Automated GUI Testing – What , When , Approaches & Benefits


<p>In this blog post, we&#8217;ll explain what mobile accessibility testing is and provide a simple example to help you understand the process. Make sure you go for the right tool and accomplish the testing.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Mobile_Accessibility_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is Mobile Accessibility Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_is_Mobile_Accessibility_Testing_Important"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Why is Mobile Accessibility Testing Important?</a></li><li><a href="#Need_for_Mobile_Accessibility_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Need for Mobile Accessibility Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Tools_for_Mobile_Accessibility_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Tools for Mobile Accessibility Testing</a><ul><li><a href="#For_iOS"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.1</span> For iOS</a><ul><li><a href="#For_Android"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_3">4.1.1</span> For Android</a></li></ul></li></ul></li><li><a href="#5Step_Checklist_to_achieve_Mobile_App_Accessibility"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> 5–Step Checklist to achieve Mobile App Accessibility</a></li><li><a href="#Summary"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Summary</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-mobile-accessibility-testing"><span id="What_is_Mobile_Accessibility_Testing"><strong>What is Mobile Accessibility Testing?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Mobile accessibility testing ensures mobile apps and websites are accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes various visual, auditory, cognitive, and physical disabilities. The goal of mobile accessibility testing is to guarantee that all users, regardless of their abilities or limitations, can access and use the features and content on these platforms comfortably and effectively.</p>



<p>Read more &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/accessibility-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Accessibility Testing</a></p>



<h2 id="h-why-is-mobile-accessibility-testing-important"><span id="Why_is_Mobile_Accessibility_Testing_Important"><strong>Why is Mobile Accessibility Testing Important?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Mobile accessibility testing is necessary because it ensures mobile applications are accessible to users with disabilities. Inclusive design is essential for creating an environment where everyone can participate equally. It is the responsibility of developers and testers to make sure that mobile applications are accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities.</p>



<h2 id="h-need-for-mobile-accessibility-testing"><span id="Need_for_Mobile_Accessibility_Testing"><strong>Need for Mobile Accessibility Testing</strong></span></h2>



<p>Have you ever visited a website or used an app you couldn&#8217;t access properly? Maybe the text needed to be bigger, or the colors needed to be brighter, making it difficult to read. Here comes</p>



<ol><li>It helps ensure that websites, applications, and digital products are usable by all people. This includes those with disabilities such as visual, hearing, and cognitive impairments.</li><li>It is essential for meeting legal requirements such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Check here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/ada-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ADA Testing</a></li><li>This testing can help reduce the risk of lawsuits related to discrimination against people with disabilities.</li><li>It can help increase the overall usability of digital products, resulting in better user experiences and increased customer satisfaction.</li><li>This testing helps ensure digital products are accessible to users with diverse needs, such as those using assistive technologies or devices.</li><li>It  can help organizations meet their goals of providing inclusive digital products and services.</li><li>It  helps identify usability issues that may not be apparent to users without disabilities. This includes too tiny text or navigation elements that are difficult to access.</li><li>Incorporating mobile accessibility testing into an organization&#8217;s digital product development process can yield significant cost savings over time.</li><li>Mobile accessibility testing can help organizations improve their reputation and public perception.</li></ol>



<p>Read more &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/tools/accessibility-testing-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Accessibility Testing Tools</a></p>



<h2 id="h-tools-for-mobile-accessibility-testing"><span id="Tools_for_Mobile_Accessibility_Testing"><strong>Tools for Mobile Accessibility Testing</strong></span></h2>



<p>Mobile accessibility testing tools play a significant role in ensuring that mobile products are accessible and usable for everyone, including those with visual, auditory, cognitive, or motor impairments. When it comes to testing the accessibility of mobile apps for iOS, several tools can help.</p>



<h3 id="h-for-ios"><span id="For_iOS"><strong>For iOS</strong></span></h3>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://images.storychief.com/account_36412/image_f2984fc1a957d3f4de1546ee8dad7ce8_2000.png" alt="Mobile Accessibility Testing Tool For iOS" width="600" height="400"/></figure></div>



<ol><li><strong>VoiceOver</strong>: As a tester, one of the critical considerations during mobile accessibility testing is the mobile application&#8217;s compatibility with screen readers, such as VoiceOver. VoiceOver is a built-in screen reader for iOS devices that reads the screen&#8217;s content aloud. During testing, it is essential to ensure that the app is compatible with VoiceOver and provides auditory descriptions of on-screen elements, including buttons, icons, and text. The application should also enable users to navigate the app using gestures and voice commands. Testing VoiceOver compatibility is particularly important for users with visual impairments or those who prefer auditory feedback. VoiceOver allows these individuals to use iOS devices and applications effectively, and as testers, we need to ensure that our applications cater to such users. Considering the mobile application&#8217;s compatibility with VoiceOver during our testing process, we can make our applications more accessible to a wider range of users. It can help us deliver a more inclusive and accommodating user experience and ensure that our applications conform to the standards of mobile app accessibility.</li><li><strong>The Zoom feature:</strong> This feature of mobile devices allows low-vision users to increase the size of on-screen elements to make the content more legible and easier to see. During testing, it is essential to test the mobile application&#8217;s compatibility with the Zoom feature and ensure that all application elements can be zoomed in and out without any issues. To support zooming, the app should have resizable text, buttons, and other on-screen elements. We should also ensure that the Zoom feature does not adversely affect the application&#8217;s functionality. All links, buttons, and interactive elements should remain easy to click or touch, and all essential information should remain visible even when zoomed in.</li><li><strong>Accessibility Inspector:</strong> Testers use the Accessibility Inspector to verify that all visual elements, such as buttons, icons, and graphics, have labels that screen readers can read aloud. We can also use it to check the application&#8217;s color contrast ratio and verify that resizable fonts are used to ensure an enjoyable experience for low-vision users. Using the Accessibility Inspector, we can analyze the flow of the application, visualize the accessibility hierarchy, and check if the app is accessible to assistive technologies, such as screen readers and voice recognition software. We can use the data collected through Accessibility Inspector to provide feedback to the developers to make necessary adjustments to optimize the app&#8217;s accessibility. We can also test the application again to confirm its compliance with mobile app accessibility standards and ensure it is usable and accessible to many users. Therefore, as testers, we should be proficient with tools like Accessibility Inspector to help ensure that mobile applications meet accessibility standards and are accessible to all users equally.</li><li>Testers can also employ third-party software like <strong>A11YTools</strong>: A11YTools can help testers identify accessibility issues like color contrast, navigation flow, and labels. The tool can also generate a report that highlights any accessibility issues it finds, making it easier for testers to identify and fix the issues.</li><li><strong>ColorSlurp</strong> By using tools like ColorSlurp, testers can ensure that the mobile app is designed with accessibility in mind. We can perform color contrast analysis on various app elements such as text, icons, and other graphics to ensure that they stand out and that the content is legible for all users regardless of their visual abilities.</li></ol>



<p>The following are the tools for Android devices. Some famous names in this category include</p>



<h4 id="h-for-android"><span id="For_Android"><strong>For Android</strong></span></h4>



<ol><li><strong><a href="https://support.google.com/accessibility/android/answer/6376570?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google Accessibility Scanner</a></strong>: This tool developed by Google scans Android applications. It helps testers identify areas that may be challenging for users with disabilities to navigate. During testing, we can use this tool to scan the mobile application. We can also flag any accessibility issues that may be identified. With this feedback, we can further analyze and make specific changes to the application to improve its overall accessibility.</li><li><strong>TalkBack:</strong> TalkBack reads the screen text and describes the application&#8217;s user interface to users with visual disabilities. During testing, we can enable TalkBack in the accessibility settings of the device and use it to navigate through the app using gestures, such as swiping and tapping. Thus, testers can use it to simulate the experience of visually impaired users and gain valuable insights into aspects of the application that may be challenging for such users.</li></ol>



<p>With mobile accessibility testing, a tester aims to ensure that all members of the targeted user base have equal access to the mobile application. This is aimed at promoting inclusivity and optimizing the overall user experience.</p>



<h2 id="h-5-step-checklist-to-achieve-mobile-app-accessibility"><span id="5Step_Checklist_to_achieve_Mobile_App_Accessibility"><strong>5–Step Checklist to achieve Mobile App Accessibility</strong></span></h2>



<p>Do you know Section 508? Section 508 is a law that makes sure people with disabilities have equal access to information. This means that websites, documents, and other electronic content must be designed to accommodate people with disabilities too.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://images.storychief.com/account_36412/image_18ed8e8b5dd0159e2d39866499df44f9_2000.png" alt="5–Step Checklist to achieve Mobile App Accessibility" width="600" height="400"/></figure></div>



<p>Here is the five-step checklist explained in detail:</p>



<ol><li><strong>Design for Accessibility</strong>: Design with accessibility in mind from the start of the design process. Use high-contrast colors and clear fonts, and avoid using images or icons that may be unclear or confusing to users with different abilities. For example: Suppose we are designing a mobile application for a restaurant. From the onset, we should design the app with accessibility in mind. We should consider using high-contrast colors with clear fonts to enhance readability, especially for visually impaired users. For instance, the primary color for the mobile app&#8217;s font could be a black or similar contrasting color, with white or off-white as the background color. This would ensure that the text is easily readable and that the images or photos used do not conflict with the readability of the text.</li><li><strong>Use Descriptive Text</strong>: Use descriptive text to label elements on your app, such as buttons and images. This will ensure that screen readers and other assistive technologies can understand and communicate the information to visually impaired users. For example, you have a log in button on your app&#8217;s home screen. To make it accessible to visually impaired users, you would add descriptive text to the button&#8217;s label. Instead of labeling the button simply as &#8220;Login,&#8221; you might label it as &#8220;Login to your account.&#8221; This provides additional context for the user, which can help them understand what the button does and how it is relevant to their needs. Using descriptive text to label elements on your app ensures that all users can access important information, regardless of their visual abilities.</li><li><strong>Include Alternate Text for Images</strong>: Provide alternate text for images to ensure that users with visual impairments can understand what the image represents. This is for Screen readers and other assistive technologies who can read this information. For example, Let&#8217;s say you have an app that includes an image of a product on a product description page. If a visually impaired user visits the page using a screen reader, they won&#8217;t be able to see the image. Instead, the screen reader will read the alternate text you provided for the image. In this case, you might provide the alternate text &#8220;Product image &#8211; blue t-shirt&#8221; for the image. This tells the user that the image shows a blue t-shirt, the product they want. To add alternate text to an image, you can typically do so in your app development platform&#8217;s image properties or settings menu. Providing accurate and descriptive alternate text for images is important, as this information can help visually impaired users understand your app&#8217;s content and features. Doing so can make your app more inclusive and available to all users.</li><li><strong></strong><strong>Test with Assistive Technologies</strong>: This will ensure all users can access and operate the app. It will help you identify areas requiring improvement and make adjustments before launch. Here is an example to explain: Let&#8217;s say you&#8217;ve developed a new app for a fitness tracking service. You&#8217;ve added accessibility features such as labeled buttons and alternate text for images, but you&#8217;re not sure how well the app will perform with assistive technologies. To test the app with assistive technologies, you might use a screen reader or voice recognition software to simulate the experience of a visually impaired or mobility-impaired user. For example, you might use the VoiceOver screen reader on an iPhone to navigate the app and listen to how it reads out the different features and options. During testing, you might identify areas where the app could be improved for accessibility. You might find that specific images are not read out correctly by the screen reader or that certain buttons are not labeled enough. By testing the app with assistive technologies, you can make important improvements that will ensure the app is fully functional and accessible to all users. This can ultimately lead to a better user experience.</li></ol>



<p>With the above-detailed checklist, you can ensure your mobile app is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. It will also ensure everyone has equal access to your mobile app.</p>



<p>Check here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/how-big-is-the-global-accessibility-testing-market-and-how-fast-is-it-growing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Accessibility Testing Market</a></p>



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



<p>So, to summarize, mobile accessibility testing is all about checking if mobile apps are accessible for people with disabilities. Luckily, we&#8217;ve got tools to help us. These tools can help developers and testers find out if there are any accessibility problems in mobile apps. There are five things to remember when designing an accessible app:</p>



<ul><li>Make sure it&#8217;s easy for everyone,</li><li>Use descriptive text,</li><li>Add alternate text for images,</li><li>Make sure it works well with a keyboard, and</li><li>Test it with assistive technologies.</li></ul>



<p>If we follow these steps, we can create mobile apps that are inclusive and accessible to everyone, no matter what their abilities are.</p>



<p>Check here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/automating-accessibility-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Automated Accessibility Testing</a></p>


Mobile Accessibility Testing All That You Need to Know in Depth

Mobile Accessibility Testing: All That You Need to Know


<p>Hello there, I hope you are doing well! Welcome back to another interesting blog.&nbsp;</p>



<p>I was watching one of the NAS daily videos with my five-year-old recently. It was about a few Japanese facts. People are incredibly humble and kind. They also appear to emphasize respect for others. This piqued my curiosity to study Japanese culture further. </p>



<p><p style="padding-bottom:30px">Then I got to know about a book called “<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/40534545" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life</a>&#8216;. Reading that book was one of the life-changing experiences of my life. Yes, I enjoyed reading that book and suggested to a few of my friends and family members to read this book too.&nbsp;</p></p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/QhJcuOPd5KHlcaQkaCfPyUndgKOae7iTbvjq84_GZtq2TqlozlbBsMFtwWj_1Qlj-xW1ztHl6vjwFW1v5iZm8TgAinnVjq8mdOuDVsy3ElPZ5ehoWKzm_14JlgtS8kFFWEVS2dLNl4Bt1Zw-ruwL3O0" alt="Testsigma - Test automation platform" width="600" height="400"/></figure></div>



<p style="padding-top:30px">However, my research on Japanese concepts continued. I discovered a wealth of fascinating facts and knowledge about Japanese culture. Finally, it appears that they have much to teach us.</p>



<p>Let&#8217;s study some Japanese phrases and the thoughts behind them in this blog. Also, how is this beneficial to software testers, and why should we have a good understanding of it.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_Are_Japanese_Concepts"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What Are Japanese Concepts?</a></li><li><a href="#Japanese_Concepts_for_Software_Testers"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Japanese Concepts for Software Testers:</a></li><li><a href="#To_conclude"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> To conclude:</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-are-japanese-concepts"><span id="What_Are_Japanese_Concepts"><strong>What Are Japanese Concepts?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Japanese culture has had a long history of emphasizing excellence and appreciation of detail. Japanese concepts are ideas, values, and beliefs that are important in Japanese culture. Some examples include respect for elders, the importance of hard work, and the idea of harmony between people and nature. </p>



<p>These concepts help to shape the way people in Japan live their lives. Many of the concepts and philosophies developed in Japan, such as Kaizen and Kanban, have become popular in the software industry. But to my surprise, there are many more overlooked concepts that will enrich your life and help you be a better software tester.</p>



<h2 id="japanese-concepts-for-software-testers"><span id="Japanese_Concepts_for_Software_Testers"><strong>Japanese Concepts for Software Testers:</strong></span></h2>



<p>Software Testers play an essential role in ensuring the quality of software applications. Let’s see in detail the Japanese concepts which can help us to elevate the testing process:</p>



<p id="kaizen-it-s-an-approach-to-continuously-improve-processes-products-and-services-on-small-incremental-levels-a-philosophy-of-continuous-improvement-focused-on-small-incremental-adjustments-over-time-to-improve-quality">1. <strong><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaizen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kaizen</a></strong>: It’s an approach to continuously improve processes, products, and services on small incremental levels. A philosophy of continuous improvement focused on small incremental adjustments over time to improve quality.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In the world of software testing, Kaizen is an important concept that testers should be familiar with. Kaizen, which literally translates to “change for the better”,&nbsp; emphasizes small incremental changes over drastic reform, which can help ensure that any changes made are manageable and effective. Kaizen requires that everyone involved in a project take responsibility for their actions and ensure that processes are continually improved.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It is a flexible system that allows for changes to be implemented quickly and efficiently, as problems are identified and solutions are put forward. This makes it the ideal methodology for software testing, as testers need to be able to quickly identify and debug any issues that arise during Test execution.</p>



<p>2. <strong>Kanban</strong>: Kanban is a popular method for managing tasks and processes. It is a system that utilizes visual cards to track progress and prioritize tasks. The cards are placed on a board and visually represent tasks to be done. A process commonly used among software testers, emphasizes doing only the necessary tasks in order to reach the goal. Using visual signals to identify and stimulate process improvement during software testing &#8211; a Kanban system describes, visualizes, and manages the production process.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Here’s an example of how kanban works: Say you’re working on a marketing project for a client. As part of the project, you need to arrange social media posts, develop content, design sales brochures, and book webinars. You use sticky notes and put them on a Kanban board. The labels on the notes will be: “To-Do”, “In Progress” and “Done”.&nbsp;</p>



<p>You start by labeling the first note “To-Do”. You need to arrange the social media posts so you write “Arrange Social Media Posts”. You then write the other tasks on other notes and label them “To-Do” as well. As you begin working on the tasks, you move them to the “In Progress” label. Once they are done, you move them to the “Done” label.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Kanban board lets you easily see which tasks you have done, which tasks are in progress, and which tasks still need to be done. By visually tracking tasks, it allows you to focus on the tasks that still need to be done.&nbsp;</p>



<p><br>In the world of software testing, there are a variety of concepts and principles that are essential to know in order to do one’s job effectively. Kanban is a powerful tool that can help software testers stay organized and efficient, leading to better results. Kanban works by breaking down tasks and resources into distinct stages, allowing software testers to easily identify bottlenecks and plan ahead for upcoming work.</p>



<p>3. <strong>Genchi Genbutsu</strong>: It’s a Japanese phrase meaning &#8220;go and see&#8221; that encourages software testers to observe and learn about the end-user experience. A notion that promotes traveling to the real location to obtain knowledge to make a more informed decision. Going to the source to gain a deeper understanding of a process, product, or anything related by directly observing and questioning.&nbsp;</p>



<p><br>It is a core part of the Toyota Production System (TPS) and is a central principle of the company&#8217;s philosophy. The lean manufacturing philosophy behind Genchi Genbutsu is that management should be thorough in their investigations, always going to the source of any customer or production issue to not just physically observe but also learn the underlying causes. For example, a customer is complaining about the application&#8217;s slowness. They try to replicate the user scenario (location, OS/device, user profile) and try to understand more about the root cause. Armed with this data, the project team will then be in a much stronger position to diagnose the issue and prevent it from happening in the future.</p>



<p>4. <strong>Shikata Ga Nai</strong>:&nbsp; &#8220;Shikata ga nai,&#8221; or &#8220;Sho ga nai,&#8221; is a Japanese phrase that means “it cannot be helped” or “it is what it is” and nothing can be done about it, accepting that there are certain situations and circumstances that are out of our control. It’s the art of letting it go. Sometimes after strenuous effort, things won’t work the way we wanted them to. For example, if you have worked hard for a production release, and something goes wrong in production, there are multiple reasons for that &#8211; not just insufficient test coverage. So, start work on the bugs and test the fixes. Also, make sure to add those scenarios to the regression test case suite.<br><br>In a nutshell, instead of thinking about it, work on the action items and just let it go.</p>



<p>5. <strong>Kata</strong>: Kata is a Japanese word that means &#8220;form&#8221; or &#8220;pattern&#8221;. It is often used to describe specific sequences of exercises used to teach martial arts techniques, such as Shotokan karate. A structured sequence of steps and actions used to practice and teach a skill. Every event will follow a specific pattern and we should implement this skill while studying the application behavior or debugging a defect. Getting to know the pattern can help you gain a deeper understanding of the application behavior.</p>



<p>6. <strong>Jidoka</strong>: Jidoka is an automated quality control technique pioneered by Sakichi Toyoda of the Toyota Corporation in the early 20th century. It is used to identify and correct defects in a process or product before it is sent to a customer.<br><br>Jidoka teaches machines and people to detect problems and take appropriate action. Automation with a Human Touch that focuses on preventing defects versus a quick discovery and repair.<br><br>For example, A manufacturer of widgets is using a jidoka system in their production process. Every time a widget is made, its form and function are assessed. If the widget fails these tests, the machine will shut down and alert a human operator. The operator can then investigate the issue and correct it before any further widgets are produced. This ensures that each widget meets quality standards and prevents bad widgets from being shipped to customers.<br><br>Similarly, we develop the product prototype and then we develop in sprints, which can help us to ensure that we are on track with the product features.</p>



<p>7. <strong>Jishuken</strong>: A competitive method of testing in which two tester teams are pitted against one another to improve and refine ideas or processes. Jishuken is a Japanese management style focusing on self-improvement and small, steady improvements in the form of Kaizen. It utilizes a team-based approach to problem-solving, incorporating small incremental changes in improvement processes. Jishuken revolves around a process of continuous improvement and self-reflection, conducted within a team and supported by leaders, to identify areas of improvement and develop strategies to address the issues identified. The concept puts forth the idea that a team can accomplish more when each individual gives up his own opinion to reach a common goal.</p>



<p>8. <strong>Muda</strong>: Muda is a Japanese business term for “waste”. It is derived from the Lean manufacturing production system and refers to any activity that does not directly add value to the product or service. A concept used for process testing and efficiency; identifying and eliminating unnecessary steps in order to improve the overall process. Waste or any activity that doesn’t add value to the product or service. In the entire Software Testing life cycle, we have to identify the waste and try to eliminate it. This saves a lot of our time and effort.&nbsp;</p>



<p>9. <strong>Poka-Yoke</strong>: Poka-Yoke is an approach to mistake-proofing (inadvertent error prevention) processes, products, and services to ensure the end user gets the expected and correct outcome the first time. The purpose of Poka-Yoke is to develop processes to reduce defects by avoiding or correcting (designed to show alerts or warning messages to the user) mistakes in the early design and development phases.&nbsp;</p>



<p><br>This technique is mostly used in manufacturing industries but now this effective technique is also adapted to software development processes as well. We focus more on <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/how-does-testsigma-support-the-shift-left-approach/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shift left</a> defects and back-end testing to reduce the effort, cost, and time.<br><br>One simple example could include placing a sticky warning label right next to a hazard sign to draw attention to it, or having a different color key for each type of tool so an operator can easily identify the correct key. In Software Testing, we can implement this and focus more on error-prevention techniques in the early phases of testing.</p>



<p>10. <strong>Hansei</strong>: The Japanese concept of Hansei is a process of reflection and self-criticism used to improve one’s self. The term translates to “self-reflection” and refers to a reflective process that focuses on challenging one’s own beliefs and opening up to alternatives. Through Hansei, individuals can gain insight into how to solve their present challenges and identify areas of improvement. A concept of personal reflection after completing a task meant to improve future projects. Our retrospective meetings are a great example of the Hansei.</p>



<p>11. <strong>Ishikawa Diagram</strong>: An Ishikawa diagram, also known as a fishbone, cause-and-effect diagram, or Carter diagram, is a business tool used to identify, analyze, and prevent errors and defects in a process. The Ishikawa diagram is a graphical representation of various causes for an event that can help identify and categorize potential causes. It&#8217;s an organized way to look at an event, breaking down the individual components that cause it.</p>



<p>For example, a software project that is facing delays might look something like this:</p>



<p>Head of Fish (Problem Statement): Delays in Software Project</p>



<p>Bones:</p>



<p>&#8211; People: Unskilled staff, incompatible skills with the task, lack of coordination</p>



<p>&#8211; Process/Systems: Poor planning, resource mismanagement, lack of documentation</p>



<p>&#8211; Materials: Inadequate budget, poor quality</p>



<p>&#8211; Environment: Poor environment, External dependencies</p>



<p><p style="padding-bottom:30px">Once the potential causes have been identified, the team can organize and prioritize potential solutions. This helps the team to quickly and efficiently identify the root cause of the problem and take the necessary steps to remedy it.</p></p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Rk_reaRBFcPAuSmQ6BAokY9fdzN-UxCABJTfLPjIF0mNRLyY6cDVzwv0yactfSOkfettedCr92mfOLCnqndXgLpGgNL5L0dFQKishX5iR3lQiSZSH3N7_ftpe3XHCner2Gktod0eYRjwZMZjIyjPJVk" alt="Fish bone diagram" width="800" height="400"/></figure></div>



<br><h2 id="to-conclude"><span id="To_conclude"><strong>To conclude:</strong></span></h2>



<p>Isn’t it way too interesting? I enjoyed learning about these Japanese concepts and found that in a way we are already using many of them in our processes and daily work. Not only technical, but sometimes we need to rethink our whole way of doing things. It’s a holistic process of mind, body, and soul.&nbsp;</p>



<p>I strongly believe everyone has something to teach us and we can learn from everyone. Same way, we can learn from people with different cultural backgrounds and that’s why inclusive teams are the best-performing ones.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Hope you enjoyed reading this blog. The list is so big, so stay tuned for the next blog to know more about a few other interesting concepts. please let us know what your favorite Japanese concept is and what makes you feel so.&nbsp;</p>



<p>PC:<a href="http://Freepik.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Freepik.com</a></p>



<p>Read more similar blogs by <a href="mailto:bpricilla@gmail.com">Pricilla Bilavendran</a>:</p>



<p><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/how-to-be-an-open-minded-tester/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">How To Be An Open-Minded Tester?</a></p>



<p><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/software-test-engineer-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Is there a way for software test engineers to manage stress in this culture of hustle?</a></p>



<p><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/a-testers-gambit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Tester’s Gambit</a></p>



<p><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/how-to-be-an-open-minded-tester/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">How To Be An Open-Minded Tester?</a>&nbsp;</p>


Achieving Zen in Software Testing A Journey Through Japanese Concepts

Achieving Zen in Software Testing: A Journey Through Japanese Concepts

Most Commonly Asked API Testing Interview Questions

SQL Injection Testing -Methods and Why to Automate Your Test


<p>As the software development industry continues to evolve and become increasingly complex, organizations must find new ways to streamline their testing processes. Low-code test automation comes into play here. These platforms provide an efficient and cost-effective solution to test automation, empowering engineering teams to create and execute test scripts without extensive programming knowledge. In this post, we will explore the low-code test automation landscape , including the latest trends and challenges.&nbsp;</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#The_State_of_Low_Code_Test_Automation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> The State of Low Code Test Automation</a><ul><li><a href="#Trends_in_Low_Code_Test_Automation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.1</span> Trends in Low Code Test Automation</a><ul><li><a href="#AI_and_Machine_Learning"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_3">1.1.1</span> AI and Machine Learning</a></li><li><a href="#Cloud_Based_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_3">1.1.2</span> Cloud Based Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Integration_with_CICD_Tools"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_3">1.1.3</span> Integration with CI/CD Tools</a></li><li><a href="#API_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_3">1.1.4</span> API Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Database_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_3">1.1.5</span> Database Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Non-Functional_Automation_Testingnbsp"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_3">1.1.6</span> Non-Functional Automation Testing&nbsp;</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Challenges_in_Low_Code_Test_Automation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.2</span> Challenges in Low Code Test Automation</a><ul><li><a href="#Limited_Customization"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_3">1.2.1</span> Limited Customization</a></li><li><a href="#Integration_with_Legacy_Systems"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_3">1.2.2</span> Integration with Legacy Systems</a></li><li><a href="#Security_Concerns"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_3">1.2.3</span> Security Concerns</a></li><li><a href="#Performance_at_Scale"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_3">1.2.4</span> Performance at Scale</a></li></ul></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Suggested_Readings"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Suggested Readings</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-the-state-of-low-code-test-automation"><span id="The_State_of_Low_Code_Test_Automation"><strong>The State of Low Code Test Automation</strong></span></h2>



<p>In a <a href="https://www.gartner.com/en/customer-service-support/insights/modernizing-quality-assurance" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">poll conducted</a> by Gartner, 88% of leaders say their quality assurance practices are ineffective. Bridging the gap, adopters of low-code/no-code test automation solutions have witnessed a 3X-7X reduction in development &amp; deployment time, a 3X-5X reduction in development costs, and a 30%-35% increase in ROI.<br>Low-code test automation has come a long way in the past few years, with many platforms now offering advanced features and capabilities. These platforms enable quality teams to quickly build and execute <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated tests</a> with minimal coding, helping improve the speed and accuracy of software testing.</p>



<p>One of the major advantages of low-code test automation is its ease of use. These platforms provide a user-friendly interface that allows even non-technical team members to create and execute tests. This means that teams can automate their testing processes without relying on dedicated automation engineers, freeing up valuable resources and reducing the time and cost associated with testing.</p>



<p>Low-code test automation also provides greater flexibility in testing scenarios, with teams able to create and execute tests across a range of devices, browsers, and operating systems. This makes it easier to identify and resolve issues before they impact end-users, ultimately improving the overall quality of the software.</p>



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<h3 id="trends-in-low-code-test-automation"><span id="Trends_in_Low_Code_Test_Automation">Trends in Low Code Test Automation</span></h3>



<p>As the low-code test automation landscape continues to evolve, several emerging trends are worth paying attention to. Here are some of the most significant trends to keep an eye on:</p>



<h4 id="ai-and-machine-learning"><span id="AI_and_Machine_Learning">AI and Machine Learning</span></h4>



<p>According to<a href="https://www.gartner.com/en/conferences/apac/data-analytics-india/featured-topics/data-science-machine-learning-and-artificial-intelligence?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=EVT_IN_2023_BII11_CPC_SEM1_DSA&amp;utm_adgroup=141794023863&amp;utm_term=&amp;ad=632902336019&amp;matchtype=&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAgaGgBhC8ARIsAAAyLfHquZwu-erNa6Lb1z-vQwC-rwYERD6hHaRJ1TB2jlrI11IBbB5w1sMaApg2EALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow"> Gartner research</a>, companies that use AI engineering methods to create and manage flexible AI systems will perform better than their competitors in deploying AI models faster and more efficiently by at least 25%. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are increasingly being integrated into low-code test automation platforms, enabling teams to create more intelligent and sophisticated tests. AI and ML can help identify patterns and trends in testing data, allowing teams to make more informed decisions about where to focus their testing efforts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>AI and ML can also help identify missed opportunities in testing and uncover parts of your software that the automation suites have not touched. You will see tools get better at identifying incremental changes to your software and auto-transform test cases to reflect the new nature of your product&nbsp;</p>



<h4 id="cloud-based-testing"><span id="Cloud_Based_Testing">Cloud Based Testing</span></h4>



<p>With the rise of cloud computing, it is no surprise that <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/cloud-based-testing-a-testers-perspective/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cloud based testing</a> is becoming increasingly popular. By 2025, 70% of organisations will be running functional tests in the cloud. A majority of the low-code test automation platforms are increasingly offering cloud-based testing options, allowing teams to execute tests across a range of environments without the need for extensive infrastructure.</p>



<h4 id="integration-with-ci-cd-tools"><span id="Integration_with_CICD_Tools">Integration with <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/ci-cd-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CI/CD Tools</a></span></h4>



<p>Continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) have become essential for modern software development, and <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/the-era-of-low-code-no-code-platforms-what-you-should-know/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">low code test automation platforms</a> are starting to integrate with these tools. These integrations enable quality teams to automate their testing processes as part of the CI/CD pipeline, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of errors.</p>



<h4 id="api-testing"><span id="API_Testing">API Testing</span></h4>



<p>Testing needs will dictate functional testing flows are integrated with API Testing for each release cycle to increase test coverage for various use-case and scenarios. Low-code <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-api-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated API testing</a> will provide an accessible, efficient, and cost-effective testing solution for APIs, enabling a wider range of team members to participate in testing and providing a more comprehensive testing process and increasing the overall test coverage.</p>



<h4 id="database-testing"><span id="Database_Testing">Database Testing</span></h4>



<p>Quality teams are increasingly being given ownership of the data quality of their systems. Teams will need to cover data validation, and accuracy and ensure no unknown changes to database systems are made over development and release cycles.</p>



<p>Low-code Database testing tools will enable a broader range of team members to participate in testing, including testers, business analysts, and product managers. This can result in faster testing and better test coverage, as more team members can provide feedback on the system.</p>



<h4 id="non-functional-automation-testing"><span id="Non-Functional_Automation_Testingnbsp">Non-Functional Automation Testing&nbsp;</span></h4>



<p>As systems and software scale, non-functional tests like accessibility, performance, load, stress and security testing will take the centre stage. It will become mission-critical to ensure business continuity, handle spikes and increased traffic and repel security attacks using plug-and-play low code automation systems for every release cycle.</p>



<h3 id="challenges-in-low-code-test-automation"><span id="Challenges_in_Low_Code_Test_Automation">Challenges in Low Code Test Automation</span></h3>



<p>While low code test automation offers many benefits, there are also some challenges that organizations need to be aware of. Here are some of the key challenges to consider:</p>



<h4 id="limited-customization"><span id="Limited_Customization">Limited Customization</span></h4>



<p>Low-code test automation platforms may have limitations when it comes to customization, which could be an issue for teams with more complex testing needs. Organisations should carefully evaluate the capabilities of a low code test automation platform to ensure it meets their specific requirements.</p>



<p>Thankfully, Testsigma is open-source and available for anyone to customize. Testgima cloud allows customers to create and plug in their custom actions via add-ons.</p>



<h4 id="integration-with-legacy-systems"><span id="Integration_with_Legacy_Systems">Integration with Legacy Systems</span></h4>



<p>Organizations with <a href="https://www.door3.com/modernizing-legacy-systems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">legacy systems</a> may find it difficult to integrate a low-code test automation platform, as these systems may need to be compatible with newer technologies. This could limit the effectiveness of the platform and make it more difficult to achieve the desired level of automation. Organizations will have to invest in kicking off small POCs to ensure they move with the world to a low-code setup very soon.</p>



<h4 id="security-concerns"><span id="Security_Concerns">Security Concerns</span></h4>



<p>As with any technology, there are always security concerns when it comes to low-code test automation. Organizations need to ensure that the platform they choose is secure and that any sensitive data is properly protected.</p>



<h4 id="performance-at-scale"><span id="Performance_at_Scale">Performance at Scale</span></h4>



<p>As larger enterprises start moving towards low and <a href="https://www.appypie.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">no-code platform</a> solutions, they will need large scalable and performant systems that support the speed and agility they need. Frameworks will have to compete with an organization&#8217;s internal frameworks and allow organizations to extend these solutions to their unique needs.</p>



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



<p>According to Gartner,&nbsp; by 2025 70% of organizations will be adopting some form of low-code technologies; Low-code test automation offers a range of benefits for organizations looking to streamline their testing processes. With the latest trends in AI and machine learning, cloud-based testing, and integration with CI/CD tools, low-code test automation is becoming an attractive toolkit in the shift-Left arsenal</p>



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



<p><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/why-automated-testing-advantages-of-automated-testing/">Benefits of Automation Testing</a>&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/roi-test-automation/">How to Calculate ROI Test Automation And What You Need?</a>&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/top-automated-testing-practices-to-follow/">Automated Testing Best Practices: 9 Ways to Ensure Efficient Testing</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/scope-and-impact-of-ai-in-automation-testing/">Scope of Automation Testing: How AI Plays an Important Role?</a>&nbsp;</p>


Low Code Test Automation Trends to Look Out for


<p>In today&#8217;s world, mobile applications are essential for any business to thrive, and almost all developed products offer web and mobile support. This has made mobile application testing an integral part of the QA life cycle, and adding to it. The onus is on the test automation engineers to develop an E2E automation suite for mobile application testing.</p>



<p>In this blog, I will explain how test automation engineers can start using Appium to automate mobile applications developed using Flutter.</p>



<p>&#8220;Appium is a well-known open-source mobile automation framework through which we can automate Android and iOS mobile applications.&#8221;</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><ul><li><a href="#About_Flutternbsp"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">0.1</span> About Flutter:&nbsp;</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#How_can_we_Automate_Flutter_Apps"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> How can we Automate Flutter Apps?</a><ul><li><a href="#Appium_Flutter_Driver"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.1</span> Appium Flutter Driver:</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Appium_Set_Up_and_Walkthrough"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Appium Set Up and Walkthrough:</a><ul><li><a href="#Installing_Appium_Flutter_Driver"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.1</span> Installing Appium Flutter Driver:</a></li><li><a href="#nbspFlutter_Finder_Library"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.2</span> &nbsp;Flutter Finder Library:</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#How_to_Generate_the_Jar_for_Flutter_Finder_Library"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> How to Generate the Jar for Flutter Finder Library:</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Inspect_Elements_in_the_Flutter_App"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> How to Inspect Elements in the Flutter App?</a><ul><li><a href="#Sample_App"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.1</span> Sample App:</a></li><li><a href="#Pre-Requisites"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.2</span> Pre-Requisites:</a></li><li><a href="#IDE"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.3</span> IDE:</a></li><li><a href="#Mobile_Device"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.4</span> Mobile Device:</a></li><li><a href="#Have_added_the_following_dependencies_in_my_pomxml_file"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.5</span> Have added the following dependencies in my pom.xml file</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Can_we_launch_Flutter_App_in_Appium_Inspector"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Can we launch Flutter App in Appium Inspector?</a></li><li><a href="#Switching_between_Native_App_and_Flutter_App_context"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Switching between Native App and Flutter App context:</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Conclusion:</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_Appium_Flutter_Driver"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">8.1</span> What is Appium Flutter Driver?</a></li><li><a href="#How_can_I_automate_my_Flutter_app_using_Appium_Flutter_Driver"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">8.2</span> How can I automate my Flutter app using Appium Flutter Driver?</a></li><li><a href="#Can_I_run_my_Appium_Flutter_Driver_tests_on_real_devices"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">8.3</span> Can I run my Appium Flutter Driver tests on real devices?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h3 id="h-about-flutter"><span id="About_Flutternbsp"><strong><em>About Flutter:&nbsp;</em></strong></span></h3>



<ul><li>An open-source UI development framework created by Google</li><li>Using Flutter, it is now possible for developers to develop cross-platform applications for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, Google Fuchsia, and the web from a single codebase.</li><li>Flutter apps are written in Dart programming language and run on Dart virtual machines.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-how-can-we-automate-flutter-apps"><span id="How_can_we_Automate_Flutter_Apps"><strong>How can we Automate Flutter Apps?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Flutter framework, by default, comes up with<a href="https://api.flutter.dev/flutter/flutter_driver/flutter_driver-library.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow"> <em>flutter_driver</em></a><em>. </em>But<em> </em>using flutter_driver for UI automation has its <em>limitations</em>, and one of the main limitations is that we can write automation tests only in the Dart programming language. This can be quite tedious for test automation engineers without exposure to the Dart programming language.</p>



<h3 id="h-appium-flutter-driver"><span id="Appium_Flutter_Driver"><strong>Appium Flutter Driver:</strong></span></h3>



<p>The Appium developer community has created a new driver,<a href="https://github.com/appium/appium-flutter-driver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow"> appium_flutter_driver</a>.This has enabled test automation engineers to automate flutter-based apps just like how they would automate android and iOS mobile apps.&nbsp;</p>



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<h2 id="h-appium-set-up-and-walkthrough"><span id="Appium_Set_Up_and_Walkthrough"><strong>Appium Set Up and Walkthrough:</strong></span></h2>



<p><em>I assume you have already set up Appium on your machine.&nbsp;</em></p>



<h3 id="h-installing-appium-flutter-driver"><span id="Installing_Appium_Flutter_Driver"><strong>Installing Appium Flutter Driver:</strong></span></h3>



<ul><li>If you are using Appium 2, use the command &#8220;appium driver install flutter&#8221; to install appium-flutter-driver.</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-flutter-finder-library"><span id="nbspFlutter_Finder_Library"><strong>&nbsp;Flutter Finder Library:</strong></span></h3>



<p>The Appium developer community has also developed a flutter finder library through which we can interact with flutter-based elements. Below are the few locator strategies available in the flutter finder library.</p>



<ul><li>bySemanticslabel</li><li>byValuekey</li><li>byType</li><li>ancestor</li><li>byTooltip</li><li>descendant</li><li>pageBack</li><li>getRenderTree</li><li>text</li></ul>



<p>&#8220;You can also go through common finders class documentation to understand more about the locator strategies&#8221;</p>



<h2 id="h-how-to-generate-the-jar-for-flutter-finder-library"><span id="How_to_Generate_the_Jar_for_Flutter_Finder_Library"><strong>How to Generate the Jar for Flutter Finder Library:</strong></span></h2>



<ul><li>Pull the latest from the repo: <a href="https://github.com/appium-userland/finder-kotlin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">here</a> to your system.</li><li>Go to the respective folder where the repo is placed and from the terminal, run the command: “gradle clean build&#8221;</li><li>Once the build is over, inside the build directory of the project, i.e., “build/libs/appium-flutter-finder-0.0.6.jar&#8221;, you can find the jar.</li><li>You can add this jar to your automation project.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-how-to-inspect-elements-in-the-flutter-app"><span id="How_to_Inspect_Elements_in_the_Flutter_App"><strong>How to Inspect Elements in the Flutter App?</strong></span></h2>



<p>&#8220;Before trying to identify/inspect elements in the flutter app, request you to quickly go through the Introduction to widgets section in the flutter documentation to get an idea of how the UI is basically built out of Widgets.&#8221;</p>



<p>Using Flutter Inspector, one can inspect the widgets and try to identify the elements, but it might not be as easy compared to inspecting elements using Appium Inspector. So here is what you can do: <em>take help from the developers to get all the required locators</em>.</p>



<p><em>Let&#8217;s now try to <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/automated-login/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automate the login</a> flow in a flutter app.&nbsp;</em></p>



<h3 id="h-sample-app"><span id="Sample_App"><strong>Sample App:</strong></span></h3>



<ul><li>Provider Shopper&nbsp;</li><li>You can also download more sample flutter apps from<a href="https://flutter.github.io/samples/#" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow"> here</a></li></ul>



<h3 id="h-pre-requisites"><span id="Pre-Requisites"><strong>Pre-Requisites:</strong></span></h3>



<p>After downloading a sample flutter app, we need to do certain prerequisites so that the flutter app becomes feasible to automate.</p>



<p>Browserstack has elaborately mentioned the prerequisites <a href="https://www.browserstack.com/docs/app-automate/appium/test-hybrid-apps/test-flutter-apps#preprocess-flutter-app-for-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">here</a>. You can go through this to complete the pre-requisite and to build the app. </p>



<h3 id="h-ide"><span id="IDE"><strong>IDE:</strong></span></h3>



<ul><li>IntelliJ IDEA</li></ul>



<p><strong>Programming Language:</strong></p>



<ul><li><strong>Java: </strong>Open JDK 17.0.3v</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-mobile-device"><span id="Mobile_Device"><strong>Mobile Device:</strong></span></h3>



<ul><li>Android Emulator</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-have-added-the-following-dependencies-in-my-pom-xml-file"><span id="Have_added_the_following_dependencies_in_my_pomxml_file"><strong>Have added the following dependencies in my pom.xml file</strong></span></h3>



<ul><li><strong><em>Appium java client:</em></strong> 8.1.1</li><li><strong><em>TestNG</em>:</strong> 7.5</li><li><strong><em>Kotlin standard library for JVM</em>:</strong> 1.3.40</li><li><strong><em>Kotlin multiplatform serialization runtime library</em>: 0.14.0</strong></li><li>And do not forget to add the <strong><em>flutter finder jar</em></strong> to your project.</li></ul>



<pre class="wp-block-code"><code>public class FlutterAndroidShopper { private AndroidDriver driver; private FlutterFinder find; @BeforeTest public void setUp() throws Exception { DesiredCapabilities caps = new DesiredCapabilities(); caps.setCapability(MobileCapabilityType.PLATFORM_NAME, “android”); caps.setCapability(MobileCapabilityType.AUTOMATION_NAME, “Flutter”); caps.setCapability(MobileCapabilityType.NEW_COMMAND_TIMEOUT, “3000”); caps.setCapability(MobileCapabilityType.DEVICE_NAME, “emulator-5554”); caps.setCapability(MobileCapabilityType.APP, “”); //mention your app path here driver = new AndroidDriver(new URL(“http://localhost:4723/wd/hub”), caps); find = new FlutterFinder(driver); } @Test public void login(){ find.bySemanticsLabel(“Username”).sendKeys(“username”); find.bySemanticsLabel(“Password”).sendKeys(“Password”); find.text(“ENTER”).click(); Assert.assertEquals(find.text(“Catalog”).getText(),”Catalog”); } @AfterTest public void tearDown(){ if(driver!=null){ driver.quit(); } } }</code></pre>



<p>As you can see from the above code, I have created a new object for FlutterFinder class, and with that, I can interact with the elements in the flutter app.</p>



<p>Similarly, you can also run automation on your iOS device as well.</p>



<p>An important point to be considered here is:</p>



<p>For running the automation in Android and iOS mobile applications, AUTOMATION_NAME should be &#8220;Flutter&#8221;</p>



<h2 id="h-can-we-launch-flutter-app-in-appium-inspector"><span id="Can_we_launch_Flutter_App_in_Appium_Inspector"><strong>Can we launch Flutter App in Appium Inspector?</strong></span></h2>



<p>We cannot launch the flutter app in Appium inspector with the automation name: &#8220;Flutter,&#8221;</p>



<p>But if the app has both native and flutter-based components:</p>



<ul><li>We can launch the app in Appium inspector by mentioning the automation name &#8220;UIAutomator2&#8221; for android and &#8220;XCUITest&#8221; for iOS.</li><li>Only native elements can be found in the inspector; we will not be able to find flutter-based elements.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-switching-between-native-app-and-flutter-app-context"><span id="Switching_between_Native_App_and_Flutter_App_context"><strong>Switching between Native App and Flutter App context:</strong></span></h2>



<p>If the app has both native and flutter-based components, here is what you need to do:</p>



<ul><li>Start the <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/mobile-automation-testing-tools-appium-testsigma-testcomplete-and-more/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Appium</a> session with automation_name as &#8220;Flutter&#8221;</li><li>driver.getContextHandles() =&gt; will give “NATIVE_APP” and “FLUTTER”</li><li>You can then set the context accordingly using driver.context(&#8220;NATIVE_APP”) and interact with the respective elements.</li></ul>



<pre class="wp-block-code"><code>public class FlutterAndroidShopper { private AndroidDriver driver; private FlutterFinder find; @BeforeTest public void setUp() throws Exception { DesiredCapabilities caps = new DesiredCapabilities(); caps.setCapability(MobileCapabilityType.PLATFORM_NAME, “android”); caps.setCapability(MobileCapabilityType.AUTOMATION_NAME, “Flutter”); caps.setCapability(MobileCapabilityType.NEW_COMMAND_TIMEOUT, “3000”); caps.setCapability(MobileCapabilityType.DEVICE_NAME, “emulator-5554”); caps.setCapability(MobileCapabilityType.APP, “”); //mention your app path here driver = new AndroidDriver(new URL(“http://localhost:4723/wd/hub”), caps); find = new FlutterFinder(driver); } @Test public void login(){ switchContext(“NATIVE_APP”); RemoteWebElement username = (RemoteWebElement) driver.findElement(By.xpath(“/hierarchy/android.widget.FrameLayout/android.widget.LinearLayout/android.widget.FrameLayout/android.widget.FrameLayout/android.view.View/android.view.View/android.view.View/android.view.View/android.widget.EditText&#91;1]”)); username.click(); username.sendKeys(“Username”); switchContext(“FLUTTER”); find.bySemanticsLabel(“Password”).sendKeys(“Password”); find.text(“ENTER”).click(); Assert.assertEquals(find.text(“Catalog”).getText(),”Catalog”); } public void switchContext(String context) { Set contexts = driver.getContextHandles(); for (String appContext : contexts) { if (appContext.contains(context)) { driver.context(appContext); break; } } } @AfterTest public void tearDown(){ if(driver!=null){ driver.quit(); } } }</code></pre>



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



<p>Thus, by using the Appium flutter driver and flutter finder library, you can now start writing <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/8-top-test-automation-mistakes-and-tips-for-qa-teams-to-avoid-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automation tests</a> using the Appium Java client for flutter apps and also for flutter+native apps.&nbsp; Despite the support and the capabilities offered, the Appium flutter driver is still in the early stages of development and due to this, there might be <a href="https://github.com/appium/appium-flutter-driver/issues" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">issues</a> and limitations in using the same for flutter <a href="https://testsigma.com/mobile-testing-tools" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">app automation</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>So before adopting the appium flutter driver, do thorough research, understand the pros and cons, and then make the call! Happy testing.</p>



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



<h3 id="what-is-appium-flutter-driver"><span id="What_is_Appium_Flutter_Driver"><strong>What is Appium Flutter Driver?</strong></span></h3>



<p>Appium Flutter Driver is a testing tool that allows you to automate Flutter apps using Appium. It helps you interact with the UI elements of your Flutter app, such as buttons, text fields, and dropdowns, and perform various actions on them, such as clicking, typing, and selecting. With Appium Flutter Driver, you can write automated tests for your Flutter app and run them on real devices or emulators.</p>



<h3 id="how-can-i-automate-my-flutter-app-using-appium-flutter-driver"><span id="How_can_I_automate_my_Flutter_app_using_Appium_Flutter_Driver"><strong>How can I automate my Flutter app using Appium Flutter Driver?</strong></span></h3>



<p id="how-can-i-automate-my-flutter-app-using-appium-flutter-driver">You need to follow a few steps to automate your Flutter app using Appium Flutter Driver. First, you need to set up your environment by installing the required software, such as Flutter, Android Studio, and Appium. Then, you need to create a Flutter project and add the necessary dependencies for Appium Flutter Driver. After that, you can write your automated tests using your favorite programming language and run them using Appium. To simplify this process, you can use a test automation platform like Testsigma that provides a user-friendly interface for creating and running automated tests.</p>



<h3 id="can-i-run-my-appium-flutter-driver-tests-on-real-devices"><span id="Can_I_run_my_Appium_Flutter_Driver_tests_on_real_devices"><strong>Can I run my Appium Flutter Driver tests on real devices?</strong></span></h3>



<p>Yes, you can run your Appium Flutter Driver tests on real devices and emulators. Appium supports a wide range of devices and platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. To run your tests on real devices, you can just connect your device to your computer and configure the Appium settings accordingly. With Testsigma, you can easily set up your test environment and run your tests on real devices without hassle.</p>



<customlinks>
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<ts-linktext-value>Flutter test coverage</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/flutter-test-coverage/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Flutter Testing</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/flutter-testing/</ts-linkurl-value>
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Automating Flutter Apps with Appium Flutter Driver

Automating Flutter Apps with Appium Flutter Driver using Appium Java Client


<p>The ever-increasing usage of the internet has changed how we humans interact with technology. Everything is just a few touches away, be it booking a cab, making a payment, ordering groceries, medicines, or other services. For developers who create such complex applications, it’s essential that they test these applications thoroughly. Hence, understanding the key differences between&nbsp;mobile application testing&nbsp;vs web application testing becomes quite crucial.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Mobile_Application_Testing_vs_Web_Application_Testing_8211_Overview"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> Mobile Application Testing vs Web Application Testing &#8211; Overview</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_Mobile_Application_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.1</span> What is Mobile Application Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_Web_Application_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.2</span> What is Web Application Testing?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Difference_Between_Mobile_Application_Testing_and_Web_Application_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Difference Between Mobile Application Testing and Web Application Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Mobile_Application_Testing_VS_Web_Application_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Mobile Application Testing VS Web Application Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_are_the_skills_required_for_mobile_application_and_web_application_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.1</span> What are the skills required for mobile application and web application testing?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="mobile-application-testing-vs-web-application-testing-overview"><span id="Mobile_Application_Testing_vs_Web_Application_Testing_8211_Overview"><strong>Mobile Application Testing vs Web Application Testing &#8211; Overview</strong></span></h2>



<h3 id="3ki54"><span id="What_is_Mobile_Application_Testing">What is Mobile Application Testing?</span></h3>



<p>Mobile application testing is the process of validating any mobile application before releasing it to the public. We test its usability and functionality as per the requirements specified by the business. Thus, it helps us understand whether the mobile application meets the technical and functional expectations.</p>



<p>The main goal behind developing any mobile application is to increase its reach and make it accessible globally. Hence, we don’t want the application to have bugs and technical faults when launched. Needless to say, no business would want its customer to come up with complaints and switch to a different competitor.</p>



<p>Hence, we need to <a href="https://testsigma.com/mobile-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test any mobile application</a> on multiple devices, screen resolutions, operation systems such as Android and iOS, network bandwidths, etc. The application should run flawlessly on all the combinations of device configurations.</p>



<p>Check here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/mobile-testing-tools" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top Mobile Automation Testing Tools</a></p>



<h3 id="jlc9"><span id="What_is_Web_Application_Testing">What is Web Application Testing?</span></h3>



<p>Web application testing is the process of testing the website for potential bugs or any other unwanted issues before we release it to the end users. Most businesses still prefer web applications that can run on browsers on desktop as well as mobile devices. This allows them to provide seamless user interaction on their most-used devices.</p>



<p>Similar to mobile application testing, there are different aspects of web application testing as well. When we test a web application, we must ensure it meets the functional requirements. More than that, it should be able to meet the performance benchmarks, should not be prone to security leaks, and must be compatible with all possible browser configurations.</p>



<p>A testing plan for a website should at least include a test strategy, objectives, and approach. It should also have a set of well-defined test cases and test suites and an environment where the tests need to be executed. Moreover, the testers should be able to automate the repetitive web application test cases to save time and effort.</p>



<p>Check here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-cases-example-for-web-application/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Web Applications Test Cases</a></p>



<h2 id="e60hn"><span id="Difference_Between_Mobile_Application_Testing_and_Web_Application_Testing"><strong>Difference Between Mobile Application Testing and Web Application Testing</strong></span></h2>



<p>The difference between mobile application testing vs web application testing boils down to their purpose, intended users, and complexity.</p>



<p>In web application testing, we test our websites for functionality, usability, and quality across different OS, browsers, and versions. On the other hand, in mobile application testing, we verify whether or not the mobile application works as intended across thousands of mobile device configurations.</p>



<p>Therefore, it is essential that both these types of applications perform up to the benchmark and are bug-free. Ultimately, it all comes down to providing a seamless user experience and retaining the end users. Having discussed this, let’s dive deep into the basic differences between mobile application testing vs web application testing.</p>



<p>Check here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/modern-tools-for-automated-testing-of-your-web-applications/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Website Testing Tools</a></p>



<h2 id="e60hn"><span id="Mobile_Application_Testing_VS_Web_Application_Testing"><strong>Mobile Application Testing VS Web Application Testing</strong></span></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-table">
<table style="border: 1px solid black; border-collapse: collapse;">
<tbody>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;"><strong>Mobile Application Testing</strong></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;"><strong>Web Application Testing</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">Developing and testing responsive mobile applications, especially for devices with small resolutions like mobile phones and tablets, is difficult.</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">Developing and testing responsive web applications for larger screen resolutions is relatively easier.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">Due to the complexity of mobile applications and the involvement of many components, it’s challenging to test mobile applications.</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">Testing web applications is relatively easier.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">We need to test the mobile applications on a combination of different device configurations like OS (iOS and Android), resolutions, hardware configurations, OEMs, etc.</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">Web applications must be tested across different browser versions and OS combinations.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">Mobile applications that consume a lot of power and drain battery are not well-received by end users. Hence, the testing teams must test the applications on fully-charged and drained mobile devices.</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">There is no such constraint for testing web applications as it depends solely on the browser.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">The testing team needs to consider the interaction of the devices with user actions such as gestures, voice, noise, etc. This is due to the number of features that smartphones provide the users to interact with different applications.</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">Web browsers do not offer many options to interact and even if they do, users preferably use mouse and keyboard control to access web applications. Hence, the scope of testing is less.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">Nowadays, mobile applications are also accessible via peripheral devices connected to the mobile such as fitness trackers, smart watches, medical devices like pacemakers, etc. Hence, they need to be tested on these devices as well.</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">Web applications are mostly accessed on browsers. Other peripheral devices include webcams, controllers, etc. However, they are not used on a large scale.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">Some popular tools and frameworks for mobile application testing are – Testsigma, Appium, Xamarin, Espresso, XCUITest, Robotium, etc.</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">Commonly used web application testing tools are – Selenium, WebLoad, devtools in browsers, Acunetix, etc.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>



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<h2 id="8i5po"><span id="Conclusion"><strong>Conclusion</strong></span></h2>



<p>To sum up, testing is a crucial part of the <a href="https://www.netscaler.com/articles/what-is-an-application-delivery" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">delivery process of any application</a>, be it a mobile or desktop web application. With the availability of a plethora of devices with multiple configurations, testing the robustness of an application on all these platforms is quite a hectic task. Hence, switching over to an automated testing solution will save you a lot of time, effort, and cost.</p>



<p>To ensure a bug-free product, you must test your application in all possible device configurations that the end users commonly use. New-age automated tools like Testsigma and others provide a complete solution with thousands of real devices hosted on cloud.</p>



<p>Hence, you need to choose wisely before you invest in any automated testing tool so that it has all the features and appropriate support that your application needs.</p>



<h2 id="c1dob"><span id="Frequently_Asked_Questions"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></span></h2>



<h3 id="60t5p"><span id="What_are_the_skills_required_for_mobile_application_and_web_application_testing">What are the skills required for mobile application and web application testing?</span></h3>



<p>To test any application, the tester must have these basic skills to ensure that the final product meets the business requirements and benchmarks. S/he should have a deep understanding of the features to be developed, should be able to choose the right testing tool, and automate the testing as much as possible. This is possible with the ability to write automation scripts and set up proper test environments.</p>



<customlinks>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Mobile Application Testing</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/mobile-testing</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Web Application Testing</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/guides/web-application-testing/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Desktop Application Testing vs Web Application Testing</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/desktop-application-testing-vs-web-application-testing/</ts-linkurl-value>
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Mobile Application Testing vs Web Application Testing image

Mobile Application Testing vs Web Application Testing – Key Differences

<p>As rapid technological advancements drive the digital era, providing customers with the latest and most intuitive applications has become a necessity. To ensure high application quality and reliability, businesses need to leverage testing and staging environments. Where a testing environment ensures each application component does its job, the staging environment ensures the components still perform well when deployed in a live environment. Let’s have an overview of the <strong>staging environment vs test environment</strong>, their best practices, and more.</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_Environment"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is a Test Environment?</a><ul><li><a href="#Elements_of_Test_Environment"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.1</span> Elements of Test Environment</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Why_Do_You_Need_a_Testing_Environment"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Why Do You Need a Testing Environment?</a></li><li><a href="#Best_Practices_for_an_Effective_Test_Environment"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Best Practices for an Effective Test Environment</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_a_Staging_Environment"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> What is a Staging Environment?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_Do_You_Need_a_Staging_Environment"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Why Do You Need a Staging Environment?</a></li><li><a href="#Best_Practices_for_a_Reliable_Staging_Environment"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Best Practices for a Reliable Staging Environment</a></li><li><a href="#Staging_Environment_vs_Test_Environment_What8217s_the_Difference"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Staging Environment vs Test Environment: What&#8217;s the Difference?</a></li><li><a href="#Summary"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> Summary</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">9</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_the_difference_between_staging_and_QA"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">9.1</span> What is the difference between staging and QA?</a></li><li><a href="#What_comes_first_UAT_or_staging"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">9.2</span> What comes first, UAT or staging?</a></li><li><a href="#What_are_the_different_types_of_testing_environments"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">9.3</span> What are the different types of testing environments?</a></li><li><a href="#How_many_environments_are_there_in_QA"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">9.4</span> How many environments are there in QA?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="uoip"><span id="What_is_a_Test_Environment"><strong>What is a Test Environment?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Every application developed needs to be validated to ensure it performs as per the end user’s expectations. <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Test environments</a> are platforms that help design and run multiple test cases on the application as well as the associated hardware and network configurations. This environment consists of all the required resources needed to execute the tests, such as OS, servers, drivers, and so on.</p>



<p>Basically, a test environment is a setup that brings together hardware, software, data, and a combination of configurations to perform testing. These are configured according to the needs of the software being tested to ensure it performs well in all conditions.</p>



<p>Test environments are not one-size-fits-all in nature. It is the component that dictates the environment setup. The main aim of setting up a test environment is to enable QA teams to validate the application and find underlying bugs that are fixed to prevent any negative user experience.</p>



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<h3 id="5899g"><span id="Elements_of_Test_Environment">Elements of Test Environment</span></h3>



<p>Certain factors are required to perform testing in a test environment. These are mentioned below:</p>



<p><strong>Servers and Databases for Testing</strong></p>



<p>Servers are environments where software is deployed for testing. Databases store massive datasets in the form of test results from the executed tests.</p>



<p><strong>Team of Testers</strong></p>



<p>A setup for a testing environment features different types of people who create test cases to find all possible bugs and defects. These are:</p>



<ul><li>Dev team, which develops the software</li><li>Testers who run various tests to validate the software</li><li>System admin, who provides backend support.</li></ul>



<p><strong>Network for Testing</strong></p>



<p>The network acts as a channel to transfer test data. The <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/test-process/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">software testing process</a> generates a significant amount of data in the form of inputs, outputs, simulation data, etc. An ideal testing network features a network, LAN setup, or private network.</p>



<p><strong>Tools for Reporting Bugs</strong></p>



<p>Reporting the bugs is as critical as detecting them. The test environment should use reliable and effective defect-logging tools so that the developers can easily understand what needs to be fixed. Some examples of popular bug-reporting tools are Bugzilla and JIRA.</p>



<p><strong><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-environment-management/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Managing Test Environment</a></strong></p>



<p>Management of the test environment is critical to ensure they can be utilized whenever required. This includes <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-bed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test beds </a>according to the needs of the QA team. Test management also includes setting up a test repository and supporting software and ensuring these are updated through version control. Test environment management also means creating adequate documentation for the setup details, testing history, and outcomes. This helps in making future test cases and may be used as reference points in fixing similar bugs.</p>



<h2 id="86b1a"><span id="Why_Do_You_Need_a_Testing_Environment"><strong>Why Do You Need a Testing Environment?</strong></span></h2>



<p>A well-designed test environment is essential to ensure the investment in creating robust test cases pays off. A test environment enables testers to have comprehensive feedback about the application quality. In other words, a test environment provides teams with the necessary setup to run the test cases.</p>



<p>A test environment further helps in providing a dedicated environment to isolate the code and verify the application&#8217;s behavior. This ensures that no other activities that can influence the output of the tests are running on the server.</p>



<p>Moreover, a test environment can replicate the production environment, which is crucial for being confident about the testing outcomes. The testing engineer needs to ensure that the application behaves the same way in the test environment as in the production environment.</p>



<h2 id="88a5j"><span id="Best_Practices_for_an_Effective_Test_Environment"><strong>Best Practices for an Effective Test Environment</strong></span></h2>



<p>Creating a software testing environment is essential for any organization that wants to ensure the quality of its software applications. This helps testers run various tests to identify and fix defects early in development.</p>



<p>Setting up a proper test environment needs experience, resources, and effort. Here are a few best practices for setting up an effective <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">software testing environment</a>:</p>



<ul><li>Define the testing goals. It should be clear what the testers want to achieve with testing.</li><li>Identify what <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/the-different-software-testing-types-explained/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">types of testing</a> would be required. Some of the critical kinds of testing are Unit testing, Integration testing, Acceptance testing, Regression testing.</li><li>Determine the scope of software testing. It should be clear which parts of the software will be tested.</li><li>Create test cases while keeping in mind the requirements and features.</li><li>The test environment should feature a comprehensive software, hardware, and network configuration setup.</li><li>Ensure the testing environment is secure.</li><li>The environment should be scalable to incorporate the increasing volumes of user traffic and app data.</li><li>Ensure the code changes are validated periodically before the updates are pushed to production.</li><li>Ensure the test environment is updated and includes the latest software and hardware configurations.</li></ul>



<h2 id="e4eh5"><span id="What_is_a_Staging_Environment"><strong>What is a Staging Environment?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Staging environments consist of software, hardware, and configuration similar to the production environments. It is through these similarities testers can mimic the real-world production environment.</p>



<p>Staging environments are replicas of the production environments. It imitates the production environment as closely as possible to ensure application quality. The purpose of setting up a staging environment is to validate the application approaching the production stage to ensure the app will perform well post-deployment.</p>



<p>Simply put, it is a stage where Dev and QA teams can perform various tests on the software and identify its best version. It ensures that the users are always provided with the best software experience.</p>



<h2 id="1d6kj"><span id="Why_Do_You_Need_a_Staging_Environment"><strong>Why Do You Need a Staging Environment?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Working with a staging environment allows testers to verify all assumptions made before development and ensure that application deployments are successful. Also, testing new changes takes care of the risk of bugs hampering the end-user experience because the bugs are resolved before going to the live environment.</p>



<p>It is also recommended to deploy the staging environment as part of a release. This ultimately allows the Dev and QA teams to identify any coding, integration, or data bottlenecks.</p>



<p>There are several benefits of using a staging environment:</p>



<ul><li>A staging environment allows the testers to validate the application in a near-production environment.</li><li>A staging environment offers a medium for performing QA checks to ensure the application is of the best possible quality.</li><li>The developers release the new versions of the application in the staging environment to ensure everything is working as intended.</li><li>This environment may be used to share product and services demos with the customers.</li></ul>



<h2 id="c18qa"><span id="Best_Practices_for_a_Reliable_Staging_Environment"><strong>Best Practices for a Reliable Staging Environment</strong></span></h2>



<p><strong>Have a dedicated database server</strong></p>



<p>The database features the entire content of the application. Hence, it is crucial to prevent the staging database override over the live database. It is recommended to use a dedicated database server for staging. Testers can refresh the staging database from scratch if they make any mistakes.</p>



<p><strong>Ensure comprehensive testing</strong></p>



<p>When updates are made to software, it is critical to ensure that they do not break anything. Testing assures that the updates and modifications made in the staging environment do not break the live product. A comprehensive test strategy plan, which includes both automation and manual testing, should be made before making any updates to the staging environment.</p>



<p><strong>Monitor the testing environment</strong></p>



<p>Monitoring bears many benefits in a pre-production environment, the foremost being ensuring that code updates do not hamper the production environment. Testers can know the possibilities of failure when the code is deployed by monitoring the testing environments and cases. It is difficult for testers to follow every possible user path and bug. Here, monitoring enables error tracking and ensures quicker code modifications.</p>



<p><strong>Perform debugging and testing</strong></p>



<p>Effective testing and debugging procedures ensure that high-quality code is produced consistently. These include automated testing, regular logging, and bug tracking.</p>



<p><strong>Clone the exact infrastructure</strong></p>



<p>When creating the staging environment, ensure that the same resources are used. These include:</p>



<ul><li>Cloud provider</li><li>Virtualization tools</li><li>API gateways</li></ul>



<p><strong>Ensure a secure environment</strong></p>



<p>Since a staging environment imitates a production environment, both share the same data. If a staging environment is compromised, it may also put the production environment at risk. To prevent any security incidents, testers should use a different domain for staging with restricted access. Data should be encrypted in transit, and complex credentials should be utilized to access the staging environment.</p>



<p><strong>Create backups</strong></p>



<p>When working with a staging environment, any data loss in the staging environment can lead to data loss in the production environment. Hence, it is critical to have data backups of the staging environment to enable quick data recovery in case something goes wrong. <a href="https://docs.aws.amazon.com/aws-backup/latest/devguide/whatisbackup.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AWS backup is a recommended way</a> to create effective data backups for staging environments.</p>



<p>Above we have discussed all about Test environment and staging environment, best practices and more , now lets look into staging environment vs test environment differences.</p>



<h2 id="1qsa2"><span id="Staging_Environment_vs_Test_Environment_What8217s_the_Difference"><strong>Staging Environment vs Test Environment: What&#8217;s the Difference?</strong></span></h2>



<p>A staging environment and a testing environment differ in the levels of resemblance these provide to testers. In a staging environment, versions are kept up to date to ensure everything resembles the live version except for the recently pushed updates from the Dev environment. This allows testers to deploy the software updates to a live environment while ensuring that nothing breaks in the process.</p>



<p>This may only sometimes be the case with a testing environment. Rather than testing everything end-to-end, testers often work on assumptions of how the software will work and test the changes made to the source code. The testing environment ensures that the code updates are tested faster and without needing to imitate the entire live environment, as in the case of staging environments. Now lets check out the table given below with staging environment vs test environment differences.</p>



<p></p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Staging Environment&nbsp;</strong></td><td><strong>Test Environment</strong></td></tr><tr><td>A staging environment mimics the production environment to perform final QA checks on application.</td><td>A test environment validates each component of application under test.</td></tr><tr><td>It replicates all requirements and configurations of the production environment.</td><td>It is dynamic and requires specific configurations to test each component.</td></tr><tr><td>It validates the complete application.&nbsp;</td><td>It tests the Individual components or functions.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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<h2 id="dscsk"><span id="Summary"><strong>Summary</strong></span></h2>
<p>Both testing and staging environments play a critical role in ensuring the application performs as expected in real-life scenarios. On the one hand, the testing environment ensures each application component performs its job well. On the other hand, the staging environment ensures the application&#8217;s features work well with everything connected around it.</p>
<h2 id="6fsjh"><span id="Frequently_Asked_Questions"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></span></h2>
<h3 id="7s9is"><span id="What_is_the_difference_between_staging_and_QA">What is the difference between staging and QA?</span></h3>
<p>The significant differences between staging and QA are found in the scale of the test as well as the agenda of finding bugs. The staging environment replicates the requirements and configurations of the production environment, whereas the testing environment validates a particular part of the product.</p>
<h3 id="3s9sj"><span id="What_comes_first_UAT_or_staging">What comes first, UAT or staging?</span></h3>
<p>UAT comes first in a software development life cycle, followed by staging.</p>
<h3 id="dn7nj"><span id="What_are_the_different_types_of_testing_environments">What are the different types of testing environments?</span></h3>
<ul>
<li>The Dev environment &#8211; This is where apps are deployed and unit tested by the Dev team.</li>
<li>Test/<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/qa-environment/">QA Environment</a> &#8211; In this environment, the versioned QA builds are deployed, followed by testers executing the tests and reporting test results to the Dev team.</li>
<li>Staging Environment &#8211; It validates the application approaching the production stage to ensure the app will perform well post-deployment.</li>
<li>Production Environment &#8211; This is a live environment where real users use the app.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="9gqqh"><span id="How_many_environments_are_there_in_QA">How many environments are there in QA?</span></h3>
<p>There are four QA environments: the Development environment, Test environment, Staging environment, and Production environment.</p>
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