Mainframe Testing How to Do, Challenges & Best Practices

Bhanu Prakash

Mainframe Testing | How to Do, Challenges & Best Practices


<p>We&#8217;re excited to bring you some amazing new features in this month&#8217;s release. From desktop application recording to on-demand partial test runs and seamless integrations with popular CI/CD tools, we are introducing new features and capabilities to enhance your test automation and streamline your QA processes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Let&#8217;s dive in:</p>



<p>1. <strong>Rapidly automate Windows desktop app testing with our Desktop Recorder:</strong> Our new desktop recorder allows you to record and generate test cases for Windows apps and effortlessly add new UI elements to your Windows projects. </p>



<p>2. <strong>Test hotfixes quickly with partial test plan execution: </strong>No need to re-run entire test plans after hotfixes. With Testsigma, you can now execute partial runs of test plans or test plan subsets for when you need quick results for that bug fix on release days.</p>



<p>3. <strong>Build automation made easy with Jenkins Integration</strong>: Integrate Testsigma into your CI/CD pipeline for smooth build automation and continuous testing. Our Jenkins integration allows you to run tests and get results at every merge without leaving your pipeline.&nbsp;</p>



<p>4. <strong>Unify your test reporting with Azure DevOps Integration</strong>: Report and maintain your tests in a single place with Azure DevOps integration. Access all your test reports and results from your Azure DevOps dashboard. Push bugs, epics, tasks, or stories directly from Testsigma while testing, streamlining your workflow.</p>



<p>Stay tuned for more updates from our Product Team. And if you haven&#8217;t yet, <a href="https://testsigma.com/signup">try Testsigma for free</a> and see the difference it makes to your SDLC and release quality.</p>



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July ’23 Product Digest: The latest on Testsigma


<div class="overview-wrapper">
  <div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Overview"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> Overview</a></li><li><a href="#Meaning_of_Testing_Objectives"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Meaning of Testing Objectives</a></li><li><a href="#Why_are_Test_Objectives_Important_in_Software_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Why are Test Objectives Important in Software Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Important_Objectives_and_Goals_of_Software_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Important Objectives and Goals of Software Testing</a><ul><li><a href="#Immediate_Testing_Objectives"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.1</span> Immediate Testing Objectives</a></li><li><a href="#Long-Term_Testing_Goals"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.2</span> Long-Term Testing Goals</a></li><li><a href="#Post-Implementation_Test_Objectives"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.3</span> Post-Implementation Test Objectives</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#How_to_Define_and_Measure_Objectives_of_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> How to Define and Measure Objectives of Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Common_Mistakes_to_Avoid_When_Defining_Objectives_of_Software_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Common Mistakes to Avoid When Defining Objectives of Software Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Turn_Testing_Objectives_Into_Results_With_Testsigma"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Turn Testing Objectives Into Results With Testsigma!</a></li><li><a href="#FAQs_on_the_Objective_of_Software_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> FAQs on the Objective of Software Testing</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 class="overview-head"><span id="Overview">Overview</span></h2>
  <div class="overview-para-wrapper">

    <p class="overview-para">
      <strong>What Are Testing Objectives?</strong><br>
      Testing objectives define the specific outcomes you want to achieve through your testing efforts before writing any test cases.
    </p>

    <p class="overview-para">
      <strong>What Are the Essential Goals of Software Testing?</strong>
    </p>
    <ul class="ov-list-wrapper">
      <li class="ov-list">Bug discovery</li>
      <li class="ov-list">Verification of requirements</li>
      <li class="ov-list">Performance optimization</li>
      <li class="ov-list">Security enhancements</li>
      <li class="ov-list">User satisfaction</li>
    </ul>

    <p class="overview-para">
      <strong>What Mistakes Should You Avoid When Defining the Objectives of Software Testing?</strong>
    </p>
    <ul class="ov-list-wrapper">
      <li class="ov-list">Copying objectives from other projects</li>
      <li class="ov-list">Defining objectives too late in the cycle</li>
      <li class="ov-list">Setting objectives based on the tester&#8217;s assumptions</li>
      <li class="ov-list">Focusing on technical testability over user impact</li>
      <li class="ov-list">Creating objectives without stakeholder buy-in</li>
    </ul>

  </div>
</div>




<p>When you&#8217;re heading to a new city or starting a hike, you bring a map or GPS to stay on track. Without one, you might wander aimlessly, take wrong turns, or reach your destination but waste hours getting there.</p>



<p><a data-wpil="url" data-wpil="url" data-wpil="url" data-wpil="url" data-wpil="url" data-wpil="url" href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Software testing</a> without objectives is the same. You test whatever feels important, missing out on critical bugs and essential functions. While the product ships, users encounter issues that should have been caught earlier.</p>



<p>Testing objectives provide direction and purpose for your QA process. They define what you&#8217;re validating, why it matters, and how you&#8217;ll measure success.</p>



<p>Let&#8217;s see what goals and objectives should be part of your software testing and how to define them clearly.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meaning-of-testing-objectives"><span id="Meaning_of_Testing_Objectives">Meaning of Testing Objectives</span></h2>



<p>Testing objectives define what you want to accomplish through your software testing efforts. They&#8217;re the specific outcomes you&#8217;re aiming for before you write a single test case. For instance, your objective could be “validate all critical user workflows under peak load conditions.” </p>



<p>Your objectives, goals, and purpose of software testing might overlap, but they serve different roles:&nbsp;</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Testing purpose explains why you test (build customer trust, ensure reliability)</li>



<li>Goals set measurable targets (reduce production defects by 30% in Q2, achieve 95% test coverage)</li>



<li>Test objectives define specific validation points (verify API response times under 2 seconds, ensure zero critical bugs in production)</li>
</ul>



<p>Here&#8217;s how they work together in practice. The purpose of testing is to answer the question of why you test in the first place. Goals offer clarity on the outcomes you&#8217;re targeting and how you&#8217;ll track progress. Test objectives break down those outcomes into testable checkpoints you can execute and verify.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-are-test-objectives-important-in-software-testing"><span id="Why_are_Test_Objectives_Important_in_Software_Testing">Why are Test Objectives Important in Software Testing?</span></h2>



<p>Without defined objectives, your teams end up testing whatever seems important, which can result in missing critical areas while over-testing low-risk features.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This defeats the purpose of testing in software testing, wasting time and leaving real vulnerabilities unidentified.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Here’s a more detailed look at why you should define your objectives:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Product quality: </strong>Clear objectives ensure you validate what matters most. Instead of random testing, you cover functionality, performance, and security in a structured way that builds confidence in the product.</li>



<li><strong>Business alignment: </strong>Objectives keep testing focused on what actually matters to your business and users. For a banking app, this could mean prioritizing transaction accuracy over cosmetic issues like button alignment, given its legal and financial implications.</li>



<li><strong>Cost efficiency: </strong>Resources aren&#8217;t unlimited. So, objectives help you decide where effort delivers the most value, ensuring you don’t waste time in low-impact areas while ensuring critical functions work flawlessly.</li>



<li><strong>Measurable progress: </strong>Objectives give you concrete answers instead of guesswork. You can tell stakeholders, “We&#8217;ve validated all checkout scenarios” rather than “Testing is mostly done.” Your progress becomes trackable and transparent.</li>



<li><strong>Scope control: </strong>When new testing ideas emerge mid-cycle, objectives help you evaluate whether they&#8217;re essential or can wait for the next release.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-important-objectives-and-goals-of-software-testing"><span id="Important_Objectives_and_Goals_of_Software_Testing">Important Objectives and Goals of Software Testing</span></h2>



<p>Testing objectives and goals change depending on where you are in the development process. During the build phase, you&#8217;re focused on <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/how-to-find-bugs/">finding bugs</a> and confirming features work correctly. Once the product is live, you&#8217;re watching for performance issues and security gaps.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Each stage needs different priorities. So, here are some common testing objectives and goals that you must define across different stages:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immediate-testing-objectives"><span id="Immediate_Testing_Objectives">Immediate Testing Objectives</span></h3>



<p>These objectives of testing help you during active development and before release.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Bug discovery:</strong> Finding defects before users do protects your reputation and prevents costly fixes after launch.</li>



<li><strong>Bug prevention:</strong> Identifying patterns that cause errors helps developers avoid similar mistakes in future code.</li>



<li><strong>Verification of requirements:</strong> Confirming the software meets documented specifications ensures you&#8217;re building what was actually requested.</li>



<li><strong>Validation of functionalities and design:</strong> Testing whether features solve real user problems, not just whether they work technically.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-testing-goals"><span id="Long-Term_Testing_Goals">Long-Term Testing Goals</span></h3>



<p>After launch, your testing focus shifts to maintaining quality and adapting to change:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Continuous testing and improvement:</strong> Regular <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-cycles/">testing cycles</a> catch issues introduced by new features or environmental changes.</li>



<li><strong>Performance optimization:</strong> Monitoring speed, resource usage, and scalability ensures the software scales without degrading performance.</li>



<li><strong>Security enhancements:</strong> Ongoing security testing protects against threats and newly discovered vulnerabilities.</li>



<li><strong>Regression testing:</strong> Verifying that updates and fixes don&#8217;t break existing functionality that previously worked.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-post-implementation-test-objectives"><span id="Post-Implementation_Test_Objectives">Post-Implementation Test Objectives</span></h3>



<p>Once users are actively using your software, your testing should measure real-world impact and ongoing reliability.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>User satisfaction:</strong> Measuring whether the software actually delivers value and meets user expectations in production.</li>



<li><strong>Reliability:</strong> Tracking uptime, error rates, and stability to ensure consistent performance under real conditions.</li>



<li><strong>Compliance:</strong> Verifying the software meets industry regulations, legal requirements, and data protection standards.</li>



<li><strong>Risk management:</strong> Identifying and monitoring potential failure points that could impact business operations or user trust.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-define-and-measure-objectives-of-testing"><span id="How_to_Define_and_Measure_Objectives_of_Testing">How to Define and Measure Objectives of Testing?</span></h2>



<p>Setting test objectives isn’t about following any template. It requires understanding your product, users, and business priorities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Your testing objectives should be specific enough to guide <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-design/">test design</a> decisions but flexible enough to adapt when requirements change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Here&#8217;s how to define goals of software testing that actually work:</p>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Start with Understanding Your Priority</li>
</ol>



<p>Begin by identifying what matters most to your stakeholders and end users. Talk to product managers about which features lead to revenue or retention.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Review support tickets to find where users consistently run into problems. Your objectives should address real risks that affect the business, not theoretical scenarios that rarely happen.</p>



<ol start="2" class="wp-block-list">
<li>Make Objectives Specific and Measurable</li>
</ol>



<p>Don’t define vague goals like “Make the app faster”, it won’t give your team direction and leaves too much open to interpretation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Define what quality actually means for your product. An objective like “ensure all payment transactions are complete within 3 seconds” tells testers exactly what to validate.&nbsp;</p>



<ol start="3" class="wp-block-list">
<li>Align with Project Constraints</li>
</ol>



<p>Your objectives need to fit within your timeline, team size, and budget. Consider which <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/software-testing-models/">software testing models</a> work best for your project, whether that&#8217;s Agile, Waterfall, or V-Model.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If you have two weeks before launch, plan accordingly. Target critical areas you can test thoroughly with the resources instead of spreading yourself too thin.</p>



<ol start="4" class="wp-block-list">
<li>Document and Communicate Clearly</li>
</ol>



<p>Write your objectives in a place where everyone can access them. Use simple language that developers, testers, and managers all understand without confusion.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When the whole team knows what you&#8217;re working toward, it becomes easier to make decisions and defend priorities.</p>



<ol start="5" class="wp-block-list">
<li>Review and Adjust As Needed</li>
</ol>



<p>Make sure your testing objectives stay flexible so they can adapt when circumstances change. When requirements shift or new risks surface, such as a security vulnerability discovered in a third-party library, your objectives need to adjust quickly.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To that end, schedule regular check-ins to analyze these <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/test-scenario/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">testing scenarios</a> and assess whether you&#8217;re still checking what matters most to your product and users.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-common-mistakes-to-avoid-when-defining-objectives-of-software-testing"><span id="Common_Mistakes_to_Avoid_When_Defining_Objectives_of_Software_Testing">Common Mistakes to Avoid When Defining Objectives of Software Testing</span></h2>



<p>Even experienced teams make mistakes when setting testing objectives. Some create objectives that are too vague to guide decisions, while others set unrealistic targets that frustrate the team and delay releases.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Once you understand these common pitfalls, you can write a testing purpose that actually improves your process.</p>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Copying Objectives from Other Projects</li>
</ol>



<p>Using another team or project objectives as your own is not a good practice because every product has different risks and priorities. You see, what worked for a mobile app won&#8217;t fit an enterprise database system.</p>



<p><strong>Solution:</strong> Write your testing objectives based on your product&#8217;s and test-specific needs. You can reference others for inspiration, but always define your own to match your user base, business model, and technical architecture.</p>



<ol start="2" class="wp-block-list">
<li>Defining Objectives Too Late in the Cycle</li>
</ol>



<p>Waiting until the testing phase to set objectives means earlier decisions lack quality considerations. You end up testing whatever was built instead of shaping what gets built in the first place.</p>



<p><strong>Solution:</strong> It’s best to establish testing objectives during requirements gathering or sprint planning. This way, developers understand quality expectations and prevent building features that are difficult to validate.</p>



<ol start="3" class="wp-block-list">
<li>Setting Objectives Based on Tester Assumptions</li>
</ol>



<p>QA teams sometimes define objectives based solely on their own quality perspective, missing what the business and users actually need. This creates objectives that seem ideal to testers but don&#8217;t address actual product risks.</p>



<p><strong>Solution: </strong>Involve stakeholders when setting objectives. Talk to customer support, product managers, and review user analytics. Your objectives should reflect the full picture, not just the testing team&#8217;s view.</p>



<ol start="4" class="wp-block-list">
<li>Focusing on Technical Testability Over User Impact</li>
</ol>



<p>Testers often focus more on testing the technical side of the product while overlooking whether the software actually solves user problems.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Solution:</strong> Start with user impact, then figure out how to test it. Test whether users can complete their tasks smoothly, not just whether the technical components function correctly.</p>



<ol start="5" class="wp-block-list">
<li>Creating Objectives Without Stakeholder Buy-In</li>
</ol>



<p>When objectives are set without leadership input, they get ignored during crunch time. Testing gets pushed aside because stakeholders never agreed that those objectives mattered in the first place.</p>



<p><strong>Solution: </strong>Present your objectives in planning meetings and get approval from<strong> </strong>decision-makers before starting. When stakeholders support your testing priorities, they&#8217;re more likely to protect the time and resources needed to meet them.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turn-testing-objectives-into-results-with-testsigma"><span id="Turn_Testing_Objectives_Into_Results_With_Testsigma">Turn Testing Objectives Into Results With Testsigma!</span></h2>



<p>Testing objectives shape your entire testing approach, ensuring your QA process leads to valuable outcomes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Start by understanding your business goals and user priorities, then align them with your project constraints. Make sure your goals and objectives are measurable and specific. Also, document everything clearly and don&#8217;t let bias or assumptions influence what you define.</p>



<p>When you’re ready to turn those objectives into action, Testsigma is there for you. An <a href="https://testsigma.com/ai-driven-test-automation">AI-powered platform</a>, it automates the whole testing cycle, so you can focus on your product rather than maintenance.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Whether you&#8217;re validating critical workflows or running regression checks, Testsigma keeps your testing aligned with what actually matters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faqs-on-the-objective-of-software-testing"><span id="FAQs_on_the_Objective_of_Software_Testing">FAQs on the Objective of Software Testing</span></h2>



<div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1767594587632"><strong class="schema-faq-question">Are objectives different from testing goals?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Yes, your goals describe the bigger picture you&#8217;re working towards, such as “reduce customer-reported bugs by 40%.” Objectives are more like the specific tasks you&#8217;ll complete to get there, like “test all checkout flows across five browsers.”</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1767594598474"><strong class="schema-faq-question">How do objectives impact ROI?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Testing objectives help you spend time and budget on catching expensive bugs and checking core functionality before they reach production.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1767594609658"><strong class="schema-faq-question">What is the key objective of integration testing?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">The key objective of integration testing is to verify that different modules or components work together correctly when combined.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1767594627108"><strong class="schema-faq-question">How many testing objectives should I have for a project?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Limit yourself to 3-5 core objectives per release to maintain focus and avoid overwhelming your team.</p> </div> </div>



<p></p>


What Are the Ultimate Goals of Software Testing

Objectives of Software Testing: Key Goals & Best Practices

Yashaswi Singh

What is CI CD testing? How Does It Work?

How to Find Bugs in Application/ Website?

Dynamic Testing What it is ,Types ,& Step by Step Process

What is Dynamic testing? Tools, Techniques & Examples


<p>Every tester spends excessive time understanding the application and its specifications to test it. But imagine the wastage of time and cost for testers when the software build, which developers pass for testing, keeps failing every test. All of this is possible to avoid by using Build Verification Testing or BVT.</p>



<p>The process consists of individually checking the software builds to ensure they are going for testing only after the build is stable and ready.</p>



<p>Let’s learn about BVT and its 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_Build_Verification_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What Is Build Verification Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_Build_Verification_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Why Build Verification Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Principles_of_BVT"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Principles of BVT</a></li><li><a href="#The_Process_of_BVT_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> The Process of BVT Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Why_Automation_Is_Essential_For_Build_Verification_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Why Automation Is Essential For Build Verification Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Some_Benefits_Of_BVT_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Some Benefits Of BVT Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Tips_For_Selecting_Build_Verification_Tests"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Tips For Selecting Build Verification Tests</a></li><li><a href="#Build_Verification_Testing_Checklist"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> Build Verification Testing Checklist</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="#Who_performs_BVT"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">10.1</span> Who performs BVT?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_the_difference_between_build_verification_testing_and_build_acceptance_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">10.2</span> What is the difference between build verification testing and build acceptance testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_an_example_of_BVT_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">10.3</span> What is an example of BVT testing?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-build-verification-testing"><span id="What_Is_Build_Verification_Testing">What Is Build Verification Testing?</span></h2>



<p>Build verification testing, or BVT, is a set of tests run on every new build to check if the build is stable and ready for further testing. It consists of test cases that validate the core features of the software build. Any build that fails BVT is rejected and goes back to the developers for resolution. Later, it comes back after a fix, and<a href="https://testsigma.com/regression-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> regression testing</a> happens on it with the same set of test cases.</p>



<p>The idea is to save time and resources by eliminating the back-and-forth between the build and testing phases. And this testing proves highly useful when there are multiple inter-dependent builds. It is also called<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/smoke-testing/"> Smoke testing</a> and mainly checks for build verification and acceptance.</p>



<p>An example of BVT is verifying the basic functions of a registration form, such as page rendering and successful registration upon providing the correct credentials. Any build that functions according to its expected behavior passes the BVT testing and moves ahead for further testing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-build-verification-testing"><span id="Why_Build_Verification_Testing">Why Build Verification Testing?</span></h2>



<p>BVT aims to ensure that the system or the build exhibits the expected behavior as defined in specifications documents. Some of the reasons why you should perform build verification testing are as follows:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>Early detection of issues:</strong> BVT is conducted in the early stages of development or after making significant changes to a system. By verifying the expected behavior, you identify bugs and resolve them early on, reducing the likelihood of more severe problems later in the development cycle.</li><li><strong>Risk mitigation:</strong> BVT helps mitigate risks associated with the system&#8217;s behavior. It identifies potential risks such as security vulnerabilities, data loss, or incorrect functionality by validating and addressing the expected behavior before the system gets deployed to production.</li><li><strong>Verification of requirements:</strong> BVT ensures that the system meets the specified requirements or specifications. It helps validate that the system performs the intended functions and behaves correctly.</li><li><strong>Confidence in system functionality:</strong> Performing BVT assures that the system is functioning properly and helps build confidence among stakeholders, including developers, testers, project managers, and end-users, about its quality.</li><li><strong>Efficiency and time savings:</strong> By conducting BVT, any deviations from the expected behavior can be identified promptly. This allows developers to make the necessary corrections early on, reducing the overall time and effort required for testing and debugging.</li><li><strong>Customer satisfaction:</strong> BVT ensures that the system meets the expected behavior, which in turn increases the likelihood of customer satisfaction as they receive a reliable and functional product.</li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-principles-of-bvt"><span id="Principles_of_BVT">Principles of BVT</span></h2>



<p>Primarily, the principles of BVT are developing a stable build, verifying the build&#8217;s health, and moving toward automation. These three points basically cover multiple aspects of BVT, such as:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>Early Testing:</strong> BVT should be performed as early as possible in the development cycle to catch issues and bugs at an early stage. It helps identify and rectify problems before they become complex and costly to fix.</li><li><strong>Focus on Critical Functionality:</strong> BVT prioritizes testing the critical functionalities of the system or software component that significantly impact the overall build performance or user experience.</li><li><strong>Test End-to-End Scenarios:</strong> BVT should include test scenarios that cover the end-to-end functionality of the system. Such an approach is useful in verifying the interaction between different components of the system.</li><li><strong>Clear and Measurable Criteria:</strong> The testing should have clear and measurable criteria for determining each test case&#8217;s expected behavior and success measure.</li><li><strong>Reproducibility:</strong> BVT should be reproducible, with the tests being the ability to execute multiple times with the same inputs and produce the same results. Reproducibility is important for debugging and investigating issues that arise during testing.</li><li><strong>Documentation:</strong> You must be able to well-document the BVT process, including <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Test_plan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test plans</a>, test cases, and test results. This helps in maintaining a record of the testing process, facilitates collaboration among team members, and provides a reference for future testing and maintenance activities.</li><li><strong>Automation:</strong> Whenever feasible, leverage automation tools and frameworks to streamline the testing process. Automation helps increase efficiency, reduce human errors, and enable repeated execution of tests, allowing for faster feedback on the system&#8217;s behavior.</li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-process-of-bvt-testing"><span id="The_Process_of_BVT_Testing">The Process of BVT Testing</span></h2>



<p>You know that BVT consists of certain core functionality tests to check if the software build is ready for testing. Now, let’s see how the BVT process happens and what steps are involved in it.</p>



<p>Performing BVT is quite straightforward: run pre-defined, repetitive tests to see if the build is functioning as it is supposed to. And because the tests are redundant, automating your BVT process using automation tools is logical. Follow these steps to run BVT:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Select the right BVT tests from the already defined test cases.</li><li>Execute the test cases as part of your CI/CD pipeline.</li><li>Analyze and report the test results upon every run.</li><li>In case a BVT test fails, send it back to the developer, log the results, and reject the build.</li><li>Now, developers will work on the issue resolution based on your report and feedback.</li><li>They will send back a new build after fixing the problem, which will again go through BVT with the same set of tests.</li><li>If the build passes BVT, move it forward for testing; otherwise, reject it and send it back for further resolution.</li></ul>



<p>These steps are general guidelines, and the actual implementation of BVT may vary based on the project&#8217;s specific needs, complexity, and context.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-automation-is-essential-for-build-verification-testing"><span id="Why_Automation_Is_Essential_For_Build_Verification_Testing">Why Automation Is Essential For Build Verification Testing?</span></h2>



<p>BVT tests must be automated because automation makes testing extremely accessible and easy. And since these tests are run repeatedly to ensure the build is ready for the testing phase, automation also saves time and cost. The best way to approach BVT automation is to automate everything from start to end, including the build release process and the BVT results.</p>



<p>Automation tools assist in running the tests. And because BVT focuses only on core functionalities, you can go for tools that offer simple yet effective ways to write and execute tests. Testsigma is one such automation tool that provides testers the ability to save and re-run test cases, which is an important part of the BVT process. Another advantage of using Testsigma for BVT is the tool’s feature allowing testers to create test cases in plain English and save them whenever. It further helps that the tool supports web, mobile, desktop and API testing broadening your testing horizons.</p>



<p><br><p><button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Automate your BVT tests, for web, mobile, desktop, and APIs, from the same place, with Testsigma</a></button></p><br></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-benefits-of-bvt-testing"><span id="Some_Benefits_Of_BVT_Testing">Some Benefits Of BVT Testing</span></h2>



<p>Behavioral Verification Testing (BVT) offers several benefits in the software development process. Some of the key benefits of BVT include:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Checks all major core functionalities before executing in-detail tests, thereby saving time and money</li><li>Detects potential bugs even before the testing phase starts</li><li>Helps mitigate risks associated with the behavior of the system</li><li>Ensures that the system adheres to the specified requirements or specifications</li><li>Instills confidence in the development team, testers, project managers, and stakeholders by thoroughly verifying the behavior of the system</li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tips-for-selecting-build-verification-tests"><span id="Tips_For_Selecting_Build_Verification_Tests">Tips For Selecting Build Verification Tests</span></h2>



<p>Some tips you should keep in mind while selecting build verification tests are:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Choose all the test cases that cover the core and major functionalities of the software.</li><li>Select test cases that cover end-to-end scenarios of user interactions or system processes.</li><li>Include test cases that cover various input combinations, boundary values, error conditions, and exceptional scenarios.</li><li>Ensure to mention the right version details about the build in the tests.</li><li>Go for test cases that can be automated and executed within 30 minutes.</li><li>Add BVT tests as a part of your CI process.</li><li>Allocate more test cases to high-risk areas to verify and mitigate potential risks thoroughly.</li><li>Select the scalable tests that can be re-used with new additions and modifications of build functionalities.</li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-build-verification-testing-checklist"><span id="Build_Verification_Testing_Checklist">Build Verification Testing Checklist</span></h2>



<p>By now, you have a clear idea about BVT and its scope. And while you can start performing the tests, it is good to have a checklist ready to make sure no critical step goes missing. Follow the below list for running your BVT process.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Develop a BVT test plan outlining the objectives, scope, and test coverage.</li><li>Verify that all the test cases within BVT cover the major functionalities of the build.</li><li>Check if all the tests included in the final testing process are sufficient for build verification.</li><li>Define the entry and exit criteria and follow them strictly.</li><li>Identify and prioritize the test cases.</li><li>If feasible, try to automate all tests.</li><li>Provide detailed reporting of the bugs and rejected builds.</li><li>Follow a standard guideline when the build fails BVT and goes back to developers for a fix.</li><li>Ensure to properly follow the build pass criteria, i.e., do not even overlook any minute issue when it comes to qualifying the build as pass or fail.</li><li>Maintain the automation script with the right input values to re-run them for testing rejected builds after resolution.</li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conclusion"><span id="Conclusion">Conclusion</span></h2>



<p>BVT is a test that is conducted before the detailed testing phase on every new software build. The goal of BVT is to check the core features of the build to see if it is stable and ready for testing. BVT prevents the failing of test cases when the testing on the build actually starts. Build owners work on incoming builds to identify the issues and reject or pass them based on the outcome. With BVT, we only aim to validate the basic functionality of the software rather than verifying all the possible edge cases.</p>



<p>Most of the BVT test cases are automated as they need to be re-run to test new or existing builds that keep coming for testing. You can automate BVT test cases using tools that support writing and executing small, basic tests in record time with lesser resources. Testsigma is equipped with AI to assist testers in creating tests that can be saved, re-run, and written in plain English to perform the BVT process easily. The tool is popular for its accessible testing methods, including NLP-based scripting, data-driven testing, and reusable test groups, which are all required for BVT.</p>



<p>We encourage you to explore Testsigma for all your testing requirements. Register for a<a href="https://testsigma.com/request-demo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> free demo</a> to learn more about the tool and how it will help you to create end-to-end tests 10x faster for web, mobile apps, &amp; APIs.</p>



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



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-performs-bvt"><span id="Who_performs_BVT">Who performs BVT?</span></h3>



<p>Developers or testers can both perform BVT. Often, the person who executes and maintains BVT results is called the BVT owner and takes care of the testing process before rejecting or passing the build as per the outcome.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-the-difference-between-build-verification-testing-and-build-acceptance-testing"><span id="What_is_the_difference_between_build_verification_testing_and_build_acceptance_testing">What is the difference between build verification testing and build acceptance testing?</span></h3>



<p>Build verification testing is also called build acceptance testing, which focuses on accepting the build for the detailed testing phase. Both terms are interchangeable in meaning.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-an-example-of-bvt-testing"><span id="What_is_an_example_of_BVT_testing">What is an example of BVT testing?</span></h3>



<p>An example of BVT can be verifying the core functionality of an e-commerce application by signing in and adding products to a cart to buy. For a video/audio sharing app, it can be checking if the videos/audios are displaying and playing as intended. By definition, BVT does not include every edge case but only focuses on validating the primary feature of the build.</p>


Build Verification Testing (BVT Testing) - A Quick Guide

Build Verification Testing (BVT Testing) – A Quick Guide

QA vs UAT Difference between QA and UAT Testing

QA vs UAT: Difference between QA and UAT Testing

What is Production Testing? | Benefits, Best Practices & Tools


<p>In simple terms, shift left refers to moving testing and quality assurance earlier in the development process, while shift right focuses on testing and monitoring after the software is released. In this blog post, we&#8217;ll break down the differences between Shift Left vs Shift Right and why they matter.</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_the_Difference_Between_Shift_Left_and_Shift_Right"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is the Difference Between Shift Left and Shift Right?</a></li><li><a href="#Test_Automation_Using_Shift_Left_and_Shift_Right"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Test Automation Using Shift Left and Shift Right.</a></li><li><a href="#Why_Shift_Right_and_Shift_Left_Testing_are_Critical_for_Microservices_Architecture"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Why Shift Right and Shift Left Testing are Critical for Microservices Architecture?</a></li><li><a href="#Shift_Left_vs_Shift_Right_When_to_Use_Which"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Shift Left vs Shift Right: When to Use Which?</a></li><li><a href="#Shift_Left_vs_Shift_Right_8211_Tools_Used"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Shift Left vs Shift Right &#8211; Tools Used </a></li><li><a href="#Shift_Left_vs_Shift_Right_A_Summary"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Shift Left vs Shift Right – A Summary</a></li><li><a href="#Which_One_to_Choose_Shift_Left_or_Shift_Right_or_Both"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Which One to Choose, Shift Left or Shift Right, or Both?</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> Conclusion</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="#Is_the_shift_left_positive_or_negative"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">9.1</span> Is the shift left positive or negative?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_an_example_of_shift_left_testing_and_shift_right_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">9.2</span> What is an example of shift left testing and shift right testing?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-the-difference-between-shift-left-and-shift-right"><span id="What_is_the_Difference_Between_Shift_Left_and_Shift_Right"><strong>What is the Difference Between Shift Left and Shift Right?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Let me explain you in simple terms.</p>



<p><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/how-does-testsigma-support-the-shift-left-approach/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shift-left testing</a> starts testing earlier in the development cycle before the code is written. This type of testing narrows the gap between writing code and finding bugs. The goal of shift left testing is to find and fix bugs quickly and reduce the cost of fixing them. </p>



<p>Shift-right testing is the testing process later in the development cycle after the product is deployed. This type of testing focuses on verifying functionality and usability and finding and resolving customer-reported issues. Shift-right testing aims to improve the user experience and ensure the product is bug-free before releasing updates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-test-automation-using-shift-left-and-shift-right"><span id="Test_Automation_Using_Shift_Left_and_Shift_Right"><strong><strong>Test Automation Using Shift Left and Shift Right.</strong></strong></span></h2>



<p><strong>U</strong>se of test automation when you shift your testing left, or right depends on the state of your application and the state of your testing. When shifting your testing left, <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test automation</a> would help if you have tests executed repeatedly or very complex tests that would give better results upon automation. The same applies to shifting your testing right. Automating your tests for shift right makes better sense as, at this time, the application is fully developed and is expected to be more stable.</p>



<p>Let&#8217;s discuss the tools that can be used for automating your shift left tests and shift right tests.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="why-shift-right-and-shift-left-testing-are-critical-for-microservices-architecture"><span id="Why_Shift_Right_and_Shift_Left_Testing_are_Critical_for_Microservices_Architecture"><strong>Why Shift Right and Shift Left Testing are Critical for Microservices Architecture?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Both shift-left and shift-right testing are cornerstones for microservices architecture. This is because&nbsp;</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>they ensure early identification of issues through detection mechanisms, </li><li>enhance collaboration between teams, </li><li>improve quality and reliability, </li><li>reduce costs through automation and </li><li>improved processes.</li></ul>



<p>Shift-Left Testing moves the testing activities earlier in the development lifecycle. Testing happens at the beginning of the process. It is like checking whether the car engine works before starting to drive.</p>



<p>Shift Right Testing moves its activities to be performed in a production-like environment. It entails monitoring how the application performs and behaves in terms of action.</p>



<p>It means testing does not stop when the car hits the road; it continues to ensure that everything is running smoothly.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="shift-left-vs-shift-right-when-to-use-which"><span id="Shift_Left_vs_Shift_Right_When_to_Use_Which"><strong>Shift Left vs Shift Right: When to Use Which?</strong></span></h2>



<p><strong>Shift Left</strong> is ideal for identifying and acting on issues early in the software development lifecycle, during requirements gathering and early testing. It is best suited for projects that emphasize quality and rapid iteration.</p>



<p><strong>Shift Right </strong>is all about making sure your app performs well, keeping an eye on how it&#8217;s doing, and making sure users are happy once it&#8217;s out there. It&#8217;s great for apps that need constant tweaks. Also, for real-time feedback to make sure they work well and keep users happy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shift-left-vs-shift-right-tools-used"><span id="Shift_Left_vs_Shift_Right_8211_Tools_Used"><strong>Shift Left vs Shift Right &#8211; Tools Used </strong></span></h2>



<p><strong>Shift-Left Testing Tools:</strong></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>Testsigma</strong>: <a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma</a> is an AI-powered automation testing tool that supports the Shift Left approach. The benefit of using Testsigma is it allows you to write test cases right from the design phase. So, whether your features are conclusive or not — you can start working on your testing approach even without the availability of the application or software. You can always add test steps without element details and fill them up later when the details are available. Testsigma, a codeless tool, is very easy and efficient for test creation. This helps you speed up your testing process many times.</li></ul>



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<p class="title">Shift Your Test Automation Left with Testsigma</p>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>TestLeft: </strong>As the name suggests, SmartBear’s TestLift is specifically made for Shift Left testing. With this tool, you can start testing right from the design phase; as soon as the UI features are ready, you can automate your tests.</li><li><strong>JUnit</strong>: A unit testing framework developers use to write and run repeatable tests.</li></ul>



<p><strong>Shift-Right Testing Tools:</strong></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>Testsigma: </strong>Testsigma can also automate shift-right tests for efficient and effective test automation and execution. </li></ul>



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<ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>Appium</strong>: Similarly, appium, an open-source <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-automation-frameworks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test automation framework</a> for <a href="https://testsigma.com/mobile-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">testing mobile apps</a> can be used to automate your shift-rest tests.</li><li><strong>Selenium</strong>: Selenium is a powerful open-source framework used for automating web browsers. This helps you automate your <a href="https://devops.com/shift-right-testing-the-emergence-of-testops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shift right tests</a> for web applications</li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="shift-left-vs-shift-right-a-summary"><span id="Shift_Left_vs_Shift_Right_A_Summary"><strong>Shift Left vs Shift Right – A Summary</strong></span></h2>



<p>Here is a detailed table:</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Criteria</strong></td><td><strong>Shift Left</strong></td><td><strong>Shift Right</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Definition&nbsp;</strong></td><td>Refers to shifting the focus of operations and tasks to the left of the traditional technology stack to develop or maintain software.&nbsp;</td><td>Refers to shifting the focus from manual tasks and more technical tasks.&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Benefits&nbsp;</strong></td><td>Enhances quality, and reduces development time.</td><td>Automating tasks leads to faster development cycles and higher accuracy during testing.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Impact&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></td><td>Reduced costs through automation and better processes.</td><td>Increased efficiency in completing tasks by automating repeatable accuracy when developing software.&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Focus Areas</strong></td><td>Emphasizes early testing, continuous feedback, and integration to identify issues sooner.</td><td>Concentrates on performance, monitoring, and validation after deployment to ensure quality in production.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Risk Management</strong></td><td>Identifies and mitigates risks early in the development process to avoid costly late-stage fixes.</td><td>Focuses on identifying and addressing operational risks post-deployment through monitoring and feedback loops.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Collaboration</strong></td><td>Encourages collaboration between development and testing teams from the beginning.</td><td>Promotes collaboration between operations and development teams post-release for continuous improvement.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-which-one-to-choose-shift-left-or-shift-right-or-both"><span id="Which_One_to_Choose_Shift_Left_or_Shift_Right_or_Both"><strong>Which One to Choose, Shift Left or Shift Right, or Both?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Alright, we&#8217;re all pondering whether to go left or right. Here are some tips to help you pick the one that&#8217;s right for you. It depends on the scale of the test and the specific needs and preferences of the organization. If you want to focus primarily on the early detection of critical bugs or other software development problems, then &#8220;Shift-Left&#8221; testing is your best choice; by performing tests earlier on in the development cycle, you can detect and eliminate problems more quickly and this can save money and other resources in the long term. </p>



<p>On the other hand, if you are more concerned with verifying the correctness of the application as it is being deployed, then a &#8220;Shift-Right&#8221; approach would be more appropriate; by postponing tests to later stages of the deployment pipeline, you can ensure that features and behaviors are sufficiently tested in the environments where they are being used. In some cases, it may be beneficial to use a combination of both approaches; the key is understanding your particular needs and objectives and selecting and refining your testing strategies accordingly.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conclusion"><span id="Conclusion"><strong>Conclusion</strong></span></h2>



<p>So here&#8217;s the deal &#8211; there are two operations before you: shift left and shift right. Each has its pros and cons. Shift Left is about catching defects early in the development process, while Shift Right focuses on testing in production to ensure your app works well in the real world. It really depends on what your organization needs and wants. You must consider your company culture, development processes, and business goals to determine your best approach.</p>



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



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-the-shift-left-positive-or-negative"><span id="Is_the_shift_left_positive_or_negative">Is the shift left positive or negative?</span></h3>



<p>Shift left is a positive operation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-an-example-of-shift-left-testing-and-shift-right-testing"><span id="What_is_an_example_of_shift_left_testing_and_shift_right_testing">What is an example of shift left testing and shift right testing?</span></h3>



<p>Shift Left Testing: This testing operation occurs early in the software development life cycle. An example of this could involve unit and integration testing performed by developers and QA specialists before handing off the project to operations or the customer. Shift right testing is a testing approach that moves testing activities to the right of the development cycle, meaning it starts later in the process. An example would be having the customer perform user acceptance testing at the end of the development cycle to ensure the product meets their needs and requirements.</p>


Shifting Gears The Differences between Shift Left vs Shift Right