
<p>We already know that automated testing improves workflow, boosts productivity, and speeds up the development cycle. However, it&#8217;s equally important to know which processes to automate and which should be done manually.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Automation is a powerful yet straightforward process that requires careful planning and understanding. Let’s explore what to automate and what not to automate.&nbsp;</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_Types_of_Tests_to_Automate"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What Types of Tests to Automate?</a></li><li><a href="#What_Tests_Should_Not_Be_Automated"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> What Tests Should Not Be Automated?</a></li><li><a href="#Example_test_cases_8211_To_automate_or_not_to"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Example test cases &#8211; To automate or not to</a></li><li><a href="#Which_Teams_Should_Consider_Testsigma"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Which Teams Should Consider Testsigma?</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-types-of-tests-to-automate"><span id="What_Types_of_Tests_to_Automate"><strong>What Types of Tests to Automate?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Automating test cases that are executed repetitively saves time in the long run. For example, if a test takes an hour to run manually and needs to be executed every two weeks, automating it in a day will start showing its value within a few months. The more essential tests you automate, the more time and effort you save. If you want to fully leverage its benefits, you should implement it with a <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-automation-strategy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test automation strategy</a>.</p>



<p>If you are considering what to automate, then look at the testing types that benefit significantly from automation:</p>



<ol><li><strong>Unit Testing</strong></li></ol>



<p>Unit tests are used to check individual components of an application and ensure that they function properly. It is perfect for automation because it is repetitive in nature, yet crucial in ensuring software quality.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Example: A function for applying discounts in an e-commerce app is updated. Automated unit testing immediately verifies that this new function returns the correct values for various inputs.&nbsp;</p>



<ol start="2"><li><a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/integration-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Integration Testing</strong></a></li></ol>



<p>Integration testing ensures that different modules of an application interact correctly with each other. When these tests are automated, the feedback process becomes faster, and issues can be detected early in the development cycle.</p>



<p>Example: When a net banking application updates its payment gateway, automated integration testing makes sure that the transaction process happens properly between the app and the payment provider.</p>



<ol start="3"><li><a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/functional-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Functional Testing</strong></a></li></ol>



<p>Functional tests exhaustively test the functionalities of an application under different scenarios, mimicking user behavior. Automating functional testing is highly recommended due to the extensive and repetitive nature of these tests.</p>



<p>Example: A travel booking website will have to test various search filters such as for buses, flights, cabs, and hotel booking. <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Automated testing</a> can efficiently perform this without overlooking any edge cases.&nbsp;</p>



<ol start="4"><li><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/smoke-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Smoke Testing</strong></a></li></ol>



<p>Smoke tests check whether the main features of an application work properly after an update.</p>



<p>Example: After deploying an update in a social media app, automated smoke testing ensures that users can still log in, access the feed, and send messages.</p>



<ol start="5"><li><a href="https://testsigma.com/regression-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Regression Testing</strong></a></li></ol>



<p>Regression testing checks if recent changes have affected any existing functionalities of the application. These tests run frequently and therefore, automation is relevant for increasing efficiency.</p>



<p>Example: Automated regression tests check if previous bug fixes remain unaffected by the new updates.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-tests-should-not-be-automated"><span id="What_Tests_Should_Not_Be_Automated"><strong>What Tests Should Not Be Automated?</strong></span></h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="512" height="393" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24134505/What-tests-should-not-be-automated.jpg" alt="What tests should not be automated" class="wp-image-54752"/></figure></div>



<p>Now, let&#8217;s explore what not to automate. Take a look at the testing scenarios where manual testing is more effective than full automation:</p>



<ol><li><strong>Human Validation</strong></li></ol>



<p>Some aspects of testing require testers to review documentation and code defects, inconsistencies, and improvements. These activities are more efficient when done manually than when automated.</p>



<p>Example: Error messages in applications must be manually reviewed to ensure they are clear and grammatically correct, and provide users with the correct guidance.</p>



<ol start="2"><li><strong>Complicated Test Cases</strong></li></ol>



<p>If a product feature is too complicated or test scenarios are too complex or unpredictable, human decision-making and manual testing is necessary.</p>



<p>Example: A voice assistant app must recognize different accents, speech patterns, and background noises. Automation may not be able to fully imitate variations in human speech, and testers should manually check whether the app understands and responds well in real-world conditions.&nbsp;</p>



<ol start="3"><li><strong>Installation &amp; Setup Testing</strong></li></ol>



<p>Manual testing is needed for products involving hardware, such as checking installation processes.</p>



<p>Example: A security software should be manually tested with user prompts, permissions, and performance.&nbsp;</p>



<ol start="4"><li><strong>UX Testing</strong></li></ol>



<p>To assess the usability, clarity, aesthetics, and user-friendliness of an application, manual testing is more effective than automation.</p>



<p>Example: Many applications have an onboarding process. This initial setup process should be manually tested to understand how easy it is for the user.</p>



<ol start="5"><li><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/exploratory-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Exploratory Testing</strong></a></li></ol>



<p>In order to check how software reacts to unexpected issues, the testing approach should be unscripted, and based on intuition and experience, which is not possible with automation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Example: A manual tester uses an e-commerce app against predefined rules and encounters previously undetected errors in the app.&nbsp;</p>



<ol start="6"><li><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/adhoc-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Ad-hoc Testing</strong></a></li></ol>



<p>Unstructured, spontaneous testing helps find issues that may not be covered in formal test cases. It is best done manually for quick and intuitive checks.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Example: After a last-minute UI change, a tester randomly clicks buttons on a dashboard and finds that a crucial menu option is no longer accessible.&nbsp;</p>



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<h2 id="h-example-test-cases-to-automate-or-not-to"><span id="Example_test_cases_8211_To_automate_or_not_to"><strong>Example test cases &#8211; To automate or not to</strong></span></h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="512" height="502" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24135041/Example-test-cases-To-automate-or-not-to.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-54754"/></figure></div>



<p>It&#8217;s reasonable to be confused about which <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/what-is-test-case/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test cases</a> to automate and which to do manually. Let&#8217;s go through some example test cases to determine whether they should be automated or tested manually.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Test Case</strong></td><td><strong>Best for Automation</strong></td><td><strong>Needs Manual Testing</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Common vs Rare Tests</strong></td><td>Routine tests can be easily automated.</td><td>Tests that only need to be run once are ideal for manual testing.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Data Entry</strong></td><td>Large-scale data entry is ideal for automation.</td><td>Small data inputs are manageable manually.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Pass/Fail Validation</strong></td><td>Clear success/failure criteria suit automation.</td><td>Complex validation requiring cross-referencing is better done manually.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Visual Verification</strong></td><td>Exact result comparisons can be automated.</td><td>Subjective checks like image verification need manual review.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>UI Modifications</strong></td><td>Minor interface changes can be handled by scripts.</td><td>Major layout shifts may break automation. However, <a href="https://testsigma.com/ai-driven-test-automation">AI-driven test automation</a> features like auto-healing tests can tackle this challenge.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Standard vs Custom UI</strong></td><td>Standard controls like buttons and forms work well with automation.</td><td>Custom-built UI elements require manual testing.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Exploratory Testing</strong></td><td>Scripted tests efficiently check predefined cases.</td><td>Unpredictable issues need human intervention.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 id="h-which-teams-should-consider-testsigma"><span id="Which_Teams_Should_Consider_Testsigma"><strong>Which Teams Should Consider Testsigma?</strong></span></h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="512" height="251" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24135655/Testsigma-Dashboard-2-3.png" alt="Testsigma Dashboard" class="wp-image-54756"/></figure></div>



<p>&nbsp;Testsigma could be the right automation tool for your team if you need:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<ul><li>A <a href="https://testsigma.com/low-code-test-automation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">no-code test automation</a> that allows testers of all skill levels to use it.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Faster testing to run tests up to ten times quicker.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Better test coverage with <a href="https://testsigma.com/parallel-test-runs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parallel testing</a> across multiple devices, browsers, and platforms on the cloud.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>AI-powered self-healing to reduce test maintenance effort.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Support for data-driven testing.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Built-in test reports to track testing progress easily.&nbsp;</li></ul>



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



<p>By now, you should have a clear understanding of which test cases and types are best suited for automation and where manual testing should be focused. When evaluating the effort needed to train your team and selecting a common testing language that all your QA members know, a no-code automation testing platform can be highly beneficial.</p>



<customlinks>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Test Automation Mistakes</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/8-top-test-automation-mistakes-and-tips-for-qa-teams-to-avoid-them/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Smart Test Automation</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/new-era-of-smart-test-automation/ </ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Automation Scalability</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/automation-scalability/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
</customlinks>


What to Automate and What not to Automate

What to Automate and What Not to Automate?


<p>Fuzz testing tool is to analyze the quality of the software created. It is done by subjecting software to diverse inputs to see how the program would react to it.&nbsp; It further helps to enhance the robustness and security of the software. Due to this it became a crucial component of modern software development and cybersecurity practices.</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_a_Fuzzing_Tool_and_What_is_its_Purpose"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is a Fuzzing Tool and What is its Purpose?</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Choose_a_Fuzz_Testing_Tool"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> How to Choose a Fuzz Testing Tool?</a></li><li><a href="#Top_5_Fuzz_Testing_Tools"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Top 5 Fuzz Testing Tools</a><ul><li><a href="#Commercial_Fuzzing_tools"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.1</span> Commercial Fuzzing tools</a></li><li><a href="#6_Free_or_Open-Source_Fuzzing_Tools"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.2</span> 6 Free or Open-Source Fuzzing Tools</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Alternative_Automated_Fuzz_Testing_Tool_8211_Testsigma"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Alternative Automated Fuzz Testing Tool &#8211; 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="#Which_is_the_best_fuzzing_tool"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">6.1</span> Which is the best fuzzing tool?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-a-fuzzing-tool-and-what-is-its-purpose"><span id="What_is_a_Fuzzing_Tool_and_What_is_its_Purpose"><strong>What is a Fuzzing Tool and What is its Purpose?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Now, before we get started with the topic, imagine fuzz testing tool as a security inspector inspecting a building for vulnerabilities. Instead of following a set pattern, the inspector would sometimes randomly check doors, windows, and locks to find weaknesses that intruders might exploit. Similarly, fuzz testing tool bombards software with random inputs, mimicking real-world usage scenarios, to uncover hidden vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit.</p>



<h2 id="how-to-choose-a-fuzz-testing-tool"><span id="How_to_Choose_a_Fuzz_Testing_Tool"><strong>How to Choose a Fuzz Testing Tool?</strong></span></h2>



<p>When it comes to choosing a tool for Fuzz Testing&nbsp;</p>



<ul><li>Consider the ease of using the tool and check if it has a user-friendly interface&nbsp;</li><li>Ensure that it is compatible with your system and applications, you can do that by checking the supported platforms and programming languages used.</li><li>Look for tools with comprehensive reporting features. This will help in tracking and managing the discovered areas of vulnerabilities effectively.</li><li>Prioritize customization options that allow tailoring the fuzzing techniques based on the specific testing needs.</li><li>Then evaluate the tool&#8217;s cost, considering the budget and the value it provides to the testing strategy set by the development and testing team.</li></ul>



<p>Learn more about <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/fuzz-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fuzz Testing</a></p>



<h2 id="top-5-fuzz-testing-tools"><span id="Top_5_Fuzz_Testing_Tools"><strong>Top 5 Fuzz Testing Tools</strong></span></h2>



<h3 id="commercial-fuzzing-tools"><span id="Commercial_Fuzzing_tools">Commercial Fuzzing tools</span></h3>



<p><strong>1. Beyond Security beSTORM</strong></p>



<ul><li>Beyond Security beSTORM is a premier commercial fuzz testing tool renowned for its expertise in protocol and file format fuzzing.&nbsp;</li><li>Specifically tailored for network protocols like TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, and others, as well as various file formats prevalent in software ecosystems.&nbsp;</li><li>Through protocol fuzzing, it rigorously scrutinizes the behavior of network protocols by injecting unexpected or malformed data packets, uncovering potential vulnerabilities.&nbsp;</li><li>Similarly, with file format fuzzing, it systematically probes software applications by manipulating inputs in different file formats, such as PDFs, Office documents, and image files.&nbsp;</li><li>By specializing in these advanced fuzzing techniques, Beyond Security beSTORM enables organizations to fortify their software against security vulnerabilities in critical areas of network communication and data processing.</li></ul>



<p><strong>2. Code Intelligence Fuzz</strong></p>



<ul><li>CIFuzz, developed by Code Intelligence GmbH, utilizes advanced algorithms and machine learning for targeted fuzzing, ensuring intelligent exploration of software&#8217;s input space.&nbsp;</li><li>Unlike Beyond Security beSTORM, which focuses on protocol and file format fuzzing, CIFuzz adapts dynamically to software behavior, uncovering vulnerabilities more effectively. CIFuzz&#8217;s machine learning capabilities generate and execute test cases efficiently, providing a nuanced understanding of security risks.</li><li>&nbsp;With Code Intelligence GmbH&#8217;s support, CIFuzz offers unmatched integration options, making it the top choice for organizations needing cutting-edge fuzz testing solutions for modern software architectures.</li></ul>



<p><strong>3. Synopsys Fuzzing Test Suite</strong></p>



<ul><li>The Synopsys Fuzzing Test Suite is a powerful tool for pinpointing critical security flaws in software, including issues like buffer overflows, memory leaks, and input validation errors.&nbsp;</li><li>It achieves this by methodically injecting unexpected or malformed data into the application&#8217;s input fields and systematically searching for vulnerabilities.</li><li>Through careful observation and analysis of the application&#8217;s behavior during this process, the suite identifies when buffers are overrun, memory is mismanaged, or input validation is insufficient.&nbsp;</li><li>Armed with this information, developers can take targeted action to fix these vulnerabilities, making their software less susceptible to exploitation by malicious actors.</li></ul>



<p><strong>4. ForAllSecure Mayhem for Code</strong></p>



<ul><li>Mayhem for Code adapts its testing methods based on the software&#8217;s behavior. It monitors how the application responds to different inputs and adjusts its fuzzing strategy accordingly. It starts by sending various inputs, like URLs, to the browser and observes how it reacts.&nbsp;</li><li>If certain URLs consistently cause the browser to crash or behave unexpectedly, Mayhem for Code takes note of this and focuses more on exploring similar URLs or related code paths.&nbsp;</li><li>This helps it uncover potential vulnerabilities related to how the browser handles certain types of inputs. On the other hand, if certain URLs consistently lead to normal behavior with no issues, Mayhem for Code may spend less time testing those specific URLs and instead shift its focus to other areas of the browser where vulnerabilities may exist.&nbsp;</li><li>This adaptive approach ensures that Mayhem for Code optimizes its testing efforts to find security issues efficiently.</li></ul>



<h3 id="6-free-or-open-source-fuzzing-tools"><span id="6_Free_or_Open-Source_Fuzzing_Tools">6 Free or Open-Source Fuzzing Tools</span></h3>



<p><strong>1. PeachTech Peach Fuzzer</strong></p>



<ul><li>A software development team uses PeachTech&#8217;s Peach Fuzzer to test their messaging application. They configure Peach Fuzzer to generate various types of malformed messages, including invalid characters, excessively long messages, and unexpected data formats, and send them to the application.&nbsp;</li><li>Through testing, Peach Fuzzer identifies specific vulnerabilities in message parsing, leading to consistent crashes.&nbsp;</li><li>Armed with this insight, the team prioritizes fixing critical issues and refining their message parsing logic to enhance the application&#8217;s security and reliability.</li></ul>



<p><strong>2. Google OSS-Fuzz</strong></p>



<ul><li>Google OSS-Fuzz is an open-source fuzz testing service provided by Google, aimed at enhancing the security of open-source software projects.&nbsp;</li><li>Leveraging continuous fuzzing techniques, it systematically tests software with diverse inputs to uncover vulnerabilities.&nbsp;</li><li>Developers submit their projects to OSS-Fuzz for automated fuzz testing, allowing for the detection and mitigation of security weaknesses.&nbsp;</li><li>For example, a developer submits their image processing library to OSS-Fuzz and discovers a critical memory corruption vulnerability during testing.&nbsp;</li><li>By addressing this vulnerability promptly, the developer ensures the security and reliability of their library for users.</li></ul>



<p><strong>3. FuzzDB</strong></p>



<ul><li>In a security assessment of a web application, an analyst utilizes FuzzDB to systematically test its defenses against common attack vectors, such as SQL injection and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross-site_scripting" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cross-site scripting.</a> </li><li>By leveraging FuzzDB&#8217;s extensive collection of attack payloads, tailored test cases are generated for input fields like login forms and search bars.</li><li>The analyst probes for vulnerabilities by inserting malicious payloads into these fields, aiming to manipulate the application&#8217;s behavior. </li><li>Meticulously recording any anomalous behavior, the analyst efficiently identifies and addresses potential security weaknesses. </li><li>Through this process, the application&#8217;s security posture is enhanced, mitigating risks for the client.</li></ul>



<p><strong>4. Ffuf (Fuzz Faster U Fool)</strong></p>



<ul><li>A penetration tester employs FFUF (Fuzz Faster U Fool) to assess a client&#8217;s web application security. Configuring FFUF with custom wordlists and request headers, they swiftly send requests to probe for hidden directories and files.&nbsp;</li><li>FFUF rapidly analyzes responses, uncovering sensitive information such as hidden admin panels.&nbsp;</li><li>The tester documents these findings and advises the client on necessary security measures.&nbsp;</li><li>FFUF&#8217;s speed and adaptability enable efficient identification of potential vulnerabilities, aiding in risk mitigation for the client.</li></ul>



<p><strong>5. Google ClusterFuzz </strong></p>



<ul><li>Google ClusterFuzz is a cloud-based fuzz testing platform developed by Google. It automatically detects security vulnerabilities and bugs in software by continuously testing it with diverse inputs.&nbsp;</li><li>ClusterFuzz scales dynamically to handle large-scale fuzzing tasks across various software projects.&nbsp;</li><li>It enables developers to promptly address identified issues, enhancing the security and reliability of their software products.&nbsp;</li><li>Additionally, ClusterFuzz can be integrated into continuous integration workflows for seamless automated security testing.</li></ul>



<p><strong>6. go-fuzz</strong></p>



<ul><li>go-fuzz is a powerful fuzz-testing tool specifically designed for the Go programming language.&nbsp;</li><li>It employs coverage-guided fuzzing techniques to automatically generate and mutate test cases, aiming to uncover potential vulnerabilities in Go code.&nbsp;</li><li>By integrating seamlessly with the Go toolchain, go-fuzz simplifies the process of fuzz testing for developers, enabling them to efficiently identify and address bugs and security vulnerabilities in their Go programs.<br></li></ul>



<h2 id="alternative-automated-fuzz-testing-tool-testsigma"><span id="Alternative_Automated_Fuzz_Testing_Tool_8211_Testsigma"><strong>Alternative Automated Fuzz Testing Tool &#8211; Testsigma</strong></span></h2>



<ul><li>The Data Generators in Testsigma help in automating test data generation during test execution, this eliminates the need for manual input and ensures dynamic and robust tests across various data types like names, emails, and numbers.</li><li>Testsigma also supports different test data types, enabling the input of various values and scenarios into test cases, thereby enhancing testing coverage and detecting bugs early in the development cycle.</li><li>Before using Data Generators in the platform,&nbsp; understanding key concepts like Projects, Test Cases, and Test Data Types is crucial. It&nbsp; also gives you the option to create custom test cases&nbsp; using Java.</li><li>Test data profiles help to streamline testing efficiency, particularly for scenarios that require a&nbsp; large datasets, like testing login functionality with multiple user accounts, ensuring diverse data sets are readily available.</li><li>The Random Test Data Type in Testsigma generates random data such as numbers, email addresses, and passwords, diversifying tests and creating unpredictable scenarios, with the flexibility to specify the length of alphanumeric characters required during Test Case Execution.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<p>Fuzz testing in Testsigma can be conducted using its dynamic test data generation capabilities and automation features. Here&#8217;s how Testsigma perform&#8217;s as a fuzz testing tool :</p>



<ul><li><strong>Identify Target System: </strong>Determine the software or application you want to fuzz test within Testsigma.</li><li><strong>Generate Fuzzed Data: </strong>By Utilizing Testsigma&#8217;s Data Generators, automatically create fuzzed data, including random inputs and unexpected values, to simulate real-world scenarios.</li><li><strong>Create Test Cases: </strong>Develop test cases and test suites within Testsigma, specifying the target system and incorporating the generated fuzzed data as inputs.</li><li><strong>Execute Test Cases:</strong> Run the fuzz testing test cases to perform automated testing using the fuzzed data, ensuring comprehensive coverage of various scenarios.</li><li><strong>Monitor System Behavior:</strong> During test execution, monitor the behavior of the target system to detect any anomalies, crashes, or unexpected responses caused by the fuzzed data.</li><li><strong>Log Defects:</strong> Automated reports are generated to facilitate the troubleshooting of test failures and provide insights for managers regarding the quality status of the application being tested (AUT).</li></ul>



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



<p>By subjecting applications to unexpected and invalid inputs, fuzz testing tools simulates real-world scenarios, uncovering potential weaknesses that might otherwise go undetected. In conclusion, fuzz testing tools emerges as a critical tool in modern software development, offering a proactive approach to identifying vulnerabilities and enhancing overall system robustness.</p>



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



<h3 id="which-is-the-best-fuzzing-tool"><span id="Which_is_the_best_fuzzing_tool">Which is the best fuzzing tool?</span></h3>



<p>When choosing a fuzzing tool, the development and testing teams must align it with their specific goals and requirements. Whether commercial or open-source, each tool offers unique features and capabilities. For example, Beyond Security beSTORM, Code Intelligence Fuzz, and Synopsys Fuzzing Test Suite are popular commercial options, while PeachTech Peach Fuzzer, Google OSS-Fuzz, and Ffuf are open-source tools. Additionally, Testsigma emerges as a compelling alternative, offering a user-friendly interface, detailed test results, and real-time analytics.</p>


Fuzz Testing Tools

Nightwatch Alternatives


<p>Does your app meet a good UI standard? Are there any system-specific issues that recur in it? Just like a couture tailored to your fit, your apps can also be crafted based on the type of devices on which they will be installed. These apps are called native apps. They play a huge role in leveraging the full potential of the device&#8217;s hardware and software capabilities, resulting in the development of high-quality apps with superior performance. In this comprehensive overview of native app testing, we will discuss why it matters ,the step-by-step process, and the best practices of native app testing.</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_Native_App_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is Native App Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_Does_Native_App_Testing_Matter"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Why Does Native App Testing Matter?</a></li><li><a href="#Native_App_Testing_Prerequisites"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Native App Testing Prerequisites</a><ul><li><a href="#Requirement_analysis"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.1</span> Requirement analysis  </a></li><li><a href="#Test_plan_and_strategy"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.2</span> Test plan and strategy </a></li><li><a href="#Device_and_OS_selection"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.3</span> Device and OS selection  </a></li><li><a href="#Test_data_preparation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.4</span> Test data preparation </a></li><li><a href="#Tools_and_framework_setup"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.5</span> Tools and framework setup </a></li><li><a href="#CICD_integration"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.6</span> CI/CD integration </a></li><li><a href="#Test_case_creation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.7</span> Test case creation </a></li><li><a href="#Security_and_compliance"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.8</span> Security and compliance </a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#How_do_you_Test_Native_Apps"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> How do you Test Native Apps?</a></li><li><a href="#Principles_of_Native_App_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Principles of Native App Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Challenges_in_Native_App_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Challenges in Native App Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Best_Practices_for_Native_App_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Best Practices for Native App Testing</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Test_Native_Apps_8211_A_Step-by-Step_Guide"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> How to Test Native Apps &#8211; A Step-by-Step Guide</a></li><li><a href="#Start_Testing_Your_Native_Apps_with_Testsigma_Today"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">9</span> Start Testing Your Native Apps with Testsigma Today</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">10</span> Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="what-is-native-app-testing"><span id="What_is_Native_App_Testing"><strong>What is Native App Testing?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Native app testing evaluates apps built specifically for particular operating systems, like Android and iOS, to check their user experience, responsiveness, performance, and ability to function well under different conditions. Since these are device-specific applications designed to maximize the device&#8217;s potential, testing them requires a dedicated approach.</p>



<h2 id="why-does-native-app-testing-matter"><span id="Why_Does_Native_App_Testing_Matter"><strong>Why Does Native App Testing Matter?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Testing native apps is so vital because they provide high-quality, superior-performance, and user-friendly applications. Native apps are becoming increasingly popular among everyone. Any anomaly in these applications can lead to several issues like negative user experience, lack of trust, and brand damage.</p>



<p>Let us see what a lack of native app testing can do to your business. In 2018, Snapchat rolled out a major redesign without adequate compatibility and usability testing. This caused the app to function differently on different devices. Users found this confusing, difficult to use, and not up to their expectations. Over <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2018/01/11/snapchat-redesign-uninstall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1.2 million users</a> filed a petition to revert this update. The company had to roll back some changes to this update in response to backlash. </p>



<h2 id="native-app-testing-prerequisites"><span id="Native_App_Testing_Prerequisites"><strong>Native App Testing Prerequisites</strong></span></h2>



<p>Before testing a native application, there are a few factors to consider,&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="requirement-analysis"><span id="Requirement_analysis">Requirement analysis  </span></h3>



<p>Understand what your app offers and the problem it solves. Clearly define the functional and non-functional requirements and ensure they match the business requirements.</p>



<h3 id="test-plan-and-strategy"><span id="Test_plan_and_strategy">Test plan and strategy </span></h3>



<p>Develop a comprehensive approach to include different testing types, scenarios, and <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/what-is-test-case/">test cases</a>.</p>



<h3 id="device-and-os-selection"><span id="Device_and_OS_selection">Device and OS selection  </span></h3>



<p>Include a mix of the latest and older devices to ensure the app is efficient with all systems. This ensures that the app is compatible with all devices and operating systems.</p>



<h3 id="test-data-preparation"><span id="Test_data_preparation">Test data preparation </span></h3>



<p>Prepare valid test data to simulate real user interactions for comprehensive test coverage and scenario-based validation.</p>



<h3 id="tools-and-framework-setup"><span id="Tools_and_framework_setup">Tools and framework setup </span></h3>



<p>Install and configure testing tools based on the project needs, so that the tester can perform testing more efficiently.</p>



<h3 id="ci-cd-integration"><span id="CICD_integration">CI/CD integration </span></h3>



<p>Quickly detect bugs and provide fixes by integrating CI/CD tools with your testing tools.</p>



<h3 id="test-case-creation"><span id="Test_case_creation">Test case creation </span></h3>



<p>Write detailed test cases based on app functionality and user flows.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="security-and-compliance"><span id="Security_and_compliance">Security and compliance </span></h3>



<p>Verify that data encryption and authentication are in place, as they protect user data and ensure legal compliance.</p>



<h2 id="how-do-you-test-native-apps"><span id="How_do_you_Test_Native_Apps"><strong>How do you Test Native Apps?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Testing a native app requires a dedicated approach because of its integration with the device hardware and OS-specific features. Here are a few aspects to consider for native app testing.</p>



<ul><li><a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/functional-testing/"><strong>Functional testing</strong></a> &#8211; To test if all the functions of the app work as expected. Examples include input validation, API integrations, data synchronization, and error handling.</li><li><strong>Performance testing</strong> &#8211; Measures the application&#8217;s speed, responsiveness, and stability under different conditions.</li><li><strong>Usability testing</strong> &#8211; Evaluate the app’s ease of use and overall usability. Apps’ intuitiveness and accessibility are major considerations.</li><li><strong>UI/UX testing</strong> &#8211; To ensure that the app’s interface is consistent across different OS and adaptable to screen sizes and resolutions.</li><li><strong>Compatibility testing</strong> &#8211; To check if the app is compatible with different devices, OS platforms, and screen configurations.</li><li><strong>Network testing</strong> &#8211; Tests how the app works under different network conditions and connectivity issues.</li><li><a href="https://testsigma.com/regression-testing"><strong>Regression testing</strong></a> &#8211; Verifies if any new updates do not affect the app&#8217;s existing functioning.</li></ul>



<h2 id="principles-of-native-app-testing"><span id="Principles_of_Native_App_Testing"><strong>Principles of Native App Testing</strong></span></h2>



<p>To achieve better outcomes from testing, here are a few principles we must consider:</p>



<ul><li><strong>Better planning yields better results </strong>&#8211; Plan your testing cycle considering the resources available. A well-planned test that is well-executed can leverage excellent outcomes.</li><li><strong>Using the right testing environment and frameworks</strong> &#8211; Choose the tools and frameworks to perform testing. Equip your QA team with adequate training on tool usage.</li><li><strong>Choosing automated testing </strong>&#8211; There are a lot of automated testing tools available in the market now. Using automation tools can produce better results and reduce a lot of time spent on testing.</li><li><strong>Ensuring security and privacy </strong>&#8211; Data leaks can lead to breaches of security and brand damage. Adhere to the privacy and compliance policies of your organization.</li><li><strong>Frequent regression testing </strong>&#8211; Any update made to your app shouldn’t affect the existing functionality. Ensure that you perform frequent regression testing on your application.</li></ul>



<h2 id="challenges-in-native-app-testing"><span id="Challenges_in_Native_App_Testing"><strong>Challenges in Native App Testing</strong></span></h2>



<ul><li><strong>OS updates </strong>&#8211; Updates for the API can impact the existing features. Frequent updates happening in the device can cause compatibility issues.</li><li><strong>Affecting performance</strong> &#8211; Native apps using the device&#8217;s GPS or other features can lead to higher battery consumption.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Different screen sizes </strong>&#8211; The UI designed for a specific set of devices cannot match all the devices. UI should be responsive to all screen sizes.</li><li><strong>Test automation challenges </strong>&#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-mobile-app-testing">Automated mobile app testing</a> is challenging due to dynamic UI elements, gesture-based interactions, and platform-specific differences.</li><li><strong>Third-party integrations </strong>&#8211; Native apps rely on third-party integrations for payments, analytics, etc, which can lead to security issues.</li></ul>



<h2 id="best-practices-for-native-app-testing"><span id="Best_Practices_for_Native_App_Testing"><strong>Best Practices for Native App Testing</strong></span></h2>



<ul><li><strong>Prioritize all kinds of testing </strong>&#8211; Perform all types of <a href="https://testsigma.com/mobile-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mobile app testing</a> like functional, usability, performance, regression testing, etc.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Handle different conditions </strong>&#8211; Test how the app functions when it is switched frequently, under different network conditions, with different battery levels to evaluate its efficiency.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Test how different device permissions impact the app &#8211; </strong>When some app permissions are disabled, check if the behavior is overridden or functions correctly.<strong>&nbsp;</strong></li><li><strong>Monitor crash reports and analytics </strong>&#8211; Maintain app crash reports and analyze them to mitigate vulnerabilities immediately.</li><li><strong>Validate compliance and guidelines </strong>&#8211; Ensure that your app is compliant with guidelines from the App Store or Google Play.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Automation &#8211; </strong>Rely on automation as it provides huge test coverage and improves the quality of your application in a much shorter time.</li></ul>



<h2 id="how-to-test-native-apps-a-step-by-step-guide"><span id="How_to_Test_Native_Apps_8211_A_Step-by-Step_Guide"><strong>How to Test Native Apps &#8211; A Step-by-Step Guide</strong></span></h2>



<p>To ensure a seamless user experience and optimal performance, follow this structured approach to native app testing:</p>



<ol><li><strong>Define Test Requirements</strong><ul><li>Clearly outline the app&#8217;s purpose, target users, and expected functionalities.</li><li>Align testing strategies with business goals and regulatory requirements.</li></ul></li><li><strong>Set Up the Right Testing Environment</strong><ul><li>Utilize a mix of real devices, emulators, and automated testing tools for accurate results.</li></ul></li></ol>



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<ul><li>Simulate different network conditions and device configurations.</li><li>The use of cloud labs can solve the issue of testing on different screen resolutions. Many test automation tools, like <a href="https://testsigma.com/">Testsigma</a>, offer in-house test labs and other cloud labs.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>



<ol start="3"><li><strong>Perform Core Testing Types:</strong><ul><li><strong>Functional Testing:</strong> Validate the app’s core features and ensure smooth workflows.</li><li><strong>UI/UX Testing:</strong> Assess responsiveness, visual consistency, and user-friendliness.</li><li><strong>Compatibility Testing:</strong> Check performance across multiple OS versions, screen sizes, and devices.</li><li><strong>Performance Testing:</strong> Optimize speed, battery consumption, and resource utilization.</li><li><strong>Regression Testing:</strong> Ensure new updates don’t affect existing functionalities.</li><li><strong>User Acceptance Testing (UAT):</strong> Conduct real-world testing with end-users to confirm usability.</li></ul></li><li><strong>Ensure Compliance and Security</strong><ul><li>Verify adherence to data privacy, security regulations, and app store guidelines.</li><li>Test authentication, data encryption, and permissions for secure operations.</li></ul></li><li><strong>Continuous Monitoring and Improvements</strong><ul><li>Use analytics and crash reports to track app performance post-release.</li><li>Regular updates and patches based on user feedback and performance insights.</li></ul></li></ol>



<h2 id="start-testing-your-native-apps-with-testsigma-today"><span id="Start_Testing_Your_Native_Apps_with_Testsigma_Today"><strong>Start Testing Your Native Apps with Testsigma Today</strong></span></h2>



<p>Testsigma offers a comprehensive suite of features tailored for native app testing that are designed to streamline the testing process and enhance efficiency. Key features include:</p>



<ol><li><strong>Codeless Test Automation</strong>: Empower your team to create automated tests in plain English, eliminating the need for coding skills. This approach accelerates test creation and reduces the learning curve.</li><li><strong>Cross-Platform Compatibility</strong>: Automate tests for various mobile frameworks, including <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/flutter-testing/">Flutter testing</a>, and execute them on over 3,000 real devices. This ensures robust cross-platform compatibility and reliable test results.</li><li><strong>AI-Powered Test Maintenance</strong>: Leverage AI-driven capabilities to reduce maintenance efforts by up to 70%. Self-healing test scripts adapt automatically to application changes, ensuring stability and reducing manual intervention.</li><li><a href="https://testsigma.com/parallel-test-runs"><strong>Parallel Testing</strong></a>: Execute multiple tests simultaneously across different devices, significantly speeding up test cycles and reducing time to market.</li><li><strong>CI/CD Integration</strong>: Seamlessly integrate Testsigma into your Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment pipelines, facilitating continuous testing throughout the development lifecycle.</li><li><strong>Real-Time Reporting and Analytics</strong>: Gain actionable insights with detailed reports and metrics, enabling you to optimize your testing strategy effectively.</li><li><strong>Comprehensive API Testing</strong>: Beyond UI testing, validate APIs and web services with integrated API testing capabilities, ensuring end-to-end application quality.</li></ol>



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<ol start="8"><li><strong>Scalable Testing Infrastructure</strong>: Accommodate projects of any scale with a flexible, cloud-based platform designed for rapid adaptability and scalability.</li><li><strong>24/7 Expert Support</strong>: Rely on round-the-clock support to troubleshoot issues and maintain an uninterrupted testing workflow.&nbsp;</li></ol>



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



<p>Native app testing is critical in delivering high-quality applications that provide seamless user experiences across various devices and platforms. With the increasing complexity of mobile ecosystems, a robust and efficient testing approach is essential to ensure functionality, performance, and security.</p>



<p>Testsigma offers an all-in-one, AI-powered test automation platform that simplifies native app testing with its codeless automation, extensive device coverage, and seamless CI/CD integration. By leveraging Testsigma, teams can accelerate their testing cycles, reduce manual effort, and ensure their apps meet the highest quality standards. Whether you&#8217;re looking to improve test coverage, streamline workflows, or enhance collaboration, Testsigma provides the tools you need to achieve your testing goals efficiently.</p>



<p>Start testing smarter and faster with Testsigma today and take your native app quality to the next level.</p>


Native App Testing – How to Perform & Best Practices?


<p>Often testers all over the world tend to automate but without a proper assessment the efforts go waste. Test automation assessment involves an in-depth evaluation of the testing requirements, existing testing processes, and all available resources within the project.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The aim of doing test automation assessment is to find out how feasible it is and what are the potential benefits of automating various procedures. The key factors that we analyze are test coverage, resource allocation, technical infrastructure and Return on investment (ROI). The output of this analysis enables organizations to take important decisions about automating effectively.&nbsp;</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_Automation_Assessment"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is Test Automation Assessment?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_does_Test_Automation_Assessment_Matter"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Why does Test Automation Assessment Matter?</a></li><li><a href="#Implementing_Test_Automation_Assessment"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Implementing Test Automation Assessment</a><ul><li><a href="#Define_Objectives"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.1</span> Define Objectives</a></li><li><a href="#Assess_Current_Testing_Processes"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.2</span> Assess Current Testing Processes</a></li><li><a href="#Identify_Test_Automation_Candidates"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.3</span> Identify Test Automation Candidates</a></li><li><a href="#Select_Automation_Tools_and_Frameworks"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.4</span> Select Automation Tools and Frameworks</a></li><li><a href="#Develop_Automation_Strategy"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.5</span> Develop Automation Strategy</a></li><li><a href="#Build_Automation_Infrastructure"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.6</span> Build Automation Infrastructure</a></li><li><a href="#Automate_Test_Cases"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.7</span> Automate Test Cases</a></li><li><a href="#Execute_Automated_Tests"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.8</span> Execute Automated Tests</a></li><li><a href="#Monitor_and_Maintain"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.9</span> Monitor and Maintain</a></li><li><a href="#Iterate_and_Improve"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.10</span> Iterate and Improve</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Outcome_of_the_Rapid_Test_Automation_Assessment"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Outcome of the Rapid Test Automation Assessment</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_is_test_assessment_in_software_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">6.1</span> What is test assessment in software testing?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-test-automation-assessment"><span id="What_is_Test_Automation_Assessment"><strong>What is Test Automation Assessment?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Test Automation Assessment (TAA) is a pivotal step in modern software development, streamlining the quality assurance process. The scope involves how feasible and efficient is the automation of a software product. The assessment looks at various factors like the architecture of the software, testing requirements, technology stack to build that software, and of course, the team&#8217;s expertise to create and execute the automation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The first output is generally a roadmap for implementing automation, tool selection, frameworks to be used, and methodologies that best fit the project&#8217;s needs. As mentioned above, the key considerations include test coverage, maintainability, scalability, and ROI.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If the TAA is conducted with all efficiency, the outputs will enable teams to make informed decisions, optimize testing efforts, and accelerate the software delivery lifecycle.</p>



<p>Learn more &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Automated Testing</a></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcpMNi7eljUDAcKR6i-Blsh2ljqQtLxz-hUSYoPM4vTpc5g8wF0YPMo9vbzcpXa8Xi3DKAzelwHsc1_avOrFvX0vYoBnMgSWYxEpF1P-NbBZ6eGOjD8P9KoF7v69dqhZnc-47IYhXW5rOUrxFmvdbREU7Rl?key=N2M57wq9jThMtKiHEhjAFQ" alt="Test automation assessment " /></figure>



<h2 id="why-does-test-automation-assessment-matter"><span id="Why_does_Test_Automation_Assessment_Matter"><strong>Why does Test Automation Assessment Matter?</strong></span></h2>



<p>In software development projects, key factors that matter are efficiency, execution accuracy, scalability, cost-effectiveness, quality assurance, and competitive advantage. TAA matters because it enhances the above said factors as follows:&nbsp;</p>



<ol><li><strong>Efficiency</strong>: Repetitive testing tasks can be automated and that results in saving time and effort compared to manual testing.</li></ol>



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<ol start="2"><li><strong>Execution accuracy</strong>: Automated tests are controlled by the code hence they execute exactly as programmed, reducing the risk of human error inherent in manual testing.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Test scalability</strong>: Test automation allows for the scalability of testing efforts. This helps teams to handle large test suites and frequent software updates efficiently.</li><li><strong>Cost-effectiveness</strong>: Automated tests can be reused multiple times and in multiple releases, resulting in significant savings in testing time and resources over time.</li><li><strong>Quality Assurance</strong>: Automation facilitates comprehensive test coverage, including <a href="https://testsigma.com/regression-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regression testing</a>, integration testing, and performance testing.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Competitive Advantage</strong>: Due to the speed and accuracy provided, automation enables faster time-to-market, allowing businesses to respond promptly to market demands and stay ahead of competitors.</li></ol>



<h2 id="implementing-test-automation-assessment"><span id="Implementing_Test_Automation_Assessment"><strong>Implementing Test Automation Assessment</strong></span></h2>



<p>Outlining specific goals and evaluating existing testing procedures are the first steps in a successful test automation assessment implementation. Choose the right tools and frameworks to identify candidates for test automation that fit the bill. Construct the required infrastructure, automate test cases, run tests frequently and oversee and manage the automation process for ongoing improvement. Develop a thorough automation strategy. Let’s examine each phase in more detail.</p>



<h3 id="define-objectives"><span id="Define_Objectives">Define Objectives</span></h3>



<p>Outline the test automation assessment objectives in clear terms. Choose the goals you want to accomplish with automation such as reducing time-to-market, increasing test coverage, or improving testing efficiency.</p>



<h3 id="assess-current-testing-processes"><span id="Assess_Current_Testing_Processes">Assess Current Testing Processes</span></h3>



<p>Examine the current testing procedures taking into account the tools, manual testing, methods, and testing coverage areas. Determine the inefficiencies, pain areas, and automation opportunities.</p>



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<h3 id="identify-test-automation-candidates"><span id="Identify_Test_Automation_Candidates">Identify Test Automation Candidates</span></h3>



<p>Find out which test cases would make good candidates for automation. Pay close attention to test scenarios that are repetitive, time-consuming and important so that automation can help. Think about elements like return on investment, application stability and execution frequency.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="select-automation-tools-and-frameworks"><span id="Select_Automation_Tools_and_Frameworks">Select Automation Tools and Frameworks</span></h3>



<p>Based on the team&#8217;s experience, the testing specifications and the technology stack, select the right <a href="https://testsigma.com/qa-automation-tools" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test automation tools</a> and frameworks. Think about aspects like community support, scalability, compatibility and ease of use.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="develop-automation-strategy"><span id="Develop_Automation_Strategy">Develop Automation Strategy</span></h3>



<p>Describe the scope, methodology and schedule for implementing automation using a thorough automation strategy. Establish version control and test data management procedures as well as coding standards and best practices roles and responsibilities within the testing team.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="build-automation-infrastructure"><span id="Build_Automation_Infrastructure">Build Automation Infrastructure</span></h3>



<p>Assemble the servers, test environments and integration with continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines that are required for test automation. Make sure the infrastructure is capable of reliably and effectively executing automated tests.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="automate-test-cases"><span id="Automate_Test_Cases">Automate Test Cases</span></h3>



<p>In accordance with the prioritized automation plan, begin automating test cases. With the automation tools and frameworks of your choice, create reusable, robust, and maintainable test scripts. Put your effort into developing automated tests that address both edge cases and crucial functionality.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="execute-automated-tests"><span id="Execute_Automated_Tests">Execute Automated Tests</span></h3>



<p>Regularly run automated tests as a part of the software development lifecycle. In order to guarantee continuous feedback and early defect detection incorporate automated tests into CI/CD pipelines. To find areas for improvement, track the outcomes of test execution and examine test metrics.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="monitor-and-maintain"><span id="Monitor_and_Maintain">Monitor and Maintain</span></h3>



<p>Keep an eye on how well automated tests are working and adjust as necessary. To ensure automated test scripts remain current with modifications made to the application being tested maintain them frequently. To get the most out of test automation, regularly assess and improve the automation plan.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="iterate-and-improve"><span id="Iterate_and_Improve">Iterate and Improve</span></h3>



<p>Adopt an improvement-oriented mindset by refining the automation procedure and integrating input from the testing endeavors. Determine the insights gained from past automation cycles and utilize them in upcoming automation projects to promote continuous enhancement of testing efficacy and efficiency.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="outcome-of-the-rapid-test-automation-assessment"><span id="Outcome_of_the_Rapid_Test_Automation_Assessment"><strong>Outcome of the Rapid Test Automation Assessment</strong></span></h2>



<p>Rapid test automation assessment yields impactful and diverse results.&nbsp;</p>



<ul><li>In software development projects it first gives a clear picture of the viability and possible advantages of test automation. Teams can learn how automation can help to improve software quality, increase <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-efficiency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test efficiency</a> and streamline testing efforts by quickly assessing the current testing processes and identifying areas that are ready for automation.&nbsp;</li><li>The evaluation expedites the implementation process by highlighting promising candidates for automation and choosing tools and frameworks that are suitable for the project.&nbsp;</li><li>Teams can create a roadmap for automation implementation detailing the steps required to construct automation infrastructure, create automated test scripts and smoothly integrate automation into the software development lifecycle with the help of a rapid test automation assessment.&nbsp;</li><li>Teams are able to prioritize important test scenarios, manage resources efficiently and produce results quickly thanks to this roadmap which guarantees an organized approach to automation.&nbsp;</li><li>The results of an expeditious evaluation of test automation enable enterprises to leverage automation potential to produce superior software products with greater efficiency and effectiveness.&nbsp;</li></ul>



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



<p>Finally, test automation assessment provides a strategic way to maximize testing efforts and raise the caliber of the final product making it a pillar of the contemporary software development environment. The full potential of test automation can be realized by organizations through careful assessment of current processes opportunity identification for automation and selection of suitable tools and frameworks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The software development lifecycle is accelerated by this methodical approach which also lowers costs and shortens time-to-market while enhancing efficiency accuracy and scalability. Businesses can maintain their competitive edge in today&#8217;s market by adopting test automation assessment and producing reliable software products that meet and surpass customer expectations.&nbsp;</p>



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



<h3 id="what-is-test-assessment-in-software-testing"><span id="What_is_test_assessment_in_software_testing">What is test assessment in software testing?</span></h3>



<p>Test assessment in software testing refers to the systematic evaluation of testing processes, methodologies, and outcomes within a <a href="https://www.netguru.com/blog/software-development-projects" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software development project</a>. It is crucial in driving continuous improvement and achieving excellence in software testing practices.</p>



<ul><li>Involves analyzing various aspects such as test coverage, test effectiveness, resource utilization, and overall testing strategy to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.&nbsp;</li><li>Aims to ensure that testing efforts align with project objectives, quality standards, and customer requirements.&nbsp;</li><li>Teams can identify bottlenecks, optimize testing processes, and make informed decisions to enhance the quality and reliability of software products.&nbsp;</li></ul>


Test Automation Assessment – What it is & How to Do?

Katalon vs Tricentis – Which One You should Choose?


<p>Just like any other software application, credit card applications should also undergo thorough testing to ensure their quality and security. With the growing adoption of digital banking, testing banking applications has become essential. Similarly, credit cards handle sensitive financial data and must meet high-security standards, making thorough testing just as important. This blog discusses why testing credit card applications is crucial to writing credit card test cases that validate the robustness of these applications.&nbsp;</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_Credit_Card_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is Credit Card Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#How_Does_the_Credit_Card_Process_Work"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> How Does the Credit Card Process Work?</a></li><li><a href="#15_Test_Scenarios_to_Validate_Credit_Card_Payment_Gatewaysnbsp"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> 15 Test Scenarios to Validate Credit Card Payment Gateways&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#Test_Cases_for_Credit_Card_Payments"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Test Cases for Credit Card Payments</a></li><li><a href="#UI_Test_Cases_for_Credit_Card"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> UI Test Cases for Credit Card</a></li><li><a href="#Functional_Test_Cases_for_Credit_Card_Payment"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Functional Test Cases for Credit Card Payment</a></li><li><a href="#Negative_Test_Cases_for_Credit_Card_Payment"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Negative Test Cases for Credit Card Payment</a></li><li><a href="#Automate_End-to-End_Credit_Card_Testing_with_Testsigma"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> Automate End-to-End Credit Card Testing with Testsigma</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">9</span> Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">10</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#How_do_you_write_a_test_case_for_a_debit_card_payment"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">10.1</span> How do you write a test case for a debit card payment?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-credit-card-testing"><span id="What_is_Credit_Card_Testing"><strong>What is Credit Card Testing?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Credit card testing ensures that the credit card software performs all the functions correctly and is secure for use. Now, if you are confused about what credit card software is, it is the payment gateway or customer-facing software where users enter their credit card information. It validates and encrypts the entered information, and forwards it to the payment processor with a payment authorization request. With the rise of e-commerce, payment gateways have become increasingly important, leading to the development of dedicated<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/payment-gateway-test-cases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> payment gateway test cases </a>Let us see how exactly credit card processing works. Since credit cards are part of banking infrastructure, many of the&nbsp; <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-cases-for-banking-application/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test cases for banking applications</a> also apply here in some form, especially in terms of security, data validation, and transaction processing.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-does-the-credit-card-process-work"><span id="How_Does_the_Credit_Card_Process_Work"><strong>How Does the Credit Card Process Work?</strong></span></h2>



<p>The credit card transaction process can vary according to the nature of the transaction such as online or an in-person card transaction. However, the overall process is mostly similar, and here’s a brief overview of the process:</p>



<ol><li>The cardholder provides credit card information.&nbsp;</li></ol>



<ul><li>For in-person transactions, this could be done by swiping, inserting, or tapping the card.</li><li>For online transactions, this can be entering the card details manually.</li></ul>



<ol start="2"><li>The payment gateway system captures the information entered and transfers it to the credit card processor.</li><li>The credit card network receives the data from the processor and sends an authorization request to the issuing bank.</li><li>The bank checks the cardholder’s account for factors such as sufficient balance to make the transaction or any other security issues. The bank approves or declines the transaction accordingly.&nbsp;</li><li>The decision from the bank is relayed to the network, and then to the credit card processor.</li><li>The processor sends an approval or decline code to the particular business&#8217;s payment gateway. If the transaction is approved, the sale is complete.&nbsp;</li><li>At the end of the business day, the business submits all credit card transactions to the credit card processor, which forwards them to the respective card networks.&nbsp;</li><li>The networks coordinate with the issuing banks. The bank then:</li></ol>



<ul><li>Sends the money to the merchant accounts and settles them. This process can take up to 13 business days.&nbsp;</li><li>Adds the transaction amount to the cardholder’s account balance, which should be settled as per the due date or other terms and conditions in their card agreement.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<p>You might not realize how many processes are involved in making a quick payment via credit card. This is why it is essential to test and evaluate each step to ensure everything works as expected, without compromising sensitive information.&nbsp;</p>



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<h2 id="h-15-test-scenarios-to-validate-credit-card-payment-gateways"><span id="15_Test_Scenarios_to_Validate_Credit_Card_Payment_Gatewaysnbsp"><strong>15 Test Scenarios to Validate Credit Card Payment Gateways&nbsp;</strong></span></h2>



<p>Here are some common credit card testing scenarios:</p>



<ol><li>Make sure card numbers are exactly 16 digits long. Any shorter or longer entries should trigger an error. A <a href="https://testsigma.com/free-tools/credit-card-number-generator" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">credit card number generator tool </a>that generates sample credit card numbers for testing purposes can be useful for these types of tests.</li><li>Identify the card type (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) by checking the first few digits.  </li><li>Verify address details, especially ensuring postal codes follow the correct format for online purchases.  </li><li>Confirm that the expiration date is valid, not expired, and not unrealistically set in the future.  </li><li>Check if the system catches errors in card details using a checksum method.  </li><li>Test how the system handles successful and declined transactions.  </li><li>Ensure the system can process payments in multiple currencies.  </li><li>Verify that the payment gateway accepts correctly entered card details.  </li><li>Check if the system properly records transaction statuses for reporting, audits, and record-keeping.  </li><li>Make sure the payment gateway connects with <a href="https://rapidapi.com/blog/internal-vs-external-apis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">external APIs</a> for authorization, verification, and fraud prevention.  </li><li>Confirm that the gateway supports various payment methods, including credit cards, e-wallets, and mobile payments.  </li><li>Ensure the system detects duplicate payments and processes refunds correctly.  </li><li>Check that the error messages are clear and easy for customers to understand.  </li><li>Validate that the payment gateway follows industry standards (e.g., not storing CVV information).  </li><li>Test for negative scenarios, such as declined transactions, insufficient funds, security breaches, or unauthorized access.  </li></ol>



<h2 id="h-test-cases-for-credit-card-payments"><span id="Test_Cases_for_Credit_Card_Payments"><strong>Test Cases for Credit Card Payments</strong></span></h2>



<p>Here are some key credit card test cases based on various stages.</p>



<ol><li>Capturing Card Details</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Test Case</strong></td><td><strong>Expected Result</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Enter a valid 16-digit card number</td><td>System accepts the card number</td></tr><tr><td>Enter a card number with less than or more than 16 digits</td><td>System shows an error message</td></tr><tr><td>Enter non-numeric characters in the card number field</td><td>System blocks input or shows an error</td></tr><tr><td>Leave the card number field empty and try to proceed</td><td>System prevents submission and shows a required field message</td></tr><tr><td>Enter an invalid card format that doesn’t follow standard rules</td><td>System displays an error message</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<ol start="2"><li>Verifying Card Details</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Test Case</strong></td><td><strong>Expected Result</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Enter a valid card number with the correct prefix (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)</td><td>System detects the correct card type</td></tr><tr><td>Enter a card number with an incorrect prefix</td><td>System displays an error or marks it as invalid</td></tr><tr><td>Enter an expired card date</td><td>System shows an error and prevents payment</td></tr><tr><td>Enter an unrealistic expiration date (e.g., 50 years)</td><td>System rejects it</td></tr><tr><td>Validate card number using Luhn’s algorithm</td><td>System detects invalid card numbers</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<ol start="3"><li>Authorization and Capture Mechanism</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Test Case</strong></td><td><strong>Expected Result</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Process a payment with a valid card</td><td>Payment is successful</td></tr><tr><td>Process a payment with an expired card</td><td>Payment is declined with an error message</td></tr><tr><td>Process a payment with insufficient funds</td><td>Payment is declined with the correct message</td></tr><tr><td>Attempt a duplicate payment for the same order</td><td>System detects and prevents duplicate charges</td></tr><tr><td>Test refund processing for a completed transaction</td><td>Refund is processed and reflected correctly</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 id="h-ui-test-cases-for-credit-card"><span id="UI_Test_Cases_for_Credit_Card"><strong>UI Test Cases for Credit Card</strong></span></h2>



<p>A good user interface (UI) is important for credit card systems because it makes it easier for customers to perform different account functions such as viewing transactions, making payments, or accessing other important information. A great UI has a direct impact on user experience and customer satisfaction.</p>



<p>Let&#8217;s see some examples of UI test cases for credit cards:</p>



<ol><li>Ensure that the credit card has the correct bank name.</li><li>Verify that the bank logo is visible on the credit card.</li><li>Check for the credit card type logo such as Visa/Mastercard.</li><li>Make sure that the credit card number is properly visible.</li><li>Check if the CVV number is displayed on the backside of the card.</li><li>Ensure that the cardholder&#8217;s name is accurately visible on the card.</li><li>Check the color of the credit card.</li><li>Check if the dimension of the card matches the expected measures.</li><li>Look for the WiFi symbol on the card (if applicable).</li><li>Check for the magnetic strip on the back side of the card.</li><li>Ensure the hologram is displayed (if applicable).</li><li>Verify the weight of the credit card.</li></ol>



<p>These are some sample UI credit card test cases and the actual test cases may vary according to the changes in the card&#8217;s design or display.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-functional-test-cases-for-credit-card-payment"><span id="Functional_Test_Cases_for_Credit_Card_Payment"><strong>Functional Test Cases for Credit Card Payment</strong></span></h2>



<p><a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/functional-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Functional testing</a> ensures that all the features of a program work as expected, so the end user does not face any issues. Now, here are some sample functional credit card test cases:</p>



<ol><li>Verify the maximum credit limit of the card.</li><li>Check the maximum withdrawal limit of the card.</li><li>Ensure international payments are permitted (if applicable).</li><li>Confirm that the user can withdraw cash using the credit card.</li><li>Validate that credit card transactions are processed with a valid PIN.</li><li>Test if transactions are blocked when an invalid PIN is entered.</li></ol>



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<h2 id="h-negative-test-cases-for-credit-card-payment"><span id="Negative_Test_Cases_for_Credit_Card_Payment"><strong>Negative Test Cases for Credit Card Payment</strong></span></h2>



<p>Negative testing is a type of software testing where intentional errors are entered into the system to observe its response. It helps identify weaknesses and assess the overall quality of the program. Here are the fundamental negative test cases for credit cards:</p>



<ol><li>Check if transactions can be done using invalid PINs.</li><li>Check if transactions above the allowed transaction limit are possible.</li></ol>



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<h2 id="h-automate-end-to-end-credit-card-testing-with-testsigma"><span id="Automate_End-to-End_Credit_Card_Testing_with_Testsigma"><strong>Automate End-to-End Credit Card Testing with Testsigma</strong></span></h2>



<p>Given the complexity and sensitivity of credit card transactions, manual testing alone may not be sufficient to ensure comprehensive coverage and rapid releases. This is where a robust, AI-powered test automation platform like Testsigma can help.</p>



<p>Testsigma enables teams to create and execute automates credit card test cases across web, mobile, and API layers, all from a single platform. Whether you’re validating card number formats, transaction authorization flows, or negative scenarios like declined payments, Testsigma simplifies it with:</p>



<ul><li>End-to-end test automation: Simulate full payment workflows from card detail entry to backend API validations.</li><li>Data-driven testing: Test edge cases with dynamic, secure, and extensive test data sets including multiple card types and invalid entries.</li><li>Real-time test execution: Test across 3000+ browsers and devices to ensure a consistent payment experience across broader platforms.</li><li>Seamless CI/CD integration: Ensure every code change is tested for payment regressions without delays, by testing continuously.</li><li>Natural language scripting: Write test cases in plain English, reducing the technical barrier for QA teams and product owners.</li></ul>



<p>With Testsigma automate testing confidently and deliver a secure, seamless experience to your users.<a href="https://testsigma.com/"></a></p>



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



<p>Like all financial applications, credit cards must be secured and reliable for users. To ensure this, thorough testing of credit cards is necessary. In this blog, we looked into all major aspects of credit card testing, including UI testing, functional testing, negative testing, and some common test cases across various stages of credit card operations. This comprehensive list of test cases can be useful to testers looking to write credit card payment test cases.&nbsp;</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-write-a-test-case-for-a-debit-card-payment"><span id="How_do_you_write_a_test_case_for_a_debit_card_payment">How do you write a test case for a debit card payment?</span></h3>



<p>When we write a test case for a debit card payment, it involves ensuring that the payment process works as expected, and is secure to use.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Here is a sample test case for the successful completion of a debit card transaction:</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td><strong>Action</strong></td><td><strong>Expected Result</strong></td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Navigate to the checkout page.</td><td>The checkout page is displayed with the cart summary and payment options.</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Select &#8220;Debit Card&#8221; as the payment method.</td><td>The debit card payment form is displayed.</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Enter valid debit card details (card number, expiry date, CVV).</td><td>The details are accepted without errors.</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Enter the billing address (if required).</td><td>The billing address is accepted.</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>Click the &#8220;Pay Now&#8221; button.</td><td>The payment is processed successfully.</td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>Verify the payment confirmation message.</td><td>A success message is displayed (e.g., &#8220;Payment Successful&#8221;).</td></tr><tr><td>7</td><td>Check the order summary and email confirmation (if applicable).</td><td>The order summary is displayed, and a confirmation email is sent to the user.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>


How to Write Credit Card Test Cases?


<p>In earlier times, apps and websites were developed with a linear approach where products were created, built, and released, keeping them mostly free of any users’ feedback. All bugs and usability issues needed to be identified using internal testing teams, and most of the time extremely critical insights went missing from real users. Thus, there was no real-world feedback on products that failed to meet intended expectations from the end-user perspective. This situation has resulted in post-launch criticalities such as increased customer complaints, costly bug fixing, and decreased user retention.</p>



<p>Over time, user experience testing evolved to include structured methodologies (like alpha and beta testing) that enabled real users to test the software before its official release, providing valuable feedback. However, beta testing involves certain constraints and is restricted to certain phases in the development cycle, making it challenging to collect continuous feedback. Delta testing emerged as a solution to these limitations. Unlike traditional beta testing, delta testing allows for continuous user-driven feedback throughout the product development lifecycle. This blog explores delta testing in detail, covering its benefits, functioning, challenges, and best practices.</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_delta_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is delta testing</a></li><li><a href="#Importance_of_delta_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Importance of delta testing</a></li><li><a href="#Who_does_delta_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Who does delta testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Where_is_delta_testing_done"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Where is delta testing done?</a></li><li><a href="#How_does_delta_testing_function"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> How does delta testing function?</a></li><li><a href="#Disadvantages_of_delta_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Disadvantages of delta testing</a></li><li><a href="#Tips_to_keep_in_mind_while_performing_delta_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Tips to keep in mind while performing delta testing</a></li><li><a href="#Final_words"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> Final words</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-delta-testing"><span id="What_is_delta_testing"><strong>What is delta testing</strong></span></h2>



<p>Delta testing transforms the way user experience testing is conducted. Unlike beta testing, which works around a fixed time period, delta testing allows for the provision of continuous, user-initiated feedback. This continuous feedback loop ensures that products evolve based on real-world insights rather than assumptions.</p>



<p>Delta testing has become particularly effective in agile development, where software is updated frequently, and testing can take place without waiting until the major release. In this method, companies can test the changing product features incrementally, yielding cost-effective methods of early identification of issues, reductions in development risks, and improvement in product quality.</p>



<p>Additionally, delta testing integrates with enterprise systems such as Jira, Azure DevOps, and Pivotal Tracker. These integrations ensure that feedback flows directly into the development workflow, allowing teams to act on insights promptly. This structured approach to feedback collection makes delta testing an essential tool for companies aiming to enhance user experience and maintain high product standards.</p>



<h2 id="importance-of-delta-testing"><span id="Importance_of_delta_testing"><strong>Importance of delta testing</strong></span></h2>



<p>To keep up with the demand for rapid software releases while maintaining quality, delta testing plays a crucial role. Without effective testing mechanisms, software can suffer from stability issues, increased support costs, and poor user satisfaction. Delta testing helps mitigate these risks by offering several key benefits.</p>



<p><strong><em>Continuous improvement</em></strong></p>



<p>Real-time user feedback signifies a steady flow of delta testing. While traditional systems have set phases for obtaining feedback, delta testing offers insights throughout the full development cycle. Thus, with real-time feedback, teams can instead implement mechanisms to proactively address user problems, leading to an improved experience.</p>



<p><strong><em>Enhanced collaboration</em></strong></p>



<p>Delta testing creates an environment for collaboration through a cycle of feedback between users, developers, and product teams. During test runs, testers work directly with the product team to relay detailed information about their experiences. Such direct communication eliminates misunderstandings and accelerates decision-making, ensuring that improvements align with user expectations.</p>



<p><strong><em>Cost and time efficiency</em></strong></p>



<p>Delta testing obtains up to thrice as much feedback in less than half the time than traditional testing methods. Because possible improvements are flagged early enough, it saves a massive amount of costs spent on post-release fixes. Additionally, streamlined feedback collection and integration into development workflows minimize delays and help companies meet their project timelines.</p>



<p><strong><em>Risk mitigation</em></strong></p>



<p>One of the primary advantages of delta testing is its ability to identify and address issues before they escalate. Continuous feedback from users helps developers learn about bugs, usability problems, and performance bottlenecks in real-time. In turn, this reduces the chances of having large, critical failures post-launch and, hence, savings in reputational and financial costs for companies.</p>



<p><strong><em>Improved product outcomes</em></strong></p>



<p>Updates based on real user feedback lead to products that are more user-friendly and aligned with market needs. Hence, delta testing does not only involve internal testing teams but also draws diverse customer inputs to formulate extremely well-rounded and highly functional software.</p>



<h2 id="who-does-delta-testing"><span id="Who_does_delta_testing"><strong>Who does delta testing?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Delta Testing is usually done by product and UX teams. It focuses on optimal user experience and ensures the product meets the quality benchmarks for full-scale release.</p>



<h2 id="where-is-delta-testing-done"><span id="Where_is_delta_testing_done"><strong>Where is delta testing done?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Delta testing is performed after the product launches but prior to the public release. It is the next phase after beta testing and functions as a stage for refinement, where adjustments will be made based on real-world user interactions for the company.</p>



<h2 id="how-does-delta-testing-function"><span id="How_does_delta_testing_function"><strong>How does delta testing function?</strong></span></h2>



<p>In delta testing, organizations adopt a systematic approach consisting of the following crucial phases.</p>



<p><strong><em>Phase scoping</em></strong></p>



<p><strong><em><br></em></strong>Defining the scope of delta testing is essential for focused evaluation. Rather than testing an entire product at once, teams prioritize specific changes or new features. This way, feedback remains relevant and actionable.</p>



<p><strong><em>Tester replenishment</em></strong></p>



<p>Keeping a diverse and engaged diversity in the tester pool is necessary, and recruiting them from diverse backgrounds ensures that the test would be a representative sample. It also entails regular replenishment for non-biases and keeps the testing process dynamic.</p>



<p><strong><em>Engagement and feedback management</em></strong></p>



<p>Encouraging active participation from testers is key to successful delta testing. Companies use various methods, such as in-app surveys, discussion forums, and feedback forms, to collect user insights. The more interactive and accessible the feedback process, the higher the quality of insights received.</p>



<p><strong><em>Implementation and iteration</em></strong></p>



<p>After collecting feedback, the product teams examine the input and modifications to be made. The process continues, thus ensuring that future products are based on real-world usage, not assumptions.</p>



<h2 id="disadvantages-of-delta-testing"><span id="Disadvantages_of_delta_testing"><strong>Disadvantages of delta testing</strong></span></h2>



<p>While delta testing offers numerous advantages, it also has some limitations.</p>



<p><strong><em>Limited scope of feedback</em></strong></p>



<p>Delta testing focuses on specific updates or features and does not identify broader issues. Developers must use other <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing-methodologies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">testing methods</a> in addition to delta testing to have a more comprehensive understanding of product performance.</p>



<p><strong><em>Dependence on testers</em></strong></p>



<p>Delta testing entirely relies on testers’ involvement, as the success of this testing review is gained only through active engagement with the software. Failure of the testers to provide detailed and relevant feedback leaves the whole process ineffective. Therefore, companies have to keep testers motivated and involved in the testing activity.</p>



<p><strong><em>Limited pool of testers</em></strong></p>



<p>Delta testing involves a select group of testers, which may not fully represent the diverse needs and opinions of all users. Companies must carefully choose testers to ensure a balanced and representative sample.</p>



<h2 id="tips-to-keep-in-mind-while-performing-delta-testing"><span id="Tips_to_keep_in_mind_while_performing_delta_testing"><strong>Tips to keep in mind while performing delta testing</strong></span></h2>



<p>Companies need to adhere to the following best practices for delta testing to ensure its maximization.</p>



<p><strong><em>Set clear objectives</em></strong></p>



<p>All stakeholders should align on the specific goals of delta testing. Testers must understand what aspects of the product they are evaluating and how their feedback will contribute to improvements.</p>



<p><strong><em>Choose the right testers</em></strong></p>



<p>A diverse group of testers should be onboarded, including both experienced users and first-time users. This variety ensures that feedback reflects a broad spectrum of user perspectives.</p>



<p><strong><em>Encourage regular communication</em></strong></p>



<p>Maintaining open communication channels through platforms like Slack or WhatsApp helps testers resolve issues quickly and ensures that feedback is collected efficiently.</p>



<p><strong><em>Analyze metrics and document learnings</em></strong></p>



<p>Tracking performance indicators such as crash rates and user engagement levels provides valuable insights. Documenting key learnings from each testing phase enhances future <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/software-testing-strategy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">testing strategies</a>.</p>



<h2 id="final-words"><span id="Final_words"><strong>Final words</strong></span></h2>



<p>Delta testing has revolutionized user experience testing by bridging the gap between development teams and real users. Unlike traditional <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/beta-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beta testing</a>, it fosters continuous improvement, enhances collaboration, and ensures cost-effective, high-quality releases. As digital products evolve rapidly, adopting delta testing can help companies remain competitive while delivering seamless user experiences.</p>



<customlinks>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Field Testing</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/field-testing/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Alpha Testing</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/alpha-testing/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Alpha Vs Beta Testing</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/alpha-test-vs-beta-test/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
</customlinks>


Beyond Beta: How Delta testing transforms software development?


<p></p>



<p>As a tester who takes care of automation, there are various activities apart from writing code that a tester must perform. Here is a list.</p>



<p>I have done the below activities and still do most of them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>1) Writing Script</p>



<p>2) Create a framework&nbsp;</p>



<p>3) Maintain the framework</p>



<p>4) Giving estimates</p>



<p>5) Create utilities inside the framework</p>



<p>6) Analysing Reports for the Test Run</p>



<p>7) Taking care of pipeline</p>



<p>8) Understanding requirements and System</p>



<p>9) Deciding what to automate and what not to</p>



<p>10) Process Improvement</p>



<p>11) Performance improvement for the scripts</p>



<p>12) Bugs creation</p>



<p>13) Talking to stakeholders – BA/Dev/Customer/Developers</p>



<p>14) Sharing suggestions on how development can be improved</p>



<p>15) Creating documentation</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Day_to_Day_Activities_of_Automation_Tester_8211_In_Detail"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> Day to Day Activities of Automation Tester &#8211; In Detail</a><ul><li><a href="#Writing_Script"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.1</span> Writing Script </a></li><li><a href="#Creating_a_framework"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.2</span> Creating a framework </a></li><li><a href="#Maintain_the_framework"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.3</span> Maintain the framework </a></li><li><a href="#Giving_estimates"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.4</span> Giving estimates</a></li><li><a href="#Create_utilities_inside_the_framework"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.5</span> Create utilities inside the framework </a><ul><li><a href="#Technical_utilities"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_3">1.5.1</span> Technical utilities</a></li><li><a href="#Business_utilities"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_3">1.5.2</span> Business utilities </a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Report_Analysis"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.6</span> Report Analysis </a></li><li><a href="#Pipeline_Creation_Maintenancenbsp"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.7</span> Pipeline Creation / Maintenance&nbsp; </a></li><li><a href="#Understanding_requirements_and_System_under_test"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.8</span> Understanding requirements and System under test </a></li><li><a href="#Deciding_what_to_automate_and_what_not_to"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.9</span> Deciding what to automate and what not to </a></li><li><a href="#Process_improvement"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.10</span> Process improvement </a></li><li><a href="#Performance_improvement"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.11</span> Performance improvement</a></li><li><a href="#Bugs_creation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.12</span> Bugs creation</a></li><li><a href="#Talking_to_stakeholders"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.13</span> Talking to stakeholders </a></li><li><a href="#Creating_Documentationnbsp"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.14</span> Creating Documentation&nbsp;</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-day-to-day-activities-of-automation-tester-in-detail"><span id="Day_to_Day_Activities_of_Automation_Tester_8211_In_Detail">Day to Day Activities of Automation Tester &#8211; In Detail</span></h2>



<h3 id="writing-script"><span id="Writing_Script">Writing Script </span></h3>



<p> One of the primary responsibilities of the automation tester is to write scripts(code) to automate functionality.&nbsp;</p>



<p>a) Some teams do the automation by converting test case to <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/automated-test-scripts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated scripts</a>. So here we have 1 to 1 mapping.&nbsp;</p>



<p>b) Some teams do it at story level. So per story there could be one or multiple automated scripts. They might choose to combine test cases or avoid some negative cases. So 1 story can have 2 automated scripts and 5 test cases.&nbsp;</p>



<p>c) Some teams do at scenario level. Here we can use the existing cases and modify them and don’t create new cases unless absolutely required. Here we have 1 to many mapping. 1 Automation script can map to multiple test cases.&nbsp;</p>



<p>My personal favorite is option c) as it leads to minimum maintenance and automation at the scenario level and combining with b). A word of caution here is to not include everything in one scenario just in the name of fewer scenarios as it will make it too large and time consuming.</p>



<h3 id="creating-a-framework"><span id="Creating_a_framework">Creating a framework </span></h3>



<p>You are supposed to create/use a framework to do automation. A framework can help you in the long run. The framework is a combination of things that make script writing easy. This makes sure you can focus on test part rather than rewriting the same code at multiple places like login/constants/utilities. It’s a way to stay organized.<br><strong>Example </strong>– When you go to an airport, there are things in place that make your travel easier like check-in, security check, boarding, etc. So, it’s like a framework in place that makes traveling easier. Similarly, the framework is a supporting thing for your scripts.</p>



<h3 id="maintain-the-framework"><span id="Maintain_the_framework">Maintain the framework </span></h3>



<p>If your project already has or you have created a framework, does not mean it’s over. Its maintenance is always an ongoing work. You might not do this on a daily basis but have plans for this to make your life easy. Check if your framework has support for parallelism, reporting, <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-data/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test data</a>, and configuration.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Example</strong> – Continuing the airport example, instead of people checking the ticket, we have scanners at some airports, which are like maintenance with little enhancement.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With respect to automation, there could be some old library version which were long back updated. Bring them to the latest and test them fully so it does not break things. Like Selenium, TestNG, Cucumber, etc. upgrade them to use the latest features</p>



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<h3 id="giving-estimates"><span id="Giving_estimates">Giving estimates</span></h3>



<p>Just like for testing/development, in automation too we must give estimates and do sprint planning. What we are going to achieve in this sprint. How many cases/stories can be automated based on the capacity of the team considering holidays/number of people etc. So based on the complexity of the functionality, each story can have a task or multiple tasks for taking care of the automation with hours mentioned in it.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="create-utilities-inside-the-framework"><span id="Create_utilities_inside_the_framework">Create utilities inside the framework </span></h3>



<p>There are some common things that you must do in most of the projects. Following the <em>DRY – Don&#8217;t Repeat Yourself principle</em>, you can spend a one-time effort and make utilities that could be used by various tests</p>



<p><strong>Example</strong> – Continuing the same airport example. You see at airport now we can check in with an app which has our data preloaded. So it saves time for security staff and you. So things are improving everywhere so your framework should be.</p>



<p>There are 2 main types of utilities.</p>



<h4 id="technical-utilities"><span id="Technical_utilities">Technical utilities</span></h4>



<p>You can take them from one project to another without any major changes. These include reading configuration files, XML, JSON files. Getting date time in a particular time Adding subtracting date time. File operations (Creating/deleting files, etc), Email reading, Database reading, etc. Make them in such a way there are no business specific things in this.</p>



<h4 id="business-utilities"><span id="Business_utilities">Business utilities </span></h4>



<p>Some calculation operations that happen in multiple places in the system. Like handling notifications or pop-up messages, whose structure remains the same just the message changes. This could be specific to your application&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="report-analysis"><span id="Report_Analysis">Report Analysis </span></h3>



<p>Once you run the pipeline or a scheduled run is over, a report HTML/pdf/JSON will get generated. This is the output of a pipeline or local run. As an automation analyst, you should be able to analyze the failures, your report should help you in getting to the failure quicker. This is a daily task to keep your pipeline green as you can apply fixes and improve the pass percentage and help team to take decisions faster. Your debugging skills can help a lot here.</p>



<h3 id="pipeline-creation-maintenance"><span id="Pipeline_Creation_Maintenancenbsp">Pipeline Creation / Maintenance&nbsp; </span></h3>



<p>It&#8217;s important that the automation that you develop should run often. This is made possible with the help of pipeline. So pipeline creation/maintenance is an important part of the roles and responsibilities. You need to make sure all of your tests are running in pipeline and optimize the run so it takes minimum time. </p>



<p><strong>Tip</strong>: Even if you don&#8217;t have parallelism at your Test suite level which is a common case in many projects. You can optimize the running of cases by creating various stages that can run in parallel and each stage can have a unique tag(maybe author). Also, you should see if the cases that are passed are genuinely working and not merely a false positive.</p>



<h3 id="understanding-requirements-and-system-under-test"><span id="Understanding_requirements_and_System_under_test">Understanding requirements and System under test </span></h3>



<p>You should not just rely on test cases but look at the requirements in the user story/work items. This will help you in understanding the user ask in a better way. Additionally, you can add some check points(assertions) which are not explicitly written in the test case. The more you know the better you can automate and at a better layer may be API rather than UI.</p>



<h3 id="deciding-what-to-automate-and-what-not-to"><span id="Deciding_what_to_automate_and_what_not_to">Deciding what to automate and what not to </span></h3>



<p>An automation engineer should not be a tool to convert test cases to scripts. They should analyze the requirements and the test case and then make the decision if it&#8217;s worth automating them. It could be a negative case that might not need automation being of less priority. There is a minor change that can be included in the existing automated script without the need to create a new one. Or it might have already been covered elsewhere. With each script you are adding a maintenance part, so be careful and give your expert input in it.</p>



<h3 id="process-improvement"><span id="Process_improvement">Process improvement </span></h3>



<p>You should keep on checking the process followed by the team, be it PR process, tagging of the test cases, User story etc. Do share suggestions on what can be improved and the processes which can be removed if they are no longer adding any value and people are following for the sake of following them. You can save a lot of time and stand out by doing this.</p>



<h3 id="performance-improvement"><span id="Performance_improvement">Performance improvement</span></h3>



<p>You should keep on looking and noting down what&#8217;s making the scripts run slowly. Why pipeline is taking 4-5 hours to run? Why there are similar failures frequently? So do add work items in the backlog to address this problem. The performance of the framework can help in longer runs. Find out how you can avoid waits, and how you can make 1 call instead of many.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="bugs-creation"><span id="Bugs_creation">Bugs creation</span></h3>



<p>Whenever you are starting to write scripts, you may face problems, system might not be working. You should be able to analyze if the problems happening are bugs. Then you should be able to create bugs and not be dependent on someone else (Say dedicated testers) to create bugs. So this way you support the testers working on the testing part, by not putting your task of bug to someone else and you know system better</p>



<h3 id="talking-to-stakeholders"><span id="Talking_to_stakeholders">Talking to stakeholders </span></h3>



<p id="ba-architect-developers-scrum-master-customer-you-should-talk-to-the-stakeholders-in-your-team-and-share-your-findings-reports-automation-dashboards-occasionally-to-take-their-input-as-with-these-discussions-you-will-find-some-things-which-are-not-required-to-be-automated-also-they-will-bring-their-perspective-and-can-save-a-lot-of-time-for-you-example-we-were-trying-to-automate-the-loading-of-data-and-it-was-taking-15-seconds-to-load-ba-confirmed-that-customer-will-never-have-this-much-data-which-we-had-in-our-test-account-so-we-saved-a-lot-of-time-creating-documentation">BA / Architect / Developers / Scrum Master / Customer – You should talk to the stakeholders in your team and share your findings/reports/automation dashboards occasionally to take their input as with these discussions you will find some things which are not required to be automated. Also they will bring their perspective and can save a lot of time for you. </p>



<p id="ba-architect-developers-scrum-master-customer-you-should-talk-to-the-stakeholders-in-your-team-and-share-your-findings-reports-automation-dashboards-occasionally-to-take-their-input-as-with-these-discussions-you-will-find-some-things-which-are-not-required-to-be-automated-also-they-will-bring-their-perspective-and-can-save-a-lot-of-time-for-you-example-we-were-trying-to-automate-the-loading-of-data-and-it-was-taking-15-seconds-to-load-ba-confirmed-that-customer-will-never-have-this-much-data-which-we-had-in-our-test-account-so-we-saved-a-lot-of-time-creating-documentation"><strong>Example</strong> – We were trying to automate the loading of data and it was taking 15 seconds to load. BA confirmed that customer will never have this much data which we had in our test account. So we saved a lot of time.</p>



<h3 id="creating-documentation"><span id="Creating_Documentationnbsp">Creating Documentation&nbsp;</span></h3>



<p>It should be easy for someone looking at your code to understand. So its important to keep the documentation up to the date in wiki and readme file of your code.</p>



<p>I have tried to cover the things I do on daily basis. There are some other task like charging hours on the task, giving KT to new team members and taking interviews that would fall on our plate. Do let me know in case I missed to cover any which you are doing as part of your daily activities as a tester who automates.</p>


Day to Day Activities of Automation Tester