Release testing How to automate with Testsigma

Release Testing: What It is, Types & How to Perform?


<p>The Software Testing is key aspect of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). Outcome of the product quality depends on how thoroughly software is tested. There are different types of testing techniques. Exploratory testing is one such popular technique where the professional testers perform the testing without any preparation. Tester explores the given functionality and aims to find as many bugs as possible. </p>



<p>Testers may get distracted during the exploratory testing, as he may work on multiple tasks parallelly such as raising defects, discussions, asking for clarifications or any other non-testing related activities. To overcome the challenges of exploratory testing and utilize the complete power of exploratory testing there is a technique called Session Based Testing (SBT).</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_Session_Based_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is Session Based Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Components_of_Session_Based_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Components of Session Based Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Why_Session_Based_Testing_Management_SBTM_is_important"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Why Session Based Testing Management (SBTM) is important?</a><ul><li><a href="#Advantages_of_Exploratory_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.1</span> Advantages of Exploratory Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Disadvantages_of_Exploratory_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.2</span> Disadvantages of Exploratory Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Advantages_of_Session-Based_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.3</span> Advantages of Session-Based Testing</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Session-Based_Testing_in_Agile_Methodology"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Session-Based Testing in Agile Methodology</a></li><li><a href="#Session_Based_Testing_and_Automation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Session Based Testing and Automation</a></li><li><a href="#Advantage_of_using_Automation_in_Session_Based_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Advantage of using Automation in Session Based Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Summary"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Summary</a></li><li><a href="#Session-Based_Testing_Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> Session-Based Testing Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><ul><li><a href="#What_are_the_benefits_of_SBT"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_3">8.0.1</span> What are the benefits of SBT?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Is_session-based_testing_an_agile_methodology"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">8.1</span> Is session-based testing an agile methodology?</a></li><li><a href="#Does_session-based_testing_require_automation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">8.2</span> Does session-based testing require automation?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_an_exploratory_testing_session"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">8.3</span> What is an exploratory testing session?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-session-based-testing"><span id="What_is_Session_Based_Testing">What is Session Based Testing?</span></h2>



<p>Session Based Testing can be defined as a structured and time-based testing technique to carry out exploratory testing. In this methodology, uninterrupted testing is carried out for a specific time-period. In the end, the outcome of the testing is evaluated.</p>



<h2 id="h-components-of-session-based-testing"><span id="Components_of_Session_Based_Testing">Components of Session Based Testing</span></h2>



<p>The session-based exploratory testing involves multiple elements as it follows specific approach. Below is the list:</p>



<ul><li><strong>Mission:</strong> Define the purpose.</li><li><strong>Charter: </strong>Define the goal for session.</li><li><strong>Session:</strong> Uninterrupted time for actual testing.</li><li><strong>Session Report:</strong> Session report contains bugs and other information.</li><li><strong>Debrief: </strong>Quick session with manager.</li><li><strong>Parsing Results: </strong>High-level aggregated reports.</li></ul>



<p>Each and every component mentioned above plays a critical role in the session testing. Let&#8217;s understand each component in detail.</p>



<p id="h-mission"><strong>Mission</strong></p>



<p>It defines the purpose behind session based Testing. This includes the duration of the session. Duration can be typically 45 minutes to 2 hours. The mission helps to focus on the key areas while still allowing the exploration of the system.</p>



<p id="h-charter"><strong>Charter</strong></p>



<p>The charter is the goal for the specific test session. The testing team creates the charters. However, while preparing the charter, the testing team can take the help of the product and development teams. You can derive the charters from the specifications or the previous sessions. But you should be aware that charters are flexible and can be updated at any time. Charters should not be too generic and should not be too specific. For example,</p>



<ul><li>Verify the Testsigma website &#8211; This is too general.</li><li>Validate the Testsigma homepage for the menu dropdown to work correctly &#8211; This is too specific.</li><li>Focus on the Testsigma webpage functionalities that are listed on the homepage &#8211; Good.</li></ul>



<p id="h-session"><strong>Session</strong></p>



<p>The session is your uninterrupted and focused time for testing. You should focus the session on charter but not limit to charter. You can explore new opportunities or bugs during the session. As you progress, note down the ideas and bugs. You can also note down the scenarios that are worth exploring in the next sessions.</p>



<p id="h-session-report"><strong>Session report</strong></p>



<p>Once the session is over, you will have a lot of scenarios, bugs, and a lot of valuable information. The session report contains the summary of the session. Some of the key pointers of session reports are charter, the strategy used, area tested, list of bugs, list of open questions/clarifications, opportunities discovered, duration, etc.</p>



<p id="h-debrief"><strong>Debrief</strong></p>



<p>It is a quick discussion between the tester and the manager. The debriefing follows the PROOF concept.</p>



<ul><li>Past(P): List of activities you have completed during the session.</li><li>Results: What you have achieved in the session.</li><li>Obstacles(O): List of problems that you have faced.</li><li>Outlooks(O): Your feedback or plans for the next session.</li><li>Feelings(F): Your opinion and review; this can also include improvisation points.</li></ul>



<p id="h-parsing-results"><strong>Parsing Results</strong></p>



<p>Managers can create a common standardized report. The report consolidates or aggregates all the session reports. The report includes a list of bugs, sessions per feature, time spent on each area, new opportunities, etc.</p>



<h2 id="h-why-session-based-testing-management-sbtm-is-important"><span id="Why_Session_Based_Testing_Management_SBTM_is_important">Why Session Based Testing Management (SBTM) is important?</span></h2>



<p>Let’s understand how you can get benefit from Session Based Test Management (SBTM). SBT is an extended version of exploratory testing. To know the importance of SBTM you need to know the pros and cons of the<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/exploratory-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> exploratory testing</a>.</p>



<h3 id="h-advantages-of-exploratory-testing"><span id="Advantages_of_Exploratory_Testing">Advantages of Exploratory Testing</span></h3>



<ul><li><strong>Less Preparation Time: </strong>It<strong> </strong>is more result-oriented rather than process oriented. You don’t have to pre-plan your testing activity. You can start the testing immediately and start reporting bugs.</li><li><strong>No barriers: </strong>You are not limited to any functionality or scripts and are free to explore. This helps in recording the critical bugs early.</li><li><strong>Increased knowledge:</strong> As you are given with tasks to report as many bugs as possible, it increases your product knowledge. As you keep on exploring and testing, you get the answers to a lot of questions.</li><li><strong>Anyone can contribute: </strong>Though testers are primary for these sessions, any person from the product team, development team, or anyone who has knowledge of the product can contribute to the exploratory testing.</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-disadvantages-of-exploratory-testing"><span id="Disadvantages_of_Exploratory_Testing">Disadvantages of Exploratory Testing</span></h3>



<ul><li><strong>Requires experienced resources with out-of-the-box thinking: </strong>One of the major drawbacks of exploratory testing is, there are no test plans and no testcases. Only person who knows about product can bring the good result. The testers creativity plays major role in testing.</li><li><strong>No traces and tracks on amount of completion: </strong>You cannot say confidently that, you have completed X percentage of testing. As you are not focused on specific plans. You might have many undiscovered bugs even after testing.</li><li><strong>Difficult to reproduce issues:</strong> You should have high level of attention to detail while performing the exploratory testing. You should know what you are doing otherwise it is difficult to reproduce the steps, when you discover the bugs.</li><li><strong>Interruptions: </strong>Testers easily get distracted with messaging tools, emails, discussion with product team, asking clarifications. Though you spend 2 hours on exploratory testing, the focused hours may be 30 mins to 1 hour.</li></ul>



<p>You can easily think that exploratory testing is good and required for every product, and it saves from delivering critical bugs to production. At the same time, you need to overcome the difficulties in the exploratory testing. Session Based Testing had emerged as a powerful testing technique for the same reason. It overcomes the disadvantages of exploratory testing, and it adds power to exploratory testing.</p>



<h3 id="h-advantages-of-session-based-testing"><span id="Advantages_of_Session-Based_Testing">Advantages of Session-Based Testing</span></h3>



<ul><li><strong>Structured:</strong> You will not be given test plans during the session testing, but you will have structures and focus areas. The session is organized from beginning to end with a structured approach.</li><li><strong>Focused Testing:</strong> You don’t get any distractions in session-based testing. SBT testing uses a focused and distraction-free session. The SBT includes a major component as a session which is distraction-free time to achieve your goal.</li><li><strong>Uncover Edge case scenarios:</strong> SBT takes advantage of exploratory testing; it provides the flexibility to explore new features and uncover bugs.</li><li><strong>Easy to Track:</strong> You will get the focused area to test, so it is easy to remember what you have tried. This also helps in recording steps. Some tools also provide you to add short notes/comments, which can be helpful during final report creation.</li><li><strong>Everything is tracked: </strong>You can track everything, such as focused features, duration, and explored areas, and your overall experience throughout the session is tracked in a document. The aggregated report helps the management to analyze and come up with new plans.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-session-based-testing-in-agile-methodology"><span id="Session-Based_Testing_in_Agile_Methodology">Session-Based Testing in Agile Methodology</span></h2>



<p>Agile methodology is a modern software development framework. Most organizations are now transitioning to agile framework. Agile framework provides the flexibility to customize and incorporate new things by using standard guidelines. The session-based testing technique can be easily integrated into the agile framework. The Session based testing allows you to have a charter, which can be small or large. You can define the charter which can fit into your agile model for each session. It also provides the flexibility to have as many sessions as you need. Below is one such example that shows how SBT can be integrated into Agile:</p>



<ul><li>Gather the list of features that are a part of the sprint.</li><li>Analyze the critical areas which have a high business impact.</li><li>Prepare the focused areas for SBTM.</li><li>Plan the Session-based testing when the features are ready to be tested.</li><li>Track everything and repeat the above steps in each sprint.</li></ul>



<p>This way, you get the highest benefit of the exploratory testing and increased productivity. Furthermore, it also helps in discovering a lot of major bugs and improves confidence for release to production.</p>



<h2 id="h-session-based-testing-and-automation"><span id="Session_Based_Testing_and_Automation">Session Based Testing and Automation</span></h2>



<p>As mentioned earlier, Session Based Testing is advanced version of exploratory testing. Exploratory testing doesn&#8217;t contain any scripts, test cases. However, session-based testing focuses on best practices. Now, you might be thinking that automation is not helpful in session-based testing. However, session-based testing can still utilize the power of automation. You can use the automation in SBT to speed up the preparation of input data. For example, if you have all the automation script ready and you have the session time defined, just before a ,few hours to start the session, you can start the automation script; this can save lot of your efforts that is required to create the input data.</p>



<p><p style="padding-bottom:30px">Testsigma, a no-code test automation, is built with superior test management features to aid your data-driven test automation. Read more about it here: <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-data-driven-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://testsigma.com/automated-data-driven-testing</a> </p></p>



<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 data-driven automated tests from your exploratory test sessions, in minutes, with Testsigma</a></button></p>



<br><h2 id="h-advantage-of-using-automation-in-session-based-testing"><span id="Advantage_of_using_Automation_in_Session_Based_Testing">Advantage of using Automation in Session Based Testing</span></h2>



<ul><li><strong>Saves Time and effort:</strong> Automation can save a lot of repeated works to prepare the input data.</li><li><strong>Reduces the last-minute surprises:</strong> While creating an automation script you might have gone through the data creation process. Any issues or hiccups that you faced during the data creation process are already resolved (or else automation scripts will fail). Since you have completed the automation scripts, the data creation process is smooth. Whereas in the manual approach, when you do it for the first time, then you may encounter a lot of issues, and resolving these issues may impact the SBT.</li></ul>



<p>As we discussed in the previous section, exploratory testing requires professional testers to yield greater results. Similarly, the automation script also requires expertise in programming languages. However, this is true only if you stick to code-based automation tools such as Selenium, Cypress etc. There are lot of codeless automation tools which can save your time &#8211; Testsigma is one such tool. Anyone who knows about testing can just start the automation without worrying about coding. The Artificial Intelligence mechanism in Testsigma can also help you to reduce the maintenance of your automation scripts.</p>



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



<p>Session-based testing is derived from exploratory testing. SBT makes exploratory testing more effective and structured. SBT involves elements &#8211; mission, charter, session, debriefing, session reporting, and parsing results. The components are designed to help both testers and management. SBT can be easily integrated into the agile framework to get the most out of it. Having automation scripts for data creation makes SBT more powerful and productive.</p>



<h2 id="h-session-based-testing-frequently-asked-questions"><span id="Session-Based_Testing_Frequently_Asked_Questions">Session-Based Testing Frequently Asked Questions</span></h2>



<h4 id="h-what-are-the-benefits-of-sbt"><span id="What_are_the_benefits_of_SBT">What are the benefits of SBT?</span></h4>



<p>Session based testing uses the benefits of exploratory testing. It overcomes the cons of exploratory testing, which makes Session testing more powerful. Also, it reduces any distractions for testers and increases productivity.</p>



<h3 id="h-is-session-based-testing-an-agile-methodology"><span id="Is_session-based_testing_an_agile_methodology">Is session-based testing an agile methodology?</span></h3>



<p>Session-based testing is a structured approach. Though it is not part of agile methodology using the agile framework flexibility, you can easily integrate session-based testing into the agile methodology.</p>



<h3 id="h-does-session-based-testing-require-automation"><span id="Does_session-based_testing_require_automation">Does session-based testing require automation?</span></h3>



<p>It is not mandatory to use automation in session-based testing, but you can always automate the important use cases found during the sessions.</p>



<h3 id="h-what-is-an-exploratory-testing-session"><span id="What_is_an_exploratory_testing_session">What is an exploratory testing session?</span></h3>



<p>Session-based testing is referred to as exploratory testing sessions or session testing.</p>


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<p>Let&#8217;s talk about something important in the realm of software testing: Robustness testing. ISTQB states, “Robustness testing is the degree to which a component or system can function correctly in the presence of invalid inputs or stressful environmental conditions.&#8221;This is when we test a system or program to see how well it can handle unexpected scenarios and mishaps. </p>



<p>We want to ensure that our software can keep soldiering even if it encounters unexpected situations, like a power outage or memory overload. Nobody wants their system crashing during an important project! </p>



<p>So, in this blog, let&#8217;s look at this testing technique in detail and why it matters so much in ensuring top-notch performance from our software applications.</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_Robustness_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is Robustness Testing?</a><ul><li><a href="#Why_is_Robustness_Testing_important"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.1</span> Why is Robustness Testing important?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Types_of_Testing_to_Ensure_Robustness_of_Test_Suites"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Types of Testing to Ensure Robustness of Test Suites</a></li><li><a href="#Robustness_Testing_Scenarios"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Robustness Testing Scenarios</a></li><li><a href="#Should_Robustness_Testing_be_Automated"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Should Robustness Testing be Automated?</a></li><li><a href="#Robustness_Testing_Tools"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Robustness Testing Tools</a></li><li><a href="#Benefits_of_Robustness_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Benefits of Robustness Testing</a></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_tests_the_robustness_of_a_test"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">8.1</span> What tests the robustness of a test?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_an_example_of_robustness_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">8.2</span> What is an example of robustness testing?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-robustness-testing"><span id="What_is_Robustness_Testing"><strong>What is Robustness Testing?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Robustness testing is software testing that evaluates the capability of a system to operate correctly in unexpected or abnormal conditions. This type of testing is designed to identify possible failures due to unexpected inputs or errors, such as invalid data, network interruptions, or power failures. The goal of robustness testing is to ensure that the system can handle errors and maintain its functions without crashing or becoming unstable, thereby maximizing the software&#8217;s reliability and reducing the risk of failure.</p>



<h3 id="h-why-is-robustness-testing-important"><span id="Why_is_Robustness_Testing_important"><strong>Why is Robustness Testing important?</strong></span></h3>



<p>Here are ten important reasons why robustness testing is important: </p>



<p>1. It uncovers hidden bugs that can cause malfunctions. </p>



<p>2. Improves the reliability and quality of software. </p>



<p>3. Increases customer satisfaction by preventing software crashes. </p>



<p>4. Helps to predict real-world scenarios for better preparedness. </p>



<p>5. Validates the security features of the software. </p>



<p>6. Identifies code weaknesses and restrictions that can be optimized. </p>



<p>7. Enhances the overall software performance across various platforms. </p>



<p>8. Helps to save time and money by avoiding costly bug fixes. </p>



<p>9. Promotes software longevity since it can withstand changes in operating environments. </p>



<p>10. Boosts user confidence in the software by assuring stable and consistent performance.</p>



<h2 id="h-types-of-testing-to-ensure-robustness-of-test-suites"><span id="Types_of_Testing_to_Ensure_Robustness_of_Test_Suites"><strong>Types of Testing to Ensure Robustness of Test Suites</strong></span></h2>



<p>Different types of testing must be done to ensure the robustness of test suites. Here we give you a list:</p>



<ol><li><strong>Functional testing </strong>&#8211; Verifies the software&#8217;s desired behavior under various scenarios. Functional testing conducts numerous tests that examine all software functionalities.</li><li><strong>Regression testing </strong>&#8211; Ensures that software changes do not result in unexpected outcomes in previously tested functionality. Regression testing ensures the software application works correctly even after changes or updates.</li><li><strong>Load testing </strong>&#8211; Examines software performance under various loads and conditions to ensure it can support expected user volume. So this type of testing simulates production loads by subjecting software to a series of tests to ensure it can handle expected traffic.</li><li><strong>Fuzz testing</strong>(Fuzzing Test) &#8211; Sends malicious input to the software to discover vulnerabilities and unexpected behaviors. After conducting fuzz testing, the program is observed for crashes, failed code assertions, and possible memory leaks.</li><li><strong>Mutation testing </strong>&#8211; Changes the software&#8217;s code to see if the test suite can detect these changes and identify issues. Mutation testing aims to detect coding or input flaws that can result in incorrect program output.</li><li><strong>Black-box testing</strong> &#8211; Tests the software&#8217;s external behavior without knowing its internal workings. The tester knows the intended output of the software but lacks knowledge of its internal workings. Functionalities, user interface usability, and conformity with external standards can all be tested using black-box testing.</li><li><strong>Security testing</strong> &#8211; Verifies the software&#8217;s resistance to attacks and potential vulnerabilities. Conducting security testing can help in identifying probable security threats.</li><li><strong>Use case testing</strong> &#8211; Examines the software&#8217;s functionality from the perspective of user scenarios. Conducting Use case testing can help in identifying potential usability issues.</li><li><strong>Negative testing </strong>&#8211; Tests how the software behaves when presented with invalid inputs and unexpected situations. It can reveal input handling or validation mistakes that may result in data loss or leave security gaps.</li><li><strong>Stress testing</strong> &#8211; Evaluate the software&#8217;s increased workload capabilities under heavy load and usage. So, it can detect concerns during intense pressure or heavy workload.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-robustness-testing-scenarios"><span id="Robustness_Testing_Scenarios"><strong>Robustness Testing Scenarios</strong></span></h2>



<p>Specific scenarios can cause software failure due to a lack of software robustness. The scenarios that can be tested are:</p>



<p>1. Test for handling large amounts of data. </p>



<p>2. Test for unexpected inputs and edge cases. </p>



<p>3. Test for system failures and recovery. </p>



<p>4. Test for long periods of sustained usage. </p>



<p>5. Test for compatibility with various hardware and software environments.</p>



<h2 id="h-should-robustness-testing-be-automated"><span id="Should_Robustness_Testing_be_Automated"><strong>Should Robustness Testing be Automated?</strong></span></h2>



<p>The robustness of an application should be tested. But should you automate those tests? Only when you know, automation helps you in some way &#8211; it could be to save efforts, time, or resources.</p>



<h2 id="h-robustness-testing-tools"><span id="Robustness_Testing_Tools"><strong>Robustness Testing Tools</strong></span></h2>



<p>One of the most important factors for achieving an ROI on test automation is the tool used for test automation. Robustness testing tools are <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/best-software-testing-tools-qas-are-using-in-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software testing tools</a> that help automate the robustness tests for an application. Examples of such tools include:</p>



<ul><li><strong>Testsigma</strong> is a cloud-based <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test automation</a> platform that enables teams to automate their tests for web, mobile, APIs, and desktop applications. With Testsigma, teams can easily create and edit automated tests using simple English. Thus, It allows testers to focus on testing and defect hunting while the automated tests run in the background. Testsigma offers enhanced security, an extensive test lab, project and review management, powerful reporting capabilities, and more. It also offers a range of features for test management, including test case management, test suite creation, and test execution reporting. </li><br>
<li><strong>JMeter</strong> is an open-source load-testing tool that helps create web application test plans. It simulates a heavy load on a server, network, or object to test its performance under different conditions. JMeter can measure the performance of static resources such as HTML and dynamic resources such as JSP, Servlets, and AJAX. It supports various platforms like Windows, Mac OS X, Linux/Unix, etc. With the help of the JMeter approach, users can create test plans with multiple threads and configure them to run at different intervals. This helps in analyzing the application&#8217;s performance under varying loads and conditions.</li><br><li><strong>Selenium</strong> is an open-source automation testing tool used to test web applications. It can automate user interactions with a web application by clicking buttons, entering text into forms, and verifying its output. Selenium supports multiple programming languages and platforms, including Java, JavaScript, Ruby, Python, and C#. Using Selenium&#8217;s APIs and libraries, testers can create automated tests for their web applications that can be run repeatedly without manual intervention.</li><br><li><strong>Appium</strong> is an open-source test automation framework for mobile applications. It allows developers to write automated tests for their apps on multiple mobile platforms, including Android and iOS. Appium supports many devices and provides an intuitive API that makes setting up and running tests quickly easy. With Appium, developers can write tests in any language they prefer, such as Java, Python, Ruby, or JavaScript.</li><br><li><strong>Loadmeter</strong> is a cloud-based platform that provides an efficient approach to helping organizations monitor their application performance. It helps organizations identify and address potential issues before they become critical. Loadmeter supports various platforms, including Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, and Android. With its intuitive interface and powerful analytics capabilities, Loadmeter helps organizations reduce downtime and improve the overall performance of their applications.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-benefits-of-robustness-testing"><span id="Benefits_of_Robustness_Testing"><strong>Benefits of Robustness Testing</strong></span></h2>



<p>1. <strong>Ensures software reliability</strong>: Robustness testing identifies potential weaknesses in the system, making it more reliable and less prone to crashes or failures. </p>



<p>2.<strong> Enhanced user experience</strong>: Robustness testing ensures the software can withstand unexpected inputs and deliver optimal performance, improving user experience. </p>



<p>3. <strong>Reduced maintenance costs</strong>: Robustness testing helps identify potential issues early in the development process, thereby reducing maintenance costs. </p>



<p>4.<strong> Prevents data corruption</strong>: Robustness testing ensures the software can handle unexpected input data and prevent data corruption. </p>



<p>5.<strong> Increased security</strong>: Robustness testing ensures that the software can withstand security attacks, preventing unauthorized access or manipulation of data.</p>



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



<p>In summary, this blog post on robustness testing provides valuable insights into various practical aspects such as executing tests, defining stress and load testing scenarios, and its benefits in bringing reliability and stability to software systems. A well-executed robustness testing improves the quality and instills confidence among the users while using critical applications.</p>



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



<h3 id="h-what-tests-the-robustness-of-a-test"><span id="What_tests_the_robustness_of_a_test"><strong>What tests the robustness of a test?</strong></span></h3>



<p>The robustness of a test refers to its ability to perform consistently and accurately under various conditions, including different sample sizes, types of data, and potential measurement errors. To evaluate the robustness of a test, it must be subjected to several tests.</p>



<h3 id="h-what-is-an-example-of-robustness-testing"><span id="What_is_an_example_of_robustness_testing"><strong>What is an example of robustness testing?</strong></span></h3>



<p>Test an application&#8217;s ability to handle incorrect user input.</p>



<p>A user enters an<strong> invalid date</strong> format into a date field,(If the required format is &#8220;mm-dd-yyyy&#8221; and the user enters &#8220;dd-mm-yyyy&#8221; ). For example, the user enters the date field as 03-30-2023 instead 30-03-2023, and the application should be able to recognize this as an error.</p>



<p>Robustness testing ensures the application can handle any unexpected input without crashing or losing data.</p>


Robustness Testing in Software Testing - An Overview

Robustness Testing in Software Testing – An Overview

Test Coverage How to increase test coverage using Testsigma

Test Coverage – What it is & Improve it Using Testsigma


<p>Can you test 100% of your application? Or can you cover every possible testing scenario? And how much time and resources should you allocate to make the software bug-free? There are multiple questions, and all their answers lie in Test coverage techniques.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Why_Are_Test_Coverage_Techniques_Important_for_Test_Automation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> Why Are Test Coverage Techniques Important for Test Automation?</a></li><li><a href="#Test_Coverage_Techniques_You_Should_Know"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Test Coverage Techniques You Should Know</a><ul><li><a href="#Product_Coverage"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.1</span> Product Coverage</a></li><li><a href="#Risk_Coverage"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.2</span> Risk Coverage</a></li><li><a href="#Requirements_Coverage"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.3</span> Requirements Coverage</a></li><li><a href="#Boundary_Value_Coverage"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.4</span> Boundary Value Coverage</a></li><li><a href="#Compatibility_Coverage"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.5</span> Compatibility Coverage</a></li><li><a href="#AI-Aided_Test_Automation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.6</span> AI-Aided Test Automation</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Key_Takeaway"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Key Takeaway</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</a><ul><li><a href="#How_do_you_measure_test_coverage"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.1</span> How do you measure test coverage?</a></li><li><a href="#What_are_some_of_the_test_coverage_best_practices"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.2</span> What are some of the test coverage best practices?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-why-are-test-coverage-techniques-important-for-test-automation"><span id="Why_Are_Test_Coverage_Techniques_Important_for_Test_Automation">Why Are Test Coverage Techniques Important for Test Automation?</span></h2>



<p>Automated testing makes use of tools and test scripts to validate the application. The only manual intervention in automated testing is when testers write and run the scripts. Translating the manual cases to automation covers many scenarios to test the application in lesser time. </p>



<p>Thus, better <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-coverage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test coverage</a> can be achieved sooner. With test automation, you can also focus on areas that are easily missed or difficult to test manually. For instance, checking UI changes manually might seem easy, but pixel-by-pixel comparison and the right font and size can be accurately validated using visual test automation. You can use test coverage techniques and automation to analyze the priority of the test case and run them to get results. </p>



<p>One example of this could be an application that consists of multiple research papers, but only users with valid credentials can access them. In that case, identifying the correct logins and sessions per user is a critical task that is difficult to check with <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/manual-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">manual testing</a>. Combining test coverage techniques with automation will clearly determine the areas that need attention and also provide quick testing of the complete scenario. </p>



<p>For automated testing, choose tools that support the implementation of test coverage techniques we are about to discuss in this blog. Testsigma is an AI-based test automation tool that automates your test cases using these techniques, which we will discuss in later sections.</p>



<p>Read here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-coverage-metrics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test Coverage Metrics</a></p>



<h2 id="h-test-coverage-techniques-you-should-know"><span id="Test_Coverage_Techniques_You_Should_Know">Test Coverage Techniques You Should Know</span></h2>



<p>Test coverage techniques help you to improve the quality of your tests and cover the code lines that are still invalid. There are primarily six techniques that are popular in the market:</p>



<h3 id="h-product-coverage"><span id="Product_Coverage">Product Coverage</span></h3>



<p>A product, here, is a software application that is built to solve some problem for a certain group of users. Product coverage measures the parts/sections of the product that have undergone testing against the total number of parts/sections of the product. It is the ratio between the tested parts to the total number of parts available for testing. Some ways of extending the technique range include making a checklist, prioritizing the product features, and automating the tests.</p>



<h3 id="h-risk-coverage"><span id="Risk_Coverage">Risk Coverage</span></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="2400" height="1260" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/Slide-16_9-51.png" alt="Test coverage technique - Risk coverage" class="wp-image-29264" /></figure>



<p>Another important criterion of the test coverage technique is risk coverage. It identifies all the risks associated with the software under development and tests them thoroughly to uncover bugs. The ideal way to proceed with risk coverage is to segment the tests into different categories:</p>



<ul><li>a likely scenario with a major impact</li><li>an unlikely scenario with low impact</li><li>an unlikely scenario with a major impact</li><li>a likely scenario with low impact</li></ul>



<p>Once you know what test cases come under which division, you can assign them priorities and continue the testing process.</p>



<p>Suppose you are to test an app that manages finances and personal data. In that case, identifying external and internal risks and testing all of those scenarios properly comes under risk coverage. Checking if there is any loophole in the payments page is a likely scenario with a major impact, and verifying that you can make two payments at once is an unlikely scenario with a major impact.</p>



<h3 id="h-requirements-coverage"><span id="Requirements_Coverage">Requirements Coverage</span></h3>



<p>As the name suggests, requirements coverage will measure how many requirements are tested.</p>



<h3 id="h-boundary-value-coverage"><span id="Boundary_Value_Coverage">Boundary Value Coverage</span></h3>



<p>Boundary value testing is a <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/the-different-software-testing-types-explained/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">type of testing</a> that tests the boundary values for the input values being accepted by the application. With Boundary Value Coverage, you calculate the percentage of boundary value tests executed. This technique ensures that boundary-based testing is done for all the fields across the application.</p>



<h3 id="h-compatibility-coverage"><span id="Compatibility_Coverage">Compatibility Coverage</span></h3>



<p><a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/compatibility-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Compatibility tests</a> check the compatibility of an application with different platforms, browsers, and operating systems. Compatibility coverage will be the percentage of compatibility tests executed. Cross-browser testing is also a type of compatibility testing and is counted under compatibility coverage.</p>



<h3 id="h-ai-aided-test-automation"><span id="AI-Aided_Test_Automation">AI-Aided Test Automation</span></h3>



<p>The testing tools that run on AI enable self-improving and self-maintaining test suites. With this, you can rely on robust <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/what-is-test-case/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test cases</a> to provide your application with better test coverage that keeps improving. <strong>Testsigma is the new-age, AI-aided test automation tool that provides:</strong></p>



<ul><li>Codeless testing – you only need to know simple English to automate tests</li><li>Self-healing test cases, so their maintenance isn’t a huge task</li><li>Reporting and analytics of the results for better collaboration across teams</li><li>Offers compatibility to multiple third-party tools, including <a href="https://www.redhat.com/en/topics/devops/what-is-ci-cd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CI/CD integration</a>, collaboration tools, and bug tracking</li><li>Supports Agile and DevOps approach</li><li>Executes web, application, mobile, and <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/api-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">API testing</a> on one unified platform</li><li>You can start creating and executing your tests in minutes</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-key-takeaway"><span id="Key_Takeaway">Key Takeaway</span></h2>



<p>Testing is important, but how much testing is important? What parameters exist to help you understand if you are testing the application enough? It&#8217;s test coverage. It measures the lines of code that have been tested against the total lines of code. The idea is to ensure that you know how much testing is over and how much is still left. And for that, you follow several test coverage techniques that we have mentioned in this blog.</p>



<p>From risk coverage and product coverage to automation and boundary-level evaluation, all these techniques will help you assess your testing efforts. And for everything automation, you already have Testsigma to assist you in no-code testing with all the benefits of test coverage. Explore our website for more information, and sign up for the free demo.</p>




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



<h3 id="h-how-do-you-measure-test-coverage"><span id="How_do_you_measure_test_coverage">How do you measure test coverage?</span></h3>



<p>Test coverage is a percentage value that calculates the line of code tested against the total lines of code available to test. Read here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/how-create-best-test-case-design-get-maximum-test-coverage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how to ensure test coverage</a></p>



<h3 id="h-what-are-some-of-the-test-coverage-best-practices"><span id="What_are_some_of_the_test_coverage_best_practices">What are some of the<a href="http://Test Coverage Best Practices" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> test coverage best practices?</a></span></h3>



<p>Test coverage best practices include</p>



<ul><li>Assessing the risk areas &#8211; Any area that is prone to failing and is user critical should be tested well.</li><li>Reaching for almost 80% test coverage measurement &#8211; Write test cases that cover at least 80% of application features.</li><li>Give priority to user requirements &#8211; Consider the functional and user requirements to implement the requirement coverage technique.</li><li>Be smart during test case creation &#8211; use test coverage techniques that validate the right scenarios and cover the maximum amount of code.</li><li>employing the right automation tools for testing &#8211; go for test automation tools that allow you to be flexible with your test automation approach and let you apply the test coverage techniques we discussed.</li></ul>


Test Coverage Techniques Used In Software Testing

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, 10x faster. Testsigma is also available as an open source and free version.</p>



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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