19 November, 2014

Steps You Need to Follow while Testing an Application

Each business wants to get higher ROI by launching a software application that delivers flawless user experience. That is why; most IT companies, nowadays, adopt test-driven development approach. Likewise, many companies automate their testing efforts to ensure that the software meets the requirements of end users. Based on the enterprise’s objectives, the software testing strategies and process vary. However, it is always important for the testers to understand and follow some essential steps of software testing.

Essential Steps of Software Testing Each Tester Has to Follow

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Decide Scope of Testing: The testing strategy always aims to identify the errors, bugs or flaws in the software. But the testers can assure the performance of the application under specific circumstances. That is why; the testers must understand the exact usage of the application. Before starting the testing, the professionals must clearly understand the business rules and objectives. So it is always important to decide the scope of testing by analyzing the business rules. Once the scope of testing is decided, it will be easier for the testers to make test plans.

Decide Testing Approach: Based on the scope of testing, the QA professionals have to decide the testing approach. The step also includes selection of testing methods and tools that will be used for carrying out the process. However, it is always important to decide the testing approach according to the requirements and specifications of the client.

Determine Testing Tasks: After deciding the approach, QA engineers have to decide the task to be completed during each testing phase. The testing tasks must be decided by consulting with various stakeholders in the project including the development team and client. The document must be shared with various stakeholders to keep them in the loop about the current status of the testing efforts.

Estimate Testing Time and Budget: Each organization wants to complete the software testing process as early as possible. So the entire software testing lifecycle will be impacted by the testing time and effort. Based on the estimated testing time, the testers will schedule tasks for each testing phase. Likewise, the testing budget will have an impact on procurements of software testing tools and frameworks. There are also chances that the organization will want to curtail the testing budget to keep the project overheads under control.

Decide the Required Testing Environment: To test the software effectively, the QA engineers will require a variety of hardware and software. Further, they have to evaluate several test environments, and pick the one that meets the testing objectives. For instance, while testing a web application, they need to test its performance across major web browsers. The performance of an application also needs to be evaluated under varying conditions and circumstances. So the selection of testing environments and tools is one of the most important steps in software testing.

Identify Testing Phases: After the planning phase, the actual software testing starts with identification of testing phases. Along with identifying the individual testing phases, the testers also need to check if the phases overlap. Each phase will further require testers to decide the software testing methodology. However, each testing phase can have a specific and distinct objective. It is also important for the QA engineers to identify the exit criteria for each phase to complete the testing on schedule.

Make Strategy for Retesting and Regression Testing: The testing manager will prepare a report based on the bugs identified during testing and the conditions under which the bugs were found. The report will be forwarded to the development team to fix the bugs. After the defects are fixed by the development team, the software will back to the testing team for retesting. The QA engineers will decide a retesting strategy, and test the software again. Likewise, they also need to make a regression testing strategy as there are chances that new defects may be created while fixing the reported bugs. The regression testing will ensure that the software is working flawlessly.

Initiate Test Closure Activities: Once the retesting and regression testing is over, the testers have to initiate the test closure activities. Before starting the closure activities, they have to ensure that the exit criterion for each testing phase is met. Also, they have to put together all important aspects of the project including documents, logs and results.

It is always important for the testing professionals to decide the steps of software testing based on the organization’s goals. However, they must pick the right steps to find all defects or flaws in the application, while ensuring that the software meets the predefined requirements and specifications.

You can hire testers from top IT software testing companies in India who can help you accomplish testing within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide software testing services. If you would like to hire software test engineer from us, we would be glad to assist you at Mindfire Solutions.

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