allowing testers to focus on more complex tasks.



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Implementing Automation Solution: Automation Engineers implement automation frameworks and tools to streamline testing processes and reduce manual effort.By leveraging automation solutions, they optimize test execution and improve overall testing efficiency.



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Effective Communication: Clear communication is essential for testers to convey their findings, report bugs accurately, and collaborate effectively with developers. Proper documentation of test results and bug reports facilitates smooth communication within the testing team and with other project stakeholders.



These points clearly offer a comprehensive insight into the diverse responsibilities of testers that extend far beyond the mere execution of test cases.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">The strength of the team is each individual member.The strength of each member is the team. &#8211; Phil Jackson</blockquote>



<h3 id="h-tester-developer-coordination">Tester-Developer Coordination:</h3>



The synergy between testers and developers is vital for ensuring the quality and reliability of software products. Effective collaboration between these two roles enhances bug identification, resolution, and overall software quality. Here are a few pointers on how testers and developers can work together collaboratively:



<ul><li>Testers and developers should be involved in the development process from the outset, collaborating on requirements gathering, design discussions, and implementation strategies.</li><li>Testers and developers should maintain open and transparent communication channels throughout the development process.</li><li>Regular meetings, stand-ups, and collaborative tools can facilitate real-time communication and information sharing between testers and developers.</li><li>Both testers and developers should actively promote a culture of collaboration within their teams and organizations.</li><li>Testers and developers should share ownership of software quality and collectively strive to deliver high-quality products to end-users.</li><li>Testers and developers should engage in pair programming and testing sessions, working together to write code and conduct tests simultaneously. This collaborative approach facilitates immediate feedback and ensures that code is thoroughly tested as it is developed.</li><li>Testers and developers participate in bug triage meetings to prioritize and address reported issues effectively. These meetings provide a forum for collaborative problem-solving, enabling testers and developers to work together to resolve defects efficiently.</li></ul>



By embracing these additional strategies for collaboration, testers and developers can strengthen their partnerships and drive continuous improvement in software quality. Their combined efforts foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.



Continuous Improvement :



Continuous improvement is all about finding ways to make things better, and testers play a crucial role in this process. Here&#8217;s how they contribute:



<ul><li>Testers should share their thoughts and experiences about testing processes, pointing out what works well and what could be improved.</li><li>Offering insights based on testing activities, identifying areas where processes could be streamlined or enhanced.</li><li>Whether it&#8217;s proposing new tools, techniques, or approaches, testers should actively contribute to brainstorming ways to improve the testing workflow</li><li>Testers should join retrospectives, where teams reflect on past projects and discuss what went well, what didn&#8217;t, and how to do better in the future.</li><li>Testers should actively participate in knowledge-sharing sessions, sharing best practices, tips, and techniques with their peers. By disseminating their expertise, they empower team members to enhance their skills and contribute more effectively to testing efforts.</li><li>Testers should advocate for the standardization of testing processes and methodologies across projects. They document successful practices and lessons learned, promoting consistency and efficiency in testing practices.</li><li>By providing feedback, suggesting improvements, and actively participating in retrospectives, testers help enhance overall team efficiency.</li><li>Their contributions lead to smoother workflows, better collaboration, and ultimately, higher-quality software products.</li></ul>



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In summary, teamwork is key to success in the fast-moving world of software development. Every team member, from planners to executors, plays a crucial role in ensuring software quality. Testers, supported by their multifaceted responsibilities and harmonious partnership with developers, serve as the cornerstone of this collective effort. Through continuous efforts towards enhancement and transparent communication, this collaborative attitude fosters a culture of excellence, guiding the team towards triumph in today&#8217;s ever-changing software arena.

The Anatomy of a High-Performing Software Testing Team

Cucumber vs JUnit: What are the differences

How to Write Test Cases for Notepad? [Sample Test Cases]

Autonomous testing is a new, developing technology that is gaining recognition in the field of software development, allowing teams to test their apps more easily and quickly. The usage of autonomous testing has grown in recent years. This testing method combines the capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Automation to create a cost-effective and efficient method of testing software applications. Organizations may cut expenses, increase quality, and ensure product release on schedule by employing autonomous testing.&nbsp;



However, for many beginners in this industry, autonomous testing may be a daunting process.&nbsp; In this blog article, we&#8217;ll define autonomous testing, discuss the benefits of adopting it, and discuss some frequent issues that come with it.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Autonomous_Testing">1 What is Autonomous Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Autonomous_Software_Testing">2 Autonomous Software Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Common_Challenges_Faced_When_Implementing_Autonomous_Testing">3 Common Challenges Faced When Implementing Autonomous Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">4 Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-autonomous-testing">What is Autonomous Testing?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/sYwN43tua9tG4EmpBhOgDLeWaokCqiD8CGdwDsqkamQGO-cA3lDk7Xyh9zF7270p2pH9w1A0R97CiFs_F-YrPX6D4G_nrpvc90DtKuElNaBQoOm3_mPG7iT4w5GtGMmkz2lYOkEjcwBOa5qo-aGAQnI" alt="Autonomous Testing" /></figure>



Autonomous testing is a type of software testing that is performed without human intervention. This form of testing is commonly utilized in the development of self-driving cars, drones, and other automated systems. Autonomous testing systems interact with an application and give a systematic assessment of its functionality and dependability by utilizing powerful artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and decision-making processes. The goal of autonomous testing is to reduce human involvement in the testing process while ensuring the accuracy and reproducibility of test findings. Also ensuring that the autonomous system is working properly and responding to its surroundings in an intended manner.



A few examples of Autonomous Testing are:



<ul><li>Image Recognition &#8211; This type of autonomous testing uses sophisticated algorithms to recognize images and compare them to a predefined set of known images. This is often used in self-driving cars to help ensure the accuracy of the car&#8217;s response in unpredictable conditions.&nbsp;</li><li>Voice Recognition &#8211; This technology involves a system that can recognize and identify individual voices and then determine what they are saying. This is used in modern home automation systems to recognize a specific user&#8217;s voice and then take action on the requested command.</li><li>Natural Language Processing &#8211; This technique uses machine learning to understand and recognize human language. Autonomous testing uses this technology in customer service chatbots, virtual assistants, and other natural language applications.&nbsp;</li><li>Robotics Testing: Robotics testing is an autonomous testing process that checks the physical interaction between the robot and its environment. This type of testing is used to test the safety, accuracy, and control of a robotic system.</li><li>Artificial Intelligence Testing: Artificial intelligence testing is an autonomous testing process that involves the use of computer algorithms to simulate and analyze the behavior of AI-powered applications. The testing process evaluates how an AI system can interact with its environment and respond to user input.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-autonomous-software-testing">Autonomous Software Testing</h2>



With the advancement of Test Automation technologies and methodologies, autonomous testing may now be utilized for software testing. It aids in automating the execution of test scripts, the analysis of results, and the optimization of test configurations. This testing method is frequently used for complicated, multi-layered applications and systems. Testers may readily find and isolate defects with autonomous testing, minimizing the need for manual involvement. This technology has the potential to increase the quality of software products, shorten the time to market, and lower the cost of software development.&nbsp;



Autonomous software Testing is gaining popularity because it enables businesses to test their applications, websites, and other digital goods rapidly and efficiently. It also contributes to ensuring that the items are in line with the most recent technological trends and standards. Organizations may further streamline their software testing process and ensure the best quality by employing machine learning techniques in Autonomous Testing.



Let’s see some implementation of Autonomous software testing:&nbsp;



1. AI-driven Test Automation: Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms may be used to develop automated tests that identify and record the problems in a system/application. <a href="https://testsigma.com/ai-driven-test-automation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI-driven test automation </a>can also assess data from several sources, identify flaws, and build tests to match the expected findings.



2. Regression Testing: <a href="https://testsigma.com/regression-testing/automated-regression-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Automated regression tests</a> scan the whole application for problems or defects caused by modifications(defect fixes/code builds) made recently. This form of autonomous testing is repeatable and critical for maintaining application quality.



3. Automated Performance Testing: Automated tests that determine the limits of an application’s performance to simulate heavy usage and check for any issues that may arise. Automated performance tests are usually carried out at the end of the development process to ensure that the application is ready for the end user.&nbsp;



4. Automated Security Testing: Security risks can arise during the design or usage of a system. To uncover software vulnerabilities and safeguard the system, autonomous security testing use techniques like fuzzing.&nbsp;



5. Visual testing: Automated visual tests may navigate a website&#8217;s user interface, capture screenshots, and compare them to reference photos to ensure that UI visual components are consistent and fulfill a set of predefined criteria. It verifies precision and conformity to design standards.



6. Low-Code and No-Code Automation Testing tools: Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning techniques are employed to create test cases in this example. These technologies assist engineers in automating tests without writing code or with fewer lines of code.



Benefits of Autonomous Testing&nbsp;



Autonomous testing can be used to test different types of software applications, from web and mobile apps to complex enterprise systems. It helps to identify functional problems, identify bugs, and provide an automated assessment of the application’s performance. The artificial intelligence algorithms and <a href="https://www.javatpoint.com/machine-learning-models" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">machine learning models</a> that are used can assess a variety of parameters and apply dynamic testing to applications. 



Let’s see the visible benefits of autonomous testing:



<ul><li>Cost Reduction: Autonomous testing helps reduce software testing costs due to automation, eliminating manual labor and improving efficiency. It also enables testers to catch any problems earlier in the life cycle, which saves time and money in the long run.</li><li>Improved speed &amp; efficiency: Autonomous testing can automate tests such as unit, integration, and system tests. This results in shorter test cycle durations and greater test efficiency.</li><li>Increased Quality and Accuracy: Automated testing can assist reveal flaws missed by human mistakes, improving test results&#8217; accuracy.&nbsp;</li><li>Faster time to market: Autonomous testing enables faster delivery times because the method is significantly more efficient than performing manual checks at times. This makes it easy to remain competitive in the market.&nbsp;</li><li>Improved Code Coverage: Autonomous tests may execute several/parallel tests in a short period, providing for more test coverage and higher product quality.</li><li>Improved Productivity: Autonomous testing allows testers to focus on testing new product features while providing end-users with new capabilities faster than ever before.</li><li>Iterative Testing: Autonomous testing may perform tests continuously throughout the development cycle, providing immediate feedback and modifications.</li><li>Improved scalability: Autonomous testing can easily be scaled up or down depending on the workload by changing its configuration. This allows testers to focus on other aspects such as improving product quality or focusing on high-priority tests.</li><li>Streamlined processes: Autonomous testing streamlines processes and eliminates redundant tasks by automatically creating, scheduling, and running tests as needed. This helps testers stay focused on more important tasks, reducing their workload significantly.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-common-challenges-faced-when-implementing-autonomous-testing">Common Challenges Faced When Implementing Autonomous Testing</h2>



Autonomous regression testing and functional Test Automation have the potential to radically change software testing, but they come with their own set of barriers. As companies progress toward autonomous testing, they encounter several difficulties.&nbsp;



We will go through some of the most typical issues encountered while implementing autonomous testing and how to solve them. We&#8217;ll look at everything from choosing the correct test cases to dealing with data privacy concerns for businesses to successfully use autonomous testing.



<ul><li>Testing Complex and Variable Environments: Autonomous testing needs a stable and predictable environment, frequently with little or no assistance for altering settings or situations. This might be challenging if the project environment changes frequently, necessitating additional effort to guarantee that tests are constantly updated.</li><li>Identifying/Creating appropriate test cases: Autonomous testing requires correct acceptance/rejection criteria. Identifying appropriate and reliable test cases is a difficult process that necessitates large resources and effort. To automate testing, thorough and realistic test cases that closely mirror real-world use cases must be created. This can be difficult and time-consuming.</li><li>Ensuring accuracy and reliability of tests: Since the tests are running without any manual involvement, it is critical to ensure their correctness and dependability. This includes ensuring that the test coverage is adequate, that the tests cover all relevant areas of the code, and make any necessary changes to the test cases.</li><li>Maintenance of tests: Autonomous testing is tricky and therefore requires routine maintenance. This is especially difficult if the code base changes regularly. As a result, it is critical to plan for any potential modifications and ensure that the tests are updated properly.</li><li>Securing test data: In autonomous testing, real-world data is routinely utilized. Keeping this data safe, hidden, and confidential, may necessitate more time and effort.</li><li>Maintaining and monitoring tests: Autonomous tests need ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure that they are working effectively and giving legitimate data. It might be tough to accomplish this efficiently and effectively.</li><li>Debugging and troubleshooting: Debugging and troubleshooting autonomous testing may be time-consuming and difficult. Furthermore, determining the root of an issue and how to resolve it might be challenging.</li><li>Adapting to the Organization: Autonomous testing works best when teams can agree on a set of best practices and rules. Organizations must be ready to invest resources in learning and implementing these technologies, as well as changing current procedures to accommodate them.</li><li>Adapting to evolving technologies:&nbsp; As technology evolves, it is vital to stay up with the most recent devices, platforms, and applications. Autonomous tests must be changed accordingly.</li></ul>



Best Practices for Implementing Autonomous Testing Successfully



Organizations can ensure that their autonomous testing efforts are successful and cost-effective in the long term by adhering to these best practices.



<ul><li>Define test requirements carefully: Test requirements have to be comprehended clearly. Prioritize the tests that can be automated and decide which ones need manual intervention.&nbsp;</li><li>Build a Strong Test Automation Team: When adopting autonomous testing, it is critical to have an experienced and well-rounded team that can manage the project with ease. Make sure that everyone on the team is familiar with the language and programs used for the testing.</li><li>Develop Comprehensive Test Strategies: Create a detailed test plan that covers all of the situations you want to test and identifies possible problems before the testing begins. A well-structured and well-thought-out test plan can assist you in determining the amount of automation you will require.</li><li>Train and monitor the algorithms: Provide training data to the algorithms and monitor their progress to ensure the accuracy of results.</li><li>Choose the Right Tool: Selecting a reliable <a href="https://testsigma.com/qa-automation-tools" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test automation tool</a> or framework is critical to the success of your autonomous testing efforts. Invest time and money in investigating the various possibilities and selecting a tool that is appropriate to the needs of your project. Choose a tool that is most suited to your development and testing procedures. Before making a purchase, read reviews and testimonials about the company and goods, and make sure you have comprehensive support from the seller.</li><li>Collaborate with developers: It is critically important that development and testing teams communicate openly. Developers can give vital insights into the technical specifics that testers need to know to construct automated tests quickly. To eliminate disagreements and provide a more effective testing process, establish communication and collaboration between the QA and development teams.</li><li>Establish Clear Metrics and KPIs: Any autonomous testing initiative&#8217;s success is dependent on creating clear and measurable benchmarks and KPIs. (Key Performance Indicators). Technical and business metrics should be included. Set them up in advance and track progress to maintain consistency.</li><li>Monitor the test results: Maintain constant monitoring of your system, keeping an eye out for changes in the environment that might alter test findings. For analysis purposes, the trend of the test results can be tracked.</li><li>Utilize Continuous Integration: One of the advantages of autonomous testing is that it allows for continuous integration between development and test automation. Continuous integration will allow for more frequent testing and more comprehensive coverage of the application under test.</li><li>Evaluate and Refine: Evaluate the results of the tests and refine your strategy as needed. Look for potential areas of improvement and adjust your approach as required. This iterative approach helps ensure that you are always up-to-date with the latest developments in automation.</li><li>Focus on agility: Autonomous testing can assist in offering faster feedback on application updates while also decreasing manual testing time. It can also assist the team in being flexible and responding quickly to changing situations and consumer demands.</li></ul>



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<h2 id="h-conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



Autonomous testing is an innovative technique that automates software testing by utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). This technique has the potential to significantly cut expenses while also improving software testing quality. Autonomous testing may be used to test a variety of applications, including web applications, mobile apps, and even embedded devices. It may also be used to test for regression, performance, and security. Autonomous testing is becoming a popular choice among firms searching for cost-effective solutions due to its capacity to decrease expenses, enhance quality, and boost efficiency in software development.



Autonomous testing is an excellent instrument for teams building software, allowing them to get faster, more accurate results with less work. Implementing autonomous testing may bring certain obstacles, but these may be handled by adhering to best practices and utilizing the appropriate tools.



Autonomous testing is the future of software testing, because of the availability of AI-powered solutions and the rising desire for quicker and more efficient testing. It doesn’t mean they replace testers. The goal of autonomous technology is not to destroy, much less replace, the human element. It is all about developing human potential. Today, we squander a lot of smart talent on mundane, manual activities.&nbsp;



People should be given greater opportunities to be creative. So, employ autonomous testing wisely.



Good luck with your autonomous testing!

A Beginner’s Guide to Autonomous Testing

Flaky tests, characterized by their unpredictable and intermittent nature, present a significant obstacle in the realm of software testing. These tests, which exhibit inconsistent behavior across test runs, can erode confidence in test results, disrupt development workflows, and hinder the delivery of high-quality software products.&nbsp;



In this case study, we delve into the journey of testing one of my customer’s products, as they grapple with the complexities of testing flaky tests and devise innovative strategies to mitigate their impact. Through their experiences, we aim to uncover valuable insights and best practices for addressing flakiness in software testing.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Background">1 Background:</a></li><li><a href="#Challenges">2 Challenges:</a></li><li><a href="#Solution">3 Solution:</a></li><li><a href="#Results">4 Results:</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">5 Conclusion:</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-background">Background:</h2>



Let’s name the customer as company Y. The company operates in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, developing cutting-edge software solutions for a diverse clientele. As part of their rigorous quality assurance processes, the company relies heavily on automated testing frameworks to validate the functionality and reliability of their software products. However, despite their best efforts, Company Y encountered persistent challenges related to flaky tests.&nbsp;



The <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/flaky-test/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flaky tests</a>, which exhibited sporadic failures across different test runs, posed a significant impediment to the effectiveness of their testing efforts. Flakiness not only introduced uncertainty and unpredictability into the testing process but also consumed valuable time and resources as testers struggled to discern genuine failures from transient anomalies. Moreover, the elusive nature of flakiness made it challenging for Company Y to identify and address the root causes effectively, exacerbating the problem and leading to delays in software releases.



<h2 id="challenges">Challenges:</h2>



The challenges faced by Company Y were multifaceted and profound.&nbsp;



<ul><li>Inconsistency: Flaky tests exhibit unpredictable behavior, causing them to pass or fail intermittently across different test runs. This inconsistency undermines the reliability of test results, making it challenging for testers to discern genuine defects from transient anomalies.</li><li><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/false-positive-and-false-negative/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">False Positives and Negatives</a>: Flaky tests often produce false positives and false negatives, further complicating the testing process. False positives, where a test erroneously fails, can lead to unnecessary investigation and debugging efforts, wasting valuable time and resources. Conversely, false negatives, where a test erroneously passes, can mask underlying defects, allowing them to go undetected and potentially manifest in production environments.</li><li>Time and Resource Consumption: Dealing with flaky tests consumes valuable time and resources, diverting attention away from productive testing activities. Testers spend significant effort investigating and re-running tests to determine the root causes of flakiness, delaying testing cycles and impeding progress.</li><li>Difficulty in Reproduction: Flaky tests are notoriously difficult to reproduce consistently, as their behavior may be influenced by various factors such as timing, concurrency, or environmental conditions. This makes it challenging for testers to isolate and diagnose the underlying causes of flakiness, hindering effective resolution.</li><li>Erosion of Trust: The presence of flaky tests erodes trust in the testing process and undermines confidence in test results. Stakeholders may become skeptical of test outcomes, leading to decreased faith in the reliability of the software being tested.&nbsp;</li><li>Impact on Release Timelines: Flaky tests can disrupt release timelines, causing delays in software delivery and impeding the achievement of project milestones. <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-failure-analysis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test failures</a> due to flakiness may trigger unnecessary rework and regression testing, prolonging the testing phase and delaying product releases.</li></ul>



As a result, Company Y faced mounting pressure to devise effective strategies for identifying, managing, and mitigating flakiness in their testing efforts.



<h2 id="solution">Solution:</h2>



In response to these challenges, Company Y embarked on a systematic approach to tackle flaky tests:



<ul><li>Test Environment Isolation: One solution to tackle flaky tests is to isolate test environments from external dependencies and fluctuations. By creating stable and controlled environments for testing, organizations can minimize the impact of external factors such as network latency, system load, and infrastructure changes on test results.</li><li>Retry Mechanisms: Implementing robust retry mechanisms can help mitigate the impact of transient failures in flaky tests. By automatically retrying failed tests a predetermined number of times, organizations can increase the likelihood of obtaining consistent and reliable test results, reducing false positives and negatives.</li><li>Test Data Management: Effective test data management is essential for addressing flaky tests caused by data variability. By ensuring consistent and standardized test data across test runs, organizations can minimize the likelihood of test failures due to data-related issues, such as missing or corrupt data.</li><li>Test Case Prioritization: Prioritizing test cases based on their criticality and frequency of flakiness can help organizations focus their efforts on the most impactful areas. By identifying and prioritizing high-risk test cases prone to flakiness, testers can allocate resources more effectively and address flakiness where it matters most.</li><li>Root Cause Analysis: Conducting <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Root_cause_analysis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">root cause analysis</a> is crucial for identifying and addressing the underlying causes of flakiness. By systematically investigating failed tests and analyzing their patterns and trends, organizations can pinpoint the root causes of flakiness and implement targeted solutions to mitigate them.</li><li>Continuous Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of test results and performance metrics can provide valuable insights into the prevalence and impact of flaky tests. By monitoring test execution trends over time, organizations can identify patterns of flakiness and proactively address emerging issues before they escalate.</li></ul>



<h2 id="results">Results:</h2>



The efforts of Company Y yielded significant improvements in their testing processes:



<ol><li>Reduction in Flakiness: Through targeted analysis and refinement, Company Y successfully reduced the incidence of flaky tests by 50%, enhancing the reliability of their testing efforts.</li><li>Increased Productivity: Automation and monitoring enabled Company Y to streamline their testing processes, freeing up valuable time for testers to focus on higher-value tasks and innovation.</li><li>Improved Software Quality: With fewer flaky tests and more reliable test results, Company Y achieved higher software quality and increased confidence in their releases, leading to greater customer satisfaction.</li></ol>



<h2 id="conclusion">Conclusion:</h2>



In conclusion, the case of Company Y demonstrates the importance of proactive strategies and systematic approaches in tackling flaky tests. By conducting comprehensive analysis, prioritizing refinement efforts, and leveraging automation and monitoring tools, organizations can mitigate the impact of flakiness and deliver higher-quality software products. As testers, let&#8217;s draw inspiration from Company Y&#8217;s journey and continue to innovate and refine our testing practices in the ever-evolving landscape of software development.



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Software Testing Case Study on Flaky Tests

Testsigma adds another feather to its achievements!



We are thrilled to announce that peer-to-peer review platform and software marketplace, G2 has named Testsigma a <a href="https://www.g2.com/reports/b0cb27ed-0060-4705-824a-df5ad24324b3/preview?tab=profile-testsigma" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Leader in Grid Report and Momentum Grid Report</a> for Automation Testing in their Spring 2024 report. The Leader quadrant highlights the products that are rated highly by the customers and have a significant market presence.&nbsp;



G2 acknowledges Testsigma as having high customer satisfaction with prime emphasis on quality of support and ease of use. It truly shows the love of customers and their confidence in Testsigma to support their automation testing journey.



Testsigma is a cloud-based test automation platform developed to reduce the load on testers by enabling them to create and run tests using natural language processing (NLPs) technology. The low-code capability of the tool makes it highly recommendable for enterprises of all sizes for automating their testing processes at scale.



Try Testsigma yourself!&nbsp;



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<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Our_Customers_Say_it_Better">1 Our Customers Say it Better!</a></li><li><a href="#What_Testsigmas_G2_Ratings_Mean_for_the_Test_Automation_Community">2 What Testsigma’s G2 Ratings Mean for the Test Automation Community?</a></li><li><a href="#About_G2">3 About G2</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-our-customers-say-it-better">Our Customers Say it Better!</h2>



Being acknowledged as a Leader by G2 shows our customer’s trust in us. And the Users Love Us badge further cements Testsigma as a customer-centric platform with focus on ease of setup and ease of use. We can’t be more proud to mention that 100% of our users believe that we are headed in the right direction.



Hear it from our customers!



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">Cloud services help us save resources and time, as all the services are user-friendly and easy to understand for new users. Testsigma is way better than other technology like Selenium for use. &#8211; Ganesh K.</blockquote>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">Users can handle the application with a minimum of training. This is a unique feature of testsigma. Test step grouping is one more unique feature that helps to reduce the time to develop new scripts. Customer support is also good. &#8211; Naveen Kumar B.</blockquote>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">I like that it already contains diverse enough actions to do automation, and if the action/function I need isn&#8217;t available, I have the option to import the code and add it to my test case. &#8211; Erickson M.</blockquote>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">All types of NLP are available here, and we can test both web and mobile applications. There is no need for different tools for different applications. All-in-one tool. &#8211; Anusha S.</blockquote>



<h2 id="h-what-testsigma-s-g2-ratings-mean-for-the-test-automation-community">What Testsigma’s G2 Ratings Mean for the Test Automation Community?</h2>



Last year, Testsigma was recognized as a <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/high-performer-in-g2-spring-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">High Performer in the Automation Testing category</a> by G2. This year, it has advanced to become a Leader in the same category.



The improvement shows how Testsigma has established a reliable and trustworthy position among its users. We are honored to know that our users love us for making their testing efforts worthwhile and driving value to their business.



The use of advanced NLP for test scripting, ability to integrate with several third-party applications, and the option to execute tests on 3000+ real-devices make Testsigma a definitive automation testing platform.



The added feature to perform data-driven testing and easily debugging facility empower testing teams to not only identify issues but also rectify them on the go.



This recognition shows how the testing industry is shaping up to adopt low-code practices that don’t just promise to deliver accurate results but also speed up the process. Testsigma is moving in the same direction to empower its users to deliver top-notch products in less time possible.



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<h2 id="h-about-g2">About G2</h2>



<a href="https://www.g2.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">G2</a> is a popular peer-to-peer review website and one of the most renowned marketplaces for software that releases review reports every three months. The report assesses software companies based on various parameters, including customer ratings, reviews, and scores given by verified G2 users.&nbsp;



The Leadership badge in G2 is awarded to enterprises that receive high customer ratings and carry a substantial market presence.

Testsigma Earns Leadership Position in G2 Spring 2024 Report

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Approval Testing | Benefits, How to Perform & Tools

Each year, aspirants enter the software industry through various roles. Software testing is one of these roles. If you are a beginner or planning to kick-start your career in software testing, this article will take you on a journey to some of the unknown and undiscussed aspects of this industry. We&#8217;ll also travel through the emotional aspects of software testing, exploring the stress, challenges, and strategies for staying sane in a high-stakes environment.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Testing_8211_An_Emotional_Activity">1 Testing &#8211; An Emotional Activity</a></li><li><a href="#Stress_Boosters_in_the_Software_Testing_World">2 Stress Boosters in the Software Testing World</a><ul><li><a href="#Work-Related_Factors">2.1 Work-Related Factors</a></li><li><a href="#Technology_Related_Factors">2.2 Technology Related Factors</a></li><li><a href="#Time-Related_Factors">2.3 Time-Related Factors</a></li><li><a href="#Communication_Factors">2.4 Communication Factors</a></li><li><a href="#Emotional_Factors">2.5 Emotional Factors</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Combating_Stress_with_Emotional_Intelligence">3 Combating Stress with Emotional Intelligence</a></li><li><a href="#Practical_Tips_8211_From_Experience">4 Practical Tips &#8211; From Experience</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-testing-an-emotional-activity">Testing &#8211; An Emotional Activity</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/kACeUAF71jxKVRiaYoAZywxgZSUz3K3B1L3yiXjW44XHwHHOLhkEVIWAnz455KfaI9zjavGFtyhQaa5JBa_ZT3ftdhX9A8LluA6h7XRgezfpwKZ8sqQyQaVQaQhec4cWVdChbyQlPg6eejVoLy54tA" alt="Testing - An Emotional Activity" /></figure></div>



So, if you are still wondering whether software testing is a stressful job?&nbsp;



Yes, it is.&nbsp;



In a competitive world, a lot of jobs come with stress and pressure.&nbsp;



So, what makes software testing different? Let&#8217;s look at some of the human aspects that touch the nerves of this profession, making it an emotional activity:



<ol><li>Time: Time pressure is a constant companion in the world of testing, amplifying the emotional toll of the job. As a testing professional, you will often find yourself with tight deadlines to test a new feature before it goes live. Every second counts as you race against time, ensuring that the product is stable and the user experience is seamless. Remaining calm and focused amidst the chaos is a trait, honed through experience and emotional intelligence.</li></ol>



<ol start="2"><li>Emotional Stress: Each bug discovered is a victory for software testers, but it also puts you in a situation where you are the messenger of bad news. When the whole team is cheering for the product to succeed, a tester celebrates finding critical issues in the product. This puts even the most seasoned testers into an emotionally stressful state.</li></ol>



<ol start="3"><li>Blame Game:&nbsp; In cases when critical failures are found in production, testers are often the first people getting hammered. The pressure to diagnose, resolve, and prevent such slippage can be overwhelming, leading to heightened stress levels among testers.</li></ol>



<ol start="4"><li>Team Differences: Testing is a team game, and like any team, differences in mindset, culture, and interests add a layer of complexity to the job.</li></ol>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Software testers always go to heaven; they’ve already had their fair share of hell.”– Anonymous</blockquote>



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<h2 id="stress-boosters-in-the-software-testing-world">Stress Boosters in the Software Testing World</h2>



Now that we&#8217;ve explored the emotional landscape of testing, let&#8217;s understand the various factors that contribute to stress in the software testing world.



Activity: Use the below factors to calculate your stress score at work. Add “+1” for every factor that you face in your day-to-day work. By the end of this section, we will calculate your testing stress levels.&nbsp;



<h3 id="work-related-factors">Work-Related Factors</h3>



<ol><li>High Expectations for Accuracy &amp; Coverage</li></ol>



Testing is not limited to writing test cases. It is also about ensuring comprehensive coverage and traceability reports. The pressure to leave no key aspect unchecked and untracked can be immense, leading to high stress levels.



2. Rigorous Attention to Identify Bugs



Testing requires a keen eye for detail and depth, as even the smallest oversight can lead to catastrophic bugs slipping through the gaps. High focus and attention lead to high stress levels.



3. Leaving No Stones Unturned



The fear of missing a critical area or variable in test design can keep testers up at night, driving them to push themselves.



4. High Stakes &amp; Impact on Missing Critical Issues



Today, the world runs on software. This raises the stakes and impact of missing critical issues. These things can have far-reaching consequences for both the product and as well as company&#8217;s reputation.



5. Project Complexity and Client Demands



Navigating complex projects with frequently changing / uncertain requirements or bleeding-edge technology needs can become a source of stress for testers. The situation aggravates when coupled with demanding clients who expect flawless execution amidst uncertainty.



<h3 id="technology-related-factors">Technology Related Factors</h3>



<ol><li>Keeping up with Continuous Learning Requirements</li></ol>



At present time, staying ahead of the curve requires testers to constantly upskill and expand their knowledge base, which is an overwhelming task.



2. Need for Adaptability to New Methodologies



As new methodologies and best practices emerge, like other tech workers, good testers need to be adaptable and willing to embrace change, adding another dimension of stress to the job.



3. Understanding Complex and Diverse Systems



Testing isn&#8217;t just about understanding the system from an end-user perspective; it&#8217;s also about navigating complex and diverse internal details of an application. This can be mentally taxing in certain projects.



<h3 id="time-related-factors">Time-Related Factors</h3>



<ol><li>Frequent Release Cycles Increasing Pressure</li></ol>



The pressure to deliver results quickly can lead to burnout among testers, especially when coupled with unplanned release cycles.



2. Managing Workload During Crunch Times



Shared testers among multiple projects lead to crunch times that can be stressful, as they&#8217;re tasked with juggling multiple deadlines simultaneously.



<h3 id="communication-factors">Communication Factors</h3>



<ol><li>Collaborating with Cross-Functional Teams</li></ol>



Testing involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, each with its priorities and objectives, leading to conflicts and misunderstandings.



2. Effectively Communicating Technical Issues



Documenting and communicating technical issues clearly and concisely can be challenging, especially when dealing with non-technical stakeholders. Lack of this skill can add to the stress levels.



3. Dealing with Conflicts and Differing Opinions



Conflicts and differing opinions are part of any team environment. Navigating these dynamics can be draining leading to cognitive dissonance for testers.



<h3 id="emotional-factors">Emotional Factors</h3>



<ol><li>Perception of Testing as a Less Prestigious Role</li></ol>



For most newcomers in the testing world, there is a common perception of testing being a less prestigious or useful role compared to development, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. While the perception is wrong, it can add to a lot of stress.



2. Sensitivity to Repetitive Tasks and Burnout



Testing can involve repetitive tasks, which can quickly lead to burnout if not managed effectively.



3. Experience and Skill Level



Junior testers may experience heightened stress levels due to a lack of experience and confidence in their abilities. Whereas, Senior testers may face stress from leadership responsibilities, such as mentoring junior team members and making high-stakes decisions.



Activity Analysis: If your score from the above activity is 8 or above, then you are working in a considerably stressful situation. To help you cope with stress, it is important to be conscious of your stress factors and find ways to reduce stress.&nbsp;



P.S. Seek professional help if you feel stuck in a high-stress environment.



<h2 id="combating-stress-with-emotional-intelligence">Combating Stress with Emotional Intelligence</h2>



In the previous section, we discussed various stressors as well as emotional factors that lead to stressful situations for software testers. Good emotional and personal management can help combat these stressful situations.&nbsp;



Let’s understand how can emotional intelligence (EI) help you combat stress.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/SaQdQ31phLybaIS0tI10Lwa50-EMwZApfA4uMi0oX4Ld4zUHvy0w-kz09LWj-yMmgAJUS7cjs-sgQb9w55O3kE-k7S6r9txIeH5AqQOttxI0cNL4sHK_r1l2zCRlWGl-y1UjgpJXLk4Boz6NYyPKgQ" alt="Combating Stress with Emotional Intelligence" /></figure></div>



So, what is Emotional Intelligence?&nbsp;



It is the ability to manage both your own emotions and understand the emotions of people around you.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>High Emotional Intelligence (EI)</td></tr><tr><td>Characteristics</td><td>Helps with</td></tr><tr><td>Self-Aware</td><td>Anger Management</td></tr><tr><td>Self-Managed</td><td>Negative Thoughts</td></tr><tr><td>Socially-Aware</td><td>Criticism &amp; Conflicts</td></tr><tr><td>Good at Negotiations</td><td>Pressure and workload management</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Here are some strategies to get better at your emotional management and raising your overall emotional intelligence:



<ul><li>Reflect on your own emotions. Ask others for perspective when in doubt.</li><li>When criticized, don&#8217;t take offense. Instead, ask &#8220;What can I learn or offer?&#8221;</li></ul>



Check out this article by Prashant Hegde about Hanlon Razor available on Testsigma blog to get better at this:<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/why-testers-should-embrace-hanlons-razor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Why Testers Should Embrace Hanlon&#8217;s Razor (testsigma.com)</a>



<ul><li>Use &#8220;The Pause&#8221;. Avoid reacting to things immediately. You can always choose to take a pause instead of reacting quickly. Taking a “pause” creates an opportunity to think and choose a better response.</li><li>Explore the WHY behind stressful situations.<ul><li>Why does this person (subordinate, customer, manager, or teammate) feel this way? </li><li>What are they dealing with that I don&#8217;t see?</li><li>Why do I feel different than them?</li></ul></li><li>Build social awareness &amp; social skills such as:<ul><li>Persuasion. Recommended read:<a href="https://www.satisfice.com/blog/archives/487452" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow"> Persuasion for Testers &#8211; Satisfice, Inc.</a></li><li>Influence. Recommended read:<a href="https://www.amazon.in/Secrets-Consulting-Giving-Getting-Advice/dp/0932633013" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> The Secrets of Consulting</a> </li><li>Negotiation. Recommended read:<a href="https://secretsofconsulting.blogspot.com/2006/05/yielding-to-pressure-vs-negotiating.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Yielding to Pressure vs. Negotiating</a></li><li>Leadership. Recommended read:<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/qa-lead-responsibilities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Leading Your QA Team to Success: Insights from a Head of QA (testsigma.com)</a></li><li>Conflict resolution &amp; Effective Communication. Recommended read:<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/effective-communication-for-testers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> How Testers Can Communicate Effectively in Today&#8217;s Business World (testsigma.com)</a></li></ul></li></ul>



<h2 id="practical-tips-from-experience">Practical Tips &#8211; From Experience</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/3w5kBzma79qq_cbJLtxb7DRVhIVgEXK6vPn9SDtfFulhDaB_H_OZMeJssRH6R1P4t9c5CxsosWpBGX_JCpCUestMQMpQQLlRC9CUBxAIFPCxcQOqnLIw6F1kIS8QAIFRbw5zQ4rXP49f_qU8tYipmQ" alt="Practical Tips - From Experience" /></figure></div>



Now that we&#8217;ve discussed the concept of emotional intelligence and how you can work towards raising your emotional intelligence, I want to share some practical tips from my own experience.&nbsp;



I use these tips as a periodic self-reminder in times of stress and crisis. It works!



<ul><li>Every day, you make a choice. Know that it’s always in your control to make a choice.</li><li>Plan for small steps instead of overnight changes.</li><li>Reconsider negative events from a positive perspective: Try to focus on the positive aspects.</li></ul>



Tip: Ask yourself &#8220;What is the opposite of it?&#8221; to formulate a positive statement



<ul><li>Talk about solutions instead of problems<ul><li>Incorrect❌: The reported defects often have missed essential info on how to reproduce it</li><li>Correct ✅: Our bug reporting guide can mention what information is necessary to understand and fix defects. We can share that with our team of testers.</li></ul></li><li>Use Socratic Questioning: i.e., Question the thoughts that contribute to your anxiety. Ask yourself:<ul><li>“Are my thoughts based on facts or feelings?”</li><li>“How would my customers see this situation?”</li><li>“How likely is it that my anticipated risks will come true?”</li><li>“What’s most likely to happen in case of failures?”</li><li>“If this goes wrong, will it still matter in a week? A month? A year?”</li></ul></li><li>Do regular exercise &amp; meditation: There is no golden rule for it. Everyone has their approach and preference. Do whatever works for you but find ways to:<ul><li>Move your body</li><li>Calm your mind</li><li>Avoid straining your body</li><li>Live an ergonomic lifestyle</li></ul></li><li>Remind yourself: You have to spend 40 years here with your career.</li></ul>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">”Don’t sweat the small stuff, it’s all small stuff”Richard Carlson</blockquote>



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“Without standards, there can be no improvement” &#8211; Taiichi Ohno, Japanese engineer and businessman



Software testing is essential for ensuring the reliability and quality of software products.&nbsp;



In this fast-evolving technological landscape, people are busy juggling multiple things, and it is essential to have a set of standards and processes in place to guide and govern the testing and development of the software. These standards and processes provide a framework for managing the entire software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering to post-release maintenance. They help ensure the software meets the desired functionality, performance, and user experience expectations.&nbsp;



In this blog, we will explore the importance of standards and processes in software testing, what are common standards, and how they contribute to the success of software testing projects.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Define_Software_Testing_Standards">1 Define: Software Testing Standards</a></li><li><a href="#Benefits_of_Software_Testing_Standards">2 Benefits of Software Testing Standards</a></li><li><a href="#How_do_you_find_software_testing_standards">3 How do you find software testing standards?</a></li><li><a href="#How_do_you_choose_software_testing_standards">4 How do you choose software testing standards?</a></li><li><a href="#How_do_you_apply_software_testing_standards">5 How do you apply software testing standards?</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">6 Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-define-software-testing-standards">Define: Software Testing Standards</h2>



Software testing standards are a set of guidelines and principles used to define and guide the process of software testing. These standards outline the strategies, procedures, methodologies, and best practices for testing software to ensure its quality, functionality, and performance. They also provide a foundation for creating and evaluating software testing processes, techniques, and tools. Some common software testing standards include ISO/IEC 29119, IEEE 829, and ISO/IEC 9126. Adhering to these standards can help organizations improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their software testing processes and ultimately deliver high-quality software products to customers.



Here is a brief guide to some of the key elements of software testing standards:



<ul><li>Test planning: This is the process of defining the scope, objectives, and approach to software testing.</li><li>Test case development: This is the process of creating test cases that will be used to test software.</li><li>Test execution: This is the process of running test cases against software.</li><li>Test analysis: This is the process of reviewing test results and identifying defects.</li><li>Test reporting: This is the process of communicating test results to stakeholders.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-benefits-of-software-testing-standards">Benefits of Software Testing Standards</h2>



Software testing standards are an important part of the software development process. They can help to improve the quality of software, reduce the risk of defects, and improve the efficiency of software testing.&nbsp;



If you are involved in software testing, it is important to be familiar with the software testing standards that apply to your project. This will help you to ensure that you are testing software effectively and that you are meeting the expectations of your stakeholders.



Software testing standards are important for several reasons. They can help in:



<ol><li>Increased Quality: Software testing standards offer guidelines, best practices, and recommendations for testing software, resulting in a more rigorous and comprehensive testing process. This, in turn, leads to higher-quality software with fewer defects.</li><li>Reduced Costs: Organizations may save time and money on rework and bug fixes by adhering to established testing standards and identifying and fixing issues earlier in the software development cycle.</li><li>Consistency: Testing standards ensure that every project and team member is uniformly executing testing. This produces outcomes that are more dependable and predictable, which facilitates problem-solving and replication.&nbsp;</li><li>Compliance: Many industries, such as healthcare, insurance, and finance, have regulatory requirements for software testing. Some regions/countries follow heavy privacy regulations when handling data. Adhering to recognized testing standards can help organizations demonstrate compliance with these regulations.</li><li>Better Communication: Testing standards provide a uniform language and framework for communicating testing operations and results. As a result, there are fewer miscommunications and mistakes among team members, stakeholders, and clients.</li><li>Risk Mitigation: Testing standards help identify potential risks and vulnerabilities in a software product, allowing organizations to address them before they become bigger problems. This reduces the likelihood of software failure or security breaches.</li><li>Improved Customer Satisfaction: Organizations can ensure that their software is thoroughly tested and meets or exceeds customer expectations by following testing standards. This leads to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.</li><li>Continuous Improvement: Software testing standards are updated and revised regularly to stay up with the latest developments in development techniques and technology. Organizations can stay up-to-date and continuously enhance their testing procedures by adhering to these standards.</li><li>Enhanced Efficiency: Organizations can boost productivity and efficiency by streamlining their testing efforts with standardized testing techniques and technologies.</li><li>Increased Confidence: By following recognized testing standards, organizations can have confidence in the quality and reliability of their software. This, in turn, can help build trust with customers and strengthen the organization&#8217;s reputation.</li></ol>



Commonly used Software Testing Standards:



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/649-hkRWR3WbeQMDkBxyND52tMzxAwG_WfwfR8VbTusS6ex7bibD_TQBe3aBquexBhuF0q4G3LqoNHc3RKnC90facgceoSq1f3aZx4pPMRkOBA6q76qpksVlhUbm6gl70qOrsJ16u4IRbygGSxCuS4k" alt="Commonly used Software Testing Standards:" width="800" height="800" /></figure></div>



Many different software testing standards are available, each with its own set of specific requirements. Some of the most common standards include:



<ul><li>ISO/IEC 29119: This international standard defines software testing processes, test documentation, and test techniques. It provides guidelines for test planning, test design, test execution, and test closure.</li><li>ISO 25000: A family of standards that guides <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/software-quality-management/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software quality management </a>and software testing.</li><li>IEEE 829: This standard specifies the structure and content of software test documentation, including test plans, test cases, and test reports.</li><li>ISO/IEC 25010: This standard focuses on quality characteristics and metrics for software products. It defines criteria for evaluating software quality attributes such as functionality, reliability, usability, and performance. Provide a common language for testers to communicate with each other.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-how-do-you-find-software-testing-standards">How do you find software testing standards?</h2>



There are a few ways to find and get yourself familiar with software testing standards:



<ul><li>Industry-specific standards organizations: Many industries have specific organizations that create and maintain standards for software testing. For example, the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (<a href="https://www.istqb.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ISTQB</a>) focuses on international software testing standards, while the American Society for Quality (ASQ) has standards for a variety of industries including software testing. Searching for and joining these organizations can provide access to their standards.</li><li>Conferences and events: Attend industry conferences and events related to software testing, where experts and professionals often share information and updates on the latest software testing standards.</li><li>Online resources: There are several websites and online resources, such as the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which provide information on software testing standards. The ISTQB, for example, has a public repository of its standards available for download. Additionally, many companies and organizations may publish their standards on their websites or make them available for purchase.</li><li>Professional networks: Networking with other software testing professionals can be a great way to learn about and access different standards. Attending industry conferences, joining online forums or groups, and connecting with other professionals on platforms like LinkedIn can provide valuable insights and resources.</li><li>Community forums and discussion boards: Join software testing community forums and discussion boards, where members often discuss and share information about software testing standards.</li><li>Training and certification courses: Many training and certification courses in software testing cover different standards and best practices. These courses can be a helpful resource for learning about and implementing standards in your testing process.</li><li>Industry publications: Subscribe to relevant industry publications, such as software testing magazines and journals, which often feature articles and updates on software testing standards.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-how-do-you-choose-software-testing-standards">How do you choose software testing standards?</h2>



Every organization/project has peculiar needs, so based on that, we need to choose the standard. Let’s explore what are the common factors to think about before deciding on the testing standard.



<ol><li>Identify business and project goals: The first step in choosing software testing standards is to identify the business and project goals. This will help determine the scope, objectives, and requirements for testing.</li><li>Deep Understanding of the domain: It is important to understand the industry/domain in which the software is developed and used. This will help in understanding the best practices and standards that are commonly followed in the industry.</li><li>Review regulatory requirements: Regulations or standards that must be adhered to may vary depending on the type of software. These should be examined and taken into account when selecting testing standards.</li><li>Determine the level of risk: Selecting the right testing standards will also depend on how risky the program is. Stricter testing guidelines could be needed for software that has a higher risk.</li><li>Consider the type of software/application: The kind of software — web, mobile, or business software, for example—will also influence whether testing standards are appropriate.</li><li>Evaluate available testing standards: Many testing standards are available, including IEEE, ISO, and ISTQB standards. It is crucial to assess these standards and select the one that most closely matches the objectives and specifications of the project.</li><li>Analyze the team&#8217;s skills: It&#8217;s important to take into account the testing team&#8217;s qualifications and experience. It could be simpler to apply a certain testing standard if the team is already familiar with it.</li><li>Determine the budget and resources: The choice of testing standards will also be influenced by the testing resources and budget. Certain standards could call for certain equipment and supplies, which might not be available for the project.</li><li>Discuss with industry experts and other stakeholders: When selecting testing standards, it&#8217;s critical to have counsel and direction from seasoned professionals, industry experts, and project stakeholders. Based on their experience, they can offer insightful advice.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-how-do-you-apply-software-testing-standards">How do you apply software testing standards?</h2>



“What gets measured, gets improved” &#8211; Peter Drucker, Austrian-American consultant and educator.



<ol><li>Familiarize yourself with software testing standards: The first step is to understand the various software testing standards and familiarize yourself with the standards and their requirements to ensure successful implementation.</li><li>Analyze your software testing process: Assess your present testing procedure and determine its advantages and disadvantages. This will assist you in identifying the standards that apply and need to be followed.</li><li>Define testing objectives: Establish precise goals for your testing and ascertain whether software testing standards correspond with them. This will assist in guaranteeing that your testing procedure is concentrated on accomplishing certain goals.</li><li>Detailed Test Plan: Create a thorough test plan that lists all of the tasks, activities, and resources required to satisfy software testing requirements.</li><li>Document the testing process: Record every step of the testing process, including the test cases, outcomes, and defects. To maintain consistency and traceability, this documentation should abide by the standards&#8217; requirements.</li><li>Ensure compliance: Make sure your testing process is in compliance with the requirements by conducting routine reviews and audits. This will assist in locating any gaps or areas in need of development.</li><li>Implement tools and techniques: To increase the efficacy and efficiency of the testing process, software testing standards frequently suggest certain tools and techniques. Examine these choices and take appropriate action as needed.</li><li>Train your team: It is essential to train your team on the software testing standards and guidelines to ensure they understand and adhere to them during the <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/test-process/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">testing process</a>.</li><li>Continuously improve: Assess your testing procedure on a regular basis to find opportunities for improvement. To guarantee ongoing progress, incorporate suggestions and lessons discovered into the next testing cycles.</li><li>Stay updated: Keep yourself updated with the latest developments in software testing standards to ensure that your testing process remains up-to-date and effective.&nbsp;</li><li>Communicate to all stakeholders: Once the standards have been chosen, it is important to document them and communicate them to all stakeholders. This will ensure everyone is on the same page and follows the same standards.</li></ol>



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<h2 id="h-conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



If you are involved in software testing, it is important to be familiar with the software testing standards that apply to your project, because it varies depending on the specific project and the organization. This will assist you to ensure that you are testing software effectively and that you are meeting the expectations of your stakeholders.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Testing standards play a vital role in ensuring the quality and success of software projects. By following these standards, organizations can establish consistent testing practices, improve efficiency, and deliver high-quality software that meets customer expectations. Embracing software testing standards is essential for any development team looking to enhance their testing processes and produce reliable software products.



P.C: Freepik

What are Software Testing Standards?

Software testing is an important process in the software development life cycle where a product or an application is completely tested against the given requirements. The purpose of this process is to produce a product that is reliable and functional and works correctly.  Software testers raise bugs if there are any deviations or errors in the software. In software testing, the product or the application being tested is called the test object. 



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_a_Test_objectnbsp">1 What is a Test object?&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#Why_are_Test_objects_importantnbsp">2 Why are Test objects important?&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#Test_objects_in_a_Test_Plan">3 Test objects in a Test Plan</a></li><li><a href="#Types_of_Test_objects">4 Types of Test objects</a></li><li><a href="#Test_object_example_of_a_webshop">5 Test object example of a webshop</a></li><li><a href="#nbspHow_do_you_create_a_test_object">6 &nbsp;How do you create a test object?</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">7 Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">8 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_a_test_basis">8.1 What is a test basis?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_the_difference_between_a_test_object_and_a_test_item">8.2 What is the difference between a test object and a test item?</a></li><li><a href="#What_are_test_objects_in_codeless_testing">8.3 What are test objects in codeless testing?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-a-test-object">What is a Test object?&nbsp;</h2>



Test object in software testing is the application or the system being tested. The test object can be the entire system or a module of that system. It can also be a line of code being tested.Test objects are the elements of a system that are tested to ensure that the system functions as per the given requirements. It is important to test these test objects to ensure the system’s reliability and productivity.



<h2 id="h-why-are-test-objects-important">Why are Test objects important?&nbsp;</h2>



Here are some of the key points to highlight the importance of test objects.



<ol><li>Each method or function at unit level represents test objects. Testing them at this stage, helps in early detection of defects and thus produces a stable software.</li><li>Test objects are also used in <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Automation testing</a>. This testing is preferred when there are a large number of test objects or when tests are to be repeated multiple times.</li><li>APIs and modules represent test objects at integration level. Testing a seamless interaction between these objects detects any deviations.</li><li>During regression testing, previously tested components , features and fixed bugs become the test objects. This makes sure that the changes are not affecting the stability of a software.</li><li>For security testing, components with respect to authentication, data encryption, and authorization become important test objects. It is vital to ensure security of these components.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-test-objects-in-a-test-plan">Test objects in a Test Plan</h2>



Test plan is a document that serves as a roadmap for testing a software. It provides the approach, objectives, resources, scope, and schedule for testing the software. It helps the test team to understand how to test to ensure the stability and quality of the software.&nbsp;



In a test plan, test objects are the entities or the components that are targeted for testing. Test objects in a test plan ensure that all aspects of the software are thoroughly tested. Here are the steps on how the test objects are incorporated in a test plan-



<ol><li>Test plan should first identify the test objects to be tested. It can be methods, components, modules, databases, and so on based on the type of testing.</li><li>Assigning the identified test objects to specific team members for testing. This gives clarity on who is testing which component.</li><li>Deciding the type of test required for all the test objects.</li><li>Identify the high-risk test objects and prioritize their testing. Also, identify the interactions between the test objects to test.</li><li>Ensure that all the test objects and their dependencies are tested. And all the test criteria are met.</li><li>Report all the details of the test objects. Document all the test details for reference.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-types-of-test-objects">Types of Test objects</h2>



In software testing, test objects are components or modules within a software system that are subject to testing. These objects vary depending on the type of testing being conducted. Here are some of the types of test objects-



<ol><li>Websites as test objects&nbsp;</li></ol>



Websites act as test objects when web applications or online services are being tested. Websites are tested for functionality, stability and performance across different devices and browsers. <a href="https://testsigma.com/website-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Website Testing</a> includes verifying all the links, testing different functionalities, performance testing and security testing.



<ol start="2"><li>Mobile apps as test objects</li></ol>



Mobile apps act as test objects for testing mobile applications. Mobile apps as test objects are tested for their performance and functionality as per requirement. They are also tested to check their performance across different devices and operating systems.



<ol start="3"><li>Internet of Things and Wearables as test objects</li></ol>



Internet of Things and Wearables are tested for their performance, user experience, security, and functionality. Functionality testing includes testing sensors, communication, and actuators. Security testing includes testing access control, data encryption, and authentication methods.



<ol start="4"><li>Games as test objects</li></ol>



Testing games include testing their performance across various platforms, such as laptops, browsers, operating systems, and mobile applications. They are also tested to be user-friendly, engaging, and easy to use.&nbsp;



<ol start="5"><li>Chatbots and Virtual Assistants as test objects</li></ol>



Chatbots and Virtual Assistants are applications of artificial intelligence and natural language processing technologies. Evaluating their performance, usability, accuracy, and natural language processing capabilities is a part of testing these applications.



<ol start="6"><li>SaaS category test objects</li></ol>



Software as a Service(SaaS) is a cloud-based model where security, scalability, performance, and functionality are tested. <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-api-endpoints/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testing of API endpoints</a>, request and response formats, data formats, and error handling are a part of testing.



<h2 id="h-test-object-example-of-a-webshop">Test object example of a webshop</h2>



A webshop, commonly known as an e-commerce website or an online store, is a digital platform where businesses sell their services or products over the internet. This platform facilitates its users to browse, select and buy their products virtually, without physically visiting a store. The advantage here is the increased accessibility and the reach to global audiences. In a webshop, test objects are its functionalities and components that are tested to make sure they work as per requirement. Some of the test objects in a webshop are-



<ol><li>Search and filter options to ensure the products are easily accessible to users.</li><li>Add or remove from cart, increase or decrease the number of products, wishlist, and add coupons while checkout.</li><li>Checkout process, Payment window, and interaction between the app and payment applications.</li><li>Customer support windows such as the live chat, emails and contact forms.</li><li>User registration and verification mechanisms, security of sensitive user and payment information, and access controls.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-how-do-you-create-a-test-object">&nbsp;How do you create a test object?</h2>



Creating a test object in manual testing includes the following steps-



<ol><li>Identifying the components to test &#8211; based on the requirement given and functionalities to test.</li><li>Create test cases to test these components. Ensure that the test cases cover all possible aspects of a component.</li><li>Formulate the valid inputs for each test case and execute the test cases.</li><li>Record the test case results and analyze them against the given requirements.&nbsp;</li><li>Report bugs for the cases where there is a deviation from the given requirement.</li></ol>



Creating a test object in automation testing includes the following steps-



<ol><li>Analyze the application to be tested and identify the components of the application that are to be tested.</li><li>Selection of an automation tool that is suitable for the said application and has all the necessary features. Testsigma is a tool that can be used for automation.</li></ol>



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<ol start="3"><li>Represent the test object locators by using the right syntax and methods in the automation tool. The test object locators are the unique identifiers such as ID, name, class, and so on.&nbsp;</li><li>Create the test objects by defining functions and methods for common actions.</li><li>Implement and execute the test scripts in the tool. Monitor the tests and report any bugs.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



Test objects act as the basic entities in software testing allowing the testers to analyze the functionality, performance, security, and scalability of a software.&nbsp;



Irrespective of manual testing or automation testing, test objects are the vital components that represent the components that are to be tested against the given requirement.



<h2 id="h-frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



<h3 id="what-is-a-test-basis">What is a test basis?</h3>



It is a document or a set of requirements that form the basis for creating test cases. It provides the information to design, create, and execute test cases.



<h3 id="what-is-the-difference-between-a-test-object-and-a-test-item">What is the difference between a test object and a test item?</h3>



Test object represents a specific component that is being tested, whereas test item is an entity that includes the test object along with test documents, artifacts, requirements, and other related items.



<h3 id="what-are-test-objects-in-codeless-testing">What are test objects in codeless testing?</h3>



<a href="https://testsigma.com/codeless-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Codeless testing</a>  also called as no code testing, is a process where tests are created and automated without writing any code. Test objects, in this case, are the components that are selected, validated, and interacted with during the automated test process.

Test objects in software testing | Types & How to Create it?

Since COVID struck, online examination systems have become pivotal in efficiently assessing the knowledge and skills of exam takers without compromising their health. Crafting effective test cases for these systems is pivotal to ensuring their reliability, security, and functionality, be it for educational institutes or organizations.



From verifying user authentication processes to validating question randomization algorithms, each <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/what-is-test-case/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test case</a> plays a crucial role in guaranteeing the seamless operation of examination platforms. Let&#8217;s look at the comprehensive list of test cases that address online examination systems&#8217; diverse functionalities and user roles.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_an_Online_Examination_System">1 What is an Online Examination System?</a></li><li><a href="#Basic_Scenarios_for_Online_Test_System">2 Basic Scenarios for Online Test System</a></li><li><a href="#Test_Scenarios_for_Setting_Exam_Functionality">3 Test Scenarios for Setting Exam Functionality</a></li><li><a href="#Online_Examination_System_Test_Cases_For_Students">4 Online Examination System Test Cases For Students</a></li><li><a href="#Test_Case_For_Online_Examination_System_For_Teachers">5 Test Case For Online Examination System For Teachers</a></li><li><a href="#Negative_Test_Cases_for_Online_Examination_System">6 Negative Test Cases for Online Examination System</a></li><li><a href="#Can_We_Automate_Test_Cases_for_Online_Examination_Systems">7 Can We Automate Test Cases for Online Examination Systems?</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Automate_Test_Cases_for_Online_Examination_Systems">8 How to Automate Test Cases for Online Examination Systems?</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">9 Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">10 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_are_the_testing_types_to_automate_test_cases_for_online_examination_systems">10.1 What are the testing types to automate test cases for online examination systems?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Suggested_Reading">11 Suggested Reading</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-an-online-examination-system">What is an Online Examination System?</h2>



An online examination system is a digital platform that administers, conducts, and evaluates exams over the Internet. It provides a convenient and scalable solution for educational institutions, recruitment agencies, and corporate entities to remotely assess candidates&#8217; knowledge, skills, and aptitude. Moreover, they streamline the entire examination process, from registration and scheduling to result dissemination, thereby saving time, resources, and manpower.



Benefits for organizations:



<ul><li>Facilitates the seamless conduct of entrance tests for skills certifications.</li><li>Enable the efficient evaluation of job applicants through aptitude tests, technical assessments, and psychometric evaluations.</li><li>Saves time and resources in collecting and collating the papers.</li><li>Offers better security and leak-proof management.</li></ul>



Read here more on <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-cases-for-banking-application/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test Cases for Banking application</a>



Benefits for students:



<ul><li>Enables candidates to take exams from any location with internet connectivity, eliminating geographical constraints.</li><li>Provides instant feedback and scores on objective-type questions.</li><li>May allow them to review their final answers.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-basic-scenarios-for-online-test-system">Basic Scenarios for Online Test System</h2>



This list of online examination system test cases consists of all the basic tests to run before moving on to checking more complex functionalities. You can follow these <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-case-template/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test case templates</a> to create the below tests.



<ul><li>Test user registration and authentication.</li><li>Test creation of exam templates and allocation of exam duration.</li><li>Check the configuration of exam rules and regulations.</li><li>Check if all the candidates are seeing the right paper and questions.</li><li>Validate that the exam is loading and opening properly and the timer is correct.</li><li>Test the email notifications for exam invitations.</li><li>Check the logos, icons, figures, and similar media sections in the exam.</li><li>See if the online examination system is able to handle interruptions, such as internet disconnection or power outages.</li><li>Ensure that only valid users/students can access the exam material.</li><li>Check if the system shows the correct details under different sections, i.e., profile, exam settings, score, dashboard, etc.</li><li>Check the integrations with external or third-party systems.</li><li>Test that only the users with valid credentials can access the settings page.</li><li>Test the forgot password functionality.</li><li>Validate that users can only access the examination paper and score they took.</li><li>Check if all the links and buttons before and after logging into the system are working properly.</li><li>Validate that user input is taken correctly by the system and not changed in the backend.</li><li>Test if examiners see the right answer sheets as given by the users.</li><li>Verify different exam formats, i.e., objective and subjective.</li><li>Verify different functions during the ongoing exam, i.e., timer, previous questions, next question, submit, re-check, skip, and more.</li><li>Check that the score is calculated accurately, including negative markings, if any.</li><li>Check if the exam automatically stops when the timer is up.</li><li>Verify if the results, in percentage of grade, are converted and displayed correctly on the platform for different users.</li></ul>



If you want to validate user authentication and registration test cases, read our blog on <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-cases-for-registration-page/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">registration page test cases</a>.



<h2 id="h-test-scenarios-for-setting-exam-functionality">Test Scenarios for Setting Exam Functionality</h2>



Settings are one of the most important sections of holding an online exam via systems. Any updates or changes in system settings drastically change the examination direction.



<ul><li>Verify the ability to create new exam templates with different question formats (multiple-choice, essay, etc.).</li><li>Validate the option to set exam duration and timer functionalities.</li><li>Test the functionality to add, edit, or remove questions from the question bank.</li><li>Ensure proper handling of question randomization and shuffling.</li><li>Validate the configuration of passing criteria and grading scales.</li><li>Test the feature to assign exam supervisors or invigilators.</li><li>Validate the implementation of question-level feedback or hints.</li><li>Test the integration with plagiarism detection tools for essay-type questions.</li><li>Verify the ability to import/export exam templates and question banks.</li><li>Test the functionality to schedule exams at specific dates and times.</li><li>Validate the option to set up prerequisites or eligibility criteria for exams.</li><li>Test the feature to configure exam notifications and reminders for candidates.</li><li>Test the functionality to enable/disable exam retakes and revisions.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-online-examination-system-test-cases-for-students">Online Examination System Test Cases For Students</h2>



<ul><li>Verify successful login with valid credentials.</li><li>Test user authentication mechanisms (e.g., two-factor authentication).</li><li>Ensure proper display of exam schedule and details.</li><li>Validate the ability to start and resume exams within the allotted time frame.</li><li>Test navigation controls within the exam interface (e.g., next, previous, skip).</li><li>Verify the functionality to answer different types of questions (multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, etc.).</li><li>Test the timer functionality and countdown display.</li><li>Validate the submission process and confirmation message.</li><li>Test for automatic submission when the time limit is reached.</li><li>Verify the display of exam results upon submission.</li><li>Test the option to review answers and change responses before submission.</li><li>Test for compatibility across various devices and screen sizes.</li><li>Verify proper handling of interruptions (e.g., internet connectivity issues).</li><li>Validate the option to flag questions for review.</li><li>Test the display of progress indicators and remaining time.</li><li>Verify the prevention of unauthorized access or cheating attempts.</li><li>Test the logout functionality and session management.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-test-case-for-online-examination-system-for-teachers">Test Case For Online Examination System For Teachers</h2>



<ul><li>Verify login functionality for teachers/administrators.</li><li>Test user authentication mechanisms and role-based access controls.</li><li>Validate the ability to create new exams and exam templates.</li><li>Test the option to customize exam settings and instructions.</li><li>Verify the functionality to add, edit, or remove questions from the question bank.</li><li>Test the configuration of grading and scoring criteria.</li><li>Validate the feature to schedule exams and set deadlines.</li><li>Verify the option to monitor exam sessions in real-time.</li><li>Validate the display of exam results and analytics.</li><li>Test the option to download or export exam data and reports.</li><li>Verify the implementation of data privacy measures for student information.</li><li>Test for compatibility with external learning management systems (LMS).</li><li>Verify the ability to review and moderate exam submissions.</li><li>Validate the option to provide feedback and grades to students.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-negative-test-cases-for-online-examination-system">Negative Test Cases for Online Examination System</h2>



<ul><li>Attempting to log in with invalid credentials and ensuring proper error handling.</li><li>Testing the system&#8217;s response to multiple simultaneous login attempts from the same user account.</li><li>Trying to access exam pages without proper authentication.</li><li>Submit incomplete or blank answers and verify the system&#8217;s response.</li><li>Attempting to navigate away from the exam page during an ongoing session.</li><li>Testing the system&#8217;s behavior when encountering network disruptions or server errors during an exam.</li><li>Submit answers after the exam time limit has expired and check if the system accepts or rejects them.</li><li>Trying to manipulate exam URLs or parameters to access unauthorized sections or content.</li><li>Attempting to upload files with unsupported formats during the exam.</li><li>Trying to bypass question randomization algorithms to view questions out of sequence.</li><li>Testing the system&#8217;s response to excessively long or complex user inputs.</li><li>Verifying the system&#8217;s ability to detect and prevent cheating behaviors such as copying from external sources or using unauthorized aids.</li></ul>



We have covered the majority of test cases and scenarios for you to build upon. Run a <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-case-review/">test case review</a> and start thinking about which one would require manual execution and which ones you can automate.



<h2 id="h-can-we-automate-test-cases-for-online-examination-systems">Can We Automate Test Cases for Online Examination Systems?</h2>



It is possible to automate online examination systems test cases. Automation can significantly streamline the testing process, improve efficiency, and ensure consistent test coverage. Many aspects of online examination systems, such as user authentication, exam navigation, question randomization, and submission handling, lend themselves well to automation. Automation enables the execution of repetitive test cases with minimal manual intervention. These <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/test-cases-for-manual-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test cases for manual testing</a> might be of help to you.



The use of <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-automation-frameworks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated testing frameworks</a> and tools offer the capability to simulate user interactions, validate system responses, and detect anomalies or deviations from expected behavior. Moreover, you can use data-driven testing and parameterization to automate the execution of test cases across different environments and configurations.



<h2 id="h-how-to-automate-test-cases-for-online-examination-systems">How to Automate Test Cases for Online Examination Systems?</h2>



Suppose you have to test the scenario by submitting exam answers. It includes selecting the answer in objective type format or typing the answers in subjective type and clicking on ‘Submit’ before moving to the next question. This is a highly repetitive process, automating which will save time and labor.



Let’s see how you can do it with Testsigma.



<ul><li>Create a new test case to run the online examination system. Read how to create test cases in Testsigma.</li><li>Either create the test steps manually or use the record and playback option to capture the steps. In this case, we will log into the online examination system, attempt to submit an answer, and click on Submit after that.</li><li>Verify that the user can successfully submit and finalize their answers without encountering any issues.</li></ul>



 <button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Explore Testsigma to automate your end-to-end tests for an online examination system</a></button> 



The tool supports <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-web-application-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">web application automated testing</a>, mobile and API testing, and cross-browser testing on its platform.



Check out more features of <a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma</a>



<h2 id="h-conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



Many organizations conduct online exams to assess their candidates’ skills. Almost all of them rely on a platform to create, manage, and administer such examinations. Only the systems that provide easy access, intuitive UI, and no learning curve are favorites of many. That’s when testing these platforms comes in handy. And that’s when this blog is useful in performing test cases necessary for validating an online examination system.



<h2 id="h-frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



<h3 id="h-what-are-the-testing-types-to-automate-test-cases-for-online-examination-systems">What are the testing types to automate test cases for online examination systems?</h3>



There are multiple testing types to automate for online examination systems test cases. Normally, it includes functional testing, usability testing, security testing, performance testing, and compatibility testing.



<h2 id="h-suggested-reading">Suggested Reading</h2>



<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/calendar-test-cases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Calendar Test Cases</a>



<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-cases-for-banking-application/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test Cases for Banking application</a>



<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-case-for-captcha/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test Cases for Captcha</a>



<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-cases-for-hospital-management-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test Cases for Hospital management system</a>



<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-cases-for-instagram/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test Cases for Instagram</a>

How to Write Test Cases for Online Examination Systems?

What is SSO testing and How to Perform it?

What is a Test Double? | Types & Best Practices

How to Write Test Cases For Instagram?

How to Write Test Cases for Hospital Management System

Calabash VS Appium: Which One is Better?

How To Write Calculator Test Cases With Sample Test Cases

How To Write Calculator Test Cases? With Sample Test Cases

Last few years, I have been reading and writing a lot on sustainability with performance and resilience testing. I already published 6+ articles and presented in couple of international conferences on this intense topic.&nbsp;



Organizations are now getting matured after digital transformations and already aware of the facts that performance and resilience testing assists in sustainability in below 2 ways:



<ul><li>First, by making the application or websites faster (if application is faster, then it uses less data to serve the request and eventually it will generate less carbon to the environment)</li><li>Second, by optimizing the server resources (if server resources are optimized, then it consumes less energy which is better from sustainability perspective)&nbsp;</li></ul>



Organizations are also leveraging the benefits of cloud computing for cost savings as well as for sustainability. As a next step, organizations are now thinking about how they can uplift their performance testing process for better sustainability and less cost (in addition with ensuring enhanced end-user experience and confirming consistency).&nbsp;



In this blog, I will talk about my personal perspective on the matured performance and resilience testing for improved sustainability post-digital transformation along with continuous FinOps activities.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#While_Digital_Transformation">1 While Digital Transformation:</a></li><li><a href="#Post_Digital_Transformation">2 Post Digital Transformation:</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">3 Conclusion:</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="while-digital-transformation">While Digital Transformation:</h2>



In my earlier LinkedIn blog, I talked about organizations need to be very serious when conducting full-blown performance and resilience test executions for minimizing carbon footprint (<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/organizations-need-very-serious-when-conducting-full-blown-dutta" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/organizations-need-very-serious-when-conducting-full-blown-dutta</a>).



Performance testing absolutely assists in reducing carbon footprint, however executing too many full-blown performance or resilience tests create higher carbon footprint. We all know automated testing is having better sustainability and performance testing is always automated. So, it is having less carbon footprint from that angle.&nbsp;



Then again, performance and resilience testing (load, stress, capacity planning, endurance, volume or game day testing or different kinds of resilience testing) is having a huge workload as it is driven by thousands of users if not millions. For the Internet of Things, there are millions of devices. This huge workload creates a higher carbon footprint.



So, while organizations are in the process of digital transformations and migrating towards cloud, full blown performance testing was necessary to ensure the as-is performance or improved performance for their end-users. Even organizations must think about the ongoing cloud cost (already talked about this in detail in EuroSTAR Huddle back in 2020 <a href="https://huddle.eurostarsoftwaretesting.com/applications-dont-run-fast-in-cloud-without-continuous-performance-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">https://huddle.eurostarsoftwaretesting.com/applications-dont-run-fast-in-cloud-without-continuous-performance-testing/</a>).



Continuous performance testing and monitoring is absolutely required for happy end-users, for cost savings and for sustainability. Even, continuous performance testing is beneficial for cloud cost savings (FinOps). Organizations are already leveraging different techniques, processes, or methodologies to make the improved application performance which assists in less carbon footprint.&nbsp;



Adopting optimized resource driven high-availability concepts, application containerization or different web performance optimization practices both on client side and server side etc. are carried out to ensure reduced carbon footprint.&nbsp;



Cloud is using green and clean energy. Organizations are also ensuring green energy for their data centres. Organizations can also think about sustainable capacity planning for reduced carbon footprint, published in Quality Matters magazine (<a href="https://www.quality-matters.org/index.php?page=qm-issues-archive&amp;issue=15" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">https://www.quality-matters.org/index.php?page=qm-issues-archive&amp;issue=15</a>). 



<h2 id="post-digital-transformation">Post Digital Transformation:</h2>



We all know the main objective of performance and resilience testing services is to efficiently use all the system resources and that directly impacts energy efficiency. While with digital transformations, organizations are fully focused on ensuring optimum performance for end-users and optimum utilizations (thus by both saving cost and ensuring sustainability).&nbsp;



Post digital transformations, organizations will be more interested in less carbon footprint for all their SDLC activities along with cost savings without compromising the quality attributes. As performance and resilience testing is having huge workload, it becomes priority for organizations to look closely on performance testing activities to reduce carbon footprint.



First, unnecessary, or unplanned performance and resiliency test execution should be strictly avoided. Second, conducting full-blown performance and resilience testing in very low scalable environment or hardware/software configuration mismatch with the live environment should be strictly escaped. Both activities assist not only in reducing carbon footprint but also save a lot of effort and costs.&nbsp;



Third, Organizations should not conduct full blown performance testing frequently rather impact-based performance testing should be conducted. Once in a while, full blown performance testing will be good enough post-digital transformations until added huge workload.



&nbsp;Impact based performance testing will be having less workload and component level, resulting in less carbon emission. By identifying and resolving issues at the early component level will not only be cost-effective but also reduce energy consumption for debugging and fixing defects.



Fourth, time duration of performance testing or steady state duration should be reduced to have less carbon footprint (30 mins from 1 Hour or 2 hour). Long duration endurance testing should not be conducted frequently. Even for those conducted endurance test, execution window should not be more than 4 hours from 8 or 16 or 24 hours. Endurance testing workload should be average load instead of peak load.



Fifth, when performance test duration and user workload is reduced, huge amount of performance test data preparation activities simply will not be required. That will also minimize huge carbon footprint.&nbsp;



Sixth, when user workload is reduced, corresponding load generator or injector machine counts will also be reduced. Goal should be achieving more users with few resources. This again lowers the carbon emission.&nbsp; We should try to use cloud load generators, if possible, for better sustainability. Even efficient management of performance test environment (Pre-prod/Stage/Performance) and performance test lab environment (Controllers/Load Generators) are absolutely required for better sustainability.



Overall, impact-based, low volume, short duration, specific goal-oriented performance, and resiliency testing will be very helpful.&nbsp;



Seventh, conducting the performance and resilience testing at off-hours will lead to less carbon footprint. Even green testing techniques like optimizing the performance test scenarios will assist in reducing carbon footprint.



Eighth, on-premise organizations can use the existing hardware for a longer duration (extending the hardware lifespan for hardware efficiency) to reduce less carbon footprint and have less e-waste. Even try to evaluate the power consumption of background applications on mobile, devices and servers and, if possible, minimize it for better sustainability.



Ninth, organizations should also continuously look to reduce the amount of data transfer and distance that they cover (like using Content Delivery Work).



Tenth, using the emulator instead of real devices will be having less carbon footprint. In case of real devices, device lifecycles must be increased. For example, a device which is replaced in 3 years &#8211; try to extend it to 5 years. However, proper support from device organizations is also required so that device is effective in this changing technological world. Optimized device battery usage should be another way of sustainability.



In a nutshell, all the above reduce the costs and provide better sustainability. which every organization should be interested in, post digital transformation.



<h2 id="h-conclusion">Conclusion:</h2>



Post digital transformation, organizations should be conducting performance testing in test early, test only when required instead of test always or test often fashion. Continuous impact-based low volume, shorter-duration <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/performance-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">performance testing</a> rather than always on, full volume, longer duration performance testing should be priority for better sustainability.

Performance & Resilience Testing for Improved Sustainability Post Digital Transformation

How to write test cases for Amazon shopping cart

How to write test cases for Amazon shopping cart?

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands out as the next frontier, promising transformative advancements in various domains. From intelligent automation to predictive analytics, AI has the potential to reshape the way we live and work. Harnessing the power of AI not only opens doors to innovation but also presents the need for meticulous testing to ensure its reliability and effectiveness.&nbsp;



In this blog, we&#8217;ll delve into the world of testing AI, exploring the challenges, strategies, and best practices to ensure the seamless integration and optimal performance of AI-powered systems. Embracing AI is not just a technological leap; it&#8217;s a journey that demands a robust testing framework to unlock its full potential. In this blog, you will learn all about the strategies and best practices of testing AI.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><ul><li><a href="#Understanding_the_AI_Landscape">0.1 Understanding the AI Landscape</a></li><li><a href="#Strategies_for_Testing_AI">0.2 Strategies for Testing AI</a></li><li><a href="#Best_Practices_for_AI_Testing">0.3 Best Practices for AI Testing</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#HOW_to_test_AI">1 HOW to test AI?</a></li><li><a href="#TIPS_for_testing">2 TIPS for testing</a></li><li><a href="#ETAL">3 ET;AL</a></li></ul></div>
<h3 id="h-understanding-the-ai-landscape">Understanding the AI Landscape</h3>



The Rise of AI



Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a driving force behind numerous technological advancements. From machine learning algorithms to natural language processing, AI systems are becoming integral to applications ranging from healthcare to finance and beyond. As organizations increasingly incorporate AI into their products and services, the importance of rigorous testing cannot be overstated.



Challenges in Testing AI



Testing AI systems poses unique challenges compared to traditional software testing. One major challenge is the complexity of AI algorithms, which often involve intricate neural networks and deep learning models. Ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and ethical considerations of these systems requires a specialized approach that goes beyond conventional testing methodologies.



<h3 id="h-strategies-for-testing-ai">Strategies for Testing AI</h3>



Data Quality and Bias Testing:



AI models heavily depend on the quality and diversity of training data. Testing must include checks for biased data and the potential reinforcement of societal prejudices. A comprehensive strategy involves identifying and rectifying bias in training datasets to ensure fair and ethical AI.



Performance Testing:



The performance of an AI system is crucial for its effectiveness. Performance testing involves evaluating how well the system handles varying workloads, data volumes, and concurrent users. This ensures optimal responsiveness and resource utilization.



Explainability and Transparency Testing:



AI decisions can sometimes seem like a &#8220;black box,&#8221; making it challenging to understand the reasoning behind specific outcomes. Testing for explainability and transparency involves validating that AI models can provide comprehensible explanations for their decisions, crucial for regulatory compliance and user trust.



Security Testing:



AI systems are susceptible to adversarial attacks. Security testing is essential to identify and address vulnerabilities that could compromise the confidentiality and integrity of the AI model, ensuring robust protection against potential threats.



As per the above strategies we should not forget that AI testing will also follow something we all are aware of which is the testing lifecycle and this is vital because it will mean that there is a process to follow just like testers follow in their day to day testing.&nbsp;



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/_t1eDvF60fuB7dOTvgTSuhp5IGh_H9IYGBgB3E6OgHUSWX-dVAJ6KKkm2mWhv3KYdThLE1tRAC0zWMMQVMFpy9B8nSEGE2DCSlldd5sqCFdt6GAOcuMlfObbgGpozDOGnTR2Ib8GkHkNc7pYNF1YGEw" alt="Software testing lifecycle" /></figure></div>



<a href="https://katalon.com/resources-center/blog/ai-testing"></a>



<h3 id="h-best-practices-for-ai-testing">Best Practices for AI Testing</h3>



Comprehensive Test Coverage:



Encompass various testing types, including unit testing, integration testing, and end-to-end testing, to provide comprehensive coverage. This ensures that every aspect of the AI system, from individual components to the integrated solution, is thoroughly tested.



<a href="https://testsigma.com/continuous-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Continuous Testing</a>:



Implement continuous testing practices to integrate testing seamlessly into the AI development pipeline. This enables quick feedback on changes, accelerates the development lifecycle, and enhances the overall quality of the AI system.



Collaboration Across Teams:



Promote collaboration between data scientists, developers, and testers. Effective communication ensures a shared understanding of requirements, objectives, and potential challenges, fostering a collaborative testing environment.



Adopting AI in Test Automation:



Leverage AI in test automation to enhance efficiency and accuracy. <a href="https://testsigma.com/tools/ai-testing-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI testing tools</a> can intelligently identify test scenarios, predict potential issues, and autonomously execute repetitive testing tasks, allowing testers to focus on more complex aspects.



Apart from the above there are more best practises such as :



<ul><li>Clearly define the objectives, scope, and success criteria of your AI testing efforts. Determine the specific aspects of the AI system to be tested, such as accuracy, performance, robustness, and fairness.</li><li>Ensure high-quality training data is used to train the AI models. The training data should be representative, diverse, and cover various scenarios to promote accurate and unbiased learning.</li><li>Establish baseline metrics or results to compare the AI system&#8217;s performance against known benchmarks.</li><li>Leverage <a href="https://testsigma.com/data-driven-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">data-driven testing</a> to achieve higher efficiency. AI-powered software testing tools are also helpful these days. If you decide to go with tools that support such testing, there are many popular names out there that support data-driven testing in many popular data formats to help you test AI-based systems better. </li></ul>



<h2 id="h-how-to-test-ai">HOW to test AI?</h2>



Even Though we are hearing all about the rise of AI and Generative AI, one thing to not forget is that AI is helping us all test better and save testers a lot of time, however we need to factor in extra time for testing manually too as exploratory testing has shown many benefits as It helps review the quality of a product from a user perspective. Furthermore, AI cannot tell us about the look and feel of a product, so we cannot fully rely on AI.&nbsp;



Testing for AI systems comes with some challenges, and that means there is a need for some special techniques:&nbsp;



<ul><li>The AI-based system test results can be Stochastic which means they generate different results for the same parameters&nbsp;</li><li>Stochastic results don&#8217;t mean the results are wrong, it means that we need to verify more details</li><li>Also there can be human bias when training the model/data which needs to be eliminated during AI testing</li><li>AI performs best when given advanced input models. If the inputs are not of high quality, the issues become more complicated, requiring a significant amount of time and effort to address.</li><li>AI is an intricate system, and even small defects are magnified significantly,also its not necessary that all results that don&#8217;t match are an anomaly. This problem becomes more challenging to resolve as well. However, with the help of the developers testers and developers can both crack the issue and find the solution. I have experienced this in the past with data science models and it can be daunting, but what is magic is “Pairing” when we pair with the developers who build the models, we can not only learn from them the intricacies but also test better.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-tips-for-testing">TIPS for testing</h2>



<ol><li>Check the input data and verify the data set used for the model</li><li>Check the SHAPE of your data, testing the outputs will explain if the values are of the right type and the data columns are matching</li><li>Have some bounds around averages Set some target result thresholds 3-5%-</li><li>Make sure no data dropped, no duplicates</li><li>Testing different parameters and trying to see the difference in results exploration of a model</li><li>As the model can provide random results each time you run &#8211; brace the uncertainty, try and understand if it&#8217;s still OK or a complete anomaly </li><li><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/exploratory-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exploratory test </a>the model(s), and it should help understand the system better and you </li></ol>



<h2 id="h-et-al">ET;AL</h2>



As AI continues to revolutionize industries, the role of testing becomes increasingly vital. By implementing robust testing strategies and embracing best practices, organizations can unleash the full potential of AI while ensuring its reliability, security, and ethical use. The journey into the era of AI is an exciting one, and with meticulous testing, we can navigate this frontier with confidence, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for innovation and advancement. Embrace the power of AI, test diligently, and pave the way for a future where intelligent systems redefine what&#8217;s possible.

Why Test Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

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Gherkin and Cucumber are integral components of Behavior-Driven Development (BDD), each playing a distinct role in the testing ecosystem. While Cucumber is a testing tool, Gherkin serves as a language for writing acceptance criteria. Understanding their fundamental differences is essential for teams adopting BDD methodologies.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Gherkin_VS_Cucumber_8211_Overview">1 Gherkin VS Cucumber &#8211; Overview </a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_Cucumber">1.1 What is Cucumber?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_Gherkin_Language">1.2 What is Gherkin Language?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Basics_of_Cucumber_and_Gherkin">2 Basics of Cucumber and Gherkin</a></li><li><a href="#Behaviour-Driven_Development_BDD_With_Cucumber_vs_Gherkin">3 Behaviour-Driven Development (BDD) With Cucumber vs Gherkin</a></li><li><a href="#Cucumber_and_Gherkin_in_the_Cloud">4 Cucumber and Gherkin in the Cloud</a></li><li><a href="#Cucumber_vs_Gherkin_8211_Web_Testing">5 Cucumber vs Gherkin &#8211; Web Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Gherkin_vs_Cucumber_8211_Key_Differences">6 Gherkin vs Cucumber &#8211; Key Differences</a></li><li><a href="#Why_to_Use_Testsigma_as_an_Alternative_Tool_to_Cucumber_and_Gherkin">7 Why to Use Testsigma as an Alternative Tool to Cucumber and Gherkin?</a></li><li><a href="#Gherkin_VS_Cucumber_VS_Testsigma_8211_Key_Differences_Which_is_Better">8 Gherkin VS Cucumber VS Testsigma &#8211; Key Differences: Which is Better?</a><ul><li><a href="#1_Nature_and_Role">8.1 1. Nature and Role:</a></li><li><a href="#2_Functionality_and_Automation">8.2 2. Functionality and Automation:</a></li><li><a href="#3_Collaboration_and_Readability">8.3 3. Collaboration and Readability:</a></li><li><a href="#4_Versatility_and_Application">8.4 4. Versatility and Application:</a></li><li><a href="#5_Execution_and_Reporting">8.5 5. Execution and Reporting:</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">9 Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">10 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_the_difference_between_Gherkin_and_Cucumber_automation">10.1 What is the difference between Gherkin and Cucumber automation?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_the_difference_between_Cucumber_BDD_and_Selenium">10.2 What is the difference between Cucumber BDD and Selenium?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="gherkin-vs-cucumber-overview">Gherkin VS Cucumber &#8211; Overview </h2>



<h3 id="h-what-is-cucumber">What is Cucumber?</h3>



Cucumber is an open-source testing tool that allows you to execute automated tests written in the Gherkin language. For example, let&#8217;s say you&#8217;re developing a website, and you want to ensure that users can create an account successfully. You could write a Gherkin scenario that describes the steps the user takes, and Cucumber will execute those steps and report any issues it finds.



<h3 id="h-what-is-gherkin-language">What is Gherkin Language?</h3>



Gherkin is a language that uses a structured format to define application behavior. For example, let&#8217;s say you&#8217;re developing a feature that allows users to reset their passwords. You could write a Gherkin scenario that describes the steps the user takes to reset their password, such as entering their email address and clicking a &#8220;reset password&#8221; button. The scenario could also include expected outcomes, such as the user receiving an email with instructions on how to reset their password. This format makes it easy for non-technical stakeholders to understand and collaborate on test cases with developers.



<h2 id="basics-of-cucumber-and-gherkin">Basics of Cucumber and Gherkin</h2>



Cucumber and Gherkin are integral components of BDD that streamline testing efforts and enhance collaboration among stakeholders.&nbsp;



Gherkin’s structured syntax enables testers to describe application behavior in a human-readable format. Cucumber interprets Gherkin scenarios and executes them as automated tests. This synergy between Gherkin and Cucumber bridges the gap between business requirements and technical implementation that promotes effective communication and early defect detection.For testers, it is necessary to also know the difference between Cucumber and Gherkin. They should grasp Gherkin’s Given-When-Then format, write clear and concise scenarios, and learn to implement step definitions in programming languages supported by Cucumber.







<h2 id="h-behaviour-driven-development-bdd-with-cucumber-vs-gherkin">Behaviour-Driven Development (BDD) With Cucumber vs Gherkin</h2>



In the dynamic landscape of Behavior-Driven Development (BDD), the collaboration between Cucumber and Gherkin unfolds a narrative of effective communication. With its human-readable syntax, Gherkin becomes the language of choice for articulating behavior in plain text. It is a collaborative tool that fosters understanding between non-technical stakeholders and developers. On the execution side, Cucumber steps in, interpreting and running the scenarios penned in Gherkin. This collaboration between Gherkin&#8217;s expressive language and Cucumber&#8217;s execution prowess ensures that end-users expectations are understood and translated into robust, executable tests. To delve deeper into this symbiotic relationship, explore our comprehensive <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/behavior-driven-development-bdd-with-gherkin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blog here</a>, providing insights into how these tools synergize to elevate BDD practices to new heights.



<h2 id="h-cucumber-and-gherkin-in-the-cloud">Cucumber and Gherkin in the Cloud</h2>



Cucumber and Gherkin have proven their adaptability in the era of cloud computing, where testing environments are becoming more agile and scalable. They seamlessly integrate with <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/cloud-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cloud-based testing</a> infrastructure, ensuring teams can adhere to Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) practices regardless of their chosen infrastructure. This flexibility allows for efficient collaboration and communication among team members, enabling them to create and execute tests in a cloud environment. The combination of Cucumber and Gherkin transcends traditional testing boundaries. It embraces the possibilities and advantages of the cloud, making <a href="https://scaledagileframework.com/behavior-driven-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BDD practices</a> more accessible and influential in the modern testing landscape.



<h2 id="h-cucumber-vs-gherkin-web-testing">Cucumber vs Gherkin &#8211; Web Testing</h2>



In web testing, the collaboration between Cucumber and Gherkin brings a powerful synergy. Cucumber acts as the executor, interpreting and executing test scripts written in Gherkin. With its human-readable syntax, Gherkin provides a clear and expressive language for articulating behavior, making it an ideal choice for collaboration between non-technical and technical stakeholders. This collaboration ensures that the testing process remains effective, transparent, and easy to understand. While Cucumber excels in the execution of Gherkin scripts, Gherkin remains focused on providing a language that is not only readable but also collaborative. Together, they empower teams to conduct web testing efficiently, balancing technical precision and human-centric communication.



<h2 id="h-gherkin-vs-cucumber-key-differences">Gherkin vs Cucumber &#8211; Key Differences</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Aspect</td><td>Gherkin</td><td>Cucumber</td></tr><tr><td>Nature</td><td>Language: Describes behavior in plain text.</td><td>Tool: Executes BDD scenarios in various languages.</td></tr><tr><td>Usage</td><td>Writing: Primarily for creating strategies.</td><td>Execution: Executes Gherkin scripts.</td></tr><tr><td>Focus</td><td>Readability: Focus on human-readable syntax.</td><td>Automation: Focus on automated <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-execution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test execution.</a></td></tr><tr><td>Role</td><td>Collaboration: Facilitates communication between stakeholders.</td><td>Implementation: Translates Gherkin into executable code.</td></tr><tr><td>Formality</td><td>Informal: Designed to be easy for non-developers.</td><td>Formal: Requires coding for automation.</td></tr><tr><td>Flexibility</td><td>Agile: Suited for agile and collaborative environments.</td><td>Versatility: Adaptable to various testing scenarios.</td></tr><tr><td>Output</td><td>Scenarios: Output scenarios for multiple tests.</td><td>Results: Generates test results and reports. </td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Understanding these key differences clarifies the distinct roles of Gherkin and Cucumber in BDD, fostering effective collaboration and streamlined testing processes.



<h2 id="why-to-use-testsigma-as-an-alternative-tool-to-cucumber-and-gherkin">Why to Use Testsigma as an Alternative Tool to Cucumber and Gherkin?</h2>



Testsigma is a test automation tool that allows test creation in natural language. It enables non-technical team members to create and execute automated tests without the need for coding expertise.&nbsp;



Testsigma offers a range of features such as scriptless test creation, AI-powered <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/self-healing-tests-maintenance-testsigma/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">self-healing tests</a>, and <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-maintenance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test maintenance</a> that make it a popular choice among teams looking to implement <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated testing</a> in their SDLC.&nbsp;



 <button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Start Automating your tests with Testsigma</a></button> 



In this context, we&#8217;ll compare Gherkin and cucumber with Testsigma to understand their differences and similarities.



<h2 id="h-gherkin-vs-cucumber-vs-testsigma-key-differences-which-is-better">Gherkin VS Cucumber VS Testsigma &#8211; Key Differences: Which is Better?</h2>



<h3 id="1-nature-and-role">1. Nature and Role:</h3>



&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8211; Gherkin: Primarily a language for describing behavior in plain text, focusing on readability and collaboration.



&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8211; Cucumber: An execution tool that interprets and runs BDD scenarios written in Gherkin.



&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8211; Testsigma: An <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/end-to-end-testing-frameworks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">end-to-end test automation platform</a> that employs natural language processing, but also provides the platform for execution and reporting eliminating the need for explicit coding in Gherkin.



<h3 id="2-functionality-and-automation">2. Functionality and Automation:</h3>



&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8211; Gherkin: Emphasizes human-readable syntax, mainly for articulating behavior.



&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8211; Cucumber: Focuses on automating test scenarios written in Gherkin, requiring coding for execution.



&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8211; Testsigma: Leverages a no-code approach, allowing users to create and execute automated tests without scripting.



<h3 id="3-collaboration-and-readability">3. Collaboration and Readability:</h3>



&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8211; Gherkin Aims for informal, easy-to-understand language, promoting collaboration among non-developers.



&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8211; Cucumber: Integrates Gherkin scenarios into code, ensuring clear communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders.



&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8211; Testsigma: Enhances collaboration by providing a user-friendly, collaborative platform accessible to technical and non-technical users.



<h3 id="4-versatility-and-application">4. Versatility and Application:</h3>



&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8211; Gherkin: Suited for creating scenarios, emphasizing agile and collaborative environments.



&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8211; Cucumber: Adaptable to various <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/test-scenario/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">testing scenarios</a>, offering versatility in automated testing.



&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8211; Testsigma: Designed for <a href="https://testsigma.com/end-to-end-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">end-to-end test automation</a>, accommodating testing needs without coding.



<h3 id="5-execution-and-reporting">5. Execution and Reporting:</h3>



&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8211; Gherkin: Outputs scenarios for manual or <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated tests</a> without execution capabilities.



&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8211; Cucumber: Executes Gherkin scenarios and generates test results, aiding in comprehensive testing.



&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8211; Testsigma: Executes automated tests seamlessly, providing real-time reporting for efficient <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-analysis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test analysis</a>.



<h2 id="h-conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



In summary, Gherkin, Cucumber, and Testsigma each play distinctive roles in <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/behavior-driven-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Behavior-Driven Development</a> (BDD) and test automation. While Gherkin acts as a human-readable language, Cucumber translates it into executable code. Testsigma, on the other hand, stands out with its no-code approach, offering a collaborative platform accessible to both technical and non-technical users.



<h2 id="h-frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



<h3 id="h-what-is-the-difference-between-gherkin-and-cucumber-automation">What is the difference between Gherkin and Cucumber automation?</h3>



In essence, Gherkin is a language for articulating behavior, emphasizing human readability, while Cucumber is a tool that interprets and executes Gherkin scenarios for <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated testing</a>. Gherkin serves as a collaborative, non-technical language, while Cucumber acts as the bridge between Gherkin and automation, requiring coding for implementation.



<h3 id="h-what-is-the-difference-between-cucumber-bdd-and-selenium">What is the difference between Cucumber BDD and Selenium?</h3>



While Cucumber is a tool that facilitates Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) by interpreting scenarios written in Gherkin, Selenium is a web automation framework. Cucumber focuses on collaboration and readable scenarios, whereas Selenium is designed to automate web applications. The former involves collaboration between non-technical and technical stakeholders, while the latter is a widely used automation tool for <a href="https://testsigma.com/website-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">web testing</a>.

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Gherkin vs Cucumber | 10 Top Key Differences

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In today&#8217;s fast-paced Agile world, rapid product deliveries often lead to an increase in critical issues. This can be attributed to factors such as insufficient unit test coverage, limited testing time, and resource constraints, making the Cost of Quality (COQ) integral for aligning IT projects.&nbsp;



The cost of software quality is the calculated expense required to ensure a product or service meets its quality standards. This understanding is crucial for informed decision-making throughout the software development life cycle, enabling effective resource allocation, optimized testing strategies, and overall improvement in product quality.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_the_cost_of_software_quality">1 What is the cost of software quality?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_is_the_cost_of_software_quality_important">2 Why is the cost of software quality important?</a></li><li><a href="#What_are_the_components_of_the_cost_of_quality">3 What are the components of the cost of quality?</a><ul><li><a href="#Cost_Of_Good_Quality">3.1 Cost Of Good Quality:</a><ul><li><a href="#Prevention_Costnbsp">3.1.1 Prevention Cost:&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#Detection_Cost">3.1.2 Detection Cost:</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Cost_Of_Bad_Quality">3.2 Cost Of Bad Quality:</a><ul><li><a href="#Internal_Failure_Cost">3.2.1 Internal Failure Cost:</a></li><li><a href="#External_Failure_Cost">3.2.2 External Failure Cost:</a></li></ul></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Cost_of_Quality_Formula">4 Cost of Quality Formula</a></li><li><a href="#Different_COQ_Strategies">5 Different COQ Strategies</a><ul><li><a href="#1_Invest_in_Prevention">5.1 1. Invest in Prevention:</a></li><li><a href="#2_Early_Detection">5.2 2. Early Detection:</a></li><li><a href="#3_Continuous_Improvement">5.3 3. Continuous Improvement:</a></li><li><a href="#4_Customer_Feedback_Loop">5.4 4. Customer Feedback Loop:</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#COQ_Breakup">6 COQ Breakup</a></li><li><a href="#Optimizing_the_Cost_of_Quality">7 Optimizing the Cost of Quality</a></li><li><a href="#Cost_of_Quality_Assessment">8 Cost of Quality Assessment</a></li><li><a href="#Cost_of_Quality_Reporting">9 Cost of Quality Reporting</a></li><li><a href="#Business_value_of_software_testing">10 Business value of software testing:</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">11 Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Question">12 Frequently Asked Question</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_the_difference_between_Coq_and_COPQ">12.1 What is the difference between Coq and COPQ?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-the-cost-of-software-quality">What is the cost of software quality?</h2>



Cost of software quality refers to a method that calculates the cost needed to ensure a product or service meets its quality standards. Understanding the cost of software quality is crucial for informed decision-making in the software development life cycle.&nbsp;



It enables effective resource allocation, optimization of testing strategies, and overall improvement in software product quality. Investing in software testing and preventive measures helps reduce the risk of defects, boosts customer satisfaction, and reduces long-term costs associated with poor software quality.



<h2 id="h-why-is-the-cost-of-software-quality-important">Why is the cost of software quality important?</h2>



The cost of software quality is important for several reasons as it directly impacts customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and overall business reputation. High-quality software not only meets user expectations but also minimizes operational issues, contributing to a positive business image.&nbsp;



Prioritizing software quality is a strategic investment that enhances customer trust and sets the foundation for long-term success in a competitive market.



<h2 id="h-what-are-the-components-of-the-cost-of-quality">What are the components of the cost of quality?</h2>



The cost of quality includes both the cost of achieving good quality and the cost of poor quality. It involves various checks, each associated with additional costs. By understanding and handling these costs well, organizations can improve their processes, and boost the overall quality of their products or services.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/TEwlLUWNJBYhl7qq9qRJq13jwZkuPRDJMAIdkxiqF3AuTAUN9Ygwgos2P2QQ_LgP4m4BIkn4IlnecF4CJx3NvhSKszVVlBIOYY7zowJGhxfHfMOEeTyPkXEdRRlo85vXJTqiTyhAzYfMr9hgWib2pkg" alt="Cost of quality" /></figure></div>



<h3 id="h-cost-of-good-quality">Cost Of Good Quality:</h3>



<h4 id="h-prevention-cost">Prevention Cost:&nbsp;</h4>



Prevention Costs are important when evaluating the Cost of Good Quality (COGQ). It focuses on proactive measures, including ongoing training, adherence to standards, detailed product requirements, code analysis, and process improvement.



<h4 id="h-detection-cost">Detection Cost:</h4>



Detection Cost is related to determining if the product meets quality requirements. It is associated with the activities like test design, test cases, testing environments, and resources dedicated to testing, aimed at catching defects early.



<h3 id="h-cost-of-bad-quality">Cost Of Bad Quality:</h3>



<h4 id="h-internal-failure-cost">Internal Failure Cost:</h4>



Internal Failure Cost is associated with fixing defects before customer delivery. It includes rework, re-testing, and addressing defects during internal checks.



<h4 id="h-external-failure-cost">External Failure Cost:</h4>



External failure cost is related to the bugs after the product or service reaches the customer. It includes warranty claims, re-testing costs, development costs to fix the bug, customer returns, customer support, and potential damage to the organization&#8217;s reputation.



<h2 id="h-cost-of-quality-formula">Cost of Quality Formula</h2>



The Cost of Quality Formula helps organizations evaluate the total expenses linked to preventing and fixing quality issues, offering insights into the effectiveness of their quality management processes.



The Cost of Quality (COQ) is calculated by summing up the Cost of Good Quality and the Cost of Poor Quality.&nbsp;



COQ = Cost of Good Quality + Cost of Poor Quality&nbsp;



Additionally, it can be described as the sum of Prevention Costs, Appraisal Costs, Internal Failure Costs, and External Failure Costs.&nbsp;



COQ = Prevention Costs+Appraisal Costs+Internal Failure Costs+External Failure Costs



This formula offers insights into the total expenses linked to preventing and fixing quality issues, providing a measure of the effectiveness of an organization&#8217;s quality management processes.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/6ITVh0jPzzVQ5LIzfAnxDF5mqhI_SBok1mjObyQqnSlMQM_wtXenxHD_U9l5OVGL7cjCl_J4Z56T3ApGUwrJ-2mFHO3KC8FtGLMrW_qVFNWR6W28HAKyvcdZeZtd4gwRIo4XGWsnrf_f3wC-WfzM8I4" alt="COQ" /></figure></div>



<h2 id="h-different-coq-strategies">Different COQ Strategies</h2>



The different strategies collectively contribute to a comprehensive and proactive approach to managing the Cost of Quality, ensuring that resources are strategically allocated to prevent, detect, and address defects throughout the software development life cycle.



<h3 id="h-1-invest-in-prevention">1. Invest in Prevention:</h3>



One key strategy in managing the Cost of Quality (CoQ) is to proactively focus on prevention. This involves ongoing training for development teams, strict adherence to industry standards, detailed product requirements, and continuous process improvement.&nbsp;



By investing resources in preventing defects from the outset, organizations can significantly reduce the occurrence of quality issues, minimizing downstream costs associated with fixing defects.



<h3 id="h-2-early-detection">2. Early Detection:</h3>



An effective approach to controlling COQ is to invest in mechanisms for early detection. This includes implementing robust test design, creating comprehensive test cases, and establishing suitable testing environments.&nbsp;



By identifying and addressing defects at the earliest stages of the development process, organizations can curtail the impact of issues, ensuring that they are resolved before reaching the production stage.



<h3 id="h-3-continuous-improvement">3. Continuous Improvement:</h3>



Continuous improvement is a foundational strategy in COQ management. Regularly assessing and enhancing processes ensures that the likelihood of defects is continually reduced. This involves incorporating feedback, updating methodologies, and adopting best practices.&nbsp;



By embracing a culture of continuous improvement, organizations can not only prevent defects but also optimize their overall product quality over time.



<h3 id="h-4-customer-feedback-loop">4. Customer Feedback Loop:</h3>



Establishing a feedback loop with customers is a proactive strategy for managing COQ, particularly in identifying and addressing issues early in the product life cycle. By actively seeking input from end-users, organizations can uncover potential defects, understand user experiences, and promptly address concerns.&nbsp;



This customer-centric approach not only improves product quality but also mitigates external failure costs by resolving issues before they impact the broader user base.



<h2 id="h-coq-breakup">COQ Breakup</h2>



The Cost of Quality (COQ) represents the financial investment made to ensure a product aligns with customer expectations and meets high-quality standards. It goes beyond rectifying errors; it involves understanding market trends and discerning customer needs. This financial commitment is crucial for delivering high-quality products that satisfy customer requirements. We discussed the Cost of Quality breakup and formula above.



<h2 id="h-optimizing-the-cost-of-quality">Optimizing the Cost of Quality</h2>



To optimize the Cost of Quality (COQ) and improve overall software development quality, organizations can implement the following strategies:



<ul><li>Adoption of <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/shift-left-testing-some-tools-that-can-help/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shift Left Testing</a>: Conduct testing early in the development cycle to detect and rectify mistakes promptly. This proactive approach saves time, effort, and costs associated with fixing defects later in the process.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Stay Informed About Industry Standards: Keep abreast of industry standards and best practices, incorporating relevant ones into organizational processes. Stay updated with industry changes to ensure ongoing alignment.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Focused Testing: Concentrate testing efforts on relevant areas. Assess the necessity of activities such as Load Testing and testing with various databases and web browsers. Prioritize testing efforts based on project requirements. Automate tests where needed.</li></ul>



 <button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Learn more about automated testing</a></button> 



<ul><li>Address Lack of Domain Experts: Resolve the shortage of domain experts promptly. Consider hiring resources on a contract or consultancy basis. If this isn&#8217;t feasible, share detailed requirements and test scenarios for client approval.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Motivate Through Appreciation: Recognize and appreciate team members who consistently deliver quality work. Involve the team in process improvement initiatives following defect causal analysis. Encourage innovation and the sharing of new ideas.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Visible Commitment to Quality: Demonstrate a commitment to quality at every organizational level through actions, not just words. Streamline meetings by involving only relevant stakeholders and communicate quality goals consistently.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-cost-of-quality-assessment">Cost of Quality Assessment</h2>



Cost of Quality Assessment is a critical process that involves a thorough evaluation of expenses related to both preventing and detecting defects. By analyzing the investments made in <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/software-quality-management/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quality management</a>, organizations gain valuable insights into the effectiveness of their processes. This assessment allows for informed decision-making, guiding improvements that can significantly enhance the overall quality of software products.



The evaluation covers various aspects, including prevention costs (investments in activities to avoid defects) and detection costs (investments in activities to identify defects). By understanding the balance and effectiveness of these investments, organizations can optimize their approach to quality management.&nbsp;



This not only helps in addressing current issues but also guides future strategies, fostering a culture of continuous improvement in software development practices. Ultimately, the Cost of Quality Assessment plays a pivotal role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality software products to meet customer expectations and industry standards.



<h2 id="h-cost-of-quality-reporting">Cost of Quality Reporting</h2>



Cost of Quality Reporting is about sharing a clear breakdown of the expenses linked to managing software quality. By openly communicating these costs, organizations enable better decision-making.&nbsp;



This transparency helps allocate resources wisely, leading to process improvements, minimized waste, and an overall enhancement of software quality. In simpler terms, reporting on the cost of quality provides valuable insights for making informed decisions and improving how software is developed and maintained.



<h2 id="h-business-value-of-software-testing">Business value of software testing:</h2>



<a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Software testing</a> is valuable because it helps find and fix problems in the software, preventing issues from reaching users. This not only improves customer satisfaction but also protects the organization&#8217;s reputation and contributes to long-term success in a competitive market. In simpler terms, testing ensures the software works well, making customers happy and keeping the company competitive and trustworthy.



<h2 id="h-conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



The business value of software testing lies in its ability to find and fix problems, preventing issues from reaching users and ensuring customer satisfaction. In today&#8217;s competitive market, prioritizing software quality is not just a necessity but also a strategic investment that protects the organization&#8217;s reputation and contributes to long-term success.



<h2 id="h-frequently-asked-question">Frequently Asked Question</h2>



<h3 id="h-what-is-the-difference-between-coq-and-copq">What is the difference between Coq and COPQ?</h3>



The Cost of Quality (COQ) includes both the Cost of Good Quality (CoGQ) and the Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ). While COGQ involves strategic investment in IT product development, COPQ encompasses costs incurred due to defects and quality issues in a product or service, covering both internal and external failures.

What is the cost of software quality in Software Testing

What is the cost of software quality in Software Testing?

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Imagine releasing a software product you&#8217;re confident about, only to find out later that users are encountering issues you thought were resolved. This scenario is more common than one might think and is often a result of &#8216;Defect Escapes&#8217;.&nbsp;



In the world of software testing, Defect Escape is a critical metric that points to bugs or issues slipping through the testing phase and making their way into the final release. It&#8217;s a subtle reminder of the challenges in achieving perfect software quality.



The importance of understanding and managing Defect Escapes cannot be overstated. It&#8217;s not just about identifying what went wrong; it&#8217;s about refining the testing processes and preventing future lapses.&nbsp;



In this blog post, we delve into what constitutes a Defect Escape, why it&#8217;s a crucial aspect of software quality assurance, and most importantly, how you can effectively measure and minimize these escapes.&nbsp;



For teams aiming to enhance their software&#8217;s reliability and user satisfaction, grasping the concept of Defect Escape is essential. It&#8217;s a journey towards not only detecting bugs but also fortifying the overall quality of software development and testing practices.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_a_Defect_Escape">1 What is a Defect Escape?</a></li><li><a href="#Defect_Escape_Rate_Why_Is_It_Important">2 Defect Escape Rate: Why Is It Important?</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Track_Your_Defect_Escape_Rate">3 How to Track Your Defect Escape Rate?</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Improve_Your_Defect_Escape_Rate">4 How to Improve Your Defect Escape Rate?</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">5 Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">6 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_an_Acceptable_Defect_Escape_Rate">6.1 What is an Acceptable Defect Escape Rate?</a></li><li><a href="#How_Do_You_Calculate_Escaped_Defects">6.2 How Do You Calculate Escaped Defects?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-a-defect-escape">What is a Defect Escape?</h2>



Defect Escape is a critical concept in software testing, referring to bugs that go undetected during testing and end up in the released software. This phenomenon is more than just an oversight; it highlights weaknesses in the testing process, potentially leading to increased costs, customer dissatisfaction, and harm to the brand&#8217;s reputation.



 <button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Learn more about software testing</a></button> 



Understanding and addressing Defect Escape is essential for enhancing testing strategies and overall software quality. By analyzing these incidents, teams can pinpoint and rectify gaps in their testing methodologies, leading to more robust and reliable software products. For deeper insights into optimizing testing processes, take a look at our article on <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-efficiency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test Efficiency.</a>



<h2 id="defect-escape-rate-why-is-it-important">Defect Escape Rate: Why Is It Important?</h2>



The Defect Escape Rate is a vital metric in software testing, offering a clear quantification of how many bugs slip through the testing net into the final product. This rate is crucial for several reasons:



Firstly, it serves as a direct indicator of the testing process&#8217;s effectiveness. A lower defect escape rate implies a more rigorous and successful testing phase, whereas a higher rate may signal the need for process improvements. This metric helps organizations identify specific areas in their testing cycle that require attention, enabling targeted improvements.



Moreover, understanding the Defect Escape Rate is essential for maintaining customer satisfaction and trust. Bugs in a live environment can lead to user frustration, negative feedback, and in severe cases, loss of clientele. By striving to minimize the Defect Escape Rate, companies not only enhance the quality of their product but also safeguard their reputation and customer loyalty.



For a comprehensive understanding of defect management in software testing, consider exploring our in-depth article on <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/defect-tracking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Defect Tracking</a>, which provides valuable insights into tracking and managing defects efficiently.



<h2 id="how-to-track-your-defect-escape-rate">How to Track Your Defect Escape Rate?</h2>



Tracking the defect escape rate is a fundamental aspect of ensuring software quality. This metric is typically calculated by dividing the number of defects found post-release by the total number of defects (including those found during and after testing) and then multiplying by 100 to get a percentage. This formula gives a clear picture of how effective your testing phase has been in catching bugs.



To effectively track this rate, it&#8217;s important to have a robust defect-tracking system in place. This system should be capable of categorizing and documenting defects throughout the software development lifecycle. Regular analysis of this data allows teams to monitor trends over time, identify recurring issues, and take proactive measures to strengthen their testing strategies.



Furthermore, integrating defect tracking with your development and testing tools can streamline the process, ensuring that all team members have visibility into the defect status and can respond promptly. This integrated approach can significantly enhance team collaboration and efficiency in addressing software quality issues.



For more insights into the tools and strategies that can help in effectively tracking and managing defects, you might find our article on <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/devops-metrics/">DevOps Metrics</a> particularly useful.



<h2 id="how-to-improve-your-defect-escape-rate">How to Improve Your Defect Escape Rate?</h2>



Improving the Defect Escape Rate is crucial for delivering high-quality software. This involves adopting strategies that not only detect bugs early but also prevent them from reaching the end-users. Here are key approaches to enhance your Defect Escape Rate:



1. Find Bugs While Writing Your Code



One of the most effective ways to reduce defect escape is to identify bugs during the coding phase itself. Implementing practices like peer code reviews and using static code analysis tools can catch errors early. This proactive approach ensures that many potential defects are addressed before they even enter the testing phase.



2. Document Your Testing Strategy for Every Work Item



A well-documented testing strategy for each work item ensures thoroughness and consistency in the testing process. This documentation should include test cases, expected outcomes, and special testing conditions. It serves as a roadmap for testers, helping them cover all scenarios and reducing the chances of oversight.



3. Test Everything, Automatically!



Automation is key in modern software testing. Automating your testing processes, especially for repetitive and routine tests, increases efficiency and accuracy. Tools that enable continuous testing and integration can help catch defects early and often, significantly lowering the Defect Escape Rate.



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4. Find Defects in QA Before They Make It to Production



Quality Assurance (QA) is your last line of defence before production. Implementing rigorous QA processes, including multiple testing stages and varied testing methodologies (like regression, performance, and user acceptance testing), can catch defects that might have slipped through earlier stages.



5. Find Defects During and After Production Deployments



Finally, monitoring your application post-deployment is crucial. Implementing real-time monitoring tools and conducting post-release testing can help identify and rectify defects that escaped initial testing phases. This continuous vigilance ensures ongoing quality maintenance even after the product has been released.



Improving the Defect Escape Rate is a multifaceted approach that involves vigilance at every stage of software development. For an in-depth understanding of how to tackle missed bugs in testing, consider reading our guide<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/a-testers-guide-to-deal-with-missed-bugs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> A Tester’s Guide to Deal with Missed Bugs.</a>



<h2 id="conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



In summary, the Defect Escape Rate is a pivotal metric in assessing and enhancing the quality of software development. By implementing strategies such as early bug detection, thorough testing documentation, embracing automation, rigorous QA, and vigilant post-production monitoring, organizations can significantly lower their Defect Escape Rate. These practices are not just about identifying errors; they are about fostering a culture of quality and continuous improvement.



Ultimately, reducing the Defect Escape Rate is a collaborative and ongoing effort. It involves every member of the software development team and is integral to building reliable, user-friendly software. Embracing these principles is key to not only minimizing defects but also ensuring customer satisfaction and maintaining a competitive edge in the software industry.



<h2 id="frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions </h2>



<h3 id="what-is-an-acceptable-defect-escape-rate">What is an Acceptable Defect Escape Rate?</h3>



An acceptable Defect Escape Rate varies depending on the industry, project complexity, and the specific standards of a company. Generally, a lower rate is always preferable. For high-stakes industries like healthcare or aviation, the acceptable rate is typically very low due to the critical nature of the software. In less critical applications, a slightly higher rate might be tolerable. The key is to set a benchmark based on historical data, industry standards, and the specific tolerance level of your stakeholders and customers.



<h3 id="how-do-you-calculate-escaped-defects">How Do You Calculate Escaped Defects?</h3>



Escaped defects are calculated by identifying the number of defects found in the production environment that were not caught during the testing phases. The formula for calculating the Defect Escape Rate is:&nbsp;



Defect Escape Rate = (Number of Defects Escaped to Production/Total Number of Defects (Pre-production + Production)) × 100



 This calculation gives a percentage that reflects the effectiveness of your testing process in identifying and resolving defects before <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_release_life_cycle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software release</a>.

What is Defect Escape | Importance & How to Measure?

What is Conventional Testing? | Types, How to Do & Challenges

Anyone in the test automation industry for quite a few years now would know how Cypress and Puppeteer have changed the game. The initial tough days of installing, creating, and debugging tests using Selenium are a thing of the past, thanks to Cypress and Puppeteer. Now, among these two tools, which one is better? The Cypress vs Puppeteer conversation will help you understand the topic in detail.



In case, you have an extensive list of points to consider, <a href="https://testsigma.com/compare-test-automation-tools" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">compare test automation tools</a> in a way to check which one among the many available in the market works for you.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Cypress">1 What is Cypress?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_Puppeteer">2 What is Puppeteer?</a></li><li><a href="#Cypress_vs_Puppeteer_Core_Differences">3 Cypress vs Puppeteer: Core Differences</a><ul><li><a href="#Installing">3.1 Installing</a></li><li><a href="#When_Should_You_Use">3.2 When Should You Use</a></li><li><a href="#When_Should_You_Not_Use">3.3 When Should You Not Use</a></li><li><a href="#What_Companies_Use">3.4 What Companies Use</a></li><li><a href="#Test_Execution">3.5 Test Execution</a></li><li><a href="#Features">3.6 Features</a></li><li><a href="#Benefits">3.7 Benefits</a></li><li><a href="#Limitations">3.8 Limitations</a></li><li><a href="#Pricing">3.9 Pricing</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Which_is_Better_8211_Cypress_vs_Puppeteer">4 Which is Better &#8211; Cypress vs Puppeteer?</a></li><li><a href="#Alternative_Tool_for_Cypress_and_Puppeteer">5 Alternative Tool for Cypress and Puppeteer</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">6 Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">7 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#Is_Cypress_better_than_Puppeteer">7.1 Is Cypress better than Puppeteer?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_the_difference_between_Puppeteer_and_Cypress">7.2 What is the difference between Puppeteer and Cypress?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-cypress">What is Cypress?</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/3kM8XO9N9qoI3EIJVUrpVozrKHY256kcAzqM_OB5Fd_PcDvTqv9vlZQ4m5jh4ph2rtbLmBtFpqLq9_w_cQhjcBFZaver-JypfsFavJPqHn48MMzxZztzWba2dOE0cdpt7-2dHgQ_YP-vXwDXs6ODRjw" alt="cypress"/></figure></div>



Cypress is an open-source, end-to-end testing framework that allows third-party add-ons per your testing needs. It runs directly within the browser and comes equipped with distinctive features like real-time interactive testing, automatic waiting, and seamless debugging. Cypress simplifies the testing process by enabling developers and testers to observe test execution in real-time, leading to quick issue identification.



In terms of the brand history, Cypress was released in 2015 with the aim of empowering open-source testing communities.



<h2 id="h-what-is-puppeteer">What is Puppeteer?</h2>



Puppeteer is a powerful Node.js library developed by Google. It was originally designed for web scraping and generating screenshots but has now evolved into a robust tool for browser automation. Testers benefit from <a href="https://medium.com/gdplabs/how-to-use-puppeteer-faad9acafeab" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Puppeteer’s headless mode</a>, which allows for script execution without a visible browser interface. Its versatility extends to performance monitoring, accessibility testing, and generating detailed reports.



<h2 id="h-cypress-vs-puppeteer-core-differences">Cypress vs Puppeteer: Core Differences</h2>



Although both of these <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-automation-frameworks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automation testing frameworks</a> bring distinctive advantages for the testers, there are a few differences that you should consider when choosing one tool that suits your needs the best.



<h3 id="h-installing">Installing</h3>



Cypress: Installing Cypress is straightforward. Use npm to install Cypress globally, and then initialize the project with a simple command. Use the below command:



npm install cypress &#8211;save-dev



Puppeteer: Puppeteer is installed via npm as well. After installing Puppeteer, it automatically downloads a compatible version of Chromium. Use the below command:



npm install puppeteer &#8211;save-dev



<h3 id="h-when-should-you-use">When Should You Use</h3>



Cypress: Choose Cypress when focusing on <a href="https://testsigma.com/end-to-end-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">end-to-end testing </a>for modern web applications. Cypress is ideal for projects where real-time interactive testing and quick issue identification are priorities.



Puppeteer: Opt for Puppeteer when browser automation, especially headless browsing, is the primary requirement. Puppeteer is suitable for scenarios involving web scraping, generating screenshots, or performing tasks without a visible browser interface.



<h3 id="h-when-should-you-not-use">When Should You Not Use</h3>



Cypress: Avoid Cypress if your project involves extensive <a href="https://testsigma.com/cross-browser-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cross-browser testing</a>, as Cypress primarily supports Chromium-based browsers.



Puppeteer: Do not use Puppeteer if your focus is on interactive testing or if you require a testing tool that operates directly within the browser.



<h3 id="h-what-companies-use">What Companies Use</h3>



Cypress: Companies like GitLab, Shopify, and Trivago leverage Cypress for their testing needs.



Puppeteer: Google, Netflix, and Alibaba are among the companies utilizing Puppeteer for web automation.



<h3 id="h-test-execution">Test Execution</h3>



Cypress: Cypress runs directly in the browser, enabling real-time interactive testing. It provides an easy-to-understand interface and quick feedback on <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-execution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test execution</a>.



Puppeteer: Puppeteer excels in headless mode, allowing for script execution without a visible browser interface. It&#8217;s suitable for automated tasks and scenarios where a visible browser is not required.



<h3 id="h-features">Features</h3>



Cypress: It offers features like automatic waiting, real-time reloading, and seamless debugging. It supports JavaScript-based testing and has an extensive set of commands for robust test scripts.



Puppeteer: It provides capabilities for web scraping, taking screenshots, generating PDFs, and interacting with pages in headless mode.



<h3 id="h-benefits">Benefits</h3>



Cypress: Fast test execution, real-time observation, user-friendly interface, and interactive testing capabilities to promote collaboration between developers and testers.



Puppeteer: Beneficial for headless browser automation, supporting web scrapping and performance reporting.



<h3 id="h-limitations">Limitations</h3>



Cypress: Limited cross-browser support and challenges in handling multiple tabs or windows. It may experience slower execution times in large test suites.



Puppeteer: Not suitable for interactive testing scenarios, and the focus on headless browsing limit its applicability for certain use cases.



<h3 id="h-pricing">Pricing</h3>



Cypress: Both free and paid versions are available.



Puppeteer: Free of cost.



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<h2 id="h-which-is-better-cypress-vs-puppeteer">Which is Better &#8211; Cypress vs Puppeteer?</h2>



The answer truly depends upon the requirements your testing team carries. Cypress brings a few advantages to the shore, whereas Puppeteer provides other benefits. If you are looking for faster test execution, interactive test capabilities, and a tool that runs directly within the browser, Cypress should be your ideal choice. Alternatively, Puppeteer is the right choice if your test focus lies in web scrapping, headlines test automation, and capturing test screenshots.



Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific testing goals, team expertise, and the features that align best with your project requirements. Consider evaluating both tools in a small-scale test scenario to see which one better meets your needs.



The comparison of these two tools in the form of a table below can help you clarify doubts regarding, which tool is right for you.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Cypress</td><td>Puppeteer</td></tr><tr><td>End-to-end testing of web apps</td><td>Headless browser automation</td></tr><tr><td>Chromiun-based browsers</td><td>Chromium (can be extended to Chrome)</td></tr><tr><td>Real-time extensive testing</td><td>Limited real-time testing; primarily, headless operation</td></tr><tr><td>Visible browser interaction</td><td>Optional: Headless Mode Available&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Uses JavaScript</td><td>Uses JavaScript (Node.js)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>It is User-Friendly, but steeper for Beginners</td><td>Moderate learning curve, requires JavaScript Skills</td></tr><tr><td>Limited support for cross-browser testing</td><td>Requires additional configuration for cross-browser testing</td></tr><tr><td>Supports real-time debugging</td><td>Offers comprehensive debugging with screenshots</td></tr><tr><td>Open-source and paid options present</td><td>Open-source</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 id="h-alternative-tool-for-cypress-and-puppeteer">Alternative Tool for Cypress and Puppeteer</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/H4BMhaiXMSuMu7vEXb4wKLQSgL6THFw0J3Utq-vSf93dUYstJg5Iu45jDBxT1l6QNuCm1uA0BUl8t1EneJsjD0m2_tM7YmwMwr1B6mtBYm4nlFK5P8nEd8OOyUwxf1w8dX6t0R5tBaVSjqIwFBuFQnk" alt="Alternative Tool for Cypress and Puppeteer"/></figure></div>



In case you wish not to limit the testing benefits by choosing either Cypress or the Puppeteer, an alternative that brings features of both the tools together should be on your list. Testsigma comes equipped with a myriad of attributes that overcome the challenges faced due to Cypress and Puppeteer. Unlike Cypress, Testsigma offers creation of browser-agnostic tests in simple english and provides access to over 3000+ devices and browsers for testing.&nbsp;



As a <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/puppeteer-alternatives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Puppeteer alternative</a> , Testsigma brings headless testing that supports a wide range of testing types, including web, mobile, and API testing. Not to mention that Testsigma aims to reduce the learning curve by providing a scriptless, no-code interface for test creation.



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<h2 id="h-conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



Determining which tool works best for you in the long run is more than just checking the price of those test automation tools. Rather it takes into account various factors, such as ease of use, integration capabilities, benefits and limitations, and use cases. Cypress vs Puppeteer comparison takes all these differences into consideration to guide you through the selection process. And if nothing else works, Testsigma is available to fill the gap of test automation tools in the present market.



Consider this blog a detailed guide to making the right decision when it comes to selecting either Cypress or Puppeteer.



<h2 id="h-frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



<h3 id="h-is-cypress-better-than-puppeteer">Is Cypress better than Puppeteer?</h3>



Cypress is only better than Puppeteer if it meets your testing project needs better than latter. The choice between Cypress and Puppeteer depends on the testing requirements. Cypress excels in end-to-end testing with real-time interactive capabilities, making it ideal for modern web applications. Puppeteer, developed by Google, focuses on headless browser automation, making it versatile for tasks like web scraping and generating screenshots.



<h3 id="h-what-is-the-difference-between-puppeteer-and-cypress">What is the difference between Puppeteer and Cypress?</h3>



Again, the difference lies in the use case. Cypress is designed for end-to-end testing of modern web applications with real-time interactivity. Puppeteer, on the other hand, is more focused on headless browser automation, suitable for web scraping and tasks without a visible browser interface.

Cypress vs Puppeteer: Which One is Better?

Device farms are used to simulate the testing process of iOS and Android applications on multiple device platforms. Subsequently, you can cut labor costs and time required by using some of the best device farms for testing. Hence, it helps you achieve greater test coverage and eases your DevOps mobile pipeline.



In recent times, there has been a gradual increase in the range of mobile devices. We see devices with different features, OS, screen sizes, etc. Therefore, it&#8217;s natural that we need to put more effort into testing our applications on each of these devices. We want our applications to work flawlessly on every possible device the user might use.



With all these new versions of Android and iOS devices available, manual testing will take a toll on your budget and labor hours. Hence, there was a need for a platform that would allow you to perform simulated manual testing on a broad range of devices all in one place.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_are_device_farms">1 What are device farms?</a></li><li><a href="#Benefits_of_mobile_app_testing_on_device_farms">2 Benefits of mobile app testing on device farms</a></li><li><a href="#Best_mobile_device_farms_for_testing">3 Best mobile device farms for testing</a><ul><li><a href="#Testsigma">3.1 Testsigma</a></li><li><a href="#AWS_Device_Farm">3.2 AWS Device Farm</a></li><li><a href="#Sauce_Labs">3.3 Sauce Labs</a></li><li><a href="#Firebase_Test_Lab">3.4 Firebase Test Lab</a></li><li><a href="#Samsung_Remote_Test_Lab">3.5 Samsung Remote Test Lab</a></li><li><a href="#Xamarin_Test_Cloud">3.6 Xamarin Test Cloud</a></li><li><a href="#Kobiton">3.7 Kobiton</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">4 Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="f6aan">What are device farms?</h2>



When the device fleet rose in earlier times, Nokia started an initiative to make the lives of testers somewhat easier. They would allow them to run their applications on rented devices in a remote-controlled mode. However, we could not scale it to the extent of mobile variations that we have now.



As a further development, now the OS itself could provide tools that would allow testers to simulate user actions on applications. Consequently, they can write scripts that can be executed on mobile phones running in developer modes. These scripts would easily imitate user actions on devices.



Subsequently, they built DevOps tools that automatically build and run these scripts on thousands of mobile devices. These devices would have the target applications on them and run in developer mode.



A fleet of such devices with different variations running on remote cloud labs is called a device farm.



<h2 id="bm1j6">Benefits of mobile app testing on device farms</h2>



If you are working at scale, <a href="https://testsigma.com/mobile-testing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">testing your mobile applications</a> on multiple devices becomes really expensive and time-consuming. On device farms, you have access to thousands of devices with different configurations.



You can leverage emulators and simulators to perform your testing. Cloud-based testing also allows you to capture performance issues. Here are some of the most important benefits of using device farms for mobile app testing.



<ul><li>You have lots of devices with different OS platforms, screen orientations, display sizes, memory, network, etc. It reduces the overall maintenance and infrastructure cost.</li><li>You can perform parallel testing which will save you tons of time.</li><li>Cloud-based environments are usually secure and they can be accessed from anywhere.</li><li>You can get detailed reports in the form of graphs, video recordings, screenshots, etc.</li><li>With the help of all the reports, it becomes easier to spot bugs and fix them.</li><li>You can easily integrate them with your CI/CD pipeline, making collaboration easier.</li></ul>



<h2 id="b5a22">Best mobile device farms for testing</h2>



On a lower level, all the device farms use some kind of special script. This script is launched by the OS to simulate actions like gestures, button presses, touch, etc.



The main difference is the subsystems used by these device farms for executing these scripts. Some of the popular ones are &#8211; Espresso, Appium, Calabash, UI Automator, Robotium, XCTest, etc.



In this article, let’s discuss a mix of free and professional device farms and test labs.



<h3 id="1e3u3"><a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Testsigma</a></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/static-docs.testsigma.com/new_images/projects/applications/dashboard.png" alt="Testsigma Dashboard showing all the sections"/></figure>



Testsigma is not just a device farm but a cloud-based, no-code test automation platform. It allows you to perform parallel <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-mobile-app-testing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">automated tests on real devices</a> hosted in the cloud. It helps you to create test cases using plain English, and there is no need to set up any infrastructure.



Here are the features of Testsigma that make it sit right on top of the deck.



<ul><li>Testsigma has zero learning curve, enabling everyone to test on the go with its simple English scripting feature</li><li>You can perform <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-mobile-app-testing">automated mobile app test</a> scenarios on 3000+ iOS and Android devices remotely.</li><li>Parallel automated testing is supported, allowing for quick results.</li><li>Creating detailed test cases for UI/UX testing is easy with Testsigma.</li><li>Testsigma provides drill-down test reports with video recordings and screenshots.</li><li>Bug sharing, CI/CD integration, and other features make reporting results faster and easier.</li></ul>



<div class="cta-banner-v2">
<div class="title-with-description ">
Testsigma can help you cut test maintenance by 50% across platforms with live mobile app testing on its device farm.
</div>
<a href="https://testsigma.com/request-demo" target="_blank" class="cta-btn-v1" rel="noopener">Try now for free</a>
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<h3 id="fqfak">AWS Device Farm</h3>



This is the most widely used and best mobile device farm for testing currently available. It lets you test concurrently on multiple devices to speed up the execution of your test suites. It also generates logs and videos for extensive debugging.



A large number of devices with options to choose memory, CPU usage, location, carriers, etc.



Videos and logs to reproduce the bugs faster. Fine-tune real-world environments by setting location, network, language, etc. Several plugins and APIs to integrate with your CI/CD, like Jenkins, Android Studio, etc.



Set up private device labs to avoid long waiting queues. For script executors, you can use Appium (iOS + Android), Espresso and Robotium for Android, and UIAutomation and XCTest for iOS.



<h3 id="at6t2">Sauce Labs</h3>



Sauce Labs allow you to expedite live and automated mobile app testing on public and private device clouds. You can use Android emulators and iOS simulators that are highly reliable, cost-effective, scalable, and optimized for your CI/CD pipeline.



You can easily achieve beta, live, automated, and API testing using high volumes of real device tests with minimum error rates.You will have access to features such as unlimited screenshots and videos, single-use VMs, secure local tunneling, REST API access, tons of debugging tools, etc. 



Similar to AWS device farms, Sauce Labs also allows you access to the best script executors including Appium, Espresso, and XCUITest.



<h3 id="2hgl3">Firebase Test Lab</h3>



This has been developed by Google and is specifically designed for testing Android applications, but you can also test iOS apps. It uses real production devices for app testing running in Google data centers.



They have customizable locale settings and updated APIs. You can easily road-test your app by configuring the hardware and software configurations. Some of its key capabilities are &#8211;



Firebase Test Lab is integrated with Android Studio, Firebase console, and gCloud CLI. You can even integrate it with your CI pipelines. To execute scripts, you can use Espresso, Robotium, UI Automator 2.0, and Robo tools.



It provides testing and cloud API quotas included in Blaze and Spark testing plans. The spark plan is free and can perform 15 daily test runs. The blaze plan determines the cost based on the time taken for test runs.



<h3 id="avd6v">Samsung Remote Test Lab</h3>



Needless to say, Samsung owns a big chunk of the world&#8217;s smartphone and Android market. Hence, it’s worth noting the remote testing lab provided by Samsung.



This device farm contains all the flagship Samsung smartphone devices. Additionally, testers will have access to innovations even before they have rolled them out to market. This will allow you to test the operations of your applications on devices that have not yet launched.



Not only this, you can even perform tests on Tizen-based devices like Galaxy smartwatches and Tizen mobiles.



There are more than 30 smartphone and tablet models to perform your tests on. It allows you to manually record all the events and steps you want to test in the same sequence. Besides, it enables you to perform remote debugging.



The Samsung device farms are completely free to use. However, the only constraint is that you can only test your application on Samsung smartphones.



<h3 id="53i5u">Xamarin Test Cloud</h3>



The Xamarin device farms are a part of Microsoft’s Visual Studio App Center. It allows you to run your tests on over 2500 mobile devices. You can upload your application and tests on the Xamarin Cloud using Visual Studio. This will automatically install the application on the environment and prepare your test runs.



Xamarin offers frameworks such as Appium, Calabash, Espresso, and Xamarin.UITest to execute your test scripts. When the test runs are completed, it will send out a notification with detailed test reports to all the registered users.



<h3 id="3gj89">Kobiton</h3>



With Kobiton, you can access hundreds of real devices in the cloud. Concerning performance, these devices mimic actual devices in hand. It has a slew of features without any complicated setup procedures.



Whether you run manual or automated tests, it captures detailed, rich test logs in formats like screenshots and videos, along with metrics like memory and battery performance. You can easily replay scenarios to perform root cause analysis.



You can perform parallel execution of all your test scripts. It allows you to integrate it into your CI/CD pipelines quickly. With the help of ADB debugging, you can easily get hold of cloud (or local) devices straight from your developer workstation. You can natively access mobile devices directly from your IDE.



You can <a href="https://www.vpnreactor.com/best-free-vpn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">use VPN</a> from your private Kobiton cloud to ensure flexibility but not at the cost of security. Kobiton supports open standard frameworks, which means that your scripts are protected. Some of these are Appium, Espresso, Selenium, XCUI, etc.



<h2 id="73ec3">Conclusion</h2>



In this article, we have reviewed some of the best device farms you can use to test your iOS and Android mobile applications. There’s no doubt that, when used at scale, the benefits of using cloud-based device farms are immense.



It helps testers get out of the hassles of multi-device UI/UX testing, saves a lot of time, and cuts labor costs. If you are a single developer looking to test your app on a few devices, you can try out a free solution like Firebase Test Lab, Samsung Remote Test Lab, etc.



If you are working on an app with a potentially large target audience, it&#8217;s always better to test the application thoroughly on as many device configurations as possible. In that case, you can try out platforms like AWS Device Farm, Kobiton, etc.



But if you are looking for a completely hassle-free and automated solution, you should definitely give a test-automation platform like <a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Testsigma</a> a shot.



Stay Tuned!

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