Despite what most of us might assume, software testing is not simply a matter of conducting a string of tests and evaluations, and getting the green signal.
There’s an elaborate process and calculative approach to determine if an application will continue to run as it should.
Software testing needs to be approached in a variety of ways with a focus on user experience. Further, identifying a software application’s vulnerabilities, analyzing its user interface, features, functions and automation capacities in real-world scenarios form an integral part of the process.
Here are ten tips for software testers to ensure an effective software testing process:
Treating Quality Assurance as an ongoing process
Usually, software testing is thought to be the last step in the process of software development. The focus is on eliminating vulnerabilities, critical bugs and errors, and streamlining its functionalities and features in the final stage of the process.
However, this should not be so.
To ensure an effective software testing process, testing should be employed sequentially with proper planning as each component in the development is processed. Software testers should generate appropriate bug reports and test cases regularly to ensure that the application can handle heavy load.
Planning for the future
Software development is among the fast-growing industries in the world. It is also prone to constant technological disruptions. To keep up in pace and latest trends, it is important that software applications be able to stand the test of time.
This requires meticulous planning from the beginning to ensure there is ample scope for scalability and updating in the future.
An effective software testing process implies mitigating risks by proactively finding bugs and reducing the frequency of errors. This does not just cut down on development costs and make a technology future-proof but also earns a customer’s satisfaction and loyalty.
Soliciting transparent communication between teams
Effective software testing is a collaborative effort. Keeping communication smooth from the beginning will create a more productive environment to achieve testing goals. If every team member is kept on top of the influential details of the software testing process, it will help them share solutions and deliver results efficiently.
It is also a good idea to involve testers in the decision-making process to reduce risks/undesired outcomes. This also saves a lot of time.
Encouraging reviews from peers
Getting your software reviewed by a fresh pair of eyes often helps catch errors that you would probably have noticed otherwise. Implement this kind of pair program testing in the workplace to improve the quality of your application.
This is especially beneficial with lengthy, complex codes. You can take help from testing leads or development managers to achieve this purpose.
Creating through bug reports and summaries
This is a particularly time-saving exercise since code reviewers go through the reports and summaries before they move on to review the errors. This helps to identify the core problem so managers and developers can target their efforts accordingly.
Software testers should thus keep in mind to write, brief but concise bug reports explaining the exact issue with the application. Therefore, bug reviews can also be prioritized based on the intensity of the problem, since such details are included in the reports.
Using effective testing and management tools
An effective testing tool can greatly streamline the process of software testing. This makes developers habitual of testing the codes they write. So, your focus should be on choosing a testing tool that is easy to use and write test cases.
Even with the test management tools, you must look for one that is suitable for the smooth-functioning of your business for now and the future in case there is a shift in the testing processes.
Focusing on proper documentation
Documentation is a huge factor in deciding the success or failure of technology among developers. Therefore, open-source software has an edge over privately-owned applications: documentation is readily available because of the large community of developers who contribute to its progress actively.
Testing your documentation or user guides is important to ensure your product is employed properly. Testing in this department should be through and conducted from various angles to eliminate irregularities.
Think like an attacker to ensure security
Software testing is likely to give improved security if you try to channel a potential attacker’s mindset. This will help you identify the least secure features of your software and work on protecting it from the most eminent attack scenarios.
However, security testing is a lot more than just emulating an attacker. This includes analyzing the software for its most vulnerable components and having an in-depth understanding of the data flow.
Choosing the right technology stack
There are plenty of technologies to choose from in developing a software application. Deciding which technologies you will go ahead with depends on the technical competency and knowledge of the developers and testers who will use them.
However, you can always rely on a third-party vendor for additional support.
Implementing Agile testing methodologies
Software testers must adapt to an agile mindset in order to be able to deliver sustainable and productive solutions.
In today’s fast-paced technological atmosphere, it is important that testers work collaboratively and be involved at every stage of software development so companies can release applications faster. This requires an upgraded skillset, technical competency, and coding knowledge.
Focusing on code quality
Code quality is one of the leading attributes that determines that a software application’s overall quality and performance. Also, since an application undergoes continuous updates, the code becomes increasingly complicated and harder to maintain.
Keeping the code quality maintained from the beginning and conducting regular checks will ensure a reduction in critical bugs, system crashes, and errors. This can also greatly reduce the efforts of software testers.
Keep testing
These are only a few important tips for software testers to consider when working on an application, but testing is an ongoing process. It is a continued effort and requires software testers to proactively run evaluations using different approaches and angles. Only then, can you hope to have an effective software testing process?
We hope this helped!
Source: 10 Effective Tips for a Better Software Testing Process
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