In many organizations, there is a gap between development, testing, and operations, leading to delays, errors, and slower releases. This disconnect often disrupts workflows and affects continuous delivery. QAOps integrates Quality Assurance practices into the DevOps pipeline, promoting high quality and faster delivery. This article will explore how QAOps addresses these challenges, its implementation strategies, and the benefits it offers in modern software development environments.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_QAOpsnbsp">1 What is QAOps?&nbsp;</a><ul><li><a href="#Key_Components_of_QAOps">1.1 Key Components of QAOps</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Lifecycle_of_the_QAOps_Process">2 Lifecycle of the QAOps Process</a><ul><li><a href="#1_Trigger">2.1 1. Trigger</a></li><li><a href="#2_Implement">2.2 2. Implement</a></li><li><a href="#3_Reporting">2.3 3. Reporting</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#QAOps_Framework_Methodologies">3 QAOps Framework Methodologies</a><ul><li><a href="#Automated_Testing">3.1 Automated Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Parallel_Testing">3.2 Parallel Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Regression_Testing">3.3 Regression Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Smoke_Testing">3.4 Smoke Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Scalability_Testing">3.5 Scalability Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Functional_Exploratory_Testing">3.6 Functional Exploratory Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Geolocation_Testing">3.7 Geolocation Testing</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#How_can_QAOps_be_used_in_an_organization">4 How can QAOps be used in an organization?</a></li><li><a href="#QAOps_vs_DevOps">5 QAOps vs DevOps</a></li><li><a href="#How_QAOps_Relates_to_Continuous_Testing_in_DevOps">6 How QAOps Relates to Continuous Testing in DevOps</a></li><li><a href="#Key_Advantages_of_the_QAOps_Process">7 Key Advantages of the QAOps Process</a></li><li><a href="#Challenges_of_QAOps">8 Challenges of QAOps</a></li><li><a href="#QAOps_Best_Practices">9 QAOps Best Practices</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">10 Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-qaops">What is QAOps?&nbsp;</h2>



QAOps is a modern approach that combines Quality Assurance with software delivery pipelines. It requires the QA team to collaborate directly with both the operations and development teams. The process starts with the software’s development and then moves to the QA team, which evaluates and identifies issues to ensure no quality issues arise before the software reaches the user. QAOps highlights the importance of achieving the highest software quality at every stage of the development process.



<h3 id="h-key-components-of-qaops">Key Components of QAOps</h3>



Following are the key component of QAOps:&nbsp;



<ul><li>Continuous Testing: Automated tests run throughout the software pipeline whenever new code is added, improving reliability and speeding up delivery. A strong test framework and secure test data management are essential.</li><li>Collaboration: QA and DevOps teams work closely, aligning on goals and processes. Agile methods and cross-functional teams foster trust and shared ownership of quality.</li><li>Feedback Loops: Fast feedback helps detect issues and track performance. Tools like Jenkins and GitLab CI/CD enable quick fixes, while predictive analytics address quality risks early.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-lifecycle-of-the-qaops-process">Lifecycle of the QAOps Process</h2>



QAOps ensures new code is tested using the right tools on the CI/CD pipeline. It involves three steps: Trigger, Execute, and Report, for effective validation and testing.



<h3 id="h-1-trigger">1. Trigger</h3>



This is where everything starts. You need to trigger the right tests at the right time in your CI/CD pipeline. Focus on changes in functionality to avoid wasting time on irrelevant tests or missing critical areas. Planning this phase well ensures confidence in your product’s release.



Key Actions:



<ul><li>Commit code changes to the repository.</li><li>CI/CD tools detect changes and trigger tests automatically.</li><li>QA teams or developers can manually start the process when needed.</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-2-implement">2. Implement</h3>



Here, you run tests, check quality, and confirm the code meets standards. Testing runs parallel with DevOps to keep things smooth.



Key Actions:



<ul><li>Use automated tests: unit, integration, and end-to-end.</li><li>Perform manual testing for complex scenarios.</li><li>Analyze code for issues like security gaps or performance limits.</li><li>Test performance with tools like JMeter or LoadRunner.</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-3-reporting">3. Reporting</h3>



Reporting ties it all together. Document the test results clearly for stakeholders, track trends, and store historical data for future reference.



Key Actions:



<ul><li>Track metrics like pass/fail rates and <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/defect-density/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">defect density</a>.</li><li>Use visual reports and set alerts for critical issues.</li><li>Share findings with developers and product teams for quick fixes and strategy updates.</li></ul>



By following these phases, you can confidently deliver high-quality software, on time, every time.



<h2 id="h-qaops-framework-methodologies">QAOps Framework Methodologies</h2>



QAOps uses several testing methods to speed up development while keeping software stable and reliable.



<h3 id="h-automated-testing">Automated Testing</h3>



Automation is a key part of the QAOps framework. It accelerates testing by analyzing the product’s quality efficiently. Before building an automation framework, QA engineers need to study the product&#8217;s specifications, functionality, and goals to gather the right information for writing accurate automated test scripts. Once the analysis is complete, the automation scripts are integrated into the QAOps pipeline. This saves valuable time and ensures the test data remains relevant.



Testsigma is a powerful, low-code, AI-driven tool. It is cloud-based and helps automate tests for web, mobile, desktop apps, and APIs. You can create and run tests in one place. The tool makes test automation quick and easy. The process feels like writing tests in simple English.



It also uses AI to automatically fix tests when possible. For more complex test scenarios that need coding, you can create custom test scripts in Java. Testsigma also includes built-in tools for managing test case reviews.



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With automation and Testsigma in place, QAOps helps teams deliver higher-quality software more quickly, meeting user expectations.



<h3 id="h-parallel-testing">Parallel Testing</h3>



Parallel testing allows multiple test scripts to run simultaneously, significantly cutting down the time required for testing. It is especially effective in CI/CD pipelines. However, it demands more computing power and hardware resources to process multiple test codes simultaneously due to the high volume of data.



<h3 id="h-regression-testing">Regression Testing</h3>



Regression testing is carried out on software that has already been built and released. It ensures that the system works correctly when updates or changes are made. This testing is especially relevant when new updates introduce significant changes to the product before its re-release in the market.



<h3 id="h-smoke-testing">Smoke Testing</h3>



<a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/smoke-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smoke testing</a> checks the product’s stability by verifying that the most important functions work without errors. Only error-free code and fully functional features pass this test, which helps save time by catching issues early. QAOps uses smoke testing for initial verification of software stability.



<h3 id="h-scalability-testing">Scalability Testing</h3>



Scalability testing evaluates how well the software performs under varying loads, focusing on non-functional aspects. By simulating different levels of concurrent user requests, this testing helps assess the application’s ability to handle changes in demand.



<h3 id="h-functional-exploratory-testing">Functional Exploratory Testing</h3>



QA engineers go beyond predefined test cases to explore the software’s behavior, identifying bugs and issues that scripted tests might miss. This ensures a more thorough evaluation before release.



<h3 id="h-geolocation-testing">Geolocation Testing</h3>



Web applications must be tested for compatibility across different geolocations. QA and operations teams work together to ensure the application adheres to Internet standards, providing a seamless experience for users worldwide.



<h2 id="h-how-can-qaops-be-used-in-an-organization">How can QAOps be used in an organization?</h2>



QAOps might sound like DevOps, but it doesn&#8217;t require a complete cultural shift in the workplace. This framework helps developers and testers work together more efficiently, allowing them to deliver faster results and thoroughly test new parts of the application before releasing them.



To make this work, it&#8217;s essential to explain the benefits of QAOps to key decision-makers and stakeholders, particularly the technical team. They need to understand why adopting a QAOps framework is valuable. When they get this, it will help the rest of the organization, including developers, testers, and IT operations managers, understand the needs and collaborate effectively. Convincing stakeholders to adopt this framework may take time, but once it&#8217;s in place, the company will see the benefits of having QAOps integrated into its processes.



<h2 id="h-qaops-vs-devops">QAOps vs DevOps</h2>



QAOps is an advancement of DevOps, focusing on making sure quality is a key part of the delivery process.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>DevOps</td><td>QAOps</td></tr><tr><td>Operations and developers have primary roles, and QA is a part of development.</td><td>QA specialists work closely with operations and developers in key roles.</td></tr><tr><td>The main focus is on deploying software quickly.</td><td>The main focus is on ensuring the software’s quality.</td></tr><tr><td>The quality of the software is good in this approach.</td><td>The quality of the software is very high in this approach.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 id="how-qaops-relates-to-continuous-testing-in-devops">How QAOps Relates to Continuous Testing in DevOps</h2>



In DevOps, developers and testers play key roles, with QA connecting development and IT operations. QAOps is <a href="https://testsigma.com/continuous-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">continuous testing</a> in DevOps, promoting collaboration and faster, high-quality web application delivery.



Here, a continuous Integration setup is needed. Developers should test new features for functionality, performance, and usability using tools like Testsigma, with thorough test cases.



QA teams test alongside development. After QA signs off, IT operations deploy the app. The release begins after their sign-off. Post-release, IT operations monitor the app for smooth performance.



<h2 id="h-key-advantages-of-the-qaops-process">Key Advantages of the QAOps Process</h2>



QAOps process makes it easier for organizations to achieve their goals. By combining different testing methods with QA operations, businesses can benefit in many ways:&nbsp;



<ul><li>When the software testing team works closely with operations and development as part of DevOps QA testing, it helps them expand their skills and knowledge.</li><li>QAOps within the SDLC results in higher-quality software and on-time delivery.</li><li>Continuous monitoring in QAOps ensures the product is durable, stable, and accurate. This contributes to better customer service.</li><li>QAOps focuses on both quality and timeframes, ensuring the product is delivered on the stated date.</li><li>The final phase in QAOps creates reports that summarize the development, testing, and results.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-challenges-of-qaops">Challenges of QAOps</h2>



Like any new technology or process, QAOps comes with a learning curve. Below are some common challenges faced by QAOps teams:



<ul><li>QA team members may struggle to understand new technologies and all stages of the SDLC.</li><li>The procedure may take a lot of time and can be expensive.</li><li>Companies must invest in the right resources and tools to cover all aspects of the software quality lifecycle.</li><li>Involving other components of QAOps may cause the QA team to lose focus on their core duties.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-qaops-best-practices">QAOps Best Practices</h2>



Some of the QAOps best practices that you can follow are:&nbsp;



<ul><li>Implement a strong testing process with unit, integration, and system-level tests to ensure software components meet specifications.</li><li>Use automation to reduce time spent on repetitive tasks and avoid human errors.</li><li>Create detailed test cases outlining expected behavior and steps to follow.</li><li>Use defect-tracking software to manage and report defects.</li><li>Train team members in QAOps best practices to ensure consistent understanding and reduce errors.</li></ul>



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



The future of QAOps in organizations will be highly automated and cloud-based. Many companies have adopted DevOps, and QAOps as the next logical step. This allows teams to achieve complete test coverage across devices. With proper execution, it speeds up delivery, improves customer experience, and ensures quality.

What is QAOps? Methodologies, Process & Benefits

As organisations continue to adopt Salesforce to streamline operations, having a robust test automation strategy becomes critical to ensure that frequent updates, configurations, and customizations work seamlessly.



Following industry standards for software testing, this case study explores a structured approach to Salesforce test automation, illustrating how automation can enhance quality, reduce regression testing time, and improve resource allocation.



As a seasoned Salesforce test automation engineer, I&#8217;ve had the privilege of witnessing the transformative power of test automation in action. Today, I&#8217;m excited to share a comprehensive case study that showcases the remarkable benefits we were able to achieve through the strategic implementation of a robust test automation framework.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#The_Challenge_Navigating_Complexity_and_Rapid_Change_in_Salesforce">1 The Challenge: Navigating Complexity and Rapid Change in Salesforce</a></li><li><a href="#The_Solution_Comprehensive_Salesforce_Test_Automation">2 The Solution: Comprehensive Salesforce Test Automation</a></li><li><a href="#The_Results_Transforming_Salesforce_Testing_Efficiency_and_Quality">3 The Results: Transforming Salesforce Testing Efficiency and Quality</a></li><li><a href="#Looking_to_the_Future_How_LLMs_Can_Enhance_Salesforce_Test_Automation">4 Looking to the Future: How LLMs Can Enhance Salesforce Test Automation</a></li><li><a href="#Testsigma_for_Automated_Salesforce_Testing">5 Testsigma for Automated Salesforce Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">6 Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-the-challenge-navigating-complexity-and-rapid-change-in-salesforce">The Challenge: Navigating Complexity and Rapid Change in Salesforce</h2>



Our client, a rapidly growing SaaS company, was facing a set of interconnected challenges within their Salesforce ecosystem. As their Salesforce instance grew in complexity, the problems they encountered became increasingly multifaceted and difficult to manage.



Over time, the client&#8217;s Salesforce platform had become more intricate, with a growing number of custom objects, integrations, and business processes. This complexity made it increasingly challenging to maintain a comprehensive understanding of the entire system and its interdependencies.&nbsp;



Additionally, the client&#8217;s Salesforce development team was working at a fast pace, continuously introducing new features and updates to meet the evolving needs of their customers. While this agility was crucial for the business, it also created a constant state of change that made it difficult to ensure the stability and reliability of the Salesforce platform.



The client&#8217;s existing testing approach was heavily reliant on manual processes, which became increasingly time-consuming and error-prone as the Salesforce instance grew in complexity. The QA team struggled to keep up with the rapid development cycles, and they were unable to thoroughly validate all critical business scenarios before each deployment.&nbsp;



The manual testing approach simply could not scale to meet the demands of the client&#8217;s growing Salesforce ecosystem. As the number of test cases and the frequency of deployments increased, the QA team found it increasingly challenging to maintain the necessary testing coverage and ensure the quality of the Salesforce solutions.



These challenges led to delayed time-to-market, as the inefficient testing process and the inability to quickly identify and resolve defects impacted the client&#8217;s ability to deliver new features and updates to their customers. This had a direct impact on their competitive positioning and customer satisfaction.



The leadership team at the client&#8217;s organisation recognized that these challenges were hindering their ability to fully leverage the power of Salesforce and deliver the best possible experience to their customers. They knew that a more efficient and scalable testing approach was needed to overcome these obstacles and position the company for long-term success.



<h2 id="h-the-solution-comprehensive-salesforce-test-automation">The Solution: Comprehensive Salesforce Test Automation</h2>



After a thorough evaluation of the client&#8217;s requirements and the existing Salesforce ecosystem, we proposed a comprehensive test automation strategy. The key elements of this approach were:



<ol><li>Comprehensive Test Suite Development: We worked closely with the client&#8217;s development and quality assurance teams to identify critical business scenarios, integration points, and user journeys. This enabled us to create a robust and comprehensive test suite that covered the core functionality of the Salesforce platform, as well as edge cases and potential areas of concern. </li><li>Automation Framework and Tool Selection: We carefully selected a Salesforce-compatible test automation framework and tool that would seamlessly integrate with the client&#8217;s existing technology stack. This allowed us to leverage the power of automation while maintaining a cohesive and maintainable solution. In this case, we chose a well-established framework that offered advanced features, such as data-driven testing, parallel execution, and detailed reporting. </li><li>Test Automation Implementation: Our team of experienced Salesforce test automation engineers implemented the selected framework and tool, meticulously automating the identified test cases. This process involved developing reusable code modules, creating data-driven test scenarios, and implementing robust error-handling and reporting mechanisms. We also incorporated best practices, such as modular design, code versioning, and continuous improvement, to ensure the long-term maintainability of the automation suite. </li><li>Continuous Integration and Deployment: We integrated the <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/automated-test-suite/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test automation suite</a> with the client&#8217;s continuous integration and deployment pipelines, enabling seamless and frequent regression testing. This allowed the development team to quickly identify and address any regressions or defects, thereby reducing the time-to-market for new features.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-the-results-transforming-salesforce-testing-efficiency-and-quality">The Results: Transforming Salesforce Testing Efficiency and Quality </h2>



The implementation of the Salesforce test automation strategy yielded remarkable results for our client:



<ol><li>Increased Test Coverage: By automating the critical test cases, we were able to achieve a significant increase in test coverage, ensuring that new features and updates were thoroughly validated before deployment. </li><li>Faster Release Cycles: The automated testing process reduced the time required for regression testing from several days to just a few hours, enabling the client to deliver new features to their customers more quickly and with greater confidence. </li><li>Improved Quality: The consistent and reliable execution of automated tests helped to identify and resolve defects earlier in the development lifecycle, resulting in a higher-quality Salesforce solution for the client&#8217;s customers. </li><li>Cost Savings: The efficiency gains achieved through <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test automation</a> led to a substantial reduction in the resources required for manual testing, allowing the client to reallocate those resources to other high-impact initiatives.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-looking-to-the-future-how-llms-can-enhance-salesforce-test-automation">Looking to the Future: How LLMs Can Enhance Salesforce Test Automation</h2>



As we look to the future, I believe that the integration of large language models (LLMs) can further enhance the capabilities of Salesforce test automation. LLMs, such as GPT-3, have demonstrated remarkable natural language processing and generation abilities, which can be leveraged to:



<ol><li>Automated Test Case Generation: LLMs can analyse Salesforce requirements and user stories to automatically generate relevant test cases, saving time and ensuring comprehensive coverage. </li><li>Test Case Optimization: LLMs can suggest optimizations to existing test cases, identifying opportunities for consolidation, parameterization, and improved maintenance. </li><li>Natural Language-based Reporting: LLMs can generate detailed, human-readable reports on test execution, including insights and recommendations for improvement, making it easier for non-technical stakeholders to understand the testing process. </li><li>Intelligent Automation Assistance: LLMs can provide contextual assistance to test automation engineers, helping with code generation, debugging, and troubleshooting, thereby enhancing the overall productivity and efficiency of the test automation team.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-testsigma-for-automated-salesforce-testing">Testsigma for Automated Salesforce Testing</h2>



Testsigma is a low-code cloud-based GenAI-powered test automation platform that allows testers to<a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-salesforce-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> automate Salesforce tests</a> using plain English statements without requiring much coding expertise.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1440" height="768" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/27160715/Testsigma-Recorder.png" alt="Testsigma-Recorder" class="wp-image-50431" srcset="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/27160715/Testsigma-Recorder.png 1440w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/27160715/Testsigma-Recorder-768x410.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></figure>



Some key reasons why Testsigma can be your perfect Salesforce testing tool,



10x Faster: Create Salesforce tests in plain English using NLP-based testing or the Recorder.



No setup required: Create, run, and maintain Salesforce tests on the cloud.



Salesforce environment: Test across Salesforce Developer Sandbox &#8211; Developer Pro, Partial Copy, and Full Sandbox.&nbsp;



Simple interface: Provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making the platform easy to use for both manual and automation testers.



Parallel testing: Run multiple Salesforce tests across different environments simultaneously to reduce execution time.



GenAI-powered testing: Get automated test case and test scenario suggestions in seconds from Copilot, a GenAI test assistant for QA teams, using prompts.



AI-driven test maintenance: Auto-healing helps prevent false test failures and handles complex maintenance challenges.



Continuous testing: Integrate your automated Salesforce tests into your existing CI/CD and DevOps pipeline to test continuously and ship faster.



Real-time test reports: Get comprehensive and actionable test insights after every test run to identify bugs.



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



In conclusion, this Salesforce test automation case study demonstrates the profound impact that a well-designed and executed test automation strategy can have on the success of a Salesforce-powered business. By harnessing the power of automation, we were able to help our client overcome the challenges of complexity and rapid development, paving the way for greater efficiency, quality, and ultimately, better customer experiences.

Salesforce Automation Case Study: A Data-Driven Approach to Quality and Efficiency

Leapwork vs Playwright – Which One is Right for your Project?

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.



<customlinks>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Motherhood as better tester</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/motherhood-as-better-tester/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>imposter syndrome test</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/imposter-syndrome-in-software-testers/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Software Testing Skills</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/software-testing-skills/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Become a tester</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/how-to-become-a-software-tester/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
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Career Aspirations for Tester

Approval Testing | Benefits, How to Perform & Tools

Test Data Definition, Types, Challenges, and Best Practices

Test Data in Software Testing: Challenges & Best Practices

DevOps is all about streamlining and automating your software delivery life cycle. When you enable DevOps in your organization, all the development and operation activity needs to be automated.&nbsp;Let’s discuss DevOps Testing aspects here.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_DevOps_Testing">1 What is DevOps Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Features_of_Testing_in_a_DevOps_Environment">2 Features of Testing in a DevOps Environment</a></li><li><a href="#Who_is_Involved_in_DevOps_Testing">3 Who is Involved in DevOps Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Testing_Types_in_DevOps">4 Testing Types in DevOps</a></li><li><a href="#DevOps_Testing_in_Testsigma">5 DevOps Testing in Testsigma </a></li><li><a href="#DevOps_Testing_Best_Practices">6 DevOps Testing Best Practices</a><ul><li><a href="#Leverage_test_automation">6.1 Leverage test automation</a></li><li><a href="#Identify_test_automation_engineers">6.2 Identify test automation engineers</a></li><li><a href="#Select_the_right_testing_tools">6.3 Select the right testing tools</a></li><li><a href="#Track_performance_with_metrics">6.4 Track performance with metrics</a></li><li><a href="#Maintain_proper_documentation">6.5 Maintain proper documentation</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-devops-testing">What is DevOps Testing?</h2>



DevOps Testing is the continuous and automated process of software testing that enables continuous and faster delivery of software. The legacy approach of testing is performed manually. <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/manual-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manual testing</a> involves more human activity, is more prone to error, and is more time-consuming. As DevOps focuses on automating processes, testing can fit into DevOps with the help of the right test automation tools.



Check here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/where-does-qa-and-test-automation-fit-in-devops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Devops Test Automation</a>



<h2 id="h-features-of-testing-in-a-devops-environment">Features of Testing in a DevOps Environment</h2>



Organizations are swiftly moving to <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/devops-for-agile-teams/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DevOps for Agile teams</a>. Both approaches focus on the automation of testing activity.



Let&#8217;s understand the features of DevOps testing



<ul><li>Testing is automated, and it is continuous.</li><li>Testing is carried out at different stages of SDLC.</li><li>Easy to roll back and detect errors in the code as results/reports will be instant.</li><li>Testing becomes a shared responsibility. Each team member is responsible for quality.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-who-is-involved-in-devops-testing">Who is Involved in DevOps Testing?</h2>



In DevOps Teams, everyone is equally responsible for the quality of the product. That means testing is done by the whole team. So no more blame game on the testing team. Designated testing team member will have expertise and skill set in the DevOps testing and he will drive the testing. Testing team member helps to choose the right tool, build the automation framework, automation code review, integrate testing activity with pipelines, etc. On the other hand, all team members will contribute to developing the automation scripts.



In DevOps testing, the tester needs to have a broad understanding of development, testing, and tools.



Some of the Key areas that DevOps QA members should focus on are given below.



<ul><li>Source Control (using Git, Bitbucket, AzureDevOps, etc)</li><li><a href="https://testsigma.com/continuous-integration" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Continuous Integration</a> (using Jenkins, Bamboo, AzureDevOps)</li><li>Deployment Automation &amp; Orchestration (using Jenkins, AzureDevOps, Octopus Deploy)</li><li>Container Concepts (Kubernetes, Docker)</li><li>Cloud (using AWS, Azure, GoogleCloud, etc)</li></ul>



Apart from above knowledge, tester may also need to write code in specific languages such as Java, Javascript, Python, C#, etc.



Read more &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/devops-test-strategy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DevOps Testing Strategy</a>



<h2 id="h-testing-types-in-devops">Testing Types in DevOps</h2>



DevOps Testing focuses on testing during every stage of the Software Development Lifecycle. It emphasizes automation testing. All different testing types are automated and hooked into the DevOps pipeline to achieve Continuous Integration(CI) and <a href="https://testsigma.com/continuous-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Continous Testing</a>(CT)



Let&#8217;s take a look at different types of DevOps testing.



Unit Testing



Unit Testing focuses on small objects. It is also called white box testing. It covers all different conditions and methods available at the class level. Mostly it is written in the unit testing framework such as JUnit, NUnit, Jest, Mocha, etc.



Component Test



Larger and more complex applications are segregated into multiple components as it makes development easier and faster. Each component might contain different classes and objects to deliver small functionality. These functionalities are tested using an automation framework while building the application.



Integration Test



As the application is built with components, two or more components are integrated into the product. These Integrated components are tested using the <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/devops-automation-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DevOps testing tools</a>. It may or may not involve database calls.



API Testing



Microservice architecture is the most popular and mostly followed in the organization. In API testing, individual or interrelated microservices are tested together. Mostly API contracts, static data, and data types are tested using API automation tools.



Functional Testing



Functional Testing focuses on user workflows or end-user functionalities. Often called as end to end Testing. As it touches all the different components, databases, APIs, etc. This is the most critical type of testing. DevOps testing emphasizes incorporating automation tools for end-to-end testing as manual testing is the most time-consuming. Fortunately, tools like Testsigma, Selenium, and Playwright do this job without any hassle.



<div class="cta-banner-v2">
<div class="title-with-description ">
 Start Automating your Tests for Web, Mobile, Desktop Applications and APIs , 10X faster with Testsigma 
</div>
<a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" class="cta-btn-v1" rel="noopener">Try for free</a>
</div>



Performance/Stress Testing



Performance testing is important as the user experience is closely associated with it. Performance testing measures the overall application behavior under different loads, different network conditions, and infrastructure configurations. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_performance_testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Performance testing</a> can be scripted and automated. Tools such as JMeter, Blazemeter, K6, etc can be used for <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/software-stress-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress testing</a>.



<div class="cta-banner-v2">
<div class="title-with-description ">
 Start automating your tests for web, mobile, desktop applications and APIs with Testsigma 
</div>
<a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" class="cta-btn-v1" rel="noopener">Try for free</a>
</div>



<h2 id="h-devops-testing-in-testsigma">DevOps Testing in Testsigma </h2>



Let&#8217;s understand how Testsigma can help you in DevOps testing.



 Step 1: Log in with Testsigma



Step 2: Go to the “Test Plan” page



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/waJ9ah_0VHLhmH2fD76NM3zoOmXb9o9XOO2VsIal7VVjSX_KmN7Bhp2Nqm4VgL-LoKuWIBo4y0ocfUrCQ09CpCitLB4gFkhFMvFeCqT-eQFDUmjHHNkE2y5rufr2Nf3E7LninfQef6rwh7YpNulJTg" alt="Test Plan"/></figure></div>



Step 3: Click on your test plan (Example: My Sample Test Plan)



Step 4: Choose CI/CD Integrations



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/TebvSvT9GW9Cd7PWNbV-ga9jGqaXI0sFm7hPBXTReEDOZ5PZppVeTQvYV7e4haVRsbtnMp7JXR7A2kaWdi0s2VjwIppWE1OekrdQ6r-BilUlefMR0v8YPCFI75GFXKISTYH4USlsd5acicWV-fbMvQ" alt="sample devops test plan"/></figure>



Step 5: Choose your respective CI tool such as AzureDevOps, Jenkins, CircleCI, etc, and follow the on-screen instruction to configure.



Once you complete the integration, the Testsigma tests will be triggered automatically, as part of your development code pipeline, and no manual intervention is needed. Testsigma makes all DevOps testing integration much easier. Many organizations put Testsigma on a top tool list while enabling DevOps.



<h2 id="h-devops-testing-best-practices">DevOps Testing Best Practices</h2>



You cannot learn everything from failures or trial and error methods as it costs a lot. Following the best practices is the smartest way to enable DevOps testing in your organization. Some of the DevOps best practices are given below.



<h3 id="h-leverage-test-automation">Leverage test automation</h3>



In a DevOps ecosystem, developers frequently commit the code to the repository. This may include a subset of features. It is difficult to perform testing every time the developer commits the code. The best approach is to make testing automated. As discussed there are different types of testing such as unit, component, API, integration, and <a href="https://testsigma.com/end-to-end-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">end-to-end testing</a>. Use test automation tools for different types of testing. Automation tools help to reduce the manual intervention of the testing. Also, swift feedback helps developers to revert the code if it is causing any errors.



<h3 id="h-identify-test-automation-engineers">Identify test automation engineers</h3>



In DevOps testing, everyone is responsible for the quality. This may not work exactly as you expected. As team members are having different skill sets. Identifying the test automation engineers is more important. While others are responsible for the quality, test automation engineers drive the DevOps testing. This way everyone is aligned with the whole testing process. The person who has an expertise in manual and automation is the best as they understand both product features and automation frameworks.



<h3 id="h-select-the-right-testing-tools">Select the right testing tools</h3>



Choose the right testing tools after careful analysis. &#8220;There is no best automation tool in the market but there is the best automation tool for your organization&#8221;. While choosing the test automation tool consider cost, skillsets, infrastructure needed, upskill effort, etc. Furthermore, you need to perform a detailed analysis of the application architecture,&nbsp; type of application, domain, etc. Remember, once you start the automation testing it is difficult to look back so make this decision carefully.



<h3 id="h-track-performance-with-metrics">Track performance with metrics</h3>



Like Agile, DevOps also focuses on continuous improvement. The metrics can help to identify the testing gaps or improvement areas. Furthermore, metrics can also be used to measure success. Some of the helpful metrics are



<ul><li>No. of test cases automated</li><li>No. of bugs discovered</li><li>Time taken for application testing</li><li>Occurrence of false failures in the automation suites.</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-maintain-proper-documentation">Maintain proper documentation</h3>



The documentation may be time-consuming initially, but it makes the testing process organized and transparent. Documentation should include tool sets, installation, test reports, summary reports, test cases, regression reports, etc. Well-structured documentation also helps any new members to start their own. In DevOps, documentation is not a one-time effort. It&#8217;s a perpetual and collaborative effort.



Following the DevOps process and best practices may be challenging during the initial days however if you bring the habit to the organization it becomes the way to work. DevOps Testing focuses more on automation tools, in turn, it demands stable lower-level environments (QA, staging, pre-prod, etc). Many organizations spend less on lower environments to save the cost but it may not work in a DevOps ecosystem. There are many test automation tools that are DevOps ready, choosing the right automation tool can help in reducing the effort and cost.



What tool is used for testing in DevOps?
Testing is broad terminology. It involves different types of testing such as unit testing, component testing, API Testing, end-to-end testing, etc. There are many testing tools to support these testing types. Selenium, Testsigma, Cypress, and Postman are a few names.


Is DevOps required for testing?
Testing can be done with or without DevOps however, if you adopt DevOps practices into your organization it is recommended to make testing a part of it.



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</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>TechOps VS DevOps</ts-linktext-value>
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DevOps Testing Concepts, Best Practices & Tools

DevOps Testing: Concepts, Best Practices & Tools

Ultimate Guide to Enterprise Application Testing

Enterprise Application Testing – The Ultimate Guide

Top Manual Testing Interview Questions and Answers

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