As a software company evolves and grows its competitive landscape toughens creating greater expectations on behalf of stakeholders for what an end product should look like. As a result, there is a need for the approach to software testing to evolve as well. Software testers are expected to opt for very reliable software testing methods and testing strategies that best suit their needs, whilemaking sure they adopt the most advanced testing approaches; all guided by software testing rules and regulations (Dos and Don’ts specifications) in order to meet their customers’ expectations.
Dos and Don’ts are tips that guide a software tester to produce a high standard end product. A software tester needs to pay attention to them and incorporate the outlined specifications while carrying out software tests. While Do’s ensure that the software testing process runs smoothly andefficiently and does not experience any bottlenecks that may affect the general results Don’ts trash out processes that reduce the standard of testing and lead to undesired outcomes. Do’s are specific to the type and method of software testing that the software testing team adopts while Don’ts are necessary regardless of the type of test approach, and test methods the test team is working with.
A software tester that does not follow the Do’s and Don’ts specifications will, more often than not, bring a low quality product to the market. Many businesses and IT firms are continuously exposed to unnecessary mistakes while carrying out software testing on their products. Hence, it is vital that firms incorporate these Do’s and Don’ts in their approaches while following a credible software testing method. Below is a comprehensive list of Do’s and Don’ts in software testing that a software test team should follow in order to achieve quality results.
Do’s and Don’ts In software testing
Do’s
Continuous acquisition of new software testing knowledge and skills: A software test team should never rest on its laurels. Although there is already acquired testing knowledge and vetted testing strategies that are being adopted by the team, new methods and skills are constantly developing. Software testing is a broad and dynamic field of study. As such acquired knowledge and strategies are perpetually undergoing updates to keep up with the ever-evolving technological advancements and user needs. A software test team needs to stay on top of the latest improvements in software testing and forever continue learning new skills.
Adoption and improvement of your automation test skills during software testing:Automation helps software testers to eliminate monotony and achieve efficient results within a limited amount of time during software testing. It is paramount that tester use automation and improve on it so as to achieve adequacy. The improvements should include knowing how to automate using programming languages such as Java, Python, c#, Ruby, JavaScript etc. . Although acquiring some of these skills may be difficult, mastering them is vital.
Consider becoming a pro in a single form of software testing like for example performance vs security vs functionality: As a software tester, try to harness your full potential and work towards becoming an expert in a single type of software testing approach, rather than knowing a basic amount across all form of testing. Aim to master all relevant skills required for a particular type of testing, so that you don’t become “Jack of all trades and a master of none.”
Adequate management of the testing environment: A software tester should be able to manage and organize test environments appropriately. The important areas to work on include learning how to prepare, deploy and maintain a test environment.
Before testing, software testers should have a copy of the release notes in order to have full knowledge of the software to be tested: The release notes should be comprehensive and contain the following details:
The version of the build/release to be tested.
Features changed in the released version.
New features and functionalities added in the released version.
Any known issues in the released version, if available.
Test plans should be based on business requirements and specifications.
Ensure that the testing activities are in harmony with the test plans: The software testers should make sure their activities tally with what appears in the test plan and work with it.
Ensure that testers follow the testing strategies as outlined in the test plan: The test plan document contains guidelines on the testing approach to be implemented. Hence, the software testers should make sure they work according to those guidelines.
Defect priority & severity should be well defined: Defects found in the software should have appropriate priority and severity. This helps in defect triage by stakeholders as well as developers. Priority can be defined as P1 / P2 / P3 / P4 or Critical / High / Medium / Low. Severity can be defined as S1 / S2 / S3 / S4 or Critical / Major / Moderate / Low.
Defect tracking: Defects found should be tracked in the defect tracking system during testing. All the defects found on application should be documented with complete information and tracked on a central repository. This will allow seamless sharing of progress to occur between the development and test teams.
Software testers should always perform exploratory testing in addition to test case based testing whenever a release is made by the development team.
After completing tests, testers should also document features not tested: This communicates to developers features not tested during the testing process.
Communicate positive results and metrics: Following software testing it is just as important to report on successful cases as it is to report on errors found. Communicating positive results boosts morale within the development team and keeps standards of production even higher.
Don’ts
Don’t make assumptions during testing: While performing software testing you should not make assumptions about particular issues that you have limited knowledge and understanding of.. If issues arise during the testing process, do your research! Ask questions in order to receive clarification before venturing further along the testing path. Making assumptions can lead to unnecessary future complications.
Don’t update test cases during their execution: A software tester should strictly adhere to test cases as per the test plan. No alterations should be made on the test cases while execution is underway.. Even when the software application looks different compared to the test cases a tester should refer to a well-structured written document such as a SRS (Software Requirement Specification).
Don’t track defects in multiple places: One central repository should be used for defect tracking so as to eliminate ambiguities and time wastage. When a tester starts using Excel sheets and different tracking softwares there is automatically an increase in defect tracking time as well as a heightened possibility of errors occurring..
Don’t focus on testing non-critical areas: Initially software testing should focus solely on critical areas and then if time permits it can also include non-critical areas. Irrespective of whether the area tested is critical or not, it is imperative that the tester put him/herself in a customer’s shoes and carries out the testing from this perspective.
Don’t focus on negative scenarios only: Scenarios that successfully sailed through the testing process should always be acknowledged. Often times negative scenarios consume a majority of a tester’s time while being of lesser importance to the end user. Although testing is usually implemented due to these negative scenarios, there is a need to prioritize test scenarios.
Do not neglect any defect, all defects must be documented: All defects must be recorded during software testing, even those identified to be of low priority. They should be classified starting with those of higher importance and ending with those of lower importance.
During testing, a software tester should not be in a hurry to update test cases without completing the test. A tester should run tests properly and thoroughly to confirm full functionality before documenting and updating test cases.
Don’t neglect manual testing: To improve your testing approach and in order to deliver an excellent product to the end user, a tester should consider incorporating manual testing as well as automation testing simultaneously. Testers should keep in mind that automation testing is not a replacement for manual testing but rather an aid or supplement to it. Therefore, testers should try to identify areas where manual testing is necessary and more effective and apply it there.
In conclusion, Quality assurance is a significant part of the software development life cycle. A software tester should pay critical attention to the Do’s and Don’ts specifications and implement them in his/her test strategies and approaches. When testing is conducted properly it ultimately improves the quality of the software product and lends credibility to the software testers involved.
At Webomates we have optimized testing through combining our patented Selenium based Automation and Artificial Intelligence with crowdsource and manual testing. We provide peace of mind during deployment, at significantly lower total costs. We offer a regression /feature testing service, to not only guarantee Full regression of every test case (even modified ones) in under 24 Hours but also to provide triaged video defects. Our customers spend only 1 hour a week on a Full Regression of their software!
If you are interested in learning more about Webomates’ CQ service please click here and schedule a demo or reach out to us at info@webomates.com
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