As a software developer or project manager, you know that ensuring the quality and reliability of your software is crucial to its success. But how do you create a solid Software Quality Assurance plan to help you achieve these goals?, this blog post will explore the critical elements of a successful SQA plan and provide tips and techniques for implementing it in your project. 



We&#8217;ll cover topics such as setting clear objectives, defining your target audience, and choosing the right testing tools and techniques. Whether you&#8217;re just starting with SQA or looking to improve your existing processes, this post has something for you. So let&#8217;s get started!



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_Is_a_Quality_Assurance_Plan">1 What Is a Quality Assurance Plan?</a></li><li><a href="#Objectives_And_Goals_of_Quality_Assurance_Plan">2 Objectives And Goals of Quality Assurance Plan</a></li><li><a href="#Develop_Quality_Assurance_Plan">3 Develop Quality Assurance Plan </a><ul><li><a href="#Identify_the_role_and_responsibilities_of_the_SQA_team">3.1 Identify the role and responsibilities of the SQA team-</a></li><li><a href="#List_of_the_work_products_the_SQA_auditor_will_review_and_audit-nbsp">3.2 List of the work products the SQA auditor will review and audit-&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#Create_the_schedule_to_perform_the_SQA_tasks">3.3 Create the schedule to perform the SQA tasks-</a></li><li><a href="#Define_the_standardsmethodology">3.4 Define the standards/methodology: </a></li><li><a href="#Review_the_process">3.5 Review the process</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Things_To_Remember_While_Creating_A_Quality_Assurance_Plan_Best_Practices">4 Things To Remember While Creating A Quality Assurance Plan (Best Practices)</a></li><li><a href="#Why_Is_a_Quality_Assurance_Plan_Important_for_Software_Companies">5 Why Is a Quality Assurance Plan Important for Software Companies?</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">6 Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">7 Frequently Asked Questions:</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_the_quality_assurance_plan_process">7.1 What is the quality assurance plan process?</a></li><li><a href="#What_are_the_components_of_a_quality_assurance_plan">7.2 What are the components of a quality assurance plan?</a></li><li><a href="#Where_is_SQA_used">7.3 Where is SQA used?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_SQA_software_testing">7.4 What is SQA software testing?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-a-quality-assurance-plan">What Is a Quality Assurance Plan?</h2>



A Software Quality Assurance Plan is a managerial tool and a proactive measure to prevent defects and consumes less time. It is usually associated with two teams. It has auditing and reporting functions. It ensures that the software being developed meets the standard demand and works parallel to its development. Thus, it ensures that the result will meet the expectations of the customer/client or business. It is used for both small and big industry businesses. 



The first team includes the Software engineers assigned to develop the product. The second team consists of the SQA team responsible for performing quality assurance planning, oversight, record keeping, and reporting.  



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Read More on : <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/metrics-for-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Metrics for Testing</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 id="objectives-and-goals-of-quality-assurance-plan">Objectives And Goals of Quality Assurance Plan</h2>



Creating a fantastic quality assurance strategy is an exciting endeavor. But, before we get started, let&#8217;s define our objectives and aims to ensure we&#8217;re on the right track. Here are some critical considerations:



1. Customer requirements and expectations: Put yourself in the shoes of your customers and learn what they actually want from your products or services. This will direct you towards exceeding their expectations and providing complete fulfillment.



2. Company Objectives: Every company has its own set of goals and dreams. Determine your company&#8217;s goals and align your quality assurance approach accordingly. It&#8217;s like striking the proper balance between your goals and the path to accomplishment.



3. Industry Standards: Who wants to be left in the dust? Stay ahead of the competition by researching and comprehending industry standards. Knowing the benchmarks allows you to guarantee that your products or services meet or exceed the defined standards.



After we&#8217;ve completed our research, it&#8217;s time to set ship for the country of aims and goals. But keep in mind that we want to be SMART about it:



4. Specific: Identify the specific areas you wish to improve or concentrate on. Vague ideas will not suffice. Let&#8217;s go specific and focus on the target.



5. Measurable: Establish measurable criteria to track your progress. It&#8217;s similar to having a fitness tracker for your quality assurance strategy. Set milestones and metrics that will help you to measure your progress and celebrate your victories.



6. Achievable: Dreams are wonderful, but let us be practical, will we? Make certain that your aims and goals are attainable. It&#8217;s like attempting to climb a mountain that is difficult but not impossible. Remember that small steps lead to big leaps!



7. Relevant: Stick to the path that is consistent with your main purpose. Your objectives and goals should be pertinent to your company and the quality improvements you desire. It&#8217;s like selecting the best tool for the job—the ideal match that guarantees your efforts have meaning and impact.



8. Time-bound: Time does not wait for anybody, therefore let us set deadlines. Establish a timetable for achieving your objectives and ambitions. It&#8217;s like having a countdown clock that motivates you and keeps you on target.



Your quality assurance strategy will have a clear direction and a tactical roadmap if these objectives and goals are in sight.



<h2 id="h-develop-quality-assurance-plan">Develop Quality Assurance Plan </h2>



Just like a test requires a test plan; similarly, an SQA requires a Quality Assurance plan before its implementation. The primary aim of devising an SQA plan is to ensure that the best quality is delivered to the end user. 



The QA team should focus on the following aspects to prepare an SQA plan:



<h3 id="h-identify-the-role-and-responsibilities-of-the-sqa-team">Identify the role and responsibilities of the SQA team-</h3>



<ol><li>The&nbsp;SQA testing&nbsp;team plans the tests and works on possible scenarios, procedures, and scripts.&nbsp;</li><li>The team is responsible for setting benchmark standards, procedures, and methods for&nbsp;software quality assurance testing&nbsp;and maintaining product quality.</li><li>The team is assigned to report any defects in the&nbsp;software quality assurance activities&nbsp;using bug-tracking mechanisms.</li><li>The team also identifies and analyses problems encountered in program functioning or output.</li><li>It is also responsible for implementing audits and checks and works on follow-up.</li><li>The team also conducts Training for process implementors.</li></ol>



<h3 id="h-list-of-the-work-products-the-sqa-auditor-will-review-and-audit">List of the work products the SQA auditor will review and audit-&nbsp;</h3>



<ol><li>The SQA auditor documents the risk management activities.</li><li>An SQA auditor also prepares metrics reports and estimates the budget required.</li><li>An SQA auditor is involved in planning and preparing the documents for a test.</li><li>SQA auditors are responsible for the overall organization, human resource planning, and devising a training plan.</li><li>SQA auditor is entrusted with monitoring and controlling the collected metrics.</li><li>Another work product that an SQA auditor will review and audit is the report on issue management.</li><li>An SQA auditor will also review and audit the test report documents.</li></ol>



<h3 id="h-create-the-schedule-to-perform-the-sqa-tasks">Create the schedule to perform the SQA tasks-</h3>



&nbsp;The Test Manager should emphasize&nbsp;SQA activities&nbsp;and the work output for each job when they describe the functions for the SQA auditor to complete in this step. The project development timetable often determines the SQA schedule.



<h3 id="h-define-the-standards-methodology">Define the standards/methodology: </h3>



There are specific methods that ought to be followed in the&nbsp;software quality assurance technique:&nbsp;



<ol><li>Defining the policies and methods that are intended to avert defects that occur in the management process.</li><li>Documenting and compiling the procedures and guidelines.</li><li>Informing and training the staff to use the policies and guidelines.</li></ol>



<h3 id="h-review-the-process">Review the process</h3>



The entire&nbsp;SQA techniques&nbsp;should be reviewed periodically to ensure the guidelines and policy procedures are duly met. There are five significant reviews:



<ol><li>Reviewing the project planning</li><li>Reviewing the analysis done for software requirement</li><li>Reviewing the <a href="https://testsigma.com/testplan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test plan</a> and <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-design/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test design</a></li><li>Checking the entire process before the final release</li><li>Reviewing the closing of the project.</li></ol>



<h2 id="things-to-remember-while-creating-a-quality-assurance-plan-best-practices">Things To Remember While Creating A Quality Assurance Plan (Best Practices)</h2>



Alright, let&#8217;s continue our quality assurance journey and dive into the other important elements of a well-crafted plan. Here&#8217;s what we&#8217;ll be exploring:



Setting Procedures and Policies for All: 



Establishing clear processes and regulations ensures everyone is aware of expectations and upholds quality standards, ensuring everyone follows the appropriate standards.



Schedule Roles and Responsibilities: 



During the quality assurance process, team members will be aware of their roles and duties, akin to actors knowing their lines and cues.



Documentation in Different Phases: 



Documenting our quality journey through project phases, similar to taking pictures, will help us develop, learn, and make adjustments, providing valuable resources for future initiatives.



Review and Audit: 



Routine quality inspections assess and audit quality assurance initiatives to ensure they align with goals and are worthwhile. This process is similar to a strategy checkup to ensure soundness and functionality.



Testing Phase: 



The action takes place here! To find any bugs or problems, we&#8217;ll put our goods and services through a thorough testing process. To make sure they are top-notch, it&#8217;s like taking our inventions for a test drive and pushing them to their limits.



Troubleshooting Problems: 



Address obstacles head-on, examining underlying reasons, devising cures, and implementing them like sleuths to maintain proper functioning and address issues effectively.



Project Control: 



Imagine yourself as the leader of our quality project, monitoring key performance indicators and making wise decisions to ensure we&#8217;re heading in the right direction.



Training: 



Fund training initiatives to enhance team members&#8217; abilities and expertise, fostering a high-quality culture and thriving in their professions. Provide necessary tools for success.



Risk Management: 



Proactively identifying potential dangers and developing plans to reduce them serves as a safety net, ensuring quality issues are mitigated and preparing for outstanding achievements by controlling risks.



Proactively identifying potential dangers and developing plans to reduce them serves as a safety net, ensuring quality issues are mitigated and preparing for outstanding achievements by controlling risks.



<h2 id="why-is-a-quality-assurance-plan-important-for-software-companies">Why Is a Quality Assurance Plan Important for Software Companies?</h2>



A quality assurance plan is crucial for software companies due to the following reasons:



1. Assures product dependability through extensive testing and validation.



2. Keeps customers satisfied by providing high-quality items.



3. Reduces risks and expenses by detecting problems early on.



4. Ensures industry standards and laws are followed.



5. Encourages ongoing improvement and efficiency in development practices.



Overall, a quality assurance plan is vital for software companies to deliver reliable, high-quality products, maintain customer satisfaction, reduce risks and costs, comply with industry standards, and drive continuous improvement.



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



Any business, regardless of size, relies on&nbsp;Software quality assurance techniques&nbsp;and plans used by Software testers, Project managers, and Quality assurance professionals to produce successful and smooth deliveries without any defects. 



Software Quality Assurance Plan is essential when fulfilling the promises made to the customers and clients.  It must be noted that creating a schedule for the SQA task is the most critical step in implementing it as it assists in the time management and timely delivery of the software development project, which produces customer satisfaction and sustains the name of your business in the market. 



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



<h3 id="what-is-the-quality-assurance-plan-process">What is the quality assurance plan process?</h3>



The&nbsp;quality assurance (QA) plan&nbsp;process involves developing and implementing a document that outlines the strategies and activities that will be used to ensure that a product or service meets certain standards of quality. The specific steps in the QA plan process can vary depending on the needs and goals of an organization. Still, a typical approach might include the following efforts: Define the plan&#8217;s scope, Identify the stakeholders, establish a testing strategy, Create test cases, review and report on test results, etc.



<h3 id="what-are-the-components-of-a-quality-assurance-plan">What are the components of a quality assurance plan?</h3>



The components of a QA plan can vary depending on an organization&#8217;s specific needs and goals. Still, some common elements include Quality objectives, Scope, Quality standards, Quality control processes, Quality assurance activities, <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/software-testing-strategy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Software Testing Strategies</a>, Training and education, Quality metrics, and Continuous improvement. Read More on <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/quality-assurance-vs-quality-control/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quality Control VS Quality Assurance</a>



<h3 id="where-is-sqa-used">Where is SQA used?</h3>



Software quality assurance (QA) is used throughout the software development life cycle (SDLC) to ensure that a software product meets specified requirements and is fit for its intended purpose. QA activities may involve verifying the software&#8217;s functionality, testing its performance and scalability, and checking for security vulnerabilities.



<h3 id="what-is-sqa-software-testing">What is SQA software testing?</h3>



Software quality assurance (SQA) is the testing process of evaluating a software product or system to determine whether it meets the requirements and standards. QA testing aims to identify and fix the defects before they are released to the users.&nbsp;

Creating a Comprehensive Software Quality Assurance Plan for your Project

6 Key Steps to Creating A Quality Assurance Plan

Once Unit testing is over and you integrate separate modules to form a complete system, Integration testing comes into the picture. It follows certain specifications to examine the interaction and behavior of different modules as they come together to build a system. 



As such, Integration testing follows two approaches—Top-down and Bottom-up—that offer an organized way of building a programming structure, all the while continuing the testing processes. And this is the exact topic of this article. We will talk about the difference between Top-down and Bottom-up Integration testing for you to understand both approaches in detail.



However, you must have a thorough knowledge of Integration testing and its requirements before you jump to understanding its different approaches. So, here we begin.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Integration_Testing">1 What is Integration Testing?</a><ul><li><a href="#What_are_Different_Types_of_Integration_Testing">1.1 What are Different Types of Integration Testing?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#What_is_Top-Down_Integration_Testing">2 What is Top-Down Integration Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_Bottom-Up_Integration_Testing">3 What is Bottom-Up Integration Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Difference_Between_Top_Down_and_Bottom_Up_Integration_Testing">4 Difference Between Top Down and Bottom Up Integration Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Key_Takeaways">5 Key Takeaways</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">6 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_the_purpose_of_Bottom-up_testing">6.1 What is the purpose of Bottom-up testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_the_purpose_of_Top-down_testing">6.2 What is the purpose of Top-down testing?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-integration-testing">What is <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/integration-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Integration Testing</a>?</h2>



Integration testing comes after <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/unit-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Unit testing</a> and follows the communication between several software modules after their design, development, and integration. Testers analyze connected components in this methodology to check for compatibility issues. Often, such issues arise between modules due to data transfer and software-hardware incompatibility.



There are several automation tools available to help you perform Integration testing. Some of the popular tools, such as Selenium, <a href="https://docs.pytest.org/en/7.2.x/contents.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Pytest</a>, Testsigma, and <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/comparison-between-testsigma-and-protractor-alternatives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Protractor</a>, are all open source and offer several in-house options and <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/use-case-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">use cases for testing</a> purposes.



Integration testing is conducted iteratively for the module group (making up the system) to find the errors. It is an <a href="https://www.planview.com/resources/guide/agile-methodologies-a-beginners-guide/benefits-of-agile-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">agile methodology</a> that follows the sprint cycle technique.



<h3 id="h-what-are-different-types-of-integration-testing">What are Different Types of Integration Testing?</h3>



As already mentioned, there are two approaches to Integration testing. But those are not the only two types. Integration testing has five types in total that testers can employ to perform as per their need:



1. <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/big-bang-integration-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Bang Approach</a>



Under this technique, either all or major modules are integrated for testing. It is only done after all the components are up and running.



2. <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/incremental-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Incremental Integration </a>



Incremental testing is when a minimum of two (sometimes more) logically related modules are connected for testing, and the same process continues as more modules add to the system.



3. Top-Down Testing



Top-down testing follows a sequential path of dealing with the top modules before moving on to later or sub-modules.



4. <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/bottom-up-integration-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bottom-Up Testing</a>



The bottom-up approach is simply the opposite of Top-down testing.



5. Hybrid/Mixed 



As the name suggests, hybrid or mixed Integration testing combines Top-down and Bottom-up to achieve the advantages of both types.



Although all these types have their use cases and advantages, this blog focuses on Top-down and Bottom-up approaches and the differences between them.



Point to Note: Top-down and Bottom-up come under the Incremental Integration testing approach.



<h2 id="h-what-is-top-down-integration-testing">What is Top-Down Integration Testing?</h2>



Top-down incremental Integration testing builds the program structure by moving from the top module to the lower modules. The process follows a certain downward hierarchy where the lower-level (sub-modules) modules are integrated into the top-level module (main module) using either a depth-first or breadth-first method. The primary advantage of this technique is to verify the control transfer and ease of integration as early as possible.



Almost all the Top-down models rely on Stubs (also called dummy programs) to run the testing. These stubs simulate the functioning of sub-modules.



<h2 id="h-what-is-bottom-up-integration-testing">What is <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/bottom-up-integration-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bottom-Up Integration Testing</a>?</h2>



By the name of it, we are sure you know what Bottom-up Integration testing is and how it functions. But for more clarity, here&#8217;s the definition: Bottom-up Integration takes into account sub-modules and moves upward in the integration process. It eliminates the need for stubs, as lower-level modules are already available for integration before moving on to using the top module. It decreases the amount of overhead present in the Top-down approach.



However, there could be a few instances where all modules are still in production and require a dummy program. In such cases, drivers are used in Bottom-up Integration testing as opposed to stubs used in Top-down Integration testing. Drivers act as &#8216;calling programs&#8217; as opposed to stubs that act as &#8216;called programs.



<h2 id="h-difference-between-top-down-and-bottom-up-integration-testing">Difference Between Top Down and Bottom Up Integration Testing</h2>



Integration testing can be done in two ways: Top-down and Bottom-up. The fundamental difference between these two approaches is the direction of testing.&nbsp;



In Top-down testing, the testing process starts from the top module and moves downwards towards the sub-modules. The main focus is testing the top module before integrating it with the sub-modules.&nbsp;



In Bottom-up testing, the testing process is initiated by combining the sub-modules and then moving upwards to the top module.



The difference between Top-down and Bottom-up Integration testing is that the former moves downward, and the latter moves upward. Top-down focuses on designing and testing the top module before merging it with sub-modules. Bottom-up, on the other hand, combines the sub-modules to test them and moves upward thereafter.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Characteristic</td><td>Top-Down Integration Testing</td><td>Bottom-Up Integration Testing</td></tr><tr><td>Approach</td><td>Tests the highest-level modules first and then works down the hierarchy.</td><td>Tests the lowest-level modules first and then works up the order.</td></tr><tr><td>Stubs</td><td>It uses stubs to simulate the lower-level modules.</td><td>It uses drivers to simulate the higher-level modules.</td></tr><tr><td>Complexity</td><td>Less complex.</td><td>More complex.</td></tr><tr><td>Data Intensity</td><td>Less data intensive.</td><td>More data intensive.</td></tr><tr><td>Risk coverage</td><td>Focuses on identifying and mitigating risks early on.</td><td>Focuses on identifying and mitigating risks later in the testing process.</td></tr><tr><td>Scope</td><td>It can be used to test large and complex systems.</td><td>It is better suited for testing smaller and less complex systems.</td></tr><tr><td>Suitability</td><td>It is suitable for systems that have a clear hierarchical structure.</td><td>It is suitable for systems that need a clear hierarchical structure.</td></tr><tr><td>Benefits</td><td>It can help to identify and mitigate risks early on.</td><td>It can help to ensure that the lower-level modules are working as expected.</td></tr><tr><td>Drawbacks</td><td>It can be challenging to implement for large and complex systems.</td><td>It can be time-consuming and data-intensive to execute.</td></tr><tr><td>Examples</td><td>Operating systems, database systems, and word-processing software.</td><td>Device drivers, embedded systems, and microcontrollers.</td></tr><tr><td>Other Differences</td><td>Main module calls the sub modules Uses stubs as a replacement for missing sub modules  Implemented on structured/procedure-oriented programming  Significant to identify errors at the top levels Difficult to observe the output  Simple to perform </td><td>Sub modules integrated with the top module(s) Makes use of drivers as a replacement for main/top modules  Beneficial for object-oriented programming  Good to determine defects at lower levels  Easy to observe and record the results  Highly complex and data-driven </td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 id="h-key-takeaways">Key Takeaways</h2>



At its foundation, Integration testing is the second level of testing right after Unit testing. All the system modules that are designed, developed, and tested during the Unit testing stage go through integration and further examination to check for compatibility issues. While Integration testing has multiple approaches that you can adopt as per your testing needs, two of the popular ones are Top-down and Bottom-up.



Both types have their advantages and disadvantages to help you decide which approach will best serve your needs. And if you are on the lookout for <a href="https://testsigma.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automation tools</a> that guide your QA team to start and continue <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/integration-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Integration testing</a> based on any one of these two types, we recommend Testsigma and Selenium, as they both offer multiple options in terms of testing. You can choose the former if your team wishes to skip the coding part and move directly on to testing the application.



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



<h3 id="h-what-is-the-purpose-of-bottom-up-testing">What is the purpose of Bottom-up testing?</h3>



The purpose of Bottom-up Integration testing is to uncover crucial issues like input or output data usage, which are usually performed by sub-modules early in the testing stage. In short, it focuses on the analysis of specific characteristics and micro attributes of lower modules as per user requirements.



<h3 id="h-what-is-the-purpose-of-top-down-testing">What is the purpose of Top-down testing?</h3>



The purpose of Top-down integration testing is to view all the components from the top and move downward in a manner to check the system&#8217;s functioning before starting to build the sub-modules. It will help you to catch errors even before you start working on every module of your application system.

Key Differences Between Top-Down and Bottom-Up Integration Testing

Key Differences Between Top Down and Bottom Up Integration Testing

QR Code Test: How To Check If a QR Code Works

As the internet becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, it&#8217;s important that websites are accessible to all users, regardless of their disabilities. However, ensuring accessibility can be a challenging and time-consuming task for web developers and testers. That&#8217;s where automated accessibility testing comes in. By testing for accessibility, teams can address issues before they become more challenging and costly to fix. In this article, we&#8217;ll discuss what automated accessibility testing is, including what it is, its pros and cons, and more.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Automated_Accessibility_Testing">1 What is Automated Accessibility Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Can_Accessibility_Testing_be_Automated_with_Tools">2 Can Accessibility Testing be Automated with Tools?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_Automated_Accessibility_Testing_is_Important">3 Why Automated Accessibility Testing is Important?</a></li><li><a href="#Pros_and_Cons_of_Automated_Accessibility_Tests">4 Pros and Cons of Automated Accessibility Tests</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Achieve_Automated_Accessibility_Testing">5 How to Achieve Automated Accessibility Testing?</a><ul><li><a href="#Make_Accessibility_a_Focus_Earlier_During_Design">5.1 Make Accessibility a Focus Earlier — During Design</a></li><li><a href="#Leverage_Accessibility_Testing_Tools">5.2 Leverage Accessibility Testing Tools</a></li><li><a href="#Create_Automated_Regression_Tests_For_Accessibility">5.3 Create Automated Regression Tests For Accessibility</a></li><li><a href="#Use_the_Right_Test_Automation_Platform">5.4 Use the Right Test Automation Platform</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">6 Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-automated-accessibility-testing">What is Automated Accessibility Testing?</h2>



Automated accessibility testing is a process of using software to test for accessibility issues in websites and web applications. This process ensures your app’s content and services are usable by people with disabilities of various types (vision, hearing, etc.). This <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/the-different-software-testing-types-explained/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">type of testing</a> can be used to find and fix issues related to web accessibility, such as missing alt text, improper use of color contrast, and more. 



For instance, overcoming the challenges that a person with vision impairment would encounter when attempting to use any app because the person would be unable to view visuals is what accessibility concerns are about. Keep in mind that automated accessibility testing verifies specific application features to ensure that it is usable by everyone.



While automated accessibility testing is a great tool for finding and fixing accessibility issues, it is important to note that it cannot catch everything. For example, automated testing cannot test for issues related to how well a person can use a website or web application. For this reason, it is also important to manually test websites and web applications to ensure they are accessible to everyone.



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



<h2 id="h-can-accessibility-testing-be-automated-with-tools">Can Accessibility Testing be Automated with Tools?</h2>



There is no simple answer to the question of whether web accessibility testing can be automated. While there are some automated tools available, they are not always reliable, and they often require a human touch to be effective.



That said, there are some ways to automate web accessibility testing to some extent. For example, you can use a tool to scan your site for potential accessibility issues and then have a human test those issues to confirm whether they are actually problems. You can also use a tool to generate a report of accessibility issues, which can then be reviewed manually.



Ultimately, the decision of whether to automate web accessibility testing will come down to a cost-benefit analysis. Automated tools can save time and money, but they are not always 100% accurate. So the combination of both automated and <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/manual-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">manual testing</a> is ultimately the most effective method for accessibility testing.



Get here the list of <a href="https://testsigma.com/tools/accessibility-testing-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Web Accessibility Testing Tools</a>



<h2 id="h-why-automated-accessibility-testing-is-important">Why Automated Accessibility Testing is Important?</h2>



More people are now using digital tools due to the expanding significance of digital technology and applications. However, 70% of websites worldwide are not user-friendly for those with disabilities. Global governments are currently working to make web content accessible to people with impairments as part of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (<a href="https://www.wcag.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WCAG</a>) 2.0.



Government regulations also mandate that software products be usable by people with impairments. So, as an organization, you should consider these users’ needs as well as those of older adults, children, left-handed users, anti-English speakers, and many others. 



In addition, inaccessible websites cause significant reputational damage to the brand, which is why it&#8217;s crucial to routinely check your site for accessibility blockers using tools.



Related Resources &gt;&gt;<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/how-big-is-the-global-accessibility-testing-market-and-how-fast-is-it-growing/#Accessibility_Testing_Service_Market_Competitors" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> How Big is the Global Accessibility Testing Market and How Fast is it Growing?</a>



<h2 id="pros-and-cons-of-automated-accessibility-tests">Pros and Cons of Automated Accessibility Tests</h2>



The following are some of the pros and cons of automating your accessibility tests,



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Pros</td><td>Cons</td></tr><tr><td>Easy and quick to repeat tests at different stages of the development cycle</td><td>Automation tools will not catch all the accessibility errors in your application</td></tr><tr><td>Very few steps to run and get quick results</td><td>Might report false positives&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>A little accessibility knowledge is required to perform testing and understand the results</td><td>Various tools might be required for different product types</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 id="h-how-to-achieve-automated-accessibility-testing">How to Achieve Automated Accessibility Testing?</h2>



We all know that accessibility is essential. We also know that testing for accessibility can be time-consuming and tedious. But what if there was a way to automate accessibility testing?



There are many tools available that can help speed up the testing process. By using one of these tools, you can quickly check for common accessibility issues on your website or app. This can save you a lot of time and help ensure that your site or app is accessible to everyone.



There are a few things to keep in mind when automating accessibility testing.



<h3 id="h-make-accessibility-a-focus-earlier-during-design">Make Accessibility a Focus Earlier — During Design</h3>



As designers are often tasked with creating products that are both unique and functional. But what about products that are accessible to everyone?



Designing with accessibility in mind is crucial to ensure that your products/platform can be used by everyone, regardless of ability. And while it’s important to consider accessibility at all stages of the agile process, it’s imperative to make it a focus earlier on.



Here are a few tips on how to make accessibility a focus earlier in the design process:



<ul><li>Educate yourself on accessibility standards and guidelines.</li><li>Incorporate accessibility into your design process from the beginning.</li><li>Make sure your designs are tested for accessibility before launch.</li><li>Continuously monitor your designs for accessibility issues.</li></ul>



By following these tips, you can incorporate accessibility from the beginning.



<h3 id="h-leverage-accessibility-testing-tools">Leverage <a href="https://testsigma.com/tools/accessibility-testing-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Accessibility Testing Tools</a></h3>



How do you choose the right tools when you&#8217;re just getting started in the accessibility world?



It is crucial to group potential tools into the following three categories before you start:



<ul><li>Tools that require human interaction &#8211; This testing still needs humanitarian aid even if more automated methods are available. This ensures that the experience we evaluate closely resembles what our users will have. Some of these will include tools like <a href="https://www.apple.com/voiceover/info/guide/_1121.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">VoiceOver</a>, <a href="https://www.sightandsound.co.uk/product/jaws-home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">JAWS</a>, etc.</li><li>Tools for semi-automated accessibility testing that are browser add-ons &#8211; You may quickly identify any accessibility problems with your websites using browser extensions. The majority of browser extensions come with limited functionality that can be unlocked by buying the paid version. A few of these tools include <a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/axe-devtools-web-accessib/lhdoppojpmngadmnindnejefpokejbdd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Axe DevTools</a>, <a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/wave-evaluation-tool/jbbplnpkjmmeebjpijfedlgcdilocofh" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">WAVE</a>, etc.</li><li>Fully Automated testing tools &#8211; Utilizing automation is essential to shifting accessibility testing as early as possible so that you can concentrate on the places where it is most necessary. One such tool that’s fully automated is <a href="https://www.npmjs.com/package/@axe-core/cli" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Axe CLI</a>.</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-create-automated-regression-tests-for-accessibility">Create Automated Regression Tests For Accessibility</h3>



As a web developer/owner, it&#8217;s important to ensure that the site is accessible to everyone. One way to do this is to create automated <a href="https://testsigma.com/regression-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regression tests</a> that check for accessibility issues.



There are a few different ways to do this, but one tool you can use is the axe-core library. This library provides a set of rules that can be used to automatically test for accessibility issues.



To use the axe-core library, you first need to install it. You can do this by using the following command:



<pre class="wp-block-code"><code>npm install axe-core</code></pre>



After installing axe-core, include the JavaScript file in each of your iframes in your fixtures or test systems to test your site for accessibility issues.



<pre class="wp-block-code"><code>axe
.run()
.then(results => {
if (results.violations.length) {
throw new Error('Accessibility issues found');
}
})
.catch(err => {
console.error('Something bad happened:', err.message);
});</code></pre>



It is possible to create automated accessibility regression testing using the method mentioned above. Additionally, you can completely get rid of most manual testing during the development phase.



<h3 id="h-use-the-right-test-automation-platform">Use the Right Test Automation Platform</h3>



Traditionally, this testing has been done manually. However, with the rise of test automation, it is now possible to do automated accessibility testing. This can save a lot of time and effort.



There are a number of different tools and platforms available for automated accessibility testing. However, not all of them are equal and have apt features.



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



Automated accessibility testing has become an essential aspect of web development. With the growing demand for inclusive and accessible websites, it&#8217;s crucial to ensure that everyone can access and interact with your site regardless of their abilities.



With the right automation tools and techniques, it&#8217;s possible to test for accessibility issues automatically, saving time, effort, and cost while ensuring compliance with accessibility guidelines.



<customlinks>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>What is ADA Testing</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/ada-testing/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Global Accessibility Testing Market</ts-linktext-value>
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<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Visual Testing</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/guides/visual-testing/</ts-linkurl-value>
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How to Automate Accessibility Testing: Steps & Tools You Should Know

Automated Accessibility Testing: How-to Guide & Top Tools

Common Exceptions in Selenium | How to handle Selenium Exceptions

Quality assurance is important in the delivery of a strong product within the software development lifecycle (SDLC). Of the many testing phases, two important ones are System Testing and Integration Testing.&nbsp; This article talks about their clear goals, major differences, and applications for best results to enable you to integrate them into your testing strategy with maximum results. Also, there is a table that shows in detail about integration test vs system test.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#System_Testing_vs_Integration_Testing_8211_Overview">1 System Testing vs Integration Testing &#8211; Overview</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_System_Testing">1.1 What is System Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_Integration_Testing">1.2 What is Integration Testing?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#System_Testing_and_Integration_Testing_8211_What_are_the_Similarities">2 System Testing and Integration Testing &#8211; What are the Similarities?</a></li><li><a href="#System_Testing_vs_Integration_Testing_Key_Differences">3 System Testing vs Integration Testing: Key Differences</a></li><li><a href="#The_End">4 The End!</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">5 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_comes_first_in_System_Testing_and_Integration_Testing">5.1 What comes first in System Testing and Integration Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Which_tools_are_useful_for_System_Testing_and_Integration_Testing">5.2 Which tools are useful for System Testing and Integration Testing?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="system-testing-vs-integration-testing-overview">System Testing vs Integration Testing &#8211; Overview</h2>



<h3 id="what-is-system-testing">What is System Testing?</h3>



System testing is the level of software testing that involves verifying the whole system including hardware, software, and how they work together to make sure they meet all the requirements. It tests the whole system as a single unit, not its individual parts, to find any issues and to make sure the system works properly in different situations.



For a deeper dive, check out our complete guide on<a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/system-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> System Testing</a>



<h3 id="what-is-integration-testing">What is Integration Testing?</h3>



Integration Testing looks at interactions between integrated modules or components of a system and, in the process, ensures that data flow and communication between them are working fine.



For further information, refer to our detailed article on<a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/integration-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Integration Testing.</a>



<h2 id="h-system-testing-and-integration-testing-what-are-the-similarities">System Testing and Integration Testing &#8211; What are the Similarities?</h2>



Upon careful consideration of System testing vs Integration testing, you will understand that there exist several similarities between the two. Let&#8217;s look at all the features that make System and Integration testing similar:



<ul><li>System testing and Integration testing leverage&nbsp;Agile methodology&nbsp;that follows regular release cycles. Here, different teams share their testing duties while ensuring stakeholders actively participate in the process. Communication is transparent and well-maintained while considering customers&#8217; opinions.</li><li>Both types happen in the&nbsp;<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test environment</a>&nbsp;that simulates the actual conditions of users.</li><li>System testing and Integration testing cover the functional features of software under testing.</li><li>They both use the black box testing technique.</li><li>They both help to analyze system performance and usability.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-system-testing-vs-integration-testing-key-differences">System Testing vs Integration Testing: Key Differences</h2>



The following table shows you the difference between integration testing and system testing.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Aspect</td><td>System Testing</td><td>Integration Testing</td></tr><tr><td>Scope</td><td>Tests the complete application or system</td><td>Focuses on interactions and data flow between integrated modules</td></tr><tr><td>Purpose</td><td>Validates overall system behavior against user requirements and business objectives.</td><td>Ensures that integrated modules work together correctly and handle data and control flow as expected.</td></tr><tr><td>Testing Techniques</td><td>Mainly black box testing</td><td>Combines white box and black box testing</td></tr><tr><td>Focus</td><td>Assessment of complete system functionality, including both functional and non-functional aspects</td><td>Focuses on module interactions, data exchange, and interface compatibility</td></tr><tr><td>Conducted By</td><td>Both developers and QA teams</td><td>Primarily conducted by QA teams</td></tr><tr><td>Timing</td><td>Conducted after Integration Testing</td><td>Performed during the integration phase</td></tr><tr><td>Environment</td><td>Limitation of the production environment</td><td>Controlled environment with step-by-step module integration</td></tr><tr><td>Validation of Expected Outcomes</td><td>Validation of system behavior in all scenarios, including extreme corner cases.</td><td>Validation of requirements workspace and behavior, identification of improper data flow, module interactions, and fused interfaces.</td></tr><tr><td>Types</td><td>Functional Testing: Validates user interfaces, APIs, and interaction with external systems.  Non-Functional Testing: Performance, usability, security features, and other non-functional aspects like load capacity and reliability. </td><td>Data flow testing: It checks data movement among modules. Control flow testing: It examines control flow between modules. State transition testing: It studies responses from different modules to inputs and states.</td></tr><tr><td>Feedback for Developers</td><td>Provides feedback on overall system functioning and performance, highlighting any system behavior that does not meet user requirements.</td><td>Provides feedback on integration points and interactions, helping developers handle issues related to communication and functioning between modules.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



For insights on automating your testing processes, check out our guide on Mastering<a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Automated Testing.</a>



<h2 id="the-end">The End!</h2>



Hope you are now clear about the difference between integration and system testing!



Summarizing here:



System Testing and Integration Testing are integral to ensuring software quality. Effectively implementing both <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/the-different-software-testing-types-explained/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">types of testing</a> can help identify and resolve issues at different stages of the development process, ultimately contributing to a successful and well-functioning software product.



Happy Testing!



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



<h3 id="h-what-comes-first-in-system-testing-and-integration-testing">What comes first in System Testing and Integration Testing?</h3>



Integration testing comes before System testing. Once all the modules’ development and integration are complete, Integration testing checks for compatibility and comprehensibility issues. Subsequently, the application undergoes System testing.



<h3 id="which-tools-are-useful-for-system-testing-and-integration-testing">Which tools are useful for System Testing and Integration Testing?</h3>



For System Testing:



Some popular System testing tools are <a href="https://testsigma.com/">Testsigma</a>, Selenium, HPE Unified Functional Testing (UFT), Robot framework, JMeter, and Galen framework.



For Integration Testing:



Some<a href="https://testsigma.com/tools/integration-testing-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Integration testing tools</a> are Testsigma, Selenium, Citrus, Pytest, Rational Functional Tester, Mockito, FitNesse, and LDRA.

System Testing vs Integration Testing with Types and Advantages

We know about Testing and Debugging. But what is the difference between these two processes? Why are these two processes essential for software development? In this article, we will find answers to all these questions. You will learn about the complete features, the tools used in each process, and the types. Let us dig in!


<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Testing_Vs_Debugging_8211_Overview">1 Testing Vs Debugging &#8211; Overview</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_Testing">1.1 What is Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_Debugging">1.2 What is Debugging?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Testing_vs_Debugging_8211_Differences">2 Testing vs Debugging &#8211; Differences</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Test_Debug_with_Testsigma">3 How to Test &amp; Debug with Testsigma?</a></li><li><a href="#Wrap_up">4 Wrap up!</a><ul><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">4.1 Frequently Asked Questions</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="testing-vs-debugging-overview">Testing Vs Debugging &#8211; Overview</h2>


<h3 id="what-is-testing">What is Testing?</h3>


Testing is a process that helps you discover possible issues before the application moves to production (i.e., the application goes live). A developer or a tester does the Testing process through any method &#8211;Automation or Manual. 


Testing involves evaluating a system’s components to determine whether it satisfies the specified requirements. It is a process of ensuring that the application software meets the business requirement.


Testing involves the execution of each test case, which covers all the <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchsoftwarequality/definition/use-case" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">use cases</a> with positive and negative scenarios.


<h3 id="what-is-debugging">What is Debugging?</h3>


Debugging is determining the cause of bugs and errors, and then fixing them. Debugging is a manual process. There are helping tools to debug, which will narrow down the process to an extent.


Various methods of debugging code include:


<ul>
<li>Using breakpoints to halt execution at fixed points in the program, like analyzing variables and their values.</li>
<li>Tracking program flow.</li>
<li>Examining memory contents and simulating possible inputs to detect strange behavior.</li>
</ul>


<h2 id="testing-vs-debugging-differences">Testing vs Debugging &#8211; Differences</h2>


This table provides a snapshot of core differences between Testing and Debugging:


<figure class="wp-block-table">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Features</td>
<td>Testing</td>
<td>Debugging</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Purpose</td>
<td>To identify defects in software</td>
<td>To locate and fix the root cause of defects </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Role</td>
<td>Performed by testers or developers</td>
<td>Performed by developers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Participants</td>
<td>Can be done developers, testers, or end users</td>
<td>Typically performed by developers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Approach</td>
<td>Can be manual or automated</td>
<td>Reactive or proactive</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Timing</td>
<td>Begins after development is complete</td>
<td>Begins when defects are identified during testing</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Types</td>
<td>Unit, integration, system, acceptance, regression</td>
<td>Bug fixing, root cause analysis, code review, regression debugging</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Focus</td>
<td>Quality assurance, validation</td>
<td>Code correctness, functionality</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Steps</td>
<td>&#8211; Create test cases &#8211; Execute tests &#8211; Record results &#8211; Report defects</td>
<td>&#8211; Identify bug &#8211; Reproduce issue &#8211; Analyze code &#8211; Fix bug- Retest</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Optimization Steps</td>
<td>&#8211; Clear test cases &#8211; Effective test data- Automation where applicable</td>
<td>&#8211; Use debugging tools- Set breakpoints &#8211; Analyze call stacks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tools</td>
<td>TestsigmaSeleniumJUnitTestNGPostman</td>
<td>&#8211; Debuggers (e.g., GDB, Visual Studio Debugger) &#8211; Logging tools &#8211; Performance profilers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Outcome</td>
<td>Identifies defects and ensures software quality</td>
<td>Produces a corrected code base and resolves specific issues</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>


<h2 id="how-to-test-debug-with-testsigma">How to Test &amp; Debug with Testsigma?</h2>


<a href="https://testsigma.com/">Testsigma </a>is a cloud-based test automation platform that makes the process of testing and debugging for the cause of defects easy for testers. Here is an introduction on how to use it:


1. Write Test Cases:


<ul>
<li>Natural Language: Write test cases in simple English using keywords.</li>
<li>Test Data: State the test data to be used in various scenarios.</li>
<li>Test Conditions: Specify the conditions under which certain actions or validations must be met.</li>
</ul>


<figure class="wp-block-image"></figure>


2. Construct Test Suites:


<ul>
<li>Arrange Test Cases: Group related test cases into test suites for better execution.</li>
<li>Set Priorities: Assign priorities to test cases to ensure critical features are tested first.</li>
</ul>


3. Execute Tests:


<ul>
<li>Cloud Execution: Run tests on different cloud platforms and devices.</li>
<li>Parallel Execution: Test multiple test cases at the same time to expedite the process.</li>
<li>Scheduled Execution: Automate the execution of tests at specific times or intervals.</li>
</ul>


4. Debug Test Failures:


<ul>
<li>Detailed Reports: Look into the results of the test and identify failed test cases.</li>
<li>Screenshots and Logs: Review screenshots and logs to identify the exact point of failure.</li>
</ul>


<figure class="wp-block-image"></figure>


5. Retest and Verify:


<ul>
<li>Rerun Failed Tests</li>
<li>Verify Fixes</li>
</ul>


<h2 id="wrap-up">Wrap up!</h2>


Developers must be able to debug and test their code. Testing and debugging are core activities in software development. Teams need security awareness training. This article  introduces the testing and debugging process.


<h3 id="frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</h3>





<div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1753945537665">Can testing and debugging happen simultaneously? Yes, testing and debugging can occur simultaneously, especially in agile development environments where continuous integration is practiced. </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1753945558022">How can effective testing reduce the need for debugging? Thorough testing can identify and resolve issues early in the development process, reducing the number of defects that require debugging later on. </div> </div>