Salesforce Testing Low Code Platform – A Complete Guide


<p>Does your product resonate with your target audience? To make sure your product aligns with the business requirements and satisfies the end-user goal, make use of persona testing, a powerful strategy to achieve this alignment. This approach transcends traditional testing practices by focusing on the end-users, their behaviors, and the unique personas that represent them.</p>



<p>Now, the real question is, how can you harness its potential to create user-centric, impactful products? This blog will help you understand every detail you need to know about persona testing and how you can make use of it to create a flawless and the most satisfying product for users.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_Is_Persona_What_Is_Persona_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What Is Persona? What Is Persona Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#How_Personas_Are_Created"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> How Personas Are Created?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_Is_Persona-Based_Testing_Important"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Why Is Persona-Based Testing Important?</a></li><li><a href="#How_To_Implement_Persona_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> How To Implement Persona Testing</a><ul><li><a href="#1_User_Analysis_and_Research"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.1</span> 1. User Analysis and Research</a></li><li><a href="#2_Creating_User_Personas"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.2</span> 2. Creating User Personas</a></li><li><a href="#3_Create_Test_Cases"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.3</span> 3. Create Test Cases</a></li><li><a href="#4_Execute_Test_Cases"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.4</span> 4. Execute Test Cases</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Creating_Persona_Test_Cases"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Creating Persona Test Cases</a></li><li><a href="#How_To_Perform_Persona_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> How To Perform Persona Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#Do_persona-based_requirements_make_it_easier_to_test_software"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">8.1</span> Do persona-based requirements make it easier to test software?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-persona-what-is-persona-testing"><span id="What_Is_Persona_What_Is_Persona_Testing"><strong>What Is Persona? What Is Persona Testing?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Let&#8217;s break this term down: Persona &#8211;<strong> </strong>In general terms, a persona refers to the role or character that an individual assumes in various aspects of life. It can encompass different aspects of a person&#8217;s identity, behavior, and social roles. Now, let&#8217;s see what persona testing is.</p>



<p>Persona testing is a software testing approach that involves designing and executing test scenarios based on user personas. They are nothing but fictional representations of different types of users who might interact with an application.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/vPuKYQJjNdVA73uiKdFRYRtO4gBap6C-lmybXWPT6crpSDDvczvCtiLv0nCbUTnikp53XIVy6RORtphX5ED5ODsfKsH0khNmtPXfTU9QDquK0K9irZGdqcAxySui2nNdamgi9rKOKTd8SD3KzIhM6bU" alt="Persona Testing" width="891" height="594" /></figure></div>



<p><em>(Like how different superheroes have different superpowers to save the universe, different users have different purposes to use the same application)</em></p>



<h2 id="h-how-personas-are-created"><span id="How_Personas_Are_Created"><strong>How Personas Are Created?</strong></span></h2>



<p>User personas are created through previous research, interviews, or surveys with real end-users.</p>



<p>Then, testers will create test cases and user scenarios that mimic the behavior of these personas, considering their unique characteristics, goals, and preferences.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Example </strong>&#8211; I will take Testsigma as an example to give you a brief idea about how testers will create personas. As you might know, Testsigma is a low-code cloud-based test automation tool that automates web, desktop, mobile, and API tests in one place.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Now, for testers to create personas, they will determine the various target audiences of Testsigma. Target audiences are people who will use the product in the future to automate testing. After they identify the audience, they will create user personas and test cases based on that. So, the personas for Testsigma would be,</p>



<ul><li>Quality Assurance Engineers/Testers</li><li>Developers</li><li>Project Managers</li><li>Business Owners, and such.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-why-is-persona-based-testing-important"><span id="Why_Is_Persona-Based_Testing_Important"><strong>Why Is Persona-Based Testing Important?</strong></span></h2>



<p>With persona testing, you can gain valuable insights into how real users will use the product for their needs on a regular basis. Persona based testing will give you a detailed idea about who your end-users are and how your product will help solve their problem.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By simulating real-world user interactions, you can identify potential issues and ensure that the product meets the needs and expectations of diverse user groups.</p>



<p>Another benefit is that you will be able to review your user experience and see if it is easy for users to navigate through your product.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Ultimately, developers/testers can effectively validate that the product aligns with the business requirements and user expectations.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-to-implement-persona-testing"><span id="How_To_Implement_Persona_Testing"><strong>How To Implement Persona Testing</strong></span></h2>



<p>Implementing persona based testing is very interesting. Let&#8217;s see how. It involves the following steps,</p>



<h3 id="h-1-user-analysis-and-research"><span id="1_User_Analysis_and_Research"><strong>1. User Analysis and Research</strong></span></h3>



<p>The first step is to research who your end-users are and to identify their objectives and more. You can do so with surveys, interviews, or any form of feedback from real users.</p>



<h3 id="h-2-creating-user-personas"><span id="2_Creating_User_Personas"><strong>2. Creating User Personas</strong></span></h3>



<p>As discussed above, testers will create personas with the research findings. The personas represent different end users who will utilize the software.</p>



<h3 id="h-3-create-test-cases"><span id="3_Create_Test_Cases"><strong>3. Create Test Cases</strong></span></h3>



<p>After the user personas are created, develop test cases for each persona. These test cases will mimic how each persona is expected to interact with the software.</p>



<h3 id="h-4-execute-test-cases"><span id="4_Execute_Test_Cases"><strong>4. Execute Test Cases</strong></span></h3>



<p>Once the test cases are created, execute them manually or using automated testing tools. The testing should be done in a production-like environment, simulating how users engage with the software in real-world scenarios.</p>



<h2 id="h-creating-persona-test-cases"><span id="Creating_Persona_Test_Cases"><strong>Creating Persona Test Cases</strong></span></h2>



<p>As we discussed above, creating persona test cases involves a few steps before it, like identifying the target audience and their scenarios. Now, we will create test cases for a certain persona to understand how test cases vary from persona to persona.</p>



<p>To simplify this, I will take a travel application as an example. The different user personas for this application will be as follows,</p>



<ol><li>The end user who is trying to book a plane ticket/hotel reservation/ resort stay</li><li>Admin who is responsible for managing everything on the application</li><li>Business owners who are trying to update their details on the application and more.</li></ol>



<p>Let&#8217;s take the &#8216;<strong><em>end-user&#8217;</em></strong> persona to create test cases for a travel application.</p>



<p><strong>User Persona</strong> &#8211; End-user</p>



<p><strong>Test Scenario</strong> &#8211; A user trying to book tickets using the travel application site</p>



<p>Imagine a user is trying to book tickets using a travel web application like Booking.com. I am going to create test cases for Booking.com from an end-user perspective. The test cases for the above scenario will be as follows:</p>



<p><strong>Sample Test Cases</strong></p>



<ul><li>Navigate to the website (https://www.booking.com/)</li><li>Login/sign up for the application using the credentials</li><li>Select the from and to details along with date details, return details, and passenger class.</li><li>Click on Search Flights</li><li>Book a flight after comparing the dates, price, time, etc.</li><li>Check out to make the payment</li><li>Wait for booking confirmation and ensure you receive e-tickets via email.</li><li>Then, log out or manage your tickets.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-how-to-perform-persona-testing"><span id="How_To_Perform_Persona_Testing"><strong>How To Perform Persona Testing?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Now, consider the same example stated above. I will take the end-user persona and create test cases for a user who is trying to book a flight ticket.&nbsp;</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/8Yb4jzBiukwRqyASNSh1Rs0D8tpmJDLyHLqbMIFftky-6Ktu1JC2D2cj6cDTdlTj-L431sjTv4clEXBj5FwT8icqXyHPXURXocBKXEIrHznn0TMupq0jlMD9sBN23W-p_Wwq8mIoye4b7c40in3R8_0" alt="Persona Based Testing Example" /></figure></div>



<p>Like always, automate testing for high efficiency and accurate results.</p>



<br><p><button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Learn more about automating your tests</a></button></p><br>



<p>&nbsp;I will demonstrate how you can automate web application testing using Testsigma for the above persona. As you might already know, Testsigma is a low-code, cloud-based, AI-driven test automation platform that supports web, mobile, and desktop apps and API testing in one place.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/ca7XxyxMcUSoSaHeNGVrkTx2ssrbYLrLmctV7xgZHwxifOMHO3esonU7zYAtuE77TDwfwb6hybCr61NM3e6fqaaU7kDvKkniJSS2E-_4g-IMRW5s1uL0xqQ-0f5YsQgxMx2D5m0pVf1TXHDC5gc0EF0" alt=" Persona Testing with Testsigma" /></figure></div>



<p>We know the persona and the application we are going to test, so let&#8217;s start creating test cases using Testsigma.</p>



<p>With Testsigma, creating test cases is very simple and quick, as it supports NLPs. That is, one can create test cases using simple English. It doesn&#8217;t support just that. It further supports record-and-play feature and code-based testing with Java.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It makes testing more accessible and a perfect choice for both technical and non-technical users, as it supports both <a href="https://testsigma.com/codeless-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">codeless testing</a> and code-based testing in one place.</p>



<p><strong>Step 1 </strong>&#8211; Log in to the application. If not, <a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sign up</a> already!</p>



<p><strong>Step 2 </strong>&#8211; Start creating test steps using the appropriate NLPs. Or, use the record feature to record user interactions and create them as automated tests.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/DNRtdXNbnHU7TflGlRXSOCi7gPD_WIsoE8svXFe0P-ODdFOtYpsuMjMSFxYim9hNn8A02UxsPLGJzuR77XFT8ae8ALwbB7bGK9KKsJbIXzJOYdxbr45IOLE0DQCCx2z668qqTYjnewmKRy_MMiELp54" alt="Testsigma for test automation" /></figure></div>



<p><strong>Step 3</strong> &#8211; After creating the test cases, click on the Run button to execute them.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/76bBqDl2IkRaT82QFdxB5RCGunPFFjAcrGUXN_otKAWCPEaKkCnsh9blQlK7LkJwlUqdMsr6qmq3azDu-HEwaRLliPOgLtTVi8asF4Gka9pV-EhgWnJVIa9z27fNm6ANbKcca-5_YOGXimWXG927NV4" alt="Testsigma for test automation" /></figure></div>



<p></p>



<p><strong>Step 4 </strong>&#8211; After successful test execution, you will get detailed test results.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/Fl5CtKVnvbZ5mI4VGMCUntqy7K3t78lrU2gmL_bOOPmgzqLIWBdZEzFhBR5dRZwo8ZonovWeV4IIzTEN8r3HsIBSvW9hYjjVpeHriISRhsApEmFLu-U-clxm0cnqZyurYUVeimzjbDi1eMXDospHq2o" alt="Testsigma for test automation" /></figure></div>



<p>Now, testers will share the test results with the development team. Now, developers will start working on any identified bugs and update the bug-fixing status to the testing team. Now, testers will again retest the application with the same test cases (re-run the test cases) to check that the bugs are fixed and the application is working as expected. That is what you call <a href="https://testsigma.com/regression-testing/automated-regression-testing-tool" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated regression testing</a>.</p>



<br><p><button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Learn more about automating your tests with Testsigma</a></button></p><br>



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



<p>Persona testing is an intriguing way to evaluate a software&#8217;s user experience. By putting your users at the forefront and understanding their diverse needs, you pave the way for a more intuitive, engaging, and successful product.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Implementing persona testing as a regular practice empowers businesses to stay attuned to user expectations, fostering continuous improvement and innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of digital experiences.</p>



<h2 id="h-frequently-asked-questions"><span id="Frequently_Asked_Questions"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></span></h2>



<h3 id="h-do-persona-based-requirements-make-it-easier-to-test-software"><span id="Do_persona-based_requirements_make_it_easier_to_test_software"><strong>Do persona-based requirements make it easier to test software?</strong></span></h3>



<p>Yes, persona-based testing makes software testing more efficient. That is because, with user personas, you will be able to understand more about your end-user requirements and how easy it is for them to use your software.</p>



<p>Personas bring a human touch to testing by replicating real user interactions to identify important flaws and improve <a href="https://www.javatpoint.com/software-engineering-software-quality" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software quality</a>. They offer insights into diverse user interactions with the platform.</p>


What Is Persona Testing & How To Perform It

What Is Persona Testing? & How To Perform It?

Tosca vs Selenium: Which One Is Better?

Top 40 Automation Testing Interview Questions

Top 20 SAP Testing Interview Questions and Answers

SAP Regression Testing What it is & Why it Matters

SAP Regression Testing | What it is & Why it Matters?

What is Release Management? | Its Importance for Testers


<p>Unit testing vs acceptance testing is not a battle but a complimentary testing treaty. In SDLC, the quest to create robust and bug-free applications is a never-ending journey for developers and testers. Every company uses various testing methodologies to ensure the reliability and functionality of their products.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As testers, understanding the nuances and significance of unit testing and acceptance testing is crucial for crafting resilient products.</p>



<p>In this blog, we will discuss the core differences between unit testing and acceptance testing and how they synergistically contribute to the overarching goal of delivering high-quality software.&nbsp;</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Definition_8211_Unit_Testing_vs_Acceptance_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> Definition &#8211; Unit Testing vs Acceptance Testing</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_Unit_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.1</span> What is Unit Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_Acceptance_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.2</span> What is Acceptance Testing?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Should_You_Do_Unit_Testing_or_Acceptance_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Should You Do Unit Testing or Acceptance Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Key_Difference_Between_Acceptance_Testing_And_Unit_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Key Difference Between Acceptance Testing And Unit Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Unit_testing_vs_Acceptance_Testing_8211_How_to_Automate_with_Testsigma"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Unit testing vs Acceptance Testing &#8211; How to Automate with Testsigma</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_are_unit_testing_system_testing_and_acceptance_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">6.1</span> What are unit testing, system testing, and acceptance testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_the_difference_between_acceptance_testing_and_integration_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">6.2</span> What is the difference between acceptance testing and integration testing?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-definition-unit-testing-vs-acceptance-testing"><span id="Definition_8211_Unit_Testing_vs_Acceptance_Testing"><strong>Definition &#8211; Unit Testing vs Acceptance Testing</strong></span></h2>



<p>Unit testing and acceptance testing are two distinct levels of <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software testing</a> that serve different purposes in the software development process.</p>



<h3 id="h-what-is-unit-testing"><span id="What_is_Unit_Testing"><strong>What is Unit Testing?</strong></span></h3>



<p>Unit testing is the process of testing the individual units or modules of a software application in isolation. A unit refers to the smallest part of an application, such as a function, method, or class.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It is performed by the developers. Unit tests focus on verifying the correctness of each unit of code independently, ensuring that each unit behaves as expected.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/3X4Cg1ylKTyLt3d3j4F7RBYKOq-MjMWmO8LjQRco9vzOAkhEUu0zp62cV9Kb8uO7y8wKIItD6sIodbfuzhEsqdzM-coV0hpo_sx7GFY8xYrthS2jDnf_9Lmx3nmFrmHV--Vdr84J20K_EganjoeGKrQ" alt="Unit testing" width="631" height="482" /></figure></div>



<h3 id="h-what-is-acceptance-testing"><span id="What_is_Acceptance_Testing"><strong>What is Acceptance Testing?</strong></span></h3>



<p><a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/acceptance-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Acceptance testing</a> evaluates a software system&#8217;s functionality and performance to ensure that it meets specified requirements. It is done to validate that the entire application behaves as expected from the end-user&#8217;s perspective.</p>



<h2 id="h-should-you-do-unit-testing-or-acceptance-testing"><span id="Should_You_Do_Unit_Testing_or_Acceptance_Testing"><strong>Should You Do Unit Testing or Acceptance Testing?</strong></span></h2>



<p>As testers, it&#8217;s essential to perform both unit and acceptance testing. Both unit testing and acceptance testing play vital roles in the software development process. And it is ideal to incorporate both these tests into your testing strategy.&nbsp;</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/MuFJdJwIuwE_USCIZ8w4WkC3VYQPsWOazVduI-uH6sTUznNEQwA9b8q-h5wMbRT0vNX4n-UGPXqOPtiAa5GYmzK8dW0d55X53xdMGrVTN0o2I88nfeP7ITFpFmkb6goRJ8ITQ41xi_wJZw1niArGaDk" alt=" unit testing vs acceptance testing" width="700" height="700" /></figure></div>



<p><em>(Unit vs Acceptance testing is not a superhero battle. Instead, superheroes come together to fight against enemies and ensure the world is safe)</em></p>



<p>The choice between unit testing and acceptance testing is not a matter of one versus the other. Let me explain this in detail.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Most people think that doing a few tests should help create quality software, but that&#8217;s not the case. However, the best practice is to have a great test strategy that tests the application at different levels and aspects.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A comprehensive testing strategy will include multiple <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/levels-of-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">levels of testing</a>, starting with unit testing and moving to integration testing, system testing, and, finally, acceptance testing. This approach is known as the testing pyramid.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/testing-pyramid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test pyramid</a> emphasizes the importance of a broad base of unit tests with a decreasing number of tests at higher levels. The combination of unit testing and acceptance testing provides a more thorough and effective means of ensuring software quality.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/5Lpz6Z9n69B2jLVbR8cll5ZGJF2CX2eczEakb5xACIr-_dLyfu8raQutfNo4w1YA2qQPRKiYZxFYvdGyAbJt6j0tFiT6R9QnozqF8tju0hbc5Bb2m_C8kS9c3Dgm2IcfDOQZAUjQkWy2Ob6upzuRGdc" alt=" Unit testing vs acceptance testing" width="800" height="444" /></figure>



<h2 id="h-key-difference-between-acceptance-testing-and-unit-testing"><span id="Key_Difference_Between_Acceptance_Testing_And_Unit_Testing"><strong>Key Difference Between Acceptance Testing And Unit Testing</strong></span></h2>



<p>Unit and acceptance testing are two different levels of testing that serve distinct purposes in the software development process. Let&#8217;s discuss the core differences between acceptance testing vs unit testing in detail,</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Unit Testing</strong></td><td><strong>Acceptance Testing</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Unit tests focus on testing individual units or components.</td><td>Acceptance tests involve testing the entire system or a complete feature.</td></tr><tr><td>Tests are isolated from the rest of the system.</td><td>Tests the system as a whole, including external components.</td></tr><tr><td>Validates the correctness of each unit of code.</td><td>Validates the correctness of the entire application</td></tr><tr><td>It is performed by developers</td><td>It is performed by testers or end users</td></tr><tr><td>It can be automated</td><td>It mostly involves manual testing to validate the user experience of the application from an end-user perspective.</td></tr><tr><td>Performed during the development phase.</td><td>Usually performed toward the end of the development cycle. That is during the production stage.</td></tr><tr><td>Developer-centric, often executed in the development environment.</td><td>The test environment closely mimics the production environment.</td></tr><tr><td>Provides rapid feedback to developers during coding.</td><td>Feedback is often given at later stages, impacting the overall system.</td></tr><tr><td>Developers test their functions, methods, or classes.</td><td>Testers perform <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/uat-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">User Acceptance Testing</a> (UAT), Alpha testing, or Beta testing.</td></tr><tr><td>Performed from the developer perspective</td><td>Performed from the end-user perspective</td></tr><tr><td>Tools &#8211; JUnit, TestNG, Testsigma, etc.&nbsp;</td><td>Tools &#8211; Testsigma, Selenium, etc.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<p>If you think acceptance and system testing are the same, you might be wrong. Learn the key differences between <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/acceptance-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">acceptance testing and system testing</a>.</p>



<h2 id="h-unit-testing-vs-acceptance-testing-how-to-automate-with-testsigma"><span id="Unit_testing_vs_Acceptance_Testing_8211_How_to_Automate_with_Testsigma"><strong>Unit testing vs Acceptance Testing &#8211; How to Automate with Testsigma</strong></span></h2>



<p>Automation is the key to any robust testing strategy. You can automate your entire acceptance testing process using a test automation platform like Testsigma for faster and more efficient testing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A testing strategy that could manually take months to complete can be done in a day or week span with automated testing. You can make your testing up to 10x faster and more efficient with a robust test automation tool like Testsigma.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Some of the core benefits of Testsigma are as follows,</p>



<ul><li>Automate your web, mobile, desktop, and API testing in one place.</li><li>Run different types of software testing in a single platform. That is, you can run UI, functional, cross-browser, portability, integration, regression testing, and more in one place.</li><li>It provides AI capabilities like in-built test case management, self-healing, etc.</li><li>No need for extensive coding skills. Testsigma makes the test case creation process easy and efficient with NLPs. That is, users can create test cases using plain English. For example, <em>Navigate to </em><a href="https://testsigma.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>www.testsigma.com</em></a> (an NLP) will navigate to the URL.</li><li>Perfect for both scriptless and script-based test automation.</li><li>Accessible for both technical and non-technical users.</li></ul>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/GTc2V5Ith5p6maGcrCTYGZp_Tjf8CzPixx-9wyn6IxouXEY5I6rnEz7Tmm0MBoT7HZoLD-LHCCjh1UyGFZpi9Tm5rSpAEVDBcv18L5KftJBk3U5Urz-5NZAAn4IZBfiD0fxC641wM3kgw6qc7ZR3W24" alt="Testsigma for test automation" width="800" height="365" /></figure></div>



<p><a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-web-application-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Automate your web testing</a> across 3000+ real devices/tablets and 1000+ browser/OS combos using Testsigma.&nbsp;</p>



<p><br><p><button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Sign up for a free trial and start automating your web, mobile, desktop, and API tests in less than 2 minutes.</a></button></p><br></p>



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



<p>The dynamic interplay between acceptance testing and unit testing plays a pivotal role in shaping the reliability and quality of the final product. As we&#8217;ve explored the nuances of these two distinct testing methodologies, it becomes evident that they are complementary forces working in tandem to ensure a robust and user-friendly software solution.</p>



<p>By embracing both tests, companies can build products that meet technical specifications and exceed user expectations.</p>



<h2 id="h-frequently-asked-questions"><span id="Frequently_Asked_Questions"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></span></h2>



<h3 id="h-what-are-unit-testing-system-testing-and-acceptance-testing"><span id="What_are_unit_testing_system_testing_and_acceptance_testing"><strong>What are unit testing, system testing, and acceptance testing?</strong></span></h3>



<ul><li>Unit testing is the process of testing individual units or components of a software application in isolation to ensure their correctness.</li><li><a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/system-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">System testing</a> is the process of testing the entire software application, including integrated components, to validate its functionality and performance.</li><li>Acceptance testing evaluates the software system&#8217;s functionality and performance to ensure it meets business requirements and is ready for deployment, often involving end-users to validate user acceptance.</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-what-is-the-difference-between-acceptance-testing-and-integration-testing"><span id="What_is_the_difference_between_acceptance_testing_and_integration_testing"><strong>What is the difference between acceptance testing and integration testing?</strong></span></h3>



<ul><li>Acceptance testing helps evaluate if the entire software system meets specified requirements from an end-user perspective.</li><li>Integration testing helps verify the interaction between different components or systems to ensure they work together as intended.</li></ul>


Unit Testing vs Acceptance Testing 10 Key Differences

Unit Testing vs Acceptance Testing: 10 Key Differences


<p>In the dynamic landscape of software development, ensuring robust functionality has become paramount. One critical aspect often overlooked is the seamless handling of file uploads. Whether it&#8217;s an e-commerce platform processing product images or a cloud-based service managing user documents, the ability to securely and efficiently handle file uploads is crucial.</p>



<p>This blog will help you understand why file upload testing is important and how test automation can make this testing quick and efficient. Let&#8217;s dive in.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Test_File_Upload"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is Test File Upload?​</a></li><li><a href="#Why_do_we_need_to_Test_File_Upload_Functionality"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Why do we need to Test File Upload Functionality?</a><ul><li><a href="#Example_Scenario"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.1</span> Example Scenario</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Prerequisites_of_Test_File_Upload"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Prerequisites of Test File Upload</a></li><li><a href="#How_To_Test_a_File_Upload_Functionality_8211_Manually_And_Automation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> How To Test a File Upload Functionality &#8211; Manually And Automation?</a><ul><li><a href="#Manual_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.1</span> Manual Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Automated_File_Upload_Testing_With_Testsigma"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.2</span> Automated File Upload Testing With Testsigma</a></li><li><a href="#Sample_Test_Cases_To_Automate"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.3</span> Sample Test Cases To Automate</a></li><li><a href="#How_To_Automate_File_Upload_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.4</span> How To Automate File Upload Testing</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Test_Cases_For_File_Upload_8211_Common_Test_Scenarios"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Test Cases For File Upload &#8211; Common Test Scenarios</a></li><li><a href="#Importance_of_File_Upload_in_Web_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Importance of File Upload in Web Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#How_do_you_test_uploading_files_using_Selenium"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">8.1</span> How do you test uploading files using Selenium?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-test-file-upload"><span id="What_is_Test_File_Upload"><strong>What is Test File Upload?​</strong></span></h2>



<p>Test File Upload in software testing refers to verifying the functionality of file upload features in a software application. This testing is typically performed by testers or developers (in the case of unit testing).</p>



<p>The QA testers must test the file upload functionality to ensure that users can successfully upload files (such as documents, images, videos, etc.) to the application and that the uploaded files are processed correctly.</p>



<p><p style="padding-bottom:30px">Some examples of applications where we upload files include Amazon, Google Drive, and LinkedIn.</p></p>



<h2 id="h-why-do-we-need-to-test-file-upload-functionality"><span id="Why_do_we_need_to_Test_File_Upload_Functionality"><strong>Why do we need to Test File Upload Functionality?</strong></span></h2>



<p>File upload testing helps ensure that the file upload feature of an application works as intended, allowing users to submit files and ensuring that those files are handled properly.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This testing is crucial in applications that allow users to upload files, such as document sharing platforms, content management systems, and e-commerce applications.</p>



<p>Let me explain it in simple terms with an example scenario.</p>



<h3 id="h-example-scenario"><span id="Example_Scenario"><strong>Example Scenario</strong></span></h3>



<p>Picture this: you&#8217;re using your favorite app or website, and you want to upload a file &#8211; perhaps a photo, a document, or even a video. It seems simple, right? Well, not quite.</p>



<p>Behind the scenes, a whole dance of processes is happening. The application needs to ensure that the file you&#8217;re uploading is the right type and size and that it won&#8217;t cause any hiccups in the system. It&#8217;s like the digital version of making sure your suitcase fits in the overhead compartment! 😜</p>



<h2 id="h-prerequisites-of-test-file-upload"><span id="Prerequisites_of_Test_File_Upload"><strong>Prerequisites of Test File Upload</strong></span></h2>



<p>When conducting file upload testing, make sure to have certain prerequisites in place to ensure thorough and effective testing. Here are some of the key prerequisites for testing file uploads:</p>



<ul><li>Create a dedicated testing environment that closely mimics the production environment.</li><li>Prepare a set of test files with varying sizes, formats, and types. These files should cover a range of scenarios, including small and large files, different file types (For example, images and documents), and potential edge cases.</li><li>Understand and document the maximum file size that the application supports for uploads. This information is crucial for testing scenarios involving files of different sizes.</li><li>Select a test automation platform to automate file upload testing to eliminate manual errors and reduce testing time.</li></ul>



<div class="cta-banner-v2">
<div class="title-with-description ">
<p class="title">Automate your GUI, Integration, Visual, and Functional tests 10x faster without code, using Testsigma.</p>
</div>
<a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" class="cta-btn-v1" rel="noopener">Sign up here</a>
</div>



<ul><li>Determine which file types the application allows for upload. Some applications may restrict certain file formats (For example, .exe files) due to security concerns.</li><li>Test under various network conditions to simulate real-world scenarios. This may include testing on different types of connections (For example, high-speed, 3G, and slow networks) to assess how the application handles uploads under different circumstances.</li></ul>



<p>By ensuring these prerequisites are met, testers can conduct comprehensive and effective file upload testing, which helps identify and address any issues related to this critical functionality in an application.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-to-test-a-file-upload-functionality-manually-and-automation"><span id="How_To_Test_a_File_Upload_Functionality_8211_Manually_And_Automation"><strong>How To Test a File Upload Functionality &#8211; Manually And Automation?</strong></span></h2>



<p>You can test file upload both manually and using automation. Let&#8217;s discuss both ways to understand the pros and cons of each method. That way, you can easily identify the best way to test file uploads.</p>



<h3 id="h-manual-testing"><span id="Manual_Testing"><strong>Manual Testing</strong></span></h3>



<p>The simplest way to do file upload testing is using the manual approach.&nbsp;</p>



<ol><li>Open the web page in the browser where you want to test file upload.</li><li>Write test cases for every scenario and prepare test data for those tests.</li><li>Execute each test case you have created and mark your observations in a sheet.</li><li>To make sure we have tested different file formats, upload and test different files with different formats (For example, PNG, PDF, JPG, Docx, MP4, etc.)</li><li>Verify that only the correct extensions pass the test cases. To do so, you should perform both positive and negative testing. That is, you need to use both valid and invalid data for testing.&nbsp;</li></ol>



<p>Let&#8217;s take <strong>LinkedIn </strong>as an example. A professional networking platform that we all use in our day-to-day lives. </p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/0SKMBzBBWh2eexfpc9wAe3Xr7a58XKmoqPK_28sjyLRkrI__wMQ6OcmO2BRPLgzOcX8l23daICHUgeOlxHkSsorzJu3ZitJiLnAjIusqDnk_4kFbt0gvjC3fu05Fscv4KyEzTcnxdQfJqGvvuiNyHuE" alt="LinkedIn as an example for Testing File Upload" width="729" height="483"/></figure></div>



<p>Most of us would have opted for LinkedIn jobs while looking for new opportunities. LinkedIn&#8217;s Easy Apply permits users to upload their resume only in a few formats (PDF, DOC, DOCX). That is, when you try uploading other formats, LinkedIn will not permit that action. To verify this functionality works correctly, testers have to perform file upload testing using various and invalid inputs as follows,</p>



<ul><li>Valid data &#8211; PDF, DOC, DOCX&nbsp;</li><li>Invalid data &#8211; JPG, PNG, XLS, etc.</li></ul>



<p>This manual testing approach might look very simple in the beginning, but the number of test cases can increase up to 100 or more when you expand the test scenarios. In the long run, this will increase the project budget and buggy software, as repetitive manual testing can be error-prone. Alternatively, automated testing is the best option to solve this issue.</p>



<h3 id="h-automated-file-upload-testing-with-testsigma"><span id="Automated_File_Upload_Testing_With_Testsigma"><strong>Automated File Upload Testing With Testsigma</strong></span></h3>



<p>Testsigma is a unified, low-code, cloud-based, AI-driven test automation platform that helps you automate tests for web, mobile, desktop applications, Salesforce, and APIs &#8211; all in one place. It makes your automated testing <strong>10x faster</strong> and accelerates your release cycle with a <strong>30% reduced development cycle</strong>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Not just file upload testing, Testsigma makes your entire <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/functional-testing/">functional testing</a> faster and more efficient with low-code automation. Below is a quick overview of how Testsigma can accelerate your functional testing in a few minutes.</p>



<h3 id="sample-test-cases-to-automate"><span id="Sample_Test_Cases_To_Automate"><strong>Sample Test Cases To Automate</strong></span></h3>



<p>Below, I have listed some file upload test cases. These can be quickly and easily automated via Testsigma.</p>



<ul><li>Verify that the upload file button or link is available on the application.</li><li>Verify that the file upload button or link is clickable.</li><li>Verify that the entire button, including the button text, is clickable.</li><li>Verify that the button text for file upload is correct or not.</li><li>Verify that upon clicking the Upload button, a window opens to select a file.</li><li>Verify that the uploaded file name appears correctly after the upload is complete.</li><li>Verify that the file extension is shown along with the file name.</li></ul>



<h3 id="how-to-automate-file-upload-testing"><span id="How_To_Automate_File_Upload_Testing"><strong>How To Automate File Upload Testing</strong></span></h3>



<p><em>Now to the how-to automate part using Testsigma,</em></p>



<ul><li>Once you log in, create/select a project and start creating test cases using appropriate <strong>NLPs</strong>.</li><li>After test creation, you can quickly execute tests using the <strong>Run </strong>button.</li><li>Once the test run is complete, you will get detailed test reports for analysis and insights.</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXe-8Xj_5Rv5Yqb78xizToXiGYn-66h2cghYCttKj8jTrdOob-ZM1lR37JKit2UmfRAZdyOBFALUYAbxRKPFjkBIEMFjgVFylHUH4LJZ_Omov1uc69GgPrAdZNJc4XdawtwC7cJ3zKPbTkgB25UCAbD2geXv?key=4YxF6gR8SEtXjyXPKtZUlw" alt="Testsigma - Test automation platform"/></figure>



<p>Alt Text &#8211; Test File Upload Automated with Testsigma</p>



<p>Also, you can enable visual testing to identify visual defects, like design inconsistencies, layout issues, and alignment errors along with testing the upload file functionality in one run. This allows you to automate visual and functional tests simultaneously in one place.&nbsp;</p>



<div class="cta-banner-v2">
<div class="title-with-description ">
<p class="title">Automate your tests for Web, Mobile, Desktop And APIs on Cloud with Testsigma. No setup time needed.</p>
</div>
<a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" class="cta-btn-v1" rel="noopener">Sign up here</a>
</div>



<p>Choose wisely, instead of spending long hours writing and executing the above test cases manually, a test automation platform like Testsigma can automate it faster and more efficiently. Also, you can test file uploads for web, mobile, API, and desktop apps. The image injection option allows you to scan and test QR codes, as well.&nbsp;If you are testing a web application, then <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-web-application-testing">automated web testing</a> is the best way to test the entire functionality of your web application. It offers several advantages over manual testing, like less time, cost, and resources. Sign up for a <a href="https://testsigma.com/signup">free trial</a> and start automating your functional, UI, regression, and cross-browser tests in one place.</p>



<h2 id="h-test-cases-for-file-upload-common-test-scenarios"><span id="Test_Cases_For_File_Upload_8211_Common_Test_Scenarios"><strong><strong>Test Cases For File Upload &#8211; Common Test Scenarios</strong></strong></span></h2>



<p>Some of the most common upload file test cases to test the file upload functionality in any application include,</p>



<ul><li>Verify that the cancel button is working correctly. That is, clicking on the close button should close the window.</li><li>Verify that users can select and upload multiple files if necessary.</li><li>Verify that the order of uploaded files remains consistent.</li><li>Validate that users can only upload allowed file types (For example, document file types like doc, docx, pdf, or image file types like jpg, png).</li><li>Verify that an appropriate error message appears if an unsupported file type is uploaded.</li><li>Verify that an error message displays if the user attempts to upload more files than the limit allows.</li><li>Verify that the loader (loading graphics) appears while a file is uploading.</li><li>Verify that a password prompt appears when attempting to upload a locked file.</li><li>Verify that the file uploads successfully when a correct password is provided.</li><li>Verify that an error message displays for an incorrect password on a protected or locked file.</li><li>Verify that the file size is displayed below the file name.</li><li>Verify that an error message appears if the file size exceeds the allowed limit.</li><li>Verify that an error message appears for an empty file with no content.</li><li>Verify the application&#8217;s behavior when uploading a file with an exceptionally long name.</li><li>Verify that … (3 dots) appear when the file name is too long and does not impact the design.</li><li>Verify that drag and drop functionality functions correctly for allowed file types.</li><li>Verify that dropping a file does not open it in the browser.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-importance-of-file-upload-in-web-testing"><span id="Importance_of_File_Upload_in_Web_Testing"><strong>Importance of File Upload in Web Testing</strong></span></h2>



<p>File upload testing is crucial in web testing because it helps ensure a high-quality web application that delivers a pleasant user experience.</p>



<p>It guarantees both the safety of user data and the application&#8217;s overall integrity. Here are five key reasons why testing file uploads is vital in web testing,</p>



<ul><li>Data Integrity,</li><li>Security,</li><li>User-Friendliness,</li><li>Regulatory Compliance,</li><li>Integration.</li></ul>



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



<p>Testing file uploads is a critical part of ensuring the functionality and reliability of web, mobile, and desktop applications. The process may seem straightforward, but it involves a range of considerations, from file size and format restrictions to security and performance aspects.</p>



<p>With Testsigma, you can automate file upload tests with a diverse set of test data that includes files of varying sizes and formats, thus ensuring the application stands resilient.</p>



<h2 id="h-frequently-asked-questions"><span id="Frequently_Asked_Questions"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></span></h2>



<h3 id="h-how-do-you-test-uploading-files-using-selenium"><span id="How_do_you_test_uploading_files_using_Selenium"><strong>How do you test uploading files using Selenium?</strong></span></h3>



<p>You can test the file upload in Selenium by writing test scripts in different programming languages like Java, Python, C#, .NET, Ruby, PHP, and Javascript. Here, I will write a code script in Java that will help you test <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/upload-file-in-selenium/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">uploading files using Selenium</a>,</p>



<styled-code>package dev.selenium.elements;
import org.junit.jupiter.api.Test;
import org.openqa.selenium.By;
import org.openqa.selenium.WebDriver;
import org.openqa.selenium.WebElement;
import org.openqa.selenium.chrome.ChromeDriver;
import java.time.Duration;
import java.io.File;
import java.nio.file.Path;
import java.nio.file.Paths;
public class FileUploadTest {
    @Test
    public void fileUploadTest() {
    WebDriver driver = new ChromeDriver();
    driver.manage().timeouts().implicitlyWait(Duration.ofMillis(1000));
    driver.get(&#8220;https://the-internet.herokuapp.com/upload&#8221;);
    Path path = Paths.get(&#8220;src/test/resources/selenium-snapshot.png&#8221;);
    File imagePath = new File(path.toUri());
    //we want to import selenium-snapshot file.
    driver.findElement(By.id(&#8220;file-upload&#8221;)).sendKeys(imagePath.toString());
    driver.findElement(By.id(&#8220;file-submit&#8221;)).submit();
   if(driver.getPageSource().contains(&#8220;File Uploaded!&#8221;)) {
	System.out.println(&#8220;file uploaded&#8221;);
   }
   else{
        System.out.println(&#8220;file not uploaded&#8221;);
       }
    driver.quit();
    }
}
</styled-code>



<p>On the contrary, you can quickly test the upload file using low-code test automation platforms like Testsigma, so you can avoid the hassle of writing test scripts or downloading different applications to execute tests like Eclipse IDE, TestNG, or other frameworks.</p>


Test File Upload | What it is & How to Perform?


<p>Imagine gathering around a virtual campfire with your fellow developers, each armed with a flashlight to shine on different corners of the codebase. That&#8217;s basically what a software walkthrough is &#8211; a collective effort to understand, discuss, and review the software.</p>



<p>Unlike some of its more formal siblings, such as code reviews or inspections, a walkthrough is a bit more laid-back. It&#8217;s an opportunity for developers, testers, and stakeholders to share insights into the software&#8217;s architecture and behavior.</p>



<p>In this blog, we will discuss software walkthrough, how it works, its importance in the software development lifecycle, and more.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/Bx76W1JWiMhIFm25PWFjnn5PzknrF5UH7q9lH-Ec2v0D3ulSp_TQBcCzDpV7h4G4PjZMKNX2hlERO1jMMBRNrHLQP7AwI7y_EuxXEfw5Ue0zePpGU30tm9-s1Ak4YoL8exaxpcgeJHqI6qZmASnPtT0" alt="Software Walkthrough" /></figure></div>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_a_Software_Walkthrough"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is a Software Walkthrough?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_is_a_Software_Walkthrough_Done"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Why is a Software Walkthrough Done?</a></li><li><a href="#How_is_a_Software_Walkthrough_Done"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> How is a Software Walkthrough Done?</a></li><li><a href="#When_is_a_Software_Walkthrough_Needed"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> When is a Software Walkthrough Needed?</a></li><li><a href="#Who_Does_Software_Walkthrough"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Who Does Software Walkthrough? </a></li><li><a href="#Where_is_a_Software_Walkthrough_Done"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Where is a Software Walkthrough Done?</a></li><li><a href="#ScenariosExamples_where_Software_Walkthrough_is_Useful"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Scenarios/Examples where Software Walkthrough is Useful</a><ul><li><a href="#Scenario_8211_User_interface_inspection"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">7.1</span> Scenario &#8211; User interface inspection</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Advantages_of_Software_Walkthrough"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> Advantages of Software Walkthrough</a></li><li><a href="#Disadvantages_of_Software_Walkthrough"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">9</span> Disadvantages of Software Walkthrough</a></li><li><a href="#Best_Practices"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">10</span> Best Practices</a></li><li><a href="#Challenges"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">11</span> Challenges</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">12</span> Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-a-software-walkthrough"><span id="What_is_a_Software_Walkthrough"><strong>What is a Software Walkthrough?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Software walkthrough is a type of <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/peer-review-in-software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">peer review</a> where a designer or programmer guides members of the development team and other stakeholders through a software product. During this process, participants ask questions and comment on potential errors, deviations from development standards, and other issues.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Also, participants typically go through the various features and functionalities of the software step by step, discussing and analyzing its behavior, design, and functionality. It can include examining the user interface, testing specific functionalities, and reviewing the underlying code or architecture.</p>



<h2 id="h-why-is-a-software-walkthrough-done"><span id="Why_is_a_Software_Walkthrough_Done"><strong>Why is a <strong>Software Walkthrough</strong> Done?</strong></span></h2>



<p>A software walkthrough is done for several reasons. The main reason is that the walkthrough process contributes to the overall improvement of the software development process and the quality of the software product.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Here are some of the key reasons why it is performed,</p>



<ul><li>To gather feedback on the technical quality or content of the document.</li><li>To familiarize the audience with the software.</li><li>It helps identify and rectify errors in the early stages of SDLC.</li><li>Ensures that the software aligns with specific quality standards, guidelines, and best practices.</li><li>Fosters communication and collaboration among team members. This helps ensure that everyone understands the software&#8217;s design, code, and functionality.</li><li>Promote a culture of continuous improvement by identifying areas for enhancement in the software development process.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-how-is-a-software-walkthrough-done"><span id="How_is_a_Software_Walkthrough_Done"><strong>How is a <strong>Software Walkthrough</strong> Done?</strong></span></h2>



<p>The author of the code initiates the software walkthrough. During the walkthrough, the author reads through the code or document, and others in the meeting take notes on key points or jot down observations about defects, providing suggestions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It is an informal way of software testing, and no formal authority is involved in this process.</p>



<h2 id="h-when-is-a-software-walkthrough-needed"><span id="When_is_a_Software_Walkthrough_Needed"><strong>When is a <strong>Software Walkthrough</strong> Needed?</strong></span></h2>



<p>It is required at various stages of the software development lifecycle to ensure a software product&#8217;s quality, correctness, and completeness. Here are common scenarios when a software walkthrough is typically needed,</p>



<ul><li>Helps clarify ambiguity in the software requirements, if any.</li><li>To review the architecture and design of the software</li><li>To review the source code</li><li>Walkthrough in <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software testing</a> is crucial. It is an informal way of testing the software.</li><li>It is valuable for reviewing the software documentation</li><li>Helps with smooth onboarding and knowledge transfer</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-who-does-software-walkthrough"><span id="Who_Does_Software_Walkthrough"><strong>Who Does <strong>Software Walkthrough</strong>? </strong></span></h2>



<p>It is conducted by a designer or programmer. The other participants may include stakeholders, testers, managers, assessors, specialists, the documentation team, and more.</p>



<h2 id="h-where-is-a-software-walkthrough-done"><span id="Where_is_a_Software_Walkthrough_Done"><strong>Where is a <strong>Software Walkthrough</strong> Done?</strong></span></h2>



<p>It is usually conducted in a collaborative and interactive setting, often within a meeting or dedicated session. Some of the places where software walkthroughs can be done include:</p>



<ul><li>Meeting rooms or conference rooms</li><li>Virtual meetings</li><li>Within the development environments</li><li>Dedicated and scheduled review sessions</li><li>In testing environments</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-scenarios-examples-where-software-walkthrough-is-useful"><span id="ScenariosExamples_where_Software_Walkthrough_is_Useful"><strong>Scenarios/Examples where <strong>Software Walkthrough</strong> is Useful</strong></span></h2>



<p>Let&#8217;s understand the software walkthrough with a scenario where it can be useful for software teams. Imagine that a developer has developed an AI-driven cloud application like <a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma</a> that allows users to automate web, mobile, desktop, and API tests using a single platform in a fast and efficient way. Now, let&#8217;s take an instance where a software walkthrough can benefit the software teams at this stage.&nbsp;</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/5SekMCeT8zvv7ueL9YkEf8hw1MUY5Qfx_s58Eg6_kr91OLXwEDyA1bjuoNPurC4XLXyJuwc23UJQSlB0pQCaoi0b4apb6t3vCC-NU3gqS9FND7KNwNsts7mX4yXhs9i9wmibDo4TLLInwDp2KfZHZy4" alt="Software walkthrough example" /></figure></div>



<h3 id="h-scenario-user-interface-inspection"><span id="Scenario_8211_User_interface_inspection"><strong>Scenario &#8211; User interface inspection</strong></span></h3>



<p>In this stage, the designer/developer starts by explaining the user interface, code, design, user flow, and more about the software product to everyone involved in the walkthrough process.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It is valuable for inspecting user interface designs and prototypes. Designers, developers, and stakeholders can collectively evaluate the user experience, identify potential usability issues, and ensure alignment with user expectations.</p>



<h2 id="h-advantages-of-software-walkthrough"><span id="Advantages_of_Software_Walkthrough"><strong>Advantages of <strong>Software Walkthrough</strong></strong></span></h2>



<p>Some of the advantages include:</p>



<ul><li>Identify defects in the software products.</li><li>To gain a complete understanding of the software product development process.</li><li>To explain and discuss the information in the document.</li><li>To verify the validity of the system.</li><li>To provide constructive suggestions and report them alongside new solutions and ideas.</li><li>Acts as a &#8220;proof of concept&#8221; at an early stage.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-disadvantages-of-software-walkthrough"><span id="Disadvantages_of_Software_Walkthrough"><strong>Disadvantages of <strong>Software Walkthrough</strong></strong></span></h2>



<p>Some of the disadvantages include,</p>



<ul><li>Walkthroughs can be time-consuming, especially if the software being reviewed is complex. Participants may need significant time to go through the code or documentation thoroughly.</li><li>Conducting a walkthrough requires the availability of key personnel, including developers, testers, and other stakeholders.&nbsp;</li><li>It is prone to human error. Since software walkthrough is done manually, there is a risk of overlooking issues due to human error. Participants may miss important details, leading to incomplete reviews.</li><li>It is not suitable for large projects as the size of the project may make it more challenging to review thoroughly.</li><li>Walkthroughs are generally more effective for functional aspects of the software rather than non-functional requirements like performance, scalability, or security.</li><li>In some cases, software walkthroughs may focus on surface-level issues and may not uncover deep-rooted or systemic problems within the software architecture or design.</li><li>Conducting walkthroughs becomes more challenging when team members are located in different locations and time zones.</li><li>There is no scope for <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated testing</a> as walkthroughs are manual processes.&nbsp;</li><li>It lacks diversity as the author drives the process, and others only validate if what has been said matches what has been done.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-best-practices"><span id="Best_Practices"><strong>Best Practices</strong></span></h2>



<p>Here are some best practices for conducting effective software walkthroughs:</p>



<ul><li>Clearly define the objectives and scope of the walkthrough. Make sure that participants understand the specific goals and areas to be covered during the walkthrough.</li><li>Participants, including the author and reviewers, should be well-prepared.&nbsp;</li><li>Schedule the walkthrough at a time that is convenient for all participants.&nbsp;</li><li>Encourage active participation from all team members. This includes asking questions, providing feedback, and expressing concerns. A collaborative atmosphere promotes constructive criticism and improvement.</li><li>Take notes, that is, document feedback, questions, and suggestions during the walkthrough. These notes can be valuable for the author to make improvements after the session.</li><li>Promote a culture of giving and receiving feedback.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-challenges"><span id="Challenges"><strong>Challenges</strong></span></h2>



<p>Some of the challenges of the walkthrough software testing are as follows,</p>



<ul><li>Walkthroughs require time and effort from multiple stakeholders, including developers, testers, and other team members. Scheduling and coordinating these sessions can be challenging, especially in fast-paced development environments.</li><li>Getting key stakeholders to participate in the walkthrough can be difficult.&nbsp;</li><li>Ineffective communication can hinder the success of a walkthrough.</li><li>Simulating real-world scenarios during a walkthrough may be challenging. Issues related to performance, scalability, or usability under actual usage conditions may not be effectively identified.</li><li>Participants may have varying perspectives and interpretations of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_documentation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software documentation</a> or code.&nbsp;</li><li>Team members from different cultural backgrounds or hierarchical levels may face challenges expressing their opinions freely.&nbsp;</li></ul>



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



<p>A software walkthrough is a valuable process in the software development lifecycle that brings together cross-functional teams to review and understand the various aspects of a software project. It serves as a collaborative and interactive method for identifying issues, ensuring alignment with requirements, and enhancing the overall quality of the software.</p>



<p>By embracing software walkthroughs, development teams can build robust software and cultivate a culture of collaboration, learning, and continuous improvement.</p>



<p><br><p><button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Automate your end-to-end tests for web, mobile, desktop applications, and APIs, 10x faster, with the low code test automation platform Testsigma</a></button></p><br></p>
