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How to use the AI component by yourself (video)

The AI component of the testup.io test automation service has been released to the public. This video describes what you can find inside, how to download and how to run it. The repository contains a selenium wrapper and all training data for parameter fine tuning. You can also run the tests from our online service at testup.io.

Link to the source code of our component:
https://github.com/thetaris/testup-ai-driver/ .

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User Acceptance Tests Form the Top of the Test Pyramid

User acceptance tests (UAT) are a type of software test carried out by the end users of an application. The aim is to ensure that the software fulfils certain requirements and expectations. The aim is to test the technical requirements as well as the user-friendliness and functionality.

How Do User Acceptance Tests Work?

User acceptance tests are an important step in the development process of an application and take place in the final phase before the software is deployed. The following factors are usually checked in this test phase:

  • Functional requirements: Here, users check whether the software enables the desired functions and processes and fulfils the original requirements for the software.
  • User-friendliness: Users evaluate the usability and design of the application. “Is the user interface intuitive and easy to understand?” is the key question.
  • Workflow requirements: Users test whether the software maps important workflows and fulfils the specific requirements.
  • Migration and compatibility during updates: When updates or changes are made, a check is carried out to ensure that existing data and functions continue to function correctly and that migrations can be carried out smoothly.
  • Scenarios: Different application scenarios are run through to ensure correct functioning.

 

What Is a Test Pyramid?

A test pyramid is a concept from software development that depicts the hierarchy of different test types in a hierarchical structure. The idea is to establish an efficient strategy for testing software.

A test pyramid typically consists of the following levels:

Unit tests form the basis of the test pyramid and test individual units of an application in isolation from each other.

The middle layer of the test pyramid is occupied by the integration tests. They check the cooperation of components and interfaces to ensure proper interaction. Any problems are thus detected promptly.

System tests represent a further level and test either parts of the system or the system as a whole. The focus here is primarily on the correct integration of all components. They also test whether functional and non-functional requirements are met.

With the User Acceptance Tests, end users ensure that the system not only meets their requirements, but also offers added value.

The test pyramid is based on two dimensions. The horizontal axis represents the number of test cases that are performed for an application. The vertical axis represents the complexity of the tests.

The vertical axis can be interpreted as the complexity of the test cases, the speed of execution or the type of validation.

Why Are UATs at the Top of the Test Pyramid?

User acceptance testing is crucial to identify potential problems or shortcomings – and therefore serves as the final step before the application is deployed. User feedback and evaluation are essential because they ensure that the application is suitable for the intended target group.

User acceptance tests focus on the customer perspective. When developing an application, the main goal is to maximise customer value. This should ensure that the end product meets the needs and requirements of users in practice.

The different perspectives also contribute to a differentiated picture of the software, as the tests provide important feedback on other use cases. Certain aspects may have appeared acceptable to developers in earlier test phases, whereas they are unacceptable to users.

Conclusion

Placing user acceptance tests at the top of the test pyramid emphasises the importance of the individual customer. They represent the highest degree of customer orientation. UATs are crucial for the commercial success of software, as they ensure that the desired customer benefit is fulfilled and added value is offered.

Would you also like to automate your testing? Book a demo and we get to know each other!

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Software Testing Before Launch: 5 Tips for a Smooth Launch Experience

All software must be tested before launch. If this part is omitted, a whole host of bugs and security gaps in the code remain undiscovered.

We at testup.io have already been involved in many projects and can confirm this: Problems can always be found before the release. And the more complex your product is, the more bugs there will be (best example: Windows). That’s why testing is a central part of software development. And this part has to be done right.

Here we share with you 5 tips on how to ensure a smooth launch experience with tests.

Tip 1: Test Right from the Start

This tip comes first because it is the most important.

If your software is already “finished” and you want to start testing it quickly before the launch, you have already made a critical mistake. Because testing software is not something that should only be done shortly before the launch. It has to be done right from the start. And on a regular basis.

Software products work in much the same way as buildings: there is a structure. Each building block builds on another. And if the foundation is not built properly, everything that builds on it has to be demolished.

If you find out 2 weeks before the rollout that the entire structure of your code needs to be reorganised, there is always the same consequence: a headache.

Employees have to work overtime, your superiors are stressed, clients are dissatisfied and the company builds up a bad reputation. Early testing prevents this.

Integrate Testing into the Product Roadmap

If you want to plan your testing strategically right from the start, you need to integrate it into the product roadmap. This allows you to determine at which points in the development process which tests are to be carried out.

A major advantage of this approach is also better time planning. One of the most common excuses for not testing is “too little time”. And it’s true that software development is stressful. But if you plan everything from the beginning, you can set realistic deadlines and schedule time for testing.

Also important: The coders should be involved in the creation of the product roadmap. This is because they are good at estimating how long certain tasks and processes will take.

And if you have particularly little time for testing, you can try automated testing as a service (TaaS).

Tip 2: Carry Out the 4 Most Important Tests

These 4 tests must never be omitted before the rollout:

  • Unit tests
  • Integration tests
  • End-to-End tests
  • Acceptance tests

They test different areas and complement each other. Once your software has passed these tests, you can have much more confidence and trust in the product. But what are these tests all about?

Unit Tests – Check Isolated Code Sections

Unit tests require you to scrutinise and check small sections of code (units). This type of test must be carried out particularly early on so that errors in one unit do not affect other units.

Integration Tests – Checking Harmony between Units

With complex software, different units have to communicate with each other (e.g. front-end and back-end modules).

You use integration tests to check whether these units are in harmony with each other. Because if the interfaces have errors, this usually hinders the flow of data in the system.

End-to-end Tests – Testing the Entire System

End-to-end tests are larger tests that check the behaviour of the entire system from start to finish.

As already mentioned, software consists of various components. And in end-to-end tests, it is not individual parts of the software that are tested, but the entire system. In such tests, the software has to prove itself in real-life scenarios.

Acceptance Tests – Checking the Client’s Needs

The acceptance test always comes at the end. It is not carried out by you, but by the customer or an end user. If the tester has no problems and can navigate the application without help, the test is considered passed.

Tip 3: Put your Software to the Test!

When a carpenter has finished his work, he hammers hard on his table. This is done to test the stability of the table. When testing software development, something similar is done to the finished application. It is called fuzzing.

When fuzzing, the system receives unexpected and invalid input data. An active attempt is made to overload the system. This has the following advantages:

Security Gaps Are Uncovered

If you actively overload your software with fuzzing, you can recognise vulnerabilities based on the system’s reactions. This is important because such vulnerabilities are exploited by attackers.

Resilience Is Tested

If the software crashes during fuzzing, this means that the code does not provide enough stability. You can use such stress tests to find out whether the software is robust enough for the launch.

A crash is often caused by the code being too long and not being kept simple.

Regression Can Be Detected

Regression means that old errors that have already been corrected reappear. Unfortunately, regression often goes unnoticed. But if you carry out fuzzing regularly, you can detect such errors.

Tip 4: Use Flaky Tests

Most developers don’t like flaky tests. Because they are confusing. A flaky test leads to different results under identical circumstances. This is why these tests are usually deleted.

But you can actually use flaky tests to your advantage. If you find out what causes the test to be “flaky”, you can get to the bottom of problems that other tests don’t reveal.

Tip 5: Write Test Reports that Everyone Understands

Automated test reports have become very popular. They save a lot of work. But there is one problem: they are not always reader-friendly and often require a lot of knowledge. There are always participants and decision-makers in the project who do not have a deep technical understanding. In order to make informed decisions, they need to be able to understand the test reports.

For example, there could be a bug that cannot be fixed before the launch. In such cases, the decision-makers need to understand the bug. They have to decide whether the launch has to be postponed or whether the software can be released despite the bug. And this is only possible if the test report is clear and comprehensible. Even if the reader does not have a great deal of technical understanding.

The good news: There are also automated test reports that are easy to understand. At testup.io, we produce image-based test reports. They are easily understood by everyone involved. Contact us if you want to know more about this.

#softwareengineering #programming #softwaredesign #datamining

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How Test Automa­tion Puts the Efficiency of Your Project in the Fast Lane

Imagine you are a passionate developer working on an exciting software project. The deadline is approaching and you feel the pressure to deliver a bug-free application that runs smoothly and delights users. But as you write the lines of code and perfect the functionalities, the fear of hidden bugs inevitably creeps in – those little imperfections that only become noticeable when the application gets into the hands of users.

Wouldn’t it be fantastic if all these worries could just disappear? Imagine if you could rely on your tests to be thorough, comprehensive and accurate – without the hassle and uncertainty of manual testing.

The solution to these concerns lies in the world of test automation.

In this article, we’ll dive into the exciting world of test automation together and explore how it can put your project’s efficiency on the fast track. We’ll see how tedious manual testing can become a thing of the past and how you can achieve better test coverage with ease. But that’s not all – we’ll also learn about an innovative solution that not only automates your testing, but also introduces the concept of Testing-as-a-Service (TaaS) to make your development journey even more seamless.

Join us on this journey as we overcome the obstacles of manual testing, maximising the efficiency of your development while ensuring that your application meets the highest quality standards. Let’s dive into the world of test automation and discover how you can save time, resources and nerves – without compromising on quality.

The Challenges of Manual Testing

Ah, the human factor – it can be a blessing, but also a curse. Sloppy mistakes, fatigue and carelessness can affect your tests. Manual testing can be a significant challenge in software development for a number of reasons:

  • Time required: Manual tests require a lot of time and resources as they have to be carried out manually by testers or developers. This can be particularly time-consuming for complex or extensive applications.
  • Repeatability: Repeatability is a problem with manual tests. As people are involved, tests cannot always be carried out in exactly the same way, which can lead to inconsistencies in the test results.
  • Human error: Manual tests are prone to human error such as sloppiness, fatigue or lack of attention. These errors can lead to errors in the application being overlooked or incorrect results being reported.
  • Limited test coverage: Due to time and resource constraints, manual tests cannot cover all possible scenarios and combinations that may occur in a complex application. This can lead to critical errors remaining undetected.
  • Scalability: Manual tests are difficult to scale. As the application grows or new features are added, more tests are needed, further increasing the time and resources required.
  • Costs: Manual testing can be costly as it requires teams of testers to continuously perform and monitor tests. This can put a strain on development project budgets.
  • Slow feedback cycle: Manual testing delays the feedback cycle for developers as they have to wait for test results from testers. This can hinder development and lead to longer iteration times.
  • Lack of reproducibility: With manual tests, it is often difficult to reproduce and isolate errors, especially if they occur intermittently. This makes troubleshooting and verification more difficult.
  • Complexity: Manual testing can be difficult in complex applications as they may require testing of different platforms, devices or environments. This can complicate the testing strategy.

As you can see, manual tests pose a major challenge, especially in terms of efficiency, consistency, test coverage and quality assurance. But don’t worry! Test automation takes this human factor out of the equation. No more mistakes due to daily form or tired eyes. The machine takes over.

Why Test Automation?

You certainly know the importance of testing for the quality of your software. But imagine if all those tedious tests could be automated! This is where test automation comes into play. It’s not just about saving time, but also about improving test coverage. Because we all know that manual tests can only scale up to a certain point.

Test automation brings with it a wealth of benefits that can significantly increase the efficiency and quality of your software development. Here are some of the most important advantages:

1. Faster Test Execution

Manual tests can be time-consuming, especially if they have to be repeated regularly. Test automation makes it possible to carry out tests in less time and at a higher speed, which speeds up the development process.

2. Higher Test Coverage

Manual testing can leave gaps in test coverage as it is difficult to cover all possible scenarios. With automated testing, you can run a wider range of test cases to ensure that different aspects of your application are thoroughly tested.

3. Consistency and Repeatability

Automated tests deliver consistent results, regardless of factors such as daily form or fatigue. This ensures the repeatability of the tests, which is important for tracking changes in the code over time.

4. Early Detection of Errors:

Automated tests can be used in the early stages of development, leading to the early detection of errors. This makes it possible to identify and rectify problems at an early stage, which ultimately reduces the cost of later corrections.

5. Better Utilisation of Resources

Automated tests can be executed in parallel, which maximises the utilisation of available resources. As a result, tests can be completed more quickly without overloading the resources of developers and testers.

6. Reduction of the Human Factor

Manual testing is prone to errors due to sloppiness, fatigue or human error. Automation eliminates this human factor and helps to improve the accuracy of test results.

7. Cost Efficiency

Although the initial outlay for setting up test automation must be invested, it leads to cost savings in the long term. Automated tests reduce the time and resources required for repeated manual tests.

8. Support of Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)

Automated tests are a crucial component of CI/CD pipelines. They enable code changes to be checked quickly and reliably and transferred to the production environment.

9. Scalability

With automated tests, you can easily scale test coverage by adding new test cases or updating existing ones. This is particularly useful as the application grows or new features are added.

Overall, test automation offers a variety of benefits that can improve the quality of your software, speed up the development process and utilise your resources more efficiently. It is an investment that pays off in the long term and helps to bring high-quality software to market faster and more reliably.

How does Test Automation Work?

Test automation refers to the process of using automated tools and scripts to perform software tests instead of having them performed manually by testers. These tools can use different techniques and approaches to automate tests. Here is a basic idea of how test automation works:

1. test script creation: First, test scripts or test cases are created that describe how the application is to be tested. These scripts are usually written in a specific scripting language or an automated test framework.

2. test tool selection: Automated test tools are selected that can automate the desired test scenarios. These tools can range from general test automation platforms to specialised tools for specific types of tests.

3. Set up the test environment: The test environment, which contains the application to be tested and all necessary dependencies, is prepared. Depending on the type of application, this can include various aspects such as software versions, databases, operating systems and hardware configurations.

4. Automation of the tests: The test scripts created are executed in the selected test automation tools. These tools can simulate the application, execute user input, compare expected results and detect errors.

5. Test execution: The test automation tools execute the created test scripts by controlling the application, executing actions and checking expected results. They can manipulate GUI elements, call APIs, query databases and more.

6. Test reporting: On completion of the tests, the automation tools generate reports on the test results. These reports contain information about which tests were successful, which failed and any errors that occurred.

7. error detection and correction: If automated tests fail, they indicate potential errors or problems in the application. Developers can use the reports to determine the exact cause of the error and fix it.

8. Integration into CI/CD pipelines: Automated tests can be integrated into Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines to enable seamless integration and deployment of code changes.

9. Scaling and maintenance: The test scripts can be updated and expanded as required to cover new functionalities or changed requirements. This enables continuous maintenance of the test automation.

Overall, test automation aims to reduce the manual effort involved in performing tests, increase test coverage, improve the accuracy of results and provide developers with quick feedback on the quality of their code. It also facilitates the execution of tests in different environments and ensures that repeated tests deliver consistent results.

testup.io: The Efficiency Revolution

And this is where testup.io comes into play. With testup.io, you can put your tests on autopilot. This means your developers can focus on the essentials while the machine in the background runs your tests quickly and thoroughly. No more bottlenecks caused by manual testing, and you can ensure that your software works together seamlessly. What does that mean? Let us explain:

The Turbo for your Development

With Testing-as-a-Service, or TaaS for short, you can sit back and relax because we take care of everything related to end-to-end testing for you: we create and manage your tests and document all defects found. This means that your developers can concentrate on the essentials while the machine in the background carries out your tests quickly and thoroughly. No more bottlenecks due to manual testing, and you can ensure that your software works seamlessly together.

Testing-as-a-Service (TaaS): Your All-in-One-Partner

TaaS is the new magic word, and testup.io is a master of it. As a product manager or CTO, you can outsource your testing and still retain control. No more tying up internal resources, no more building expensive infrastructures. Test your software in different environments to ensure that it works flawlessly everywhere.

The Proof of the Pudding Is in the Eating: Time for the Future of Testing

It’s time to take the plunge into the world of test automation with testup.io. Test automation and the concept of TaaS will revolutionise the way you work. Don’t be afraid of new horizons – testup.io is at your side. Increase your efficiency, save time and money and deliver high-quality software. Let’s shape the future of testing together!

Let’s try it out and see the results first hand! Your software will thank you, and your users will feel the difference.

Book a demo now on testup.io!

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Test Metrics – How to Track the Progress of Your Software’s Application Tests

In application testing in software development, there are various metrics that are used to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of the tests. Several steps must be taken into account for the implementation and subsequent evaluation of the test metrics.

What Steps Need to Be Taken when Application Testing Software and Analysing Test Metrics?

(1) Definition of the Test Objectives:

Firstly, the test objectives should be clearly defined so that the focus can be placed on specific aspects.

(2) Creation of the Test Cases:

Various test cases are created to test the functionality and performance of the software.

(3) Generation of Metrics:

Relevant metrics are recorded during the test. This data is used to assess quality and enable improvements in the development process.

(4) Evaluation of the Test Results:

Once the tests have been completed, the metrics are analysed in detail in order to derive recommendations for action and further optimise the software.

What Significance do Test Metrics Have for Application Tests of Software?

Test metrics are an essential method for tracking the progress of application testing in software. They are used to measure the quality and effectiveness of the test process and make it possible to evaluate the progress, status and performance of the tests. This allows potential bottlenecks or weaknesses to be identified. By providing quantifiable data, test metrics allow the development team to identify problem areas and make improvements to ensure that the software meets quality standards.

Which Test Metrics Are Relevant for the Application Tests?

  • An example of a test metric is Code Coverage, which indicates what percentage of the source code is covered by the tests.
  • The error rate indicates how many errors were found per line or function during the tests.
  • Other metrics include the number of successful tests and number of failed tests.
  • The execution time required to complete a specific test. These values provide information about the performance and scalability of the software.
  • Other important metrics include maintainability (e.g. through the Cyclomatic Complexity Index), behaviour under load (load testing) and user-friendliness (usability testing).

How Can Testing-as-a-Service (TaaS) Help Companies to Determine and Analyse Software Test Metrics?

For example, they can provide a wide range of testing tools and technologies to perform automated tests to capture metrics such as code coverage, defect density or turnaround times. They also provide expertise in selecting the appropriate metrics for a particular application and interpreting the results. Through this support, TaaS companies enable developers to continuously improve the quality of their software and identify potential risks at an early stage, even if they lack the time or knowledge to do so.

Conclusion

By analysing and interpreting these metrics, you can better understand the progress of the application tests and make targeted improvements to ultimately deliver high-quality software. Our app testup.io can support you in collecting objective data on the quality and reliability of your software and thus provide a basis for decisions on possible improvements based on potential risks.

Contact us to get to know our testup.io app in a demo and find out more about our services!

You are also welcome to take part in one of our webinars.

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The Test Pyramid: Components of an Effective Test Strategy

In addition to the planning and implementation of programming work, the development of new software also includes successful integration. Comprehensive testing is therefore a key factor in ensuring the introduction of a new system.

These tests uncover problems and errors that need to be rectified before delivery to the customer. The various tests build on each other. In this article, we introduce you to the so-called test pyramid and its meaning.

Comprehensive Tests – From the Base to the Top

Comprehensive testing of newly developed software is as important as the programming itself. Comprehensive testing of the system is therefore central and important before the product is launched at the customer. It serves as quality assurance. Testing makes it possible to recognise and rectify problems before the software reaches the end user. Testing should therefore take place from as many perspectives as possible. This is the only way to ensure that the customer can use the finished end product without any problems.

There are basically four different test procedures that should be carried out before finalising new software: Unit test, integration test, system test and acceptance test. The four different tests systematically build on each other and should therefore all be carried out.

In this context, we also speak of the test pyramid. The unit or component test forms the basis. The integration test builds on this at the second level, followed by the system test. The top of the pyramid is the acceptance test. Software that has made it this far should generally only have minor errors. The acceptance test is the last step before the customer, so to speak.

In the following, we will take a closer look at the test pyramid and explain what is tested on the four levels and why these tests are so important.

Basics First – The Unit Test

The unit test has different names, whether unit, component or module test, the purpose remains the same. In the test process, the unit test is used to test the smallest units of software code. These units are considered independently of each other. Only if the smallest parts are functional can the entire software system run without errors.

Unit tests form the basis of the test pyramid, which is obviously due to the fact that this is about the many individual codes that together form the software. The aim of analysing and checking is to find errors in these smallest units at an early stage. The testing process can be divided into four phases.

  • Planning: In order to carry out a test procedure efficiently, the process should be planned in advance. This includes, among other things, securing resources and personnel.
  • Test cases: The development and preparation of use cases follows on from planning.
  • Scripting: Creation of the scripts needed to perform the unit test.
  • Unittest: The testing of the individual units naturally comes at the end of the process. The results lead to the optimisation of the software units.

There are different methods for implementing a unit test. Both manual and automated options are available. Manual tests have a greater level of detail, as each individual step is documented. Automated procedures only provide information on the failed units.

Although a unit test cannot usually uncover all errors in the smallest units, this procedure provides early indications of problems. Costs are reduced by optimising the code units identified as faulty. The basis for further tests is also optimally prepared.

Step Two – The Integration Test

In the second step, software testing concentrates on the interaction of several units that were previously checked in the unit test. In the course of a complete test process, the focus widens. After the detailed testing of the individual units, the field of vision is now larger.

Integration tests look at the cooperation between the units, i.e. whether a unit refers to another unit, uses its interface and whether this works smoothly. It is precisely at these interfaces that errors can occur, which a unit test cannot identify due to its focus on the smallest part.

The result of the integration test shows which interfaces between two or more units do not fit together properly. Sources of error can thus be eliminated in a targeted manner.

Step Three – The System Test

The step-by-step check of the interfaces in the integration test is followed by the system test, which again has an expanded focus. As the name suggests, the entire software system is now put to the test. All other systems are now added and analysed as an overall construct. The aim is to clarify whether the software does exactly what it is supposed to do and whether unexpected errors or problems occur when the individual components work together.

Compared to a unit test, system tests require more time, resources and personnel. At this point, the effort required correlates with the complexity of the task. The test combinations are almost infinite. It is therefore important to utilise the resources efficiently. A customised test environment is therefore the be-all and end-all before carrying out the system test.

Once the software has successfully passed the system test and it has been ensured that all requirements have been met, the test process can be finalised.

At the Top – The Acceptance Test

In some cases, the system test is also the final stage of the test pyramid. However, the value of an acceptance test should not be underestimated. Once a software has gone through all the previous steps and the tests and corresponding adjustments have been made, it is worth carrying out a final test to scrutinise the overall construct once again.

The acceptance test is also known as acceptance testing. It is the really final step before the software is delivered to the customer.

This last test is a so-called black box test. The parameters of the test must therefore be defined in advance. The tester therefore determines all the characteristic values that are used to check the input and output data. Depending on who carries out the test, the acceptance test belongs to a different category. There are three different categories.

  • Customer Acceptance Testing: The tester is an external supplier
  • Factory Acceptance Testing: The tester examines the components
  • User Acceptance Testing: The tester is the user

User Acceptance Testing (UAT)

Whether referred to as beta, application or end-user testing, the most important sub-category of acceptance testing is user acceptance testing. Why is it so important? Quite simply, in this process the customer himself checks the software for its handling and usability. Feedback from the customer is some of the most helpful feedback a developer can get.

Ziel einer Software-Programmierung ist es, dem Kunden genau das Produkt zu erstellen, das er sich wünscht. Im UAT testet der Kunde nun die Software auf Herz und Nieren und schau, ob alles so funktioniert, wie es soll. Es steht damit die Benutzerfreundlichkeit und die Akzeptanz seitens der Anwender im Vordergrund.

For programming, the user review provides insight into topics such as Is the software intuitive to use? What problems occur during use? Does the software crash and in which situations does this happen?

If problems and errors occur, the manufacturer has the opportunity to make further adjustments and identify and eliminate the sources of error. In serious cases, the result is more labour-intensive, namely when important applications have been forgotten during programming or the user expresses further wishes when trying out the system.

Support with Testing

The various tests in the test pyramid are essential for bringing a successful product to market. While unit tests are carried out relatively quickly, the complexity and time required increase as the focus of the other tests increases. System tests and, above all, acceptance tests are therefore very time-consuming. In addition, system and acceptance tests are generally not automated and require manpower to carry them out.

In order to ensure the quality of the software, it is therefore advisable to consider support for the time-consuming tests. testup.io can help with user acceptance testing. One example clearly shows how the support provided by the testup.io experts works:

A testup.io customer had been struggling for some time with problems that occurred during his product demos. He was unable to remedy the problem himself and the source of the error could not be found. As the malfunctions were already leaving a bad impression on potential and existing customers, quick help was needed.

testup.io provided the customer with the test environment, which was used to find the source of the error on the basis of comprehensive, automated tests. What did the customer do with the help of the test environment? It used the test tools to run through different scenarios and simulate the software in these examples. Since then, it has used the testup.io test environment for all product demos, as this allows it to ensure quality.

This shows that with testup.io, developers and project managers have a strong and competent partner at their side.

Climbing the Pyramid – Taking the Fear Out of IT Tests

Software errors can have a negative impact on the acceptance of the product. System crashes or malfunctions frustrate the user and dampen confidence in the application or the manufacturer. Even if they consume resources and time, extensive tests are therefore an important element in the development process. The test pyramid is a clear way of visualising the structure of the test process.

According to the pyramid, the test procedure should be well planned and prepared in advance. Good preparation ensures that there are no further undesirable delays during the test procedure. Test environments such as those from testup.io make test implementation even easier.

If you are looking for a solution to simplify the introduction of new software and support it with high-quality product demos, you should give testup.io a try. Rely on thorough testing and convince your customers.

#test_pyramide #technology #strategy #projectmanagement #testpyramide #useracceptance #unittest #systemtest #integrationstest #software #testup

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Best Practices for the Successful Transition from Manual Testing to Automation

The transition from manual testing to automation is crucial in today’s fast-paced software development world. By automating testing processes, organisations can increase efficiency, improve quality and reduce time-to-market. However, there are some challenges to overcome, including careful planning, strategic approaches and collaboration between all team members.

A successful transition requires recognising best practices and implementing appropriate steps. For example, clear objectives should be defined, suitable tools selected and test scripts developed. Regularly reviewing and updating automated tests and training team members are also important aspects of a successful transition. With a well-thought-out approach, a company can ensure that it realises all the benefits of automation and continuously improves its software quality.

1. Thorough Analysis and Planning

The first and most important step for a successful transition to test automation is thorough analysis and planning. This involves understanding the goals, requirements and scope of the automation project. By identifying the appropriate test cases, resources can be utilised effectively. The prioritisation of test cases is based on their importance and the expected ROI (return on investment). Examples of suitable test cases could be regression tests, where a large amount of repetitive tasks can be automated. Performance tests or tests in complex environments can also be automated well. Careful planning lays the foundation for efficient and successful test automation.

Create a detailed time and resource plan for the automation project. Firstly, you should estimate the time required for the actual automation, taking into account specific tasks such as identifying processes that can be automated, developing scripts or testing the automation. Furthermore, it is essential to plan enough time for training team members to ensure that they have the necessary skills to carry out the automation successfully.

The familiarisation with new tools and technologies should also be considered, as these may require additional training. It may make sense to bring in external expertise or offer training to ensure that the team has the necessary knowledge.

2. Selection of the Right Tools

Choosing the right automation tools is crucial to the success of the project. There are a variety of test automation tools on the market, from open source options such as

  • Selenium
  • Appium
  • JUnit

to commercial solutions such as

  • Applitools
  • TestCafe
  • UFT
  • TestComplete
  • testup.io
  • UIPath

Choose the tools that best suit the requirements and technologies of your project.

When selecting development and testing tools, copywriters should consider various aspects. Firstly, scalability is important – the selected tool should be able to keep pace with growing requirements. In addition, it should offer broad support for different platforms and technologies to ensure that a wide range of projects can be covered. The maintainability of the tool also plays a role, as it requires regular updates and bug fixes. An active community can help to clarify questions and solve problems. Finally, integration with other development tools is important to ensure a seamless workflow.

3. Gradual Introduction and Pilot Projects

A step-by-step approach is often recommended to make the transition from manual testing to automation a success. Start with a pilot project to familiarise the team with the new tools and methods and gain experience. Select test cases that are relatively easy to automate and offer a high benefit for the project.

After the pilot project has been completed and the results analysed, it is advisable to obtain feedback from the team members. This feedback can provide valuable insights and help to adapt the approach if necessary. If the pilot project is successful, it opens up the possibility of extending automation to other test cases and projects. This allows for more efficient testing and gives the team more time for other important tasks. Examples of possible extensions could be the integration of additional test tools or the automation of other project management processes.

4. Test Data Management

A critical aspect of test automation is test data management. Automated test cases require reliable and consistent test data in order to function correctly. Ensure that test data is managed in a clean and predictable environment.

Using mock data is an effective way to simulate databases and external dependencies in tests. By separating test data from production data, privacy regulations can be adhered to and potential data leaks can be avoided. Let’s imagine a developer is working on an e-commerce website and wants to test different scenarios, such as adding products to the shopping basket or completing an order.

Instead of using real customer data or credit card information, mock data can be generated, such as random names, addresses or credit card numbers. This mock data is realistic enough to perform realistic tests, but anonymised enough to protect user privacy. In addition, the use of mock data allows for greater flexibility in creating specific test cases and scenarios without compromising the actual production environment.

5. Code Quality and Versioning

Automated tests are essentially code, so code quality is critical. Follow best practices for software development, such as modular and well-structured code, clear commenting and consistency in the naming of variables and methods.

Effective version control is crucial for managing the code of automated tests. It enables the team to track changes and undo them if necessary. This not only minimises the risk of errors, but also improves collaboration. An example of a popular version control software is Git, which allows developers to create branches and work on different features or fixes in parallel.

In addition, Git provides features such as merging and rebasing to merge changes into the main code and resolve conflicts. With well-managed version control, the test team can go through faster feedback loops and ensure that all changes are properly documented.

6. Continuous Integration and Continuous Testing

Integrate test automation seamlessly into the CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment) process. Automate the execution of tests when new code changes are submitted. This enables potential problems to be recognised and rectified at an early stage and the quality of the code to be improved.

By automating the deployment and execution of tests in different environments, a copywriter is able to ensure that an application works both consistently and reliably. This makes it possible to identify potential problems or incompatibilities at an early stage and take appropriate countermeasures. For example, it is possible to test whether a website is displayed correctly on different browsers or whether mobile apps run smoothly on different operating systems.

In addition, different network conditions can also be simulated to ensure that the application functions optimally under different connection qualities. Overall, the automation of tests in different environments helps to significantly improve the quality and performance of an application.

7. Continuous Improvement and Training

Test automation is an ongoing process that requires continuous improvement. Gather feedback from team members and stakeholders to identify potential weaknesses and bottlenecks.

Continuous investment in training and development of the team is vital to ensure they always have the latest skills and technology. This enables team members to keep up with constantly evolving requirements and maximise their efficiency. For example, test automation training could be provided to ensure that the team has the necessary knowledge and skills to automate tests effectively.

It is also important to keep up to date with developments in the field of test automation and adapt the strategy and tools accordingly. New tools and techniques such as Continuous Integration or Behaviour Driven Development can help to further optimise the automation process. Overall, a well-trained team helps to ensure that tests can be carried out more efficiently, thereby improving the quality of the software.

Conclusion

The transition from manual testing to automation brings numerous advantages for companies. By using automated tests, they can optimise their software development and shorten the time-to-market. This enables faster delivery of updates and new features to customers. By thoroughly analysing the requirements and scope of testing, companies can ensure that they select the right tools for their test automation. A step-by-step approach is advisable to minimise the risk of errors and ensure a smooth transition. It is also important to integrate test automation into the already established CI/CD process to enable continuous integration and deployment. Examples of suitable tools are Selenium, Appium or JUnit, depending on the specific requirements of the project. The use of frameworks such as Behaviour Driven Development (BDD) can also help to create clear and understandable test scenarios.

Continuous improvement and training of the team is crucial to keep up with the latest technologies and best practices and to ensure efficient test automation. By regularly training the team, they can expand their knowledge of tools such as Selenium or Appium and develop new automation strategies. In addition, best practices such as setting up a continuous integration system or implementing code reviews can help improve the quality of the software. Costs can be reduced by recognising and correcting errors early on in the development process. This not only leads to higher customer satisfaction, as high-quality products are delivered, but also to a motivated team that is constantly developing and growing.

If you do not yet have the necessary expertise in-house to make the switch from manual to automated tests, you can also opt for a Testing-as-a-Service solution. The provider takes over the testing for you. You can find more information about this service at testup.io.

#innovation #digital #automation #softwareengineering #programming #data

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Videotutorial 09: Variables and Data

This is the nineth tutorial of this series explaining how to use variables and data in testup.io. So if you want to learn how to use variables and data in your test, testup.io is is ready for you:

  • Using the clipboard
  • Seting runtime variables
  • Working with test variables

Also read our post about how to integrate tests into Gitlab CI/CD pipelines

You’ll find more information about useful PHP commands in the using the editor advances section of our documentation.