How To Perform Pairwise Testing - A Complete Guide

Pairwise Testing | What It Is, When & How to Perform?


<p>A test suite is a bunch of test cases grouped for a specific purpose. It can cover multiple functionalities or features within an application. On the other hand, a test case focuses on one particular aspect or scenario. It&#8217;s like a single unit of testing within the larger test suite. So, if you want to know more about these two important concepts, keep reading!</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_Test_Case"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is a Test Case?</a></li><li><a href="#Importance_of_Test_Case"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Importance of Test Case</a></li><li><a href="#Test_cases_Example"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Test cases Example</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_a_Test_Suite"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> What is a Test Suite?</a></li><li><a href="#Importance_of_Test_Suite"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Importance of Test Suite</a></li><li><a href="#Test_Suites-_An_Example"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Test Suites- An Example</a></li><li><a href="#Test_suite_vs_Test_case_-Key_differences"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Test suite vs Test case -Key differences</a></li><li><a href="#What_if_we_want_to_automate_our_Test_cases_and_Test_suites"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> What if we want to automate our Test cases and Test suites?</a></li><li><a href="#Summary"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">9</span> Summary</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="#Why_do_we_use_a_Test_suite"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">10.1</span> Why do we use a Test suite?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-a-test-case"><span id="What_is_a_Test_Case">What is a Test Case?</span></h2>



<p>A test case is a set of instructions determining whether a software or system behaves as expected. A test case generally outlines the various inputs and outputs for a particular scenario and provides step-by-step instructions on executing that scenario. It can also include information about the expected result after executing those steps.</p>



<p>Test cases are essential because they help identify bugs and issues early, saving time and money in the long run. Ensuring high-quality software products that meet customer requirements would be much harder without them.</p>



<h2 id="h-importance-of-test-case"><span id="Importance_of_Test_Case"><strong>Importance of Test Case</strong></span></h2>



<p>Test cases are essential as they help ensure the software application&#8217;s quality. Below are some points highlighting their differences:</p>



<ul><li>They help identify defects and bugs in the software application.</li><li>Test cases assist in verifying whether the software application meets its functional and non-functional requirements.</li><li>They help in validating the accuracy and completeness of the software application.</li><li>Test cases help establish quality standards for the software application.</li><li>They assist in tracking the progress of software testing activities.</li><li>Test cases act as a guide for developers to fix defects and errors.</li><li>They help reduce software development costs by detecting defects early in the development lifecycle.</li></ul>



<p>Therefore, creating complete Test cases is essential to ensure the software application performs as expected and delivers an excellent user experience without errors or defects.</p>



<h2 id="h-test-cases-example"><span id="Test_cases_Example"><strong>Test cases Example</strong></span></h2>



<p>Let&#8217;s discuss a sample Test case to test whether an existing user can log in to the website successfully. </p>



<p><strong>Test Objective: </strong>Confirm you can log into the website using the correct information.</p>



<p><strong>Pre-requisites:</strong> A valid username and password.</p>



<p><strong>Steps:</strong></p>



<ol><li>Launch the application under test.</li><li>Enter the valid username and password.</li><li>Click the &#8216;Login&#8217; button.</li><li>Ensure that the user logs in successfully.</li></ol>



<p><p style="padding-bottom:30px"><strong>Expected Result:</strong> The user should be successfully logged in to the website. So now we can see how to create a Test case using Testsigma. The image below shows you how to begin creating a Test case in Testsigma. It has all the advanced options for creating a Test case.</p></p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://images.storychief.com/account_36412/adavanced-options-create-test-case_a7419c643fe42b721a91ce7a1c51f4bb_2000.png" alt="test case example 1" width="800" height="400"/></figure></div>



<p><p style="padding-bottom:30px; padding-top:30px"><strong>The</strong> image below shows the example of many Test cases created in Testsigma.</p></p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://images.storychief.com/account_36412/view-your-test-cases_1b852863a21a7b36b2e0d04c25366936_2000.png" alt="test case example 2" width="800" height="400"/></figure></div>



<p><p style="padding-top:30px">Refer to <a href="https://testsigma.com/docs/test-cases/manage/add-edit-delete/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Create Test Case</a> to learn how to create a Test Case.</p></p>



<h2 id="h-what-is-a-test-suite"><span id="What_is_a_Test_Suite"><strong>What is a Test Suite?</strong></span></h2>



<p>A test suite is a set of tests designed to check the functionality and performance of the software. It collects individual test cases based on their specific purpose or characteristics.</p>



<h2 id="h-importance-of-test-suite"><span id="Importance_of_Test_Suite"><strong>Importance of Test Suite</strong></span></h2>



<p>As a test suite is a collection of test cases grouped according to a specific set of criteria, we must learn the major importance of these test suits. By organizing test cases into test suites, testers can identify and prioritize the most critical tests, ensuring that the most important aspects of the software are tested first. This helps reduce the risk of missed errors or defects during testing.</p>



<h2 id="h-test-suites-an-example"><span id="Test_Suites-_An_Example"><strong>Test Suites- An Example</strong></span></h2>



<p><p style="padding-bottom:30px">For example, a Test suite for a product means creating a Test suite with multiple Test cases. This image shows the example of creating a Test Suite with necessary Test cases in Testsigma.</p></p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://images.storychief.com/account_36412/create-test-suite-add-test-cases-testsigma_1ac2d8fd4c131e867e1f39d67a436223_2000.png" alt="test suites example 1" width="800" height="600"/></figure></div>



<p><p style="padding-bottom:30px">The image below displays many Test suits created in Testsigma.</p></p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://images.storychief.com/account_36412/search-option-in-test-suites-page-in-testsigma-updated_b72ecb294755f016cb9a19601d29ca87_2000.jpg" alt="test suites example 2" width="800" height="400"/></figure></div>



<p>Refer here to know more about Test suites with Testsigma: <a href="https://testsigma.com/docs/test-management/test-suites/overview/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://testsigma.com/docs/test-management/test-suites/overview/</a></p>



<h2 id="h-test-suite-vs-test-case-key-differences"><span id="Test_suite_vs_Test_case_-Key_differences"><strong>Test suite vs Test case -Key differences</strong></span></h2>



<p><p style="padding-bottom:30px">Test suite and Test case are both essential in software testing. The differences between the test suite and the test case can be summarized as follows:</p></p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Parameter</strong></td><td><strong>Test Suite</strong></td><td><strong>Test Case</strong></td></tr><tr><td><br><br>Definition</td><td>A collection of test cases that are designed to test a specific feature or functionality of the software</td><td>A set of inputs, preconditions, and expected outcomes that are designed to test a particular aspect of the software</td></tr><tr><td>Function&nbsp;</td><td>Tests multiple scenarios and functionalities&nbsp;</td><td>Tests a single scenario or functionality</td></tr><tr><td>Dependency</td><td>It can be dependent on other Test Suites</td><td>Test cases, ideally, run independently of each other</td></tr><tr><td>Priority</td><td>Can be prioritized based on the functionality they cover</td><td>Can be prioritized based on the severity of the issues they uncover</td></tr><tr><td>Purpose</td><td>Validate broad functional requirements</td><td>Validate specific detailed scenarios</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<br><h2 id="h-what-if-we-want-to-automate-our-test-cases-and-test-suites"><span id="What_if_we_want_to_automate_our_Test_cases_and_Test_suites"><strong>What if we want to </strong><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/what-types-of-test-cases-should-be-automated-for-efficient-cross-browser-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>automate </strong></a><strong>our Test cases and Test suites?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Automating test cases and suites can save time and money while improving testing coverage and consistency. Generally, you can automate test cases and suites for Functional Testing and Non-functional testing. </p>



<p>There are tools like Testsigma, Selenium, Appium available for functional testing, and there are tools like Jmeter, loadrunner, webLOAD for non-functional testing (performance testing, load testing etc) </p>



<p><a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma</a> is a no-code test automation tool that helps you automate your functional test cases and suites. The test steps are as easy to write and edit, as writing english sentences. Testsigma also lets you automate your functional tests for web, mobile, APIs and Desktop from these same place, 5x faster. Testsigma is also available as an open source and free version.</p>



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<p  class="title">Here is a guide with in-depth discussions on the do&#8217;s and dont&#8217;s of test automation.</p>
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<a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" class="cta-btn-v1" rel="noopener">Check out the guide</a>
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<h2 id="summary"><span id="Summary"><strong>Summary</strong></span></h2>



<p>This blog taught us about test cases, test suites, and their differences. A test case is a set of instructions that outlines how to execute a specific test on a particular aspect of the software, while a test suite is simply a collection of multiple related tests. In other words, any software testing endeavor&#8217;s pieces can be classified as test cases. Still, when packaged together into an organized group, they form the larger umbrella known as a Test suite.</p>



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



<h3 id="h-why-do-we-use-a-test-suite"><span id="Why_do_we_use_a_Test_suite"><strong>Why do we use a Test suite?</strong></span></h3>



<p>A test suite is used to organize and execute a set of tests that ensure software quality. The primary purpose of a test suite is to detect any defects or issues within an application before it is released to the end users.</p>


Test Suite vs Test Case What is the Difference

Test Suite vs Test Case: What is the Difference?


<p>Front-end testing is all about ensuring everything looks and works as it should for the user. It involves testing the front-end code&#8217;s visual elements, user interactions, and responsiveness. There are various front end testing types- unit, integration, and end-to-end testing. Each type serves a specific purpose in ensuring the quality and reliability of the front-end code. Front-end testing tools such as Testsigma, Jest, Cypress, and Selenium make it easier to automate tests and catch bugs early in the development process.</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_Front_End_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is Front End Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#How_To_Create_A_Frontend_Website_Testing_Plan"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> How To Create A Frontend Website Testing Plan?</a><ul><li><a href="#Should_Fronted_testing_be_automated"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.1</span> Should Fronted testing be automated?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Types_of_Front-End_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Types of Front-End Testing</a><ul><li><a href="#Unit_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.1</span> Unit Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Acceptance_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.2</span> Acceptance Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Visual_Regression_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.3</span> Visual Regression Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Performance_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.4</span> Performance Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Accessibility_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.5</span> Accessibility Testing</a></li><li><a href="#End-to-End_E2E_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.6</span> End-to-End (E2E) Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Integration_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.7</span> Integration Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Cross-Browser_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.8</span> Cross-Browser Testing</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Tips_for_Better_Frontend_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Tips for Better Frontend Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Front-End_Testing_Tools"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Front-End Testing Tools</a><ul><li><ul><li><a href="#1_Testsigma"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_3">5.0.1</span> 1. Testsigma</a></li><li><a href="#2_Selenium"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_3">5.0.2</span> 2. Selenium</a></li><li><a href="#3_Ranorex"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_3">5.0.3</span> 3. Ranorex</a></li></ul></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Summary"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Summary</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#Is_API_testing_Front-end"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">7.1</span> Is API testing Front-end?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_Front-end_automation_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">7.2</span> What is Front-end automation testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_is_Front-end_testing_needed"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">7.3</span> Why is Front-end testing needed?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-front-end-testing"><span id="What_is_Front_End_Testing"><strong>What is Front End Testing?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Front End Testing tests a website or application&#8217;s user interface and functionality. It involves testing elements such as buttons, links, forms, and navigation to ensure they work as expected. Testing for compatibility across multiple browsers and devices is also essential to ensure the website functions properly for all users. </p>



<p><strong>A simple example</strong> of Front End Testing would be testing a login form on a website. The tester would input valid and invalid credentials to ensure the form validates inputs correctly and displays appropriate error messages. They would also check that the login button is functioning correctly and redirecting the user to the correct page upon successful login. If the login page has any other element, that should be tested too.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-to-create-a-frontend-website-testing-plan"><span id="How_To_Create_A_Frontend_Website_Testing_Plan"><strong>How To Create A Frontend Website Testing Plan?</strong></span></h2>



<p>When you need to test the Frontend of any application, it is recommended that you create a test plan for it first. Here, we will discuss how to create a test plan if you are testing the Frontend of a website.</p>



<p>1. <strong>Define the scope of testing</strong>: Identify the pages, features, and functionalities that need to be tested. For example, you may want to test the homepage, product pages, checkout process, and contact form.</p>



<p>2. <strong>Determine the testing approach</strong>: Decide on the types of tests you will perform, such as functional testing, usability testing, compatibility testing, and performance testing.</p>



<p>3.<strong> Create test cases</strong>: Develop detailed test cases for each page or feature that needs to be tested. For instance, for the homepage, you may want to test if all links are working correctly and if the images are loading properly.</p>



<p>4. <strong>Assign responsibilities</strong>: Assign tasks to team members responsible for executing tests and recording results.</p>



<p>5.<strong> Execute tests</strong>: Conduct tests according to the defined plan and record any issues or bugs found during testing.</p>



<h3 id="h-should-fronted-testing-be-automated"><span id="Should_Fronted_testing_be_automated"><strong>Should Fronted testing be automated?</strong></span></h3>



<p><p style="padding-bottom:30px">If you need to execute your frontend tests repeatedly, then it is recommended that you automate these tests. Before automating these tests, ensure you see an ROI within a stipulated time. Getting an ROI would also depend on the tool you choose. Here is a blog that will guide you in choosing the right test automation tool for you: <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/10-points-to-help-you-choose-the-right-test-automation-tool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://testsigma.com/blog/10-points-to-help-you-choose-the-right-test-automation-tool/</a> </p></p>



<p><button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Try Testsigma to automate your tests for web, mobile, desktop, and APIs 5x faster.</a></button></p>



<h2 id="h-types-of-front-end-testing"><span id="Types_of_Front-End_Testing"><strong>Types of Front-End Testing</strong></span></h2>



<p>Since there are different elements to test for the Front-end, you can consider running a few different types of tests.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="2400" height="1260" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/Slide-16_9-50.png" alt="Types of Front-End Testing" class="wp-image-29237" /></figure>



<h3 id="h-unit-testing"><span id="Unit_Testing"><strong>Unit Testing</strong></span></h3>



<p>Generally done by developers, it involves analyzing individual components of the code to ensure they function as expected. Doing so allows you to test your components and features against how you expect them to behave in production, leading to a stable codebase and a reliable app for your customers. Some tools that support unit testing are junit, xunit, nunit.</p>



<h3 id="h-acceptance-testing"><span id="Acceptance_Testing"><strong>Acceptance Testing</strong></span></h3>



<p><p style="padding-bottom:30px">Acceptance testing confirms that the application meets the business requirements. The image below is an illustrative example of Acceptance Testing conducted in Testsigma. In this illustration, the Login function is tested to verify a user with valid credentials is able to login.</p></p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://images.storychief.com/account_36412/image_331f7c199d679abbf262a3f2cc24c6d7_2000.png" alt="testsigma" /></figure></div>



<br><h3 id="h-visual-regression-testing"><span id="Visual_Regression_Testing"><strong>Visual Regression Testing</strong></span></h3>



<p>This Testing compares the actual visual interface of your application with the corresponding &#8216;expected&#8217; version to identify gaps. The goal is to ensure that any code change does not impact the UI unexpectedly.</p>



<p>Here is a link showing how Testsigma, a test automation tool automates visual regression tests: Visual Testing &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/docs/visual-testing/configure-test-steps/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Configure Test Steps</a></p>



<h3 id="h-performance-testing"><span id="Performance_Testing"><strong>Performance Testing</strong></span></h3>



<p>Performance testing measures an application&#8217;s response time, stability, and scalability under specified conditions. It involves simulating user loads and interactions to identify potential bottlenecks or weaknesses that may affect the end-user experience adversely. Some majorly used tools for performance testing include Jmeter, LoadRunner, WebLOAD.</p>



<h3 id="h-accessibility-testing"><span id="Accessibility_Testing"><strong>Accessibility Testing</strong></span></h3>



<p>Accessibility testing ensures every potential user can easily use an application or website, including individuals with visual impairments or other additional needs. It ensures that specific, unchangeable conditions do not prevent anyone from accessing any of the features or functions of the app. An example tool for checking accessibility of a web application is WAVE.</p>



<h3 id="h-end-to-end-e2e-testing"><span id="End-to-End_E2E_Testing"><strong>End-to-End (E2E) Testing</strong></span></h3>



<p>End-to-end testing ensures that your application functions seamlessly from start to finish. This type of testing provides valuable insight into the behavior of multiple system elements working together. The image below is an illustrative example of the end-to-end testing process conducted in Testsigma.</p>



<p>Some majorly used to tools for <a href="https://testsigma.com/end-to-end-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">end to end testing</a> include Testsigma, Selenium and appium.</p>



<h3 id="h-integration-testing"><span id="Integration_Testing"><strong>Integration Testing</strong></span></h3>



<p>Applications are often built from many modules, and if these modules are not properly integrated, it can negatively impact the end-user experience. Integration testing is essential to ensure that all components are working together effectively. Like End-to-End Testing, Integration Testing can be automated with Testsigma.</p>



<h3 id="h-cross-browser-testing"><span id="Cross-Browser_Testing"><strong>Cross-Browser Testing</strong></span></h3>



<p>Cross-Browser Testing ensures your application works as expected across different web browsers. By running the same set of test cases on various browsers, you can confirm that the application is compatible with each one. This process can be automated, making it an efficient and effective way to ensure your application functions correctly.</p>



<p>The link given below provides instructions on conducting Cross-Browser Testing in Testsigma.<a href="https://testsigma.com/docs/test-management/test-plans/cross-browser-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://testsigma.com/docs/test-management/test-plans/cross-browser-testing/</a></p>



<h2 id="h-tips-for-better-frontend-testing"><span id="Tips_for_Better_Frontend_Testing"><strong>Tips for Better Frontend Testing</strong></span></h2>



<p>Here are some tips for better front-end testing:</p>



<ol><li>Always use a testing framework.</li><li>Test your code in different browsers/devices to ensure <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/cross-browser-compatibility-testing-what-browsers-you-should-test/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cross-browser compatibility</a>.</li><li>Create a test suite to group similar tests together for easier management.</li><li>Write descriptive test cases that accurately reflect what the function or component should do.</li><li>Use snapshot/<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/visual-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">visual testing</a> to verify if changes quickly affect other parts of the codebase.</li><li>Create end-to-end tests that simulate user interactions and workflows.</li><li>Automate and integrate your tests with continuous integration tools to catch errors early on.</li><li>Run performance tests to ensure efficient operation on slower devices and internet connections.</li><li>Don&#8217;t forget to regularly maintain and update your test suite as the codebase evolves!</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-front-end-testing-tools"><span id="Front-End_Testing_Tools"><strong>Front-End Testing Tools</strong></span></h2>



<p>Frontend testing tools help test the front-end or the user-facing end of a website or app to ensure its works as expected. They help check if the website or app runs well and does what it should.</p>



<h4 id="h-1-testsigma"><span id="1_Testsigma">1. Testsigma</span></h4>



<p>This cloud-based, low-code <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated testing</a> platform provides an intuitive user interface and powerful AI-based analytics. Testsigma is also available as an open-source and free forever version. Testsigma lets you automate your tests in simple English; the test cases are as easy to create and edit as writing English sentences. With Testsigma, you can automate your frontend tests for web, mobile, desktop, and APIs from the same place.</p>



<p>Below are some more features that make it a perfect tool for front-end test automation:</p>



<ol><li>Saves time on your test maintenance with AI-supported built-in features</li><li>Easy and efficient test execution</li><li>Debug with the help of screenshots, videos, and logs easily</li><li>Get reports that you can customize according to your needs</li><li>Setup all your review and collaboration processes on the cloud</li><li>Easily integrate with CI/CD tools</li><li>Access your tests from anywhere, anytime</li><li>Helpful support that is there for you 24&#215;7</li></ol><br>



<p><button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Start automating your front-end tests for web, mobile, and desktop with Testsigma Open Source</a></button></p>



<br><h4 id="h-2-selenium"><span id="2_Selenium">2. Selenium</span></h4>



<p>Selenium is an open-source framework for automating front-end tests for web applications. It lets you record and playback your tests and extend the scripts in multiple programming languages like Java, Python, C#, and Ruby. It is primarily used for functional testing of web applications, particularly for testing the front-end of web pages.</p>



<p>Here are some key points to help you understand its importance:</p>



<ol><li>One of the key benefits of Selenium is its ability to support <a href="https://testsigma.com/cross-browser-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cross-browser testing</a>. This means that developers can test their web applications on different browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge and ensure that they work as expected on each one.</li><li>With Selenium, testers can create automated test scripts that simulate user interactions with web applications, such as clicking buttons, filling out forms, and navigating through pages.</li><li>Selenium also offers a range of features that make testing more efficient and effective, such as the ability to run tests in parallel, integrate with continuous integration tools, and generate detailed reports.</li><li>Selenium can be used in combination with other tools like Appium for <a href="https://testsigma.com/mobile-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mobile testing</a> and Docker for containerization, providing even more flexibility and scalability for <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/web-application-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">testing web applications</a>.</li></ol>



<h4 id="h-3-ranorex"><span id="3_Ranorex">3. Ranorex</span></h4>



<p>Ranoex is a powerful front-end testing tool that offers a range of features to ensure the quality and functionality of web applications. This is a commercial test automation tool for desktop, web, and mobile applications. It lets you record and playback your tests, and supports extending the scripts in C#, VB.Net.Here are some key points to help you understand its abilities:</p>



<ol><li>Ranorex boasts of a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate and use, even for those with limited technical expertise.</li><li>With Ranorex, you can test your web application across multiple browsers, ensuring that it works seamlessly on all platforms.</li><li>Ranoex offers automated testing capabilities, allowing you to save time and effort while ensuring the accuracy and reliability of your tests.</li><li>It allows you to customize your tests to suit your specific needs, ensuring that you can test all aspects of your web application.</li><li>Ranoex provides real-time reporting, allowing you to quickly identify and address any issues that arise during testing.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-summary"><span id="Summary"><strong>Summary</strong></span></h2>



<p>Front-end testing ensures the website or application is user-friendly, responsive, and visually appealing. It involves testing the layout, design, and functionality of the website or application on different devices and browsers. Front-end testing ensures a positive user experience and prevents potential issues. You can identify and fix any issues by conducting thorough front-end testing before launching the website or application.</p>



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



<h3 id="h-is-api-testing-front-end"><span id="Is_API_testing_Front-end"><strong>Is API testing Front-end?</strong></span></h3>



<p>API testing is not a frontend but a backend testing. API testing involves verifying the functionality and performance of the application programming interface (API) that connects a software application&#8217;s back-end components.</p>



<p>Read about <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/fronted-testing-vs-backend-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontend Testing Vs Backend Testing </a></p>



<h3 id="h-what-is-front-end-automation-testing"><span id="What_is_Front-end_automation_testing"><strong>What is Front-end automation testing?</strong></span></h3>



<p>Front-end automation testing uses automated tools to test a website or application&#8217;s user interface and functionality.</p>



<h3 id="h-why-is-front-end-testing-needed"><span id="Why_is_Front-end_testing_needed"><strong>Why is Front-end testing needed?</strong></span></h3>



<p>Without proper Front-end testing, a website or application may have broken links, slow loading times, and poor user experience. These issues can lead to decreased user engagement and ultimately result in lost business revenue.</p>


Front-End Testing A Comprehensive Overview

Front End Testing: A Comprehensive Overview

Incremental Testing in Software Testing


<p>Software testing is a crucial aspect of any software development process, and test design plays a major role in ensuring the effectiveness of the testing process. It refers to the process of creating test cases that can effectively validate the functionality of the software being developed. It involves identifying test scenarios, defining test conditions, and creating test cases that can detect bugs in the software. Test design is a challenging process that requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a great understanding of the product. In this article, we will discuss test design and everything you need to know about it.</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_Design"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is Test Design?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_the_Purpose_of_Test_Design"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> What is the Purpose of Test Design?</a></li><li><a href="#When_to_Create_a_Test_Design"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> When to Create a Test Design?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_is_Test_Design_Important_for_Test_Automation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Why is Test Design Important for Test Automation?</a></li><li><a href="#How_Is_Test_Design_Done"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> How Is Test Design Done?</a></li><li><a href="#Top_Test_Design_Techniques"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Top Test Design Techniques</a><ul><li><a href="#1_Equivalence_Class_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">6.1</span> 1. Equivalence Class Testing</a></li><li><a href="#2_State_Transitioning"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">6.2</span> 2. State Transitioning</a></li><li><a href="#3_Exploratory_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">6.3</span> 3. Exploratory Testing</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Test_Design_Concepts_You_Must_Be_Familiar_With"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Test Design Concepts You Must Be Familiar With</a><ul><li><a href="#Test_Automation_Pyramid"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">7.1</span> Test Automation Pyramid</a></li><li><a href="#Test_Coverage_and_Code_Coverage"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">7.2</span> Test Coverage and Code Coverage</a></li><li><a href="#Test_Suites_and_Test_Cases"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">7.3</span> Test Suites and Test Cases</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Summary"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> Summary</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">9</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_test_design_in_QA"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">9.1</span> What is test design in QA?</a></li><li><a href="#What_are_the_steps_in_test_design"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">9.2</span> What are the steps in test design?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_an_example_of_a_test_design"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">9.3</span> What is an example of a test design?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-test-design"><span id="What_is_Test_Design">What is Test Design?</span></h2>



<p>Test design is a process that defines how testing has to be done. It involves the process of identifying the testing techniques, test scenarios, test cases, test data, and expected test results.</p>



<p>Also, testers need to be specific about the test cases they create, such as providing specific inputs, steps, and test data for each test case.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-is-the-purpose-of-test-design"><span id="What_is_the_Purpose_of_Test_Design">What is the Purpose of Test Design?</span></h2>



<p>Software testing, like all processes, is an investment and is considered successful when it provides an ROI. To ensure, we are getting the <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/roi-test-automation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ROI; it has to be tracked too</a>. One factor that will create an impact on the ROI, is the effectiveness of the test strategy. An effective test design will largely dictate the effectiveness of the testing strategy, thus the ROI from the software testing process.</p>



<h2 id="h-when-to-create-a-test-design"><span id="When_to_Create_a_Test_Design">When to Create a Test Design?</span></h2>



<p>Test design should be created once the test conditions are defined, and adequate information is available to create the test cases of both high and low levels.</p>



<h2 id="h-why-is-test-design-important-for-test-automation"><span id="Why_is_Test_Design_Important_for_Test_Automation">Why is Test Design Important for Test Automation?</span></h2>



<p>Just as Test Design is important for an effective test strategy, a well-defined test design plays an important role in the success of test automation too.</p>



<p>It is a crucial activity that helps determine the effectiveness of automated test cases in identifying bugs and is highly essential for quality control and testing.<em>&#8220;More than the act of testing, the act of designing tests is one of the best bug preventers known. &#8220;</em> &#8211; says Boris Beizer.</p>



<p>For the effectiveness of test automation, you also need to have a test automation tool that supports your goals. Thus, choosing the right test automation tool is vital, as also stated by a report that said: <a href="https://research.aimultiple.com/test-automation-statistics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">26%</a> of companies consider finding the right tools for automation testing as their biggest challenge.</p>



<p>Here is a blog that will help you <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/10-points-to-help-you-choose-the-right-test-automation-tool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">choose the right test automation tool</a></p>



<p>Testsigma is a powerful no-code test automation platform that lets you automate web, mobile, and desktop applications and APIs in one place 5 times faster. Start using Testsigma to achieve an ROI from your test automation sooner.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-is-test-design-done"><span id="How_Is_Test_Design_Done">How Is Test Design Done?</span></h2>



<p>Test design is done using several test design techniques. The following is a list of some of the top design techniques,</p>



<ul><li>Equivalence Class Testing</li><li>State Transition</li><li>Exploratory Testing</li><li>Boundary value analysis</li><li><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/pairwise-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pairwise test </a>design</li><li>Error guessing test design</li></ul>



<p>Let&#8217;s talk about some of the top techniques in the below section.</p>



<h2 id="h-top-test-design-techniques"><span id="Top_Test_Design_Techniques">Top Test Design Techniques</span></h2>



<p>Let&#8217;s discuss the top techniques in detail.</p>



<h3 id="h-1-equivalence-class-testing"><span id="1_Equivalence_Class_Testing">1. Equivalence Class Testing</span></h3>



<p>Equivalence class testing, also known as Equivalence Class Partitioning, is a test design technique that lets you partition your test data into equivalent classes or sections.</p>



<p>It aims to reduce the number of test cases required to test a product by dividing the input domain into a set of equivalence classes. You can use this whenever an input field has a range like age.</p>



<p><strong>Example:</strong></p>



<p>Consider a gaming website has a form that requires users to enter their age. And the form specifies that the age has to be between 18 and 60. Now, using the Equivalence Class Partitioning technique, you can divide the input range into three partitions, as follows,</p>



<ul><li>1 to 17 (invalid)</li><li>18 to 60 (valid)</li><li>&gt;60 (invalid)</li></ul>



<p>By partitioning the input range into equal partitions, you can create test cases that cover all possible scenarios. This way, you can easily make sure that your form is working correctly without testing every possible number between 18 and 60.</p>



<h3 id="h-2-state-transitioning"><span id="2_State_Transitioning">2. State Transitioning</span></h3>



<p><p style="padding-bottom:30px">It is a type of black box testing that is performed to check the change in the application&#8217;s state under various inputs. This testing is used where different system transitions have to be tested.</p></p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="512" height="317" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/test-design.png" alt="Test Design" class="wp-image-36779" /></figure></div>



<p><p style="padding-top:30px"><strong>State Transition Diagram</strong>Above is a state transition diagram that needs to be tested, it depicts how a system&#8217;s state changes on specific inputs. The four main components for a state transition diagram are as follows:</p></p>



<ol><li>States</li><li>Transition</li><li>Events</li><li>Actions</li></ol>



<p>State transition testing helps understand the system&#8217;s behavior and covers all the conditions. Let&#8217;s try to understand this with an example.</p>



<p><strong>Example:</strong></p>



<p>Consider a bank application that allows users to log in with valid credentials. But, if the user doesn&#8217;t remember the credentials, the application allows them to retry with up to three attempts. If they provide valid credentials within those three attempts, it will lead to a successful login. In case of three unsuccessful attempts, the application will have to block the account.</p>



<p><p style="padding-bottom:30px">The below image will explain this scenario in a clear way.</p></p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="2400" height="1260" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/Slide-16_9-47.png" alt="State Transitioning Example

" class="wp-image-29248" /></figure></div>



<br><h3 id="h-3-exploratory-testing"><span id="3_Exploratory_Testing">3. Exploratory Testing</span></h3>



<p>Exploratory testing is primarily used in Agile methods and involves outside-the-box thinking.</p>



<p>This process does not follow pre-defined test cases but instead involves testers using their knowledge, skills, and creativity to identify issues that may not have been anticipated by developers.</p>



<p>During exploratory testing, the tester will explore the software application in an unstructured way, creating and executing tests on the fly. The goal of this testing is to uncover bugs that may have been missed by other traditional testing methods.</p>



<h2 id="h-test-design-concepts-you-must-be-familiar-with"><span id="Test_Design_Concepts_You_Must_Be_Familiar_With">Test Design Concepts You Must Be Familiar With</span></h2>



<p>As a software tester, there are several test design concepts that you must be familiar with to create effective test cases. Here are some of the most important test design concepts,</p>



<h3 id="h-test-automation-pyramid"><span id="Test_Automation_Pyramid">Test Automation Pyramid</span></h3>



<p><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/testing-pyramid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Test Automation Pyramid</a> is a testing framework that helps developers and testers to build high-quality products. It emphasizes the importance of automation at each level. The pyramid consists of three levels, each representing a different type of testing as follows,</p>



<ul><li>Unit Tests</li><li>Integration Tests</li><li>End-to-End Tests</li></ul><br>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://images.storychief.com/account_36412/image_c16ec456872814f4201ea32d8adda958_2000.png" alt="Test Automation Pyramid" /></figure></div>



<p><p style="padding-top:30px"><strong>Unit testing:</strong> Here, testing is done on individual units or software modules. Each unit is tested separately to ensure that it behaves as intended and meets its requirements.<strong>Integration testing:</strong> It helps verify that different modules of a software application are working as intended when they are integrated together.<strong>End-to-End testing:</strong> It involves evaluating the entire software application, from start to finish, to ensure that all components work together as expected and meet the requirements and business objectives. Also, it enables quick feedback cycles and helps developers fix bugs in a short time. It helps save time, reduce costs, and improve the overall quality of an application.</p></p>



<h3 id="h-test-coverage-and-code-coverage"><span id="Test_Coverage_and_Code_Coverage">Test Coverage and Code Coverage</span></h3>



<p>Both test coverage and code coverage are two related but distinct concepts in software testing. Test coverage refers to the maximum extent to which an application has been tested.</p>



<p><p style="padding-bottom:30px">Test coverage is calculated as follows,</p></p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://images.storychief.com/account_36412/image_e6a57381fb6b6df9baffdeabb9564c59_2000.png" alt="Test coverage" /></figure></div>



<p><p style="padding-top:30px">For example, if you have 2000 lines of code, your test cases should be able to test the entire codebase. If only 1000 lines of code are tested out of 2000, the test coverage is 50%. Aim for 100% test coverage which means that your entire application functionality is tested to ensure a high-quality product.Code coverage specifically refers to the percentage of the code that has been covered by tests. Simply put, code coverage tells how much code is tested, and test coverage tells if your tests cover the application&#8217;s functionality or not.</p></p>



<p>Code coverage is calculated as follows,</p>



<p><strong><em>Code Coverage Percentage = (Number of lines of code executed)/(Total Number of lines of code in an application) * 100</em></strong></p>



<p>If the entire piece of code is tested, then you may consider that the code coverage is 100%. Good code coverage is considered a good metric for testing.</p>



<h3 id="h-test-suites-and-test-cases"><span id="Test_Suites_and_Test_Cases">Test Suites and Test Cases</span></h3>



<p>Test Suites and Test cases are interrelated terms. A test suite can be defined as a collection of test cases designed to test a specific functionality of the software. They are typically created and managed by testers.A test case is a set of instructions that defines the steps to be taken and the expected results for testing specific software functionality. Simply put, test cases are individual tests.</p>



<p><p style="padding-bottom:30px">When you automate your test cases, Testsigma &#8211; a no-code test automation tool also supports the addition, updation, and deletion of test cases and test suites. It is very easy to <a href="https://testsigma.com/docs/test-cases/manage/add-edit-delete/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">create test cases</a> using its NLP approach. It also lets you easily manage and run automated test cases on the cloud.</p></p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://images.storychief.com/account_36412/image_e69813b7bb64fad47fabffb4dc7b2f19_2000.png" alt="Testsigma" width="800" height="400" /></figure></div>



<br><h2 id="h-summary"><span id="Summary">Summary</span></h2>



<p>Test design is a vital aspect of software testing that cannot be overlooked. A well-designed test strategy can provide valuable insights into the quality of software, helping testers identify issues before they become major problems. Thus, it helps businesses save a lot of time, effort, resources, and cost in the long run.</p>



<p>Testing is not just about finding bugs but also about ensuring that the software meets the user&#8217;s needs and expectations. By following a structured test design approach, businesses can achieve both of these goals.</p>



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



<h3 id="h-what-is-test-design-in-qa"><span id="What_is_test_design_in_QA">What is test design in QA?</span></h3>



<p>Test design is a stage of the software testing process where testers create test scenarios and develop test cases and test scripts.</p>



<h3 id="h-what-are-the-steps-in-test-design"><span id="What_are_the_steps_in_test_design">What are the steps in test design?</span></h3>



<p>Test designing involves writing and developing test cases. Testers will also have to do the following,<strong></strong></p>



<ul><li>Identify the test objectives</li><li>Identify the test scenarios</li><li>Specify the test data and expected results</li><li>Create the test cases</li><li>Decide on the test schedule</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-what-is-an-example-of-a-test-design"><span id="What_is_an_example_of_a_test_design">What is an example of a test design?</span></h3>



<p>Test design can be created using various test design techniques, such as equivalence classes, state transition, boundary value analysis, error guessing, etc.</p>



<p>Let&#8217;s consider your website has an input field that accepts values only from 1 to 10. The test condition for the above scenario would be,</p>



<ul><li>&lt;1 &#8211; Invalid</li><li>1 &#8211; 10 &#8211; Valid</li><li>&gt;10 &#8211; Invalid</li><li>Any three-digit number (Example &#8211; 100) &#8211; Invalid</li></ul>



<p><p style="padding-top:30px">The below image will help you understand better,</p></p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://images.storychief.com/account_36412/image_4ad5fbabeaa76cbe74bd1da33d2f2451_2000.png" alt="What is an example of a test design" /></figure></div>



<p><p style="padding-bottom:30px">The values -1, 0, 2, 12, and 100 should be okay to test the above scenario. Here, both Equivalence classes and Boundary Value Analysis is used.</p></p>


Test Design in Software Testing - A Comprehensive Guide

Test Design in Software Testing – A Comprehensive Guide


<p>Bug triage is a critical step in software testing that entails reviewing, prioritizing, and allocating software defects to the appropriate team for resolution. The defect triage phase is an important aspect of the software development lifecycle. It allows teams to analyze and classify detected bugs based on severity and prioritize them accordingly.</p>



<p>In this blog, we will go through the mechanics of defect triage and why it is so important for effective software 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_Defect_Triage"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is Defect Triage?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_Do_We_Need_to_have_Defect_Triage"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Why Do We Need to have Defect Triage?</a></li><li><a href="#How_Often_Defect_Triage_Needs_to_be_Conducted_in_a_Release"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> How Often Defect Triage Needs to be Conducted in a Release?</a></li><li><a href="#What_Result_can_be_Expected_Out_of_the_Bug_Triaging"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> What Result can be Expected Out of the Bug Triaging?</a></li><li><a href="#What_are_the_Roles_and_Responsibilities_of_the_Triage_Team_during_the_Defect_Triage_Meeting"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> What are the Roles and Responsibilities of the Triage Team during the Defect Triage Meeting?</a></li><li><a href="#Recommendations_to_Improve_the_Bug_Triage_Process"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Recommendations to Improve the Bug Triage Process</a><ul><li><a href="#1_Define_a_transparent_bug_triage_process"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">6.1</span> 1. Define a transparent bug triage process: </a></li><li><a href="#2_Automate_the_bug_triage_process"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">6.2</span> 2. Automate the bug triage process: </a></li><li><a href="#3_Ensure_regular_bug_triage_meetings"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">6.3</span> 3. Ensure regular bug triage meetings: </a></li><li><a href="#4_Monitor_and_analyze_bug_triage_data"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">6.4</span> 4. Monitor and analyze bug triage data: </a></li><li><a href="#5_Training_and_support"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">6.5</span> 5. Training and support: </a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Summary"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Summary</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_does_Triage_mean_in_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">8.1</span> What does Triage mean in Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#How_do_you_Run_a_DefectBug_Triage"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">8.2</span> How do you Run a Defect/Bug Triage?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-defect-triage"><span id="What_is_Defect_Triage"><strong>What is Defect Triage?</strong></span></h2>



<p>In software testing, defect triage, or bug triage, is necessary for efficient resource use for bug fixes. During bug triage, a bug or defect is reviewed, assigned a priority, and according to the priority, is either assigned to a developer for fixing or deferred to the next release.</p>



<h2 id="h-why-do-we-need-to-have-defect-triage"><span id="Why_Do_We_Need_to_have_Defect_Triage"><strong>Why Do We Need to have Defect Triage?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Triaging defects is crucial to software development and has several advantages for the project team and the end users. Defect triage is necessary for the following reasons:</p>



<ul><li><strong>Prioritization:</strong> Defect triage aids the development team in <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/difference-between-priority-and-severity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prioritizing defects</a> according to their importance, severity, and urgency. This minimizes the possibility of project delays and failures by ensuring that the most critical bugs/defects are fixed first.</li><li><strong>Resource allocation:</strong> Defect triage aids the development team in prioritizing defects according to their importance, severity, and urgency. This minimizes the possibility of project delays and failures by ensuring that the most critical bugs are fixed first.</li><li><strong>Improved communication:</strong> Defect triage encourages open communication among developers, project managers, and other stakeholders. It enables them to debate and agree on the importance of defects, ensuring they are all on the same page.</li><li><strong>Better quality software: </strong>Because critical bugs are taken on priority and fixed on time, it leads to a high-quality software that satisfies the demands of end users .</li><li><strong>Cost savings:</strong> Defect triage helps reduce the cost of addressing faults by resolving them early. It helps in saving costs spent later in the development process.</li><li><strong>Customer satisfaction: </strong>Defect triage ensures that the program satisfies the needs and expectations of end users. This results in improved levels of customer satisfaction.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-how-often-defect-triage-needs-to-be-conducted-in-a-release"><span id="How_Often_Defect_Triage_Needs_to_be_Conducted_in_a_Release"><strong>How Often Defect Triage Needs to be Conducted in a Release?</strong></span></h2>



<p>The frequency of defect triage can vary depending on the project&#8217;s size, complexity, and urgency. However, in general, defect triage should be conducted:</p>



<ul><li><strong>At the start of the project: </strong>A defect triage should be conducted at the beginning to identify any potential defects and establish a process for handling them.</li><li><strong>After each development phase:</strong> Defect triage should be conducted after each development phase. This ensures defects are identified and resolved before moving on to the next phase.</li><li><strong>Before each release:</strong> Defect triage should be conducted before every release. This can help to minimize the risk of defects being discovered by end-users after the software is released.</li><li><strong>Regularly:</strong> Defect triage should be conducted throughout development to identify and resolve any new defects promptly.</li></ul>



<p>The project&#8217;s needs and development process will determine the precise frequency of defect triage.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-result-can-be-expected-out-of-the-bug-triaging"><span id="What_Result_can_be_Expected_Out_of_the_Bug_Triaging"><strong>What Result can be Expected Out of the Bug Triaging?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Here are some of the results that can be expected from bug triaging:</p>



<ul><li><strong>Prioritized defect list: </strong>Bug triaging helps prioritize defects based on severity, impact, and urgency, reducing the likelihood of project delays, failures and blocker bugs for customers.</li><li><strong>Optimized resource allocation: </strong>The development team can effectively manage resources by prioritizing faults and focusing on the most significant concerns.</li><li><strong>Improved communication:</strong> Bug triaging encourages open communication between developers, project managers, and other stakeholders. Allowing them to debate and agree on the importance of bugs.</li><li><strong>Reduced risk:</strong> Bug triaging helps to detect problems early. Reducing the likelihood of errors being overlooked until later stages of development or deployment.</li><li><strong>Higher quality software: </strong>Bug triaging helps to assure software quality and satisfies the demands of end users by reviewing and addressing bugs early.</li><li><strong>Improved customer satisfaction:</strong> Bug triaging ensures that the program fulfills the needs and expectations of end users. This results in improved levels of customer satisfaction.</li><li><strong>Cost savings:</strong> Bug triaging helps to reduce the cost of addressing faults by resolving them early in the development process rather than later in the process or after the product has been distributed.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-what-are-the-roles-and-responsibilities-of-the-triage-team-during-the-defect-triage-meeting"><span id="What_are_the_Roles_and_Responsibilities_of_the_Triage_Team_during_the_Defect_Triage_Meeting"><strong>What are the Roles and Responsibilities of the Triage Team during the Defect Triage Meeting?</strong></span></h2>



<p>At a defect triage meeting, the triage team identifies, evaluates, and assigns issues for solutions to the development team. At the defect triage meeting, the triage team consists of&nbsp;the following:</p>



<ul><li><strong>Facilitator:</strong> The triage team facilitator ensures everyone follows the triage protocol, gets a chance to contribute, and the team is focused on discovering and prioritizing faults.</li><li><strong>Project manager:</strong> The project manager is responsible for providing feedback on the priority of faults and ensuring the right development team member is responsible for resolving them.</li><li><strong>Quality assurance (QA) lead:</strong> The QA lead is responsible for reviewing the defects and providing input on their severity and impact on the software. They should also ensure the development team has the information to reproduce and resolve the defects.</li><li><strong>Development team representative:</strong> The development team representative advises on the viability of fixing bugs and allocating them to the proper team member with the required competence. The development team representative is responsible for providing input on the feasibility of resolving defects; assigning them to the appropriate team member with the necessary expertise.</li></ul>



<p>Bugs can be prioritized efficiently when each member is given a defined role and responsibility during the meeting.</p>



<h2 id="h-recommendations-to-improve-the-bug-triage-process"><span id="Recommendations_to_Improve_the_Bug_Triage_Process"><strong>Recommendations to Improve the Bug Triage Process</strong></span></h2>



<p>Here are some recommendations to improve the bug triage process:</p>



<h3 id="1-define-a-transparent-bug-triage-process"><span id="1_Define_a_transparent_bug_triage_process">1. <strong>Define a transparent bug triage process: </strong></span></h3>



<p>Establish a precise and uniform procedure to prioritize faults, designate them to the development team, and track them to ensure they are quickly fixed. This will ensure everyone is aware of their duties and responsibilities.</p>



<h3 id="2-automate-the-bug-triage-process"><span id="2_Automate_the_bug_triage_process">2. <strong>Automate the bug triage process:</strong> </span></h3>



<p>If the project is a large one, there is a possibility that at one time, a lot of bugs are reported. Going through each and every bug in such a scenario could be a time-taking task. </p>



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<p>In such cases, it is recommended to automate the bug triage process. Here, specific developers could be automatically assigned when bugs are reported for specific features. Also, for large projects, test automation might be used too. In such cases, it is recommended that you use bug-tracking tools that support this feature of allocating specific developers automatically, corresponding to the feature of a reported bug. For this, ensure your test automation tool integrates with your bug tracking tool. Testsigma is a no-code <a href="https://testsigma.com/tools/automation-testing-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test automation tool</a> that lets you automate for web, mobile, APIs, and desktop from the same place. And integrates with all popular bug-tracking tools.<br><br></p>



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<h3 id="3-ensure-regular-bug-triage-meetings"><span id="3_Ensure_regular_bug_triage_meetings">3. <strong>Ensure regular bug triage meetings:</strong> </span></h3>



<p>Regular bug triage meetings should be held to quickly identify and address new bugs, with all parties involved, including the project manager, QA team, and development team.</p>



<h3 id="4-monitor-and-analyze-bug-triage-data"><span id="4_Monitor_and_analyze_bug_triage_data">4. <strong>Monitor and analyze bug triage data:</strong> </span></h3>



<p>Insights into patterns and trends that can be addressed in subsequent releases can be found by tracking and analyzing bug triage data.</p>



<h3 id="5-training-and-support"><span id="5_Training_and_support">5. <strong>Training and support:</strong> </span></h3>



<p>The development and QA teams may be helped to understand and use the bug triage process by offering training and assistance. This will ensure a better understanding of the process and lead to better results.</p>



<p>By implementing these suggestions, businesses may enhance their bug triage procedure and guarantee that errors are quickly found and fixed, leading to higher-quality software and more customer happiness.</p>



<h2 id="h-summary"><span id="Summary"><strong>Summary</strong></span></h2>



<p>Bug triage entails a group of stakeholders, including the project manager, QA lead, development team representative, and others. The group, during bug triage, decides on the bugs that need fixing and then allocates them to the right development team member for resolution. Bug/Defect triage is critical in ensuring that problems are fixed promptly and efficiently, resulting in higher-quality software.</p>



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



<h3 id="h-what-does-triage-mean-in-testing"><span id="What_does_Triage_mean_in_Testing">What does Triage mean in Testing?</span></h3>



<p>Triage is reviewing and prioritizing faults in testing depending on their severity, effect, and urgency. It entails a group of stakeholders collaborating to decide on the bugs that need fixing and then allocating them to the right development team member for resolution.</p>



<h3 id="h-how-do-you-run-a-defect-bug-triage"><span id="How_do_you_Run_a_DefectBug_Triage">How do you Run a Defect/Bug Triage?</span></h3>



<p>Defect triage is a systematic procedure that involves detecting and prioritizing problems, allocating them to the development team, and tracking them. All stakeholders, including the project manager, QA lead, and development team leader, should be included in the process. A set of guidelines and instruments should be used to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.</p>


Bug Triage Defect Triage in Software Testing

Bug Triage/Defect Triage | What, Why & How to Improve?

Negative testing: How to Automate With Testsigma?

Negative Testing: How to Automate With Testsigma?


<p>A <strong>bug life cycle</strong> (also known as a defect life cycle) refers to the journey of a defect in which a defect passes throughout its lifetime. It entails all states ranging from the detection of a new defect to the closing of the particular defect by a tester. Typically, the <strong>bug life cycle in software testing </strong>depends on the organisation and the project. The reason is that the software testing process controls it, and it also depends on the tools used.<strong> </strong>After having a brief on <strong>what is bug life cycle, </strong>you will be made familiar with what a bug/defect is.</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_BugDefect"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is Bug/Defect?</a></li><li><a href="#What_Is_a_Bug_Life_CycleDefect_Life_Cycle"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> What Is a Bug Life Cycle(Defect Life Cycle)?</a></li><li><a href="#DefectBug_Status"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Defect/Bug Status</a></li><li><a href="#Stages_of_Bug_Life_Cycle_in_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Stages of Bug Life Cycle in Testing.</a></li><li><a href="#Who_Performs_a_Bug_Life_Cycle"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Who Performs a Bug Life Cycle?</a></li><li><a href="#DefectBug_Life_Cycle_Explained"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Defect/Bug Life Cycle Explained</a></li><li><a href="#Example_of_a_Bug_Life_Cycle"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Example of a Bug Life Cycle.</a></li><li><a href="#Guidelines_for_Implementing_a_Defect_Life_Cycle"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> Guidelines for Implementing a Defect Life Cycle</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="#What_is_bug_life_cycle_in_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">10.1</span> What is bug life cycle in testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_STLC_and_bug_life_cycle"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">10.2</span> What is STLC and bug life cycle?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_the_major_difference_between_Error_Defect_and_Failure"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">10.3</span> What is the major difference between Error, Defect, and Failure?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-bug-defect"><span id="What_is_BugDefect">What is Bug/Defect?</span></h2>



<p>Bug/Defect is something that confines the user from using an application. Primarily, the bug arises whenever a programmer commits an error during developing or designing an application. The flaw is usually found by a software tester finds during testing the applications and is called a bug or defect.</p>



<p>It is the responsibility of a software tester to detect and report bugs in an application. Moreover, they are responsible for resolving the bugs at the soonest to ensure that the application is rendered error-free. Consequently, the removal of bugs/defects ensures that quality software products are delivered to the client.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-is-a-bug-life-cycle-defect-life-cycle"><span id="What_Is_a_Bug_Life_CycleDefect_Life_Cycle">What Is a Bug Life Cycle(Defect Life Cycle)?</span></h2>



<p><strong>Bug Life Cycle </strong>is<strong> </strong>the chain of processes through which a bug undergoes, from being reported to being closed/rejected. It is also called the defect life cycle. The bug must pass through a<a href="https://www.scribd.com/doc/68904901/Bug-Life-Cycle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow"> life cycle intended to be closed</a>.</p>



<p>Whenever a software tester or other team member detects a bug, the corresponding life cycle offers a reliable approach to supervise the progress of the bug fix. Many individuals come across a bug.&nbsp; All individuals don&#8217;t need to resolve a bug/defect. At different stages of the <strong>bug life cycle</strong>, different project team members will be accountable for resolving the bug.</p>



<p>Usually, software developers categorise bugs into life cycle stages. Subsequently, they consistently communicate about the software bugs they work on when building and updating a software program.</p>



<p>Two major participants in the defect life cycle are the tester and the developer. The tester either detects a bug or, in the case of a user detecting a bug, the tester would review the bug before conveying it to the development team. Subsequently, a software developer comes up with a solution.</p>



<p>&nbsp;Having understood <strong>what is bug life cycle </strong>is,<strong> </strong>now let’s be familiar with what is defect status.</p>



<h2 id="h-defect-bug-status"><span id="DefectBug_Status">Defect/Bug Status</span></h2>



<p>Defect Status is the current state of a bug or defect in bug/defect life cycle. It aims to accurately indicate the existing state or progression of a bug or defect. Consequently, it accurately tracks and analyses the progress of the bug/<strong>defect life cycle in testing</strong>.</p>



<h2 id="h-stages-of-bug-life-cycle-in-testing"><span id="Stages_of_Bug_Life_Cycle_in_Testing">Stages of Bug Life Cycle in Testing.</span></h2>



<div style="height:17px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="735" height="512" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/MC-472-in-article-1.jpg" alt="Stages of Bug Life Cycle" class="wp-image-30406"/></figure></div>



<div style="height:20px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<p>Regardless of your team’s constitution, the bugs to be addressed will pass through the <strong>defect life cycle in testing</strong>. The number of stages that a bug/defect passes through in the <strong>bug life cycle in software testing </strong>depends on the type of your project. The following section familiarises you with all stages of the <strong>bug life cycle</strong>.</p>



<p id="h-1-new"><strong>1. New</strong></p>



<p>Whenever a new defect is registered and posted for the first time, a “NEW” status is assigned to it. The tester offers a detailed defect/bug report to the Development team to let the team refer to the document and resolve the bug accordingly.</p>



<p id="h-2-assigned"><strong>2. Assigned</strong></p>



<p>After the tester posts the bug, the tester’s lead authorises the bug and assigns it to the developer team. In this stage, there can be two conditions. Firstly, the defect can be directly assigned to the developer. Secondly, it can be assigned to the Dev Lead and after being approved by the Dev Lead, they can further transfer the defect to the developer.</p>



<p id="h-3-open"><strong>3. Open</strong></p>



<p>In this stage, the developer begins to analyse and resolve the defect. Primarily, the stage involves a developer team that<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/difference-between-testing-and-debugging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> detects and resolves errors</a> in testing and code to ensure that the mistakes have been rectified.</p>



<p>If the developer team perceives that the defect is inappropriate, it is moved to either the ‘Deferred’ or the ‘Rejected’ state.</p>



<p id="h-4-fixed"><strong>4. Fixed</strong></p>



<p>A developer assigns a “Fixed” status to a bug after making a relevant code change and verifying the change. At this stage, the Dev Lead is informed that the defects available on the Fixed status are the defects that would be available to a tester for testing in the upcoming build.</p>



<p id="h-5-test"><strong>&nbsp;5. Test</strong></p>



<p>The bug status as “Test” indicates that the defect is fixed and is ready to perform the test. The test is done to verify that the bug is fixed.</p>



<p id="h-6-verified"><strong>6. Verified</strong></p>



<p>In this stage, the tester re-tests the bug after being fixed by the developer. In case the bug is not reproduced, the bug is considered fixed, and a “verified” status is assigned to it.</p>



<p id="h-7-closed"><strong>7. Closed</strong></p>



<p>If the bug is resolved, the tester allocates the “Closed” status to it. After the bug is fixed, the tester tests it. This stage indicates that the bug is fixed, tested, and validated.</p>



<p id="h-8-reopen"><strong>8. Reopen</strong></p>



<p>In certain scenarios, the bug exists even after the developer has resolved it. In those cases, the tester assigns a “Reopen” state to the bug. Subsequently, the bug passes through the same life cycle again after the “Reopen” bug is moved to “fixed” state.</p>



<p id="h-9-duplicate"><strong>9. Duplicate</strong></p>



<p>Sometime, the same bug may be reported twice. In that case, the bug status is modified to “duplicate.” Subsequently, the defect is rejected.</p>



<p id="h-10-deferred"><strong>10. Deferred</strong></p>



<p>The tester/bug triage team assigns a “Deferred” state to bugs in the following cases:</p>



<ul><li>If the bug is not of key priority and is expected to be resolved in the forthcoming release.</li><li>The bug is expected to be resolved in the forthcoming release.</li><li>The customer intends to modify the requirement</li></ul>



<p>Note that the high-priority bugs can’t and<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/definitive-guide-bug-life-cycle-ulf-eriksson/"> should not be deferred</a>.</p>



<p id="h-11-rejected"><strong>11. Rejected</strong></p>



<p>If the developer perceives that the defect is due to misinterpretation or is not genuine, they will assign a “Rejected” state to the defect. Usually, the reason for rejection may be one of the&nbsp; following:</p>



<ul><li>NOT a Defect</li><li>Duplicate Defect</li><li>Non-Reproducible</li></ul>



<p id="h-12-cannot-be-fixed"><strong>12. Cannot be fixed</strong></p>



<p>The developer assigns “Can’t be fixed” state to the defect under the following cases:</p>



<ul><li>Unsupported technology</li><li>High cost of fixing bug</li><li>Lack of necessary skills</li></ul>



<p id="h-13-not-a-defect"><strong>13. Not a defect</strong></p>



<p>If the defect doesn’t impact other functions of the software then it is assigned a ‘NOT A DEFECT’ state. Ultimately, it is ‘Rejected’.</p>



<p id="h-14-not-reproducible"><strong>14. Not Reproducible</strong></p>



<p>The developer assigns a “Not Reproducible” state to the defect if it can’t be reproduced due to:</p>



<ul><li>Inappropriate defect document</li><li>Platform mismatch</li><li>Data mismatch</li><li>Build mismatch</li><li>Inconsistent defects</li></ul>



<p><strong>15. Need more information</strong></p>



<p>The developer assigns the “Need more information” status to the defect if they can’t reproduce the defect according to the guidelines defined by a tester. At this stage, the tester must add elaborated reproducing steps and also assign bug back to the development team for its solution.&nbsp; The tester can avoid these hassles by writing a comprehensive defect document.</p>



<h2 id="h-who-performs-a-bug-life-cycle"><span id="Who_Performs_a_Bug_Life_Cycle">Who Performs a Bug Life Cycle?</span></h2>



<p>Ideally, tester reports a bug and a developer fixes it. The bug, once fixed is again tested and verified by the tester.<br><br>Sometimes, before a developer fixes a bug, it might go through bug triage where it is decided if the bug will be fixed for the current release. If it is decided to fix the bug, then it is assigned to an appropriate developer by someone in the bug triage team.</p>



<h2 id="h-defect-bug-life-cycle-explained"><span id="DefectBug_Life_Cycle_Explained">Defect/Bug Life Cycle Explained</span></h2>



<div style="height:26px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="773" height="645" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/MC-472-in-article-2.jpg" alt="Bug Life Cycle Explained" class="wp-image-30409"/></figure></div>



<div style="height:24px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<p>Here are the usual steps involved in the defect/bug life cycle:</p>



<p><strong>Step 1</strong>: Tester detects the defect and assigns “New” status to it.</p>



<p><strong>Step 2</strong>: The detected defect is transferred to the project manager for analysis</p>



<p><strong>Step 3</strong>: The project manager determines whether a defect is authentic.</p>



<p><strong>Step 4</strong>: If the defect is invalid, the “Rejected” status is assigned. But if the defect is not rejected, it is important to check whether it is within scope.</p>



<p><strong>Step 5</strong>: The project manager checks whether an identical defect was raised before.</p>



<p><strong>Step 6</strong>: If the identical defect was raised, the “Duplicate” status is assigned to the defect. Otherwise, the defect is assigned to the developer to fix the code. At this stage, the defect is assigned “In-Progress” status.</p>



<p><strong>Step 7</strong>: After the code is fixed, “Fixed” status is assigned to the defect.</p>



<p><strong>Step 8</strong>: The tester re-tests the code. At this stage, if the Test Case passes, the defect is assigned “Closed” status.</p>



<p><strong>Step 9</strong>: If the test case fails again, the defect is reopened and transferred to the developer to fix.</p>



<h2 id="h-example-of-a-bug-life-cycle"><span id="Example_of_a_Bug_Life_Cycle">Example of a Bug Life Cycle.</span></h2>



<p>For example, lets say you are a tester working in a travel company. This company makes software that is used to book tickets for travel via different modes.<br><br>Let’s say you are assigned to test the flight reservation feature.&nbsp;</p>



<p>You start testing the feature but you see that every time you add a meal to the ticket, it does not get booked.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Here, you decide to report the bug with all the needed information. You create the bug with status “NEW”.<br><br>You assign this bug to the project manager. The Project manager takes a look at the ticket and assigns it to a developer with status “ASSIGNED”.<br><br>Now, the developer works on the bug and fixes it. The status is changed to “fixed” and the ticket is now assigned to you.<br><br>You test the bug and see that now the ticket is getting booked but the price of the meal is not reflected in the invoice.</p>



<p>You mark the ticket as “reopened” and mention your findings.<br><br>The bug is again worked upon by the developer and then assigns back to you as “fixed”.<br><br>You again test the bug, you see it is resolved and the payment information is appearing correctly. Then you also check the scenarios were meals were not selected, to ensure that previously working tests have not broken.<br><br>Once satisfied that the bug is indeed fixed, you mark the status as “verified”.<br><br>Then, the bug is considered as “closed”.</p>



<h2 id="h-guidelines-for-implementing-a-defect-life-cycle"><span id="Guidelines_for_Implementing_a_Defect_Life_Cycle">Guidelines for Implementing a Defect Life Cycle</span></h2>



<p>Before you begin working on the <strong>bug life cycle</strong>, you must follow the below guidelines to explore the maximum advantages of the process:</p>



<ul><li>The involved teams (the testing and development teams) must be well-versed in different states covered in a defect.</li><li>All individuals working in this process must thoroughly understand their responsibilities to ensure quality results.</li><li>There must be proper documentation of the <strong>defect life cycle in testing</strong> to prevent any kind of confusion in the future. You should use a<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/bug-report-template/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> bug report</a> that comprehensively includes all necessary details regarding the bug.</li><li>It is recommended to use a tool for tracking the defects. The purpose is to maintain consistency among the bugs as well as in the workflow of the <strong>bug life cycle</strong>. You can use tools like Bugzilla, Jenkins, and Jira.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<p>If you also have test automation pipeline, then you should integrate that with bug reporting tools so that any bugs found via your automated tests, is reported automatically.</p>



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<p>Testsigma is a nocode test automation tool that integrates with all popular CICD and bug tracking tools. Testsigma lets you automate your tests for web, mobile, desktop and APIs from the same place.<br><br>Testsigma is also available as a free and open source version.<br></p>



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



<p>When implemented well, a <strong>bug life cycle </strong>lets you effectively detect and correct bugs. Moreover, it keeps the members of the testing and development teams in the loop about the status of the bug. You can follow the discussed life cycle steps to accurately track and document the defect to ensure a bug-free and reliable software product.</p>



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



<h3 id="h-what-is-bug-life-cycle-in-testing"><span id="What_is_bug_life_cycle_in_testing">What is bug life cycle in testing?</span></h3>



<p>A <strong>bug life cycle</strong> (also known as a defect life cycle) refers to the journey of a defect in which a defect passes throughout its lifetime. It entails all states ranging from the detection of a new defect to the closing of the particular defect by a tester.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-what-is-stlc-and-bug-life-cycle"><span id="What_is_STLC_and_bug_life_cycle">What is STLC and bug life cycle?</span></h3>



<p>Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) refers to a sequence of specific activities undertaken during the testing process to fulfill the software quality goals. It entails both validation and verification activities. A <strong>bug life cycle</strong> involves all states of defects or bugs, ranging from detecting a new bug to closing that bug by the tester.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-what-is-the-major-difference-between-error-defect-and-failure"><span id="What_is_the_major_difference_between_Error_Defect_and_Failure">What is the major difference between Error, Defect, and Failure?</span></h3>



<p>Any problem in code produces errors. They are resultant of the developer’s misunderstanding of the defined requirements.</p>



<p>If an application is not functioning as per the stated requirements, it is called a defect. It indicates the deviance from the actual and anticipated result of the software/application.</p>



<p>Failure refers to an event in which a system or component doesn’t perform a required function within specific limits.</p>


What Is a Bug Life Cycle? Top Guidelines to Implement it

What Is Bug Life Cycle? How to Implement It

Globalization Testing vs. Localization Testing: Key Differences


<p>The need to save cost and time has pushed organizations to introduce better and faster approaches for developing and testing applications. No longer does the ‘build first, test later’ method work in favor of companies that are attempting to succeed in such a competitive environment. Today, DevOps is the rage as it helps to shrink the time gap between development and deployment with its CI/CD techniques. But even DevOps will not be able to do any good without the right set of principles to run your project. This is where Shift Left testing principles help to transform your development and testing approach.</p>



<p>Shift left testing is an approach that enables companies to test their applications early in the development process. And we are going to discuss the topic in detail in this blog.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_Does_Shift_Left_Mean_in_DevOps"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What Does Shift Left Mean in DevOps?</a></li><li><a href="#What_are_Shift_Left_Testing_Principles"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> What are Shift Left Testing Principles?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_are_Shift_Left_Testing_Principles_Important_in_DevOps"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Why are Shift Left Testing Principles Important in DevOps?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_does_DevOps_Recommend_Shift_Left_Testing_Principles"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Why does DevOps Recommend “Shift Left” Testing Principles?</a><ul><li><a href="#Reduced_Cost_of_Fixing_Defects"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.1</span> Reduced Cost of Fixing Defects</a></li><li><a href="#Better_Quality_Product_at_Improved_Speed"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.2</span> Better Quality Product at Improved Speed</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Advantages_of_Shift_Left_Testing_Principles"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Advantages of Shift Left Testing Principles</a></li><li><a href="#Shift-left_and_Test_Automation_in_DevOps"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Shift-left and Test Automation in DevOps</a></li><li><a href="#Takeaway"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Takeaway</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_the_shift-left_approach_in_Agile"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">8.1</span> What is the shift-left approach in Agile?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_the_benefit_of_shift-left_testing_principles"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">8.2</span> What is the benefit of shift-left testing principles?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Suggested_Readings"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">9</span> Suggested Readings</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-does-shift-left-mean-in-devops"><span id="What_Does_Shift_Left_Mean_in_DevOps"><strong>What Does Shift Left Mean in DevOps?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Shift left in DevOps refers to the organizations&#8217; endeavor to ensure that the applications undergo testing in the early stages of development. It is a part of DevSecOps organizational design that combines development, security, and operations.DevOps consist of Continuous testing/integration and Continuous deployment: two features that make sure that the software undergoes frequent testing anywhere and whenever.</p>



<p>Continuous testing/integration (CI) pertains to testing earlier, consistently, faster, and automatically during the entire development stage. The application goes from development to testing and to deployment with no gaps in a <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/why-devops-is-important-for-modern-businesses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">continuous DevOps process</a>. It consists of Unit testing, <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/integration-testing-types/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Integration testing</a>, system testing, and <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/how-to-test-api/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">API testing</a> and assists developers in locating issues to address them and improve product quality.</p>



<p>Continuous deployment refers to automatically pushing the code changes to the production environment. It follows a series of tests before updating the changes directly to the production. To achieve such fast testing and delivery, automated regression testing is recommended. CI/CD approaches can be automated and performed well with test automation tools. For instance, <a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma</a> automates <a href="https://testsigma.com/regression-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regression tests</a> for web, mobile, desktop and APIs, thus testing large parts of your test suites. Our tool supports shift-left testing in many other ways, and you can read about it <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/how-does-testsigma-support-the-shift-left-approach/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. </p>



<p><button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="display: block;
    margin: auto;"><a style="color:#fff" href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Start automating your tests for web, mobile, API, and desktop with Testsigma; sign up for a free trial today.</a></button></p>



<h2 id="h-what-are-shift-left-testing-principles"><span id="What_are_Shift_Left_Testing_Principles"><strong>What are Shift Left Testing Principles?</strong></span></h2>



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="735" height="435" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/in-article-2-MC456.jpg" alt="SDLC Process" class="wp-image-29028"/><figcaption>SDLC Process</figcaption></figure>



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<p>The traditional SDLC model relies on a forward-moving process where testing occurs at the later stages. If testers identify any issues in the application, they send it back to the developers for rectification. But this complete process consumes a considerable amount of time, is highly complex, and comes with a huge cost.</p>



<p>The shift left testing principle consists of moving the testing phase from the end of SDLC to the early stages of the pipeline. As opposed to executing the test cases after the development phase is over to send the product back to coders upon encountering bugs, shift left identifies and resolves issues early in the development process. This approach reduces the time in fixing bugs that are discovered later in the pipeline and improves software quality.</p>



<p>Typically, the success of shift left means developers run more tests to check application quality before pushing it to the testers. And multiple automation tools support the shift left testing principles. For instance, a tool that lets you begin with your testing along side the development activities. This tool could support TDD or unit testing, or could help testers create tests without waiting for development to finish.</p>



<h2 id="h-why-are-shift-left-testing-principles-important-in-devops"><span id="Why_are_Shift_Left_Testing_Principles_Important_in_DevOps"><strong>Why are Shift Left Testing Principles Important in DevOps?</strong></span></h2>



<p>There are many reasons why you must adopt shift left testing principles in DevOps. Here are some of them:</p>



<ul><li>Pushes testing to the early stages of the pipeline and saves cost</li><li>Makes it easier for developers to detect and resolve bugs early in software development</li><li>Produces a high-quality application with fewer code patches and fixes</li><li>Reduces the instances of delay in product delivery</li><li>Improves customer satisfaction as the delivery is on time and with minimal issues</li><li>Allows for the use of test automation tools early in SDLC that increases the accuracy of finding errors</li><li>Enables your team to write, execute, and record test cases and their results, respectively, using automation tools.</li></ul>



<h2 id="why-does-devops-recommend-shift-left-testing-principles"><span id="Why_does_DevOps_Recommend_Shift_Left_Testing_Principles"><strong>Why does DevOps Recommend “Shift Left” Testing Principles?</strong></span></h2>



<p>The primary goal of DevOps is to ensure that the development and testing process is smooth, which provides better quality products at an increased speed. And two of the major reasons why DevOps recommends shift left testing principles are reduced cost of fixing bugs and increased speed of delivering high-quality software.</p>



<h3 id="reduced-cost-of-fixing-defects"><span id="Reduced_Cost_of_Fixing_Defects">Reduced Cost of Fixing Defects</span></h3>



<p>It is common knowledge in every business that resolving issues during the development phase is easier and costs less than doing so in the production phase. The process requires much less labor, has fewer dependencies, and results in rolling out a better-quality product. Early bug detection actions prompt the implementation of corrective measures and strategies, which enhances software development quality and maintains a high codebase standard.</p>



<h3 id="better-quality-product-at-improved-speed"><span id="Better_Quality_Product_at_Improved_Speed">Better Quality Product at Improved Speed</span></h3>



<p>Since developers would work on the defects as soon as they are identified in the development phase, the overall quality of the software becomes better as it moves through the subsequent phases. And this complete approach proves highly useful, allowing all the individuals involved in the project to maintain the software from the first step itself.</p>



<p>Moreover, being able to determine the issues and keep them at bay makes it easier for project managers to provide accurate information about the development to the stakeholders and keep the delivery timeline intact.</p>



<h2 id="advantages-of-shift-left-testing-principles"><span id="Advantages_of_Shift_Left_Testing_Principles"><strong>Advantages of Shift Left Testing Principles</strong></span></h2>



<p>Some of the advantages of shift left testing principles in DevOps are:</p>



<ul><li>The project cost gets reduced as the bugs are dealt with at the development stage.</li><li>It improves the product quality due to increased efficiency of the software development process.</li><li>It accelerates the time-to-delivery as the chances of finding defects in the production phase are low, and the codebase is strong.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-shift-left-and-test-automation-in-devops"><span id="Shift-left_and_Test_Automation_in_DevOps"><strong>Shift-left and Test Automation in DevOps</strong></span></h2>



<p>Test automation is a necessity, but does it always yield positive results for the business? Let’s see.</p>



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="793" height="435" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/in-article-3-MC456.jpg" alt="Shift Left and Test Automation" class="wp-image-29030"/><figcaption>Shift Left and Test Automation</figcaption></figure>



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<p>There are multiple ways for you to embrace and spread the usage of automation in your SLDC process. You can choose to become a self-starter and build your own <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-automation-frameworks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test automation framework</a>, or you can adopt the ones already present in the market after a proper analysis. But all of these <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated tests</a> require a huge sum of money, time, and skilled labor. And this is when you need to see if the investment in test automation is paying off or ripping you off. If automation costs more than the benefit it brings, you need to reconsider.</p>



<p>How do you then decide if the investment in the <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/shift-left-testing-some-tools-that-can-help/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shift left test automation tool</a> is worth it? Consider these factors:</p>



<ul><li>Eliminate high dependencies on code specialists when automating test cases. Go for <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/codeless-testing-when-is-testsigma-recommended-tool-for-you/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">codeless tools</a> that allow you to write and run test cases with the testers you already have.</li><li>A tool that is easy to learn, simple to install and implement, and available for non-technical professionals as well will offer a quicker turnaround time and better results.</li><li>Choose a tool that offers low maintenance of test cases and can scale with your growing business need. <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/how-does-testsigma-support-the-shift-left-approach/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma supports shift left testing</a> by allowing you to create tests along with the development phase &#8211; you can create elements that can be filled up later. Testsigma is a <a href="https://testsigma.com/low-code-test-automation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">low code test automation platform</a> that lets you author test cases in simple English, without any need to learn code. Testsigma also lets you automate your tests for web, mobile, desktop and API applications from the same place. </li></ul>



<p><button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="display: block;
    margin: auto;"><a href="https://github.com/testsigmahq/testsigma" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Start automating your tests for web, mobile, API, and desktop with Testsigma; sign up for a free trial today.</a></button><br></p>



<h2 id="h-takeaway"><span id="Takeaway"><strong>Takeaway</strong></span></h2>



<p>The days of development first and testing later are over. Today, organizations follow continuous development and continuous testing. DevOps is making it possible with CI/CD approach. But the overall idea can only thrive if automation comes into the picture.</p>



<p>Shift-left testing ensures that testing moves closer to development and helps introduce automation into the entire process. We discuss all the possible options and choices so you understand shift left testing and implement it to improve the software quality.</p>



<h2 id="h-frequently-asked-questions-faqs"><span id="Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</strong></span></h2>



<h3 id="h-what-is-the-shift-left-approach-in-agile"><span id="What_is_the_shift-left_approach_in_Agile">What is the shift-left approach in Agile?</span></h3>



<p>The shift-left approach in agile is moving the testing, quality, and performance check early in the SDLC pipeline, sometime even before the production code is complete. It helps developers and testers anticipate the potential changes that arise during the development process and might affect software performance.</p>



<h3 id="h-what-is-the-benefit-of-shift-left-testing-principles"><span id="What_is_the_benefit_of_shift-left_testing_principles">What is the benefit of shift-left testing principles?</span></h3>



<p>Shift-left testing principles reduces development and testing cost, create cleaner, high-quality code, saves time, and improves software delivery time.</p>



<h2 id="suggested-readings"><span id="Suggested_Readings"><strong>Suggested Readings</strong></span></h2>



<p><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/how-does-testsigma-support-the-shift-left-approach/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shift Left Approach&nbsp;</a></p>



<p><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/shift-left-testing-some-tools-that-can-help/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shift Left Testing Tools</a></p>



<p><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/shift-left-vs-shift-right/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shift left vs Shift Right Testing</a></p>
