Test Data Definition, Types, Challenges, and Best Practices

Test Data: Definition, Types, Challenges, and Best Practices


<p>When making software, look at Test and Use cases because they resemble two peas in a pod. They may be similar. However, the reality is they are not! Understanding the Test Case vs. Use case is essential for any software team.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Test cases are used to check the software program&#8217;s functionality, while use cases are used to identify user requirements. This blog will discuss the variations between both.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Test_Case_vs_Use_Case_8211_Overview"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> Test Case vs Use Case &#8211; Overview </a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_a_Use_Case"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.1</span> What is a Use Case?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_a_Test_Case"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.2</span> What is a Test Case?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Difference_Between_Use_Case_and_Test_Case"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Difference Between Use Case and Test Case</a></li><li><a href="#Use_Case_Vs_Test_Case_Role_in_Test_Automation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Use Case Vs Test Case: Role in Test Automation</a></li><li><a href="#Use_Case_Vs_Test_Case_Test_Automation_with_Testsigma"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Use Case Vs Test Case: Test Automation with Testsigma</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_the_use_case_and_test_case_with_examples"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">6.1</span> What is the use case and test case with examples?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="test-case-vs-use-case-overview"><span id="Test_Case_vs_Use_Case_8211_Overview"><strong>Test Case vs Use Case &#8211; Overview </strong></span></h2>



<h3 id="what-is-a-use-case"><span id="What_is_a_Use_Case">What is a Use Case?</span></h3>



<p>A use case is a concept commonly used in software development and systems engineering to describe the interactions between a user and a system, highlighting the specific goals that can be achieved.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Use cases are often presented using diagrams or writing in textual form. Use cases provide a detailed narrative of how users or external systems interact with the system being developed. They outline the steps involved, including inputs, outputs, and expected behaviors.</p>



<p><strong>Read more about <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/use-case-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Use case testing</a></strong></p>



<h3 id="what-is-a-test-case"><span id="What_is_a_Test_Case">What is a Test Case?</span></h3>



<p>A test case refers to testers&#8217; instructions to validate a particular functionality or software application feature. It is a detailed description of a test&#8217;s inputs, operating conditions, and expected outputs. These test cases</p>



<ul><li>Find software errors, bugs, or problems that developers can fix.</li><li>They help ensure the quality and reliability of the software by providing a systematic approach to testing.</li><li>It is necessary to ensure that each test case is clear and concise, referencing the relevant requirements or features of the software.</li><li>Proper documentation and management of all test cases are necessary for successful testing and quality product delivery.</li></ul>



<p><strong>Read more about<a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/what-is-test-case/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Test case</a></strong></p>



<h2 id="difference-between-use-case-and-test-case-1"><span id="Difference_Between_Use_Case_and_Test_Case"><strong>Difference Between Use Case and Test Case</strong></span></h2>



<p>Here is a table that quickly shows the difference between test case and use case,</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Use case</strong></td><td><strong>Test case</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Describes the interaction between a system and its users or external entities.</td><td>Describes specific inputs, actions, or events to be executed to validate a particular software feature or functionality.</td></tr><tr><td>Focuses on the functional requirements and goals of the system from a user&#8217;s perspective.</td><td>It focuses on verifying that the software meets specified requirements and functions correctly under different scenarios.</td></tr><tr><td>Provides a high-level view of how users interact with the system to achieve specific goals or tasks.</td><td>Provides detailed steps and expected outcomes for executing specific tests to validate the behavior of the software.</td></tr><tr><td>It helps stakeholders understand the system&#8217;s overall behavior and its impact on users.&nbsp;</td><td>Helps testers ensure that all aspects of a software feature are thoroughly tested, including different inputs, conditions, and scenarios.</td></tr><tr><td>Typically written in plain language understandable by non-technical people.&nbsp;</td><td>Typically written in a more technical language understandable by testers and developers.</td></tr><tr><td>It may include diagrams, flowcharts, or <a href="https://www.atlassian.com/agile/project-management/user-stories#" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">user stories</a> to visualize user interactions with the system.</td><td>It may include test data, preconditions, and expected and actual results for each test case step.</td></tr><tr><td>It is often used during the requirements gathering and analysis phase to define system functionality at a high level.</td><td>Often used during testing to validate whether implemented features meet specified requirements accurately.</td></tr><tr><td>Use cases are created based on application requirements</td><td>Test cases are created based on use cases</td></tr><tr><td>These are designed by business analysts</td><td>These are designed by QA engineers</td></tr><tr><td>Use cases are executed by business users or using external software</td><td>Test cases are executed by QA testers (both manual testers and automation engineers)</td></tr><tr><td>To create a use case, you need to research the use intended in the real world and document the findings.&nbsp;</td><td>To create test cases, you require test objectives, test case names, test conditions, test data, and expected results &#8211; these are derived from use cases.</td></tr><tr><td>Focuses on end-user interaction with the application</td><td>Focuses on validating every feature/functionality of an application</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 id="use-case-vs-test-case-role-in-test-automation"><span id="Use_Case_Vs_Test_Case_Role_in_Test_Automation"><strong>Use Case Vs Test Case: Role in Test Automation</strong></span></h2>



<p><a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test automation</a> is necessary to achieve faster and more accurate testing cycles in software testing. To ensure the creation of reliable and thorough test scripts, it is essential to identify the different functionalities and features that need to be automated. This is where use cases come in handy. One can create a solid foundation for <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated testing</a> by defining the various use cases.</p>



<p>Test cases, on the other hand, provide specific conditions that need to be tested and serve as inputs to automated scripts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Automating test cases based on use cases can help organizations minimize human error and detect defects earlier in the development cycle. This leads to the faster delivery of high-quality software.</p>



<p>Understanding the difference between use and test cases is required to efficiently implement test automation strategies and ensure effective software testing processes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Use cases provide a broader perspective of the software&#8217;s functionalities, while test cases focus on specific conditions that need to be tested. By utilizing both, organizations can create a <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/robustness-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robust testing</a> framework to help them achieve their testing goals efficiently. </p>



<h2 id="use-case-vs-test-case-test-automation-with-testsigma"><span id="Use_Case_Vs_Test_Case_Test_Automation_with_Testsigma"><strong>Use Case Vs Test Case: Test Automation with Testsigma</strong></span></h2>



<p>Testsigma offers an effective solution for implementing both Use and Automated test cases. The first step is creating a project in Testsigma and then defining use cases using plain English. These use cases can be further divided into multiple <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/test-scenario/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test scenarios</a> if needed. Then, corresponding test cases must be created for each use case or scenario by identifying specific user actions and expected outcomes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Here is a blog on test suits and test case; you can check on that in detail. Follow the link: &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-suite-vs-test-case/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test suite vs Test Case</a>.</p>



<p><button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a style="color:#fff" href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Automate your use-case based test cases, for web, mobile, desktop applications and APIs, 10x faster, with Testsigma</a></button><br></p>



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



<p>In conclusion, understanding the difference between use cases and test cases can save time and effort in software testing. By using both effectively, testers can ensure that their software meets user needs, functions as intended, and is high quality.&nbsp;</p>



<p>So, the next time someone asks you about the difference between use cases and test cases, you can confidently answer them.&nbsp;</p>



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



<h3 id="what-is-the-use-case-and-test-case-with-examples"><span id="What_is_the_use_case_and_test_case_with_examples">What is the use case and test case with examples?</span></h3>



<p>A Use case for a login page would be that a user with valid credentials should be able to log in.</p>





How to Write a Use Case
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="R3JtGNtodo"><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/how-to-write-use-case/">How to Write a Use Case for Software Testers?</a></blockquote><iframe class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);" title="&#8220;How to Write a Use Case for Software Testers?&#8221; &#8212; Testsigma Blog" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/how-to-write-use-case/embed/#?secret=3JXTMQXuUJ#?secret=R3JtGNtodo" data-secret="R3JtGNtodo" width="500" height="282" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>


Use Case Testing
https://testsigma.com/guides/use-case-testing/




Test Case Vs Use Case What's the Difference

Test Case Vs Use Case | What’s the Difference?

How to test your Website on Windows Emulator

How to Test Your Website on Windows Emulator?


<p>As testing becomes necessary in software development, software testers must understand the differences between bugs and defects.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXecw3a-a50_u8Me6evoRXetAzRk1Zqe8C0178ljrt141X2m_zGquvi64QD0_PNrFwcQDwZ7sHyzvVsxWXoavPL1atFunDIXw1OqsEeDi5tVYlF44ZQzAYK8Fw-txth2YwFbESeOUIELBji1scm5ZWCs1Ug3?key=9K675B0aAlCiQRmhnYaiWQ" alt="bug vs defect"/></figure>



<p>Has your program ever behaved strangely? If Yes, we refer to that as a software bug. Just like when your car unexpectedly veers off course, it disrupts how the software is supposed to work. And where do these pesky bugs usually hide?</p>



<p>Well, mostly in those testing environments that aren&#8217;t visible, such as the QA Environment, Staging, Sandbox, RC (Release candidate builds), RTM (Release to market), etc.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although defects and bugs are frequently used in daily testing, there are some subtle distinctions between the two. Any deviation from the software&#8217;s intended functionality or specs is considered a flaw.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This post will show you the differences between software bugs and defects in detail.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Bug_VS_Defect_8211_What_are_the_Differences"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> Bug VS Defect &#8211; What are the Differences?</a></li><li><a href="#Consequences_of_having_Bugs_and_Defects_in_Your_Software_or_Product"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Consequences of having Bugs and Defects in Your Software or Product</a></li><li><a href="#Bug_VS_Defect_8211_How_To_Track_and_Rectify"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Bug VS Defect &#8211; How To Track and Rectify?</a></li><li><a href="#Bug_vs_Defect_8211_Examples"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Bug vs Defect &#8211; Examples</a></li><li><a href="#Bug_Vs_Defects_in_Test_Automation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Bug Vs Defects in Test Automation</a></li><li><a href="#Summary"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Summary</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_bug_vs_defect_in_agile"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">7.1</span> What is bug vs defect in agile?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_the_difference_between_bug_log_and_defect_tracking"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">7.2</span> What is the difference between bug log and defect tracking?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_the_difference_between_a_bug_and_an_error"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">7.3</span> What is the difference between a bug and an error?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_the_difference_between_a_bug_and_an_incident"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">7.4</span> What is the difference between a bug and an incident?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="bug-vs-defect-what-are-the-differences"><span id="Bug_VS_Defect_8211_What_are_the_Differences"><strong>Bug VS Defect &#8211; What are the Differences?</strong></span></h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="617" height="639" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/unnamed-6.png" alt="Bug VS Defect - What are the Differences ?" class="wp-image-44505"/></figure></div>



<h2 id="consequences-of-having-bugs-and-defects-in-your-software-or-product"><span id="Consequences_of_having_Bugs_and_Defects_in_Your_Software_or_Product"><strong>Consequences of having Bugs and Defects in Your Software or Product</strong></span></h2>



<p>The impact of software bugs and defects can have significant consequences. Here are the major ones:</p>



<ol><li><strong>Reduced Customer Satisfaction:</strong>&nbsp; Software or product bugs and defects impact user experience. This causes frustration and dissatisfaction for the customers. This can lead to unfavorable reviews, decreased customer loyalty and potential loss of business.</li><li><strong>Increased Support and Maintenance Costs:</strong> Fixing bugs require additional resources, such as time, effort and expertise. Companies will have to allocate more budget towards support teams. Else hire specialized staff to address customer complaints and thereby fix issues. This kind of support eventually increases maintenance costs.</li><li><strong>Damaged Reputation:</strong>&nbsp; Releasing software or products with bugs often can damage a company&#8217;s reputation. A damaged reputation takes considerable time to get restored and could affect future revenue.</li><li><strong>Decreased Productivity:</strong> Time and resources allocation towards damage control and addressing the concerns raised by negative word of mouth can decrease productivity.</li></ol>



<h2 id="bug-vs-defect-how-to-track-and-rectify"><span id="Bug_VS_Defect_8211_How_To_Track_and_Rectify"><strong>Bug VS Defect &#8211; How To Track and Rectify?</strong></span></h2>



<p>To track and rectify bugs and defects, it is essential to have a bug-tracking system in place. A bug tracking system is a tool that allows you to track the status of bugs and defects, from the time they are reported to the time they are fixed.</p>



<p>There are many different <a href="https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/bug-tracking-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bug-tracking systems</a> available, both open-source and commercial. Some popular bug-tracking systems include Jira and Asana.</p>



<p><strong>How to track bugs and defects:</strong></p>



<ol><li><strong>Identify the bug or defect</strong>. This can be done by testers, users, or anyone else who uses the software.</li><li><strong>Log the bug or defect in the bug-tracking system.</strong> This should include information such as the type of bug or defect, the steps to reproduce it, and the expected and actual results.</li><li><strong>Prioritize the bug or defect based on its severity, user impact, and </strong>cost to fix.</li><li><strong>Assign the bug or defect to a developer. </strong>The developer will then investigate and fix it.</li><li><strong>Test the fix.</strong> Once the developer has fixed the bug or defect, a tester will test the fix to ensure it works correctly.</li><li><strong>Close the bug or defect.</strong> Once the bug or defect has been fixed and tested, the bug tracking system will be updated to show that it is closed.</li></ol>



<p><strong>How to rectify bugs and defects:</strong></p>



<ol><li><strong>Understand the bug or defect.</strong> The developer needs to understand the root cause of the bug or defect to fix it.</li><li><strong>Design a fix. </strong>The developer must design a fix to resolve the bug or defect without introducing new problems.</li><li><strong>Implement the fix</strong>. The developer needs to implement the fix in the code.</li><li><strong>Test the fix.</strong> The developer needs to test the fix to ensure it is working correctly.</li><li><strong>Deploy the fix.</strong> Once the fix has been tested, the developer must deploy it to production.</li></ol>



<p><strong>Suggestions for tracking and rectifying bugs and defects:</strong></p>



<ul><li>Use a bug-tracking system to track all bugs and defects.</li><li>Prioritize bugs and defects based on their severity, user impact, and cost to fix.</li><li>Assign bugs and defects to developers promptly.</li><li>Test fixes thoroughly before deploying them to production.</li><li>Communicate with users regularly to inform them of the status of bugs and defects.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<h2 id="bug-vs-defect-examples"><span id="Bug_vs_Defect_8211_Examples"><strong>Bug vs Defect &#8211; Examples</strong></span></h2>



<p id="let-us-look-at-some-real-time-examples-of-bugs-and-defects">Let us look at some real-time examples of bugs and defects.</p>



<p><strong>Bug:</strong></p>



<ul><li>A button on a website does not work when clicked.</li><li>A text field on a web form does not accept input.</li><li>A calculation in a spreadsheet software program needs to be corrected.</li><li>A video game crashes when a certain level is reached.</li></ul>



<p>We can quote many such examples for a bug. These are some day-to-day life examples. Bugs can cause software to malfunction, crash, or produce unexpected results.</p>



<p><strong>Defect:</strong></p>



<ul><li>A report generated by a software program needs to include important information.</li><li>A feature advertised on a software product&#8217;s website is not included in the product.</li><li>A software program is slow and unresponsive.</li><li>A software program is insecure and vulnerable to hacking attacks.</li></ul>



<p>Defects may not cause the software to malfunction, but they can make it less valuable or easier to use.</p>



<p><strong>Here is a more detailed example of a bug and a defect:</strong></p>



<p>Suppose a company is developing a new mobile app for online banking customers. The app is in the testing phase, and the testers find a bug that prevents users from logging in. The developers investigated the bug and found it was caused by a typo in the code.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They fixed the typo and deployed the fix to the testers. The testers tested the fix and confirmed that it was working correctly. The bug is now fixed, and the app is ready to be released to production.</p>



<p>Regardless, users complained that the app was difficult to use after it was released for production. The company investigated the complaints and found that the app&#8217;s user interface needs to be well-designed. This is a defect in the app, and the company decided to fix it in a future release.</p>



<p>By tracking and rectifying bugs and defects, the company can ensure that its mobile app is reliable and easy to use for its customers.</p>



<h2 id="bug-vs-defects-in-test-automation"><span id="Bug_Vs_Defects_in_Test_Automation"><strong>Bug Vs Defects in Test Automation</strong></span></h2>



<p>When a test fails, automated tests can uncover bugs or defects. The type of test performed will determine whether the issue is classified as a bug or a defect. Several test automation solutions are available to help speed the reporting of bugs and defects immediately following a test failure.</p>



<p><strong><em>Testsigma is a test automation tool that interfaces easily with many bug-reporting solutions, instantly reporting any flaws discovered during testing.</em></strong></p>



<div class="cta-banner-v2">
<div class="title-with-description ">
<p  class="title">Here is a guide that talks in detail about the quality assurance in software testing</p>
</div>
<a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/quality-assurance/" target="_blank" class="cta-btn-v1" rel="noopener">Learn More</a>
</div>



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



<p>This blog highlights the necessity of distinguishing between bugs and defects by highlighting their distinct qualities. You now have a clear understanding of these two notions. Happy testing!</p>



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



<h3 id="what-is-bug-vs-defect-in-agile"><span id="What_is_bug_vs_defect_in_agile">What is bug vs defect in agile?</span></h3>



<p>In agile, a bug refers to a coding error or flaw that causes unexpected behavior. In contrast, a defect refers to any deviation from the expected functionality or requirements of the software.</p>



<h3 id="what-is-the-difference-between-bug-log-and-defect-tracking"><span id="What_is_the_difference_between_bug_log_and_defect_tracking">What is the difference between bug log and defect tracking?</span></h3>



<p>A bug log is a chronological record of identified issues during testing, including their details, status, and severity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Defect tracking manages and monitors the entire defect lifecycle, from detection to resolution.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="what-is-the-difference-between-a-bug-and-an-error"><span id="What_is_the_difference_between_a_bug_and_an_error">What is the difference between a bug and an error?</span></h3>



<p>A bug is a flaw in the software&#8217;s code that causes incorrect behavior, while an error is a human mistake or oversight in the development process that leads to a bug.</p>



<h3 id="what-is-the-difference-between-a-bug-and-an-incident"><span id="What_is_the_difference_between_a_bug_and_an_incident">What is the difference between a bug and an incident?</span></h3>



<p>A bug is a software code flaw that causes incorrect behavior;&nbsp; an incident refers to any unexpected event or situation reported during testing that may or may not be a bug but requires investigation and resolution.</p>



<customlinks>
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<ts-linktext-value>Types of bugs</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/types-of-bugs-in-software-testing/</ts-linkurl-value>
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<ts-linktext-value>What is Bebugging?</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/bebugging/</ts-linkurl-value>
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Bug vs Defect – 10 Top Core Differences

What is Exhaustive Testing Explained with Advantages

What is Exhaustive Testing? Explained with Advantages

SAP Test Automation : What it is, Why it Matters, and How?


<p>A Test Log is nothing but a document to keep track of all the tests that are executed. It logs test cases, results, and any issues arising during testing. It helps a tester to stay on top of their work and provides a thorough report of the testing process.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In this blog post, we&#8217;ll dive deep into test logs and show you how to use them like a pro.&nbsp;</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_Log"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is a Test Log?</a></li><li><a href="#Components_of_a_Test_Log"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Components of a Test Log</a></li><li><a href="#Test_Log_Template"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Test Log Template</a></li><li><a href="#Advantages"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Advantages </a></li><li><a href="#Creating_a_Test_Log_Step-by-Step_Guide"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Creating a Test Log: Step-by-Step Guide</a></li><li><a href="#Importance_of_Test_Log_in_Test_Automation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Importance of Test Log in Test Automation</a></li><li><a href="#Test_log_example"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Test log example</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_are_the_different_types_of_logs_in_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">9.1</span> What are the different types of logs in testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_log-in_automation_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">9.2</span> What is log-in automation testing?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-a-test-log"><span id="What_is_a_Test_Log">What is a Test Log?</span></h2>



<p>A test log is a detailed record documenting the activities carried out during software development or system testing. It is an essential tool for tracking and managing the testing process. The log contains information such as the names and descriptions of test cases, dates of execution, results, and any defects encountered. It summarizes the testing progress, enabling testers to identify patterns or trends in failures and successes. Moreover, a test log helps troubleshoot by providing valuable insights into the steps taken during testing.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-components-of-a-test-log"><span id="Components_of_a_Test_Log">Components of a Test Log</span></h2>



<p>The generation of test logs following each test must consist of entries that precisely record various aspects of the test and furnish comprehensive and relevant information. A test log comprises multiple components, namely:</p>



<p>1. Date and Time: The log must encompass the date and time of the event, failure, or any other significant issue.</p>



<p>2. A concise description of the event being logged must be furnished.&nbsp;</p>



<p>3. Status: The log must indicate the status of distinct events observed by the team.&nbsp;</p>



<p>4. Contextual Details: Additional details and pertinent information must be provided as and when required.&nbsp;</p>



<p>5. Anomalies and Errors: Details concerning any anomalies and errors identified during testing must be documented in the log.</p>



<h2 id="h-test-log-template"><span id="Test_Log_Template">Test Log Template</span></h2>



<p>Generating a test log report is an important aspect of efficient <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-management-process/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test management</a> and documentation. It facilitates monitoring testing activities, detecting anomalies, and presenting a comprehensive view of the testing procedure to the relevant parties. The following are essential elements to take into account when developing a test log report:</p>



<p>1. <strong>Test Case Information: </strong>Include details about each test case executed, such as the unique identifier, description, preconditions, and expected results. This information helps in understanding the purpose and scope of each test case.</p>



<p>2. <strong>Test Execution Details: </strong>Record the date and time each test case was executed. This allows for easy tracking of when tests were performed and helps identify any patterns or trends in the testing process.</p>



<p>3. <strong>Test Environment:</strong> Document the specific environment in which the tests were conducted. This includes hardware configurations, software versions, operating systems, and browsers This information is essential for reproducing issues and ensuring consistency across testing environments.</p>



<p>4. <strong>Test Results:</strong>&nbsp; It is important to record any deviations or anomalies observed during the testing process to provide a comprehensive overview of the test results.</p>



<h2 id="h-advantages"><span id="Advantages">Advantages </span></h2>



<p>Let us discuss some of the advantages of using a Test Log:</p>



<ol><li>&nbsp;Provides a record of all tests conducted, allowing for easy reference and progress tracking.&nbsp;</li><li>Helps identify patterns or trends in test results, enabling the identification of recurring issues or areas for improvement.&nbsp;</li><li>Facilitates collaboration among team members by providing a centralized location for sharing test information and findings.&nbsp;</li><li>Allows for better organization and categorization of tests, making locating specific tests or groups of tests easier.</li><li>Enables traceability by documenting the steps taken during testing, making reproducing and debugging issues easier.</li><li>Enhances stakeholder communication by providing a clear overview of the testing process and outcomes.</li><li>Supports <a href="https://www.ibm.com/topics/risk-management" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">risk management</a> by highlighting potential areas of concern or high-risk tests that require additional attention.</li><li>Assists in compliance with regulatory standards or industry best practices by ensuring that all necessary tests have been conducted and documented.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-creating-a-test-log-step-by-step-guide"><span id="Creating_a_Test_Log_Step-by-Step_Guide">Creating a Test Log: Step-by-Step Guide</span></h2>



<p><strong>Step 1: Define the Purpose and Scope</strong></p>



<p>&#8211; Identify the purpose of creating a test log, such as tracking test progress, documenting test results, or identifying defects.</p>



<p>&#8211; Determine the scope of the test log, including which tests or test cycles it will cover.</p>



<p><strong>Step 2: Identify Required Information</strong></p>



<p>&#8211; Determine what information needs to be included in the test log. This may include details like test case ID, description, expected result, actual result, status (pass/fail), date/time executed, tester name, and other relevant fields.</p>



<p><strong>Step 3: Choose a Format</strong></p>



<p>&#8211; Decide on the format for your test log. It can be a spreadsheet (e.g., Excel), a document (e.g., Word), or even a specialized testing tool with built-in logging capabilities.</p>



<p><strong>Step 4: Create Columns and Headers</strong></p>



<p>&#8211; Set up columns in your chosen format to accommodate all the required information identified in Step 2. </p>



<p>For example, if you are using Excel, you can create columns such as &#8220;Test Case ID,&#8221; &#8220;Description,&#8221; &#8220;Expected Result,&#8221; and &#8220;Actual Result&#8221; to organize and track the necessary information.</p>



<h2 id="h-importance-of-test-log-in-test-automation"><span id="Importance_of_Test_Log_in_Test_Automation">Importance of Test Log in Test Automation</span></h2>



<p>Here are some major reasons why the test log is crucial in test automation:</p>



<p>1. Provides detailed information about the test execution process, including the test case status, test environment, and test data.&nbsp;</p>



<p>2. Enables testers to trace back to the source of an issue, facilitating faster debugging and fixing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>3. Helps testers generate accurate and comprehensive reports, improving stakeholder communication.&nbsp;</p>



<p>4. Allows for better collaboration among team members, as everyone can access the same information.</p>



<p>5. Enhances the reliability and consistency of the testing process, leading to better-quality software products. In conclusion, the test log is a critical component of test automation tools that facilitates efficient and effective testing.</p>



<h2 id="h-test-log-example"><span id="Test_log_example">Test log example</span></h2>



<p>Here we are considering a test log generated by an automated test case in test automation tool <a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Step-1</strong></p>



<p><p style="padding-bottom:30px">To begin, access the Testsigma platform and register a new account. Once successfully registered, create a new project and a New Test case. Proceed to write Test steps for execution in the test case. Below is an image depicting the test steps formulated for verifying invalid credentials on a travel site login page.</p></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/J_c5ejuEfO619APfEpKz0pdpQQjXkXCqRKUiSj-mW8ym967zAxlfSP51d_QNg-DqLCuF8tG8BlcrYsqKZubGUDsS5g0Em06G54F8iL_KBbh_PQLarsCvKkXDPHq-_DfxtofXZMuCEmya-GWzJTDo6MU" alt="Test log example 1" /></figure>



<p><p style="padding-top:30px"><strong>Step-2</strong></p></p>



<p><p style="padding-bottom:30px">Upon successful execution of the test cases, the test results reveal a state of &#8220;Passed.&#8221; One must navigate to the Logs bar by clicking on it to access the test logs. Referencing the given image below, the details can be observed. Clicking on the Logs icon provides access to the Test logs.</p></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/yANBjkrTnf01J7BhektHpap0oNF6JU9J87shQjZYc6nRGYXgtITHxZucSzRq5my2F7mVt2cNa6RTMTN0Bv85qRIqfgOzQyKJeIjT78oGPaWhXFYxjxt05X4-OEb2o9mDUE7Z7lvvCIb2_89DmtOXRJc" alt="Test log example 2" /></figure>



<p><p style="padding-top:30px"><strong>Step-3:</strong></p></p>



<p><p style="padding-bottom:30px">In the final stage, a log list is presented to provide a detailed overview of all the processes that have occurred in the backend. Testsigma facilitates recording step-by-step processes, enabling the display of a complete list.</p></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/v7JdAiqshJzrlIB2EkCqNwTogOMn01P6h-hIgZ-1HcJl8RgkrDPjGLbmaC_QSu9k4uMHnYmWelooCv8aaZtueesz5VpqItwCnlDP3IrsjlaC9XBcl622Fvacl5Kwq-OmB9x4lXGR1GxzYj8j_JHSTWc" alt="Test log example 3" /></figure>



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



<p>Maintaining a Test log is essential for documenting and monitoring testing procedures. Testsigma, an automation platform, simplifies this process. Testsigma operates at 5x speed and is a fully-managed, Cloud-based test automation platform.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Automate your tests for web, mobile, desktops, and APIs, 10x faster with Testsigma, with easy-to-traverse test logs</p>



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



<h3 id="h-what-are-the-different-types-of-logs-in-testing"><span id="What_are_the_different_types_of_logs_in_testing">What are the different types of logs in testing?</span></h3>



<p>The different types of logs in testing include system logs, application logs, and test execution logs. System logs capture information about the operating system and hardware, application logs record events within the software, and test execution logs document the details of test runs, such as pass/fail status and error messages.</p>



<h3 id="h-what-is-log-in-automation-testing"><span id="What_is_log-in_automation_testing">What is log-in automation testing?</span></h3>



<p>Log-in automation testing refers to automating the testing of log-in functionality in software applications. It involves creating scripts or using tools to simulate user log-ins and validate their success. This type of testing helps ensure that log-in processes work correctly and efficiently.</p>


What is a Test log? A Complete Guide

Salesforce Test Cases Template with Best Practices

Test Efficiency How It Differs From Test Effectiveness

Test Efficiency: How It Differs From Test Effectiveness?


<p>Appium is a well-known mobile automation tool for automating native, hybrid, mobile web, and desktop apps. The appium community has come up with a major release in recent years, appium 2.0.0, and has made some considerable changes in making appium a platform where drivers and plugins can coexist independently.</p>



<p><em>In this blog, we will see how we can create an executable file for the appium server.&nbsp;</em></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_executable_files"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What are executable files?</a><ul><li><a href="#Why_do_we_need_executable_files_for_the_appium_server"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.1</span> Why do we need executable files for the appium server?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Installing_Appium_2nbsp"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Installing Appium 2:&nbsp;</a><ul><li><ul><li><a href="#Operating_System"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_3">2.0.1</span> Operating System:</a></li><li><a href="#Pre-requisite"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_3">2.0.2</span> Pre-requisite:</a></li><li><a href="#Installation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_3">2.0.3</span> Installation:</a></li></ul></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Starting_Appium"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Starting Appium:</a><ul><li><a href="#Installing_Drivers"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.1</span> Installing Drivers:</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Starting_Appium_via_exec_file"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Starting Appium via exec file:</a><ul><li><a href="#Pre-requisite-2"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.1</span> Pre-requisite:</a><ul><li><a href="#Pkg"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_3">4.1.1</span> Pkg:</a></li><li><a href="#Installing_Pkg"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_3">4.1.2</span> Installing Pkg:</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Steps_to_create_an_executable_file"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.2</span> Steps to create an executable file:</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Conclusion:</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-are-executable-files"><span id="What_are_executable_files">What are executable files?</span></h2>



<ul><li>Executable files contain a set of encoded instructions, which execute sequentially once the user clicks on them.</li><li>Executable files are available in all operating systems but with extensions pertaining to that OS. While .exe is the Windows extension for executable files, the macOs executable file does not have any extension.</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-why-do-we-need-executable-files-for-the-appium-server"><span id="Why_do_we_need_executable_files_for_the_appium_server">Why do we need executable files for the appium server?</span></h3>



<p>The <a href="https://github.com/appium/appium-desktop" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">appium desktop</a>, which is basically a GUI for the appium server was used to start/stop the server in appium 1.x. Moreover, the node runtime comes bundled with Appium Desktop which allowed users to use appium without having to install npm or node. But it is no longer compatible with appium 2.0+. And to overcome this, creating an executable file for the appium server is one of the easiest solutions. Apart from this, below are the benefits of having an executable file for the appium server:</p>



<p><strong><em>Easy distribution:</em></strong></p>



<ul><li>Users do not have to worry about having node or npm as a pre-requisite to install appium.&nbsp;</li><li>Once the executable file is built, the same can be used to start the appium on any machine and on any operating system.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<p><strong><em>Easy to start the server:&nbsp;</em></strong></p>



<ul><li>Appium server can be started with just a click on the executable file.&nbsp;</li><li>No need to run commands from the terminal to start the appium server.</li></ul>



<p><strong><em>Easy to deploy:</em></strong></p>



<ul><li>Allows easy deployment on target machines i.e., if you want to install appium on any cloud server, you can simply deploy the exec file.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-installing-appium-2"><span id="Installing_Appium_2nbsp">Installing Appium 2:&nbsp;</span></h2>



<h4 id="h-operating-system"><span id="Operating_System">Operating System:</span></h4>



<ul><li>Mac os</li></ul>



<h4 id="h-pre-requisite"><span id="Pre-requisite">Pre-requisite:</span></h4>



<ul><li>We are going to use the node package manager to install appium, so make sure you have the node set up on your machine. If you do not have the node, please download it from the below link:<ul><li><a href="https://nodejs.org/en/download" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">https://nodejs.org/en/download</a></li></ul></li><li>I am using node version 16.20.0.</li></ul>



<h4 id="h-installation"><span id="Installation">Installation:</span></h4>



<ul><li>To install appium 2, please use the below command:<ul><li>npm i -g appium@next</li></ul></li></ul>



<h2 id="h-starting-appium"><span id="Starting_Appium">Starting Appium:</span></h2>



<ul><li>Once appium is installed, you can start the server by mentioning “appium” in the terminal.&nbsp;</li></ul><br>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1600" height="245" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/image-112.png" alt="Testsigma - Test automation platform" class="wp-image-29808"/></figure>



<br><ul><li>As I mentioned before, with appium version 2, we need to install the drivers separately. However, this was not the case with appium 1, i.e.<em> </em><em>When we installed Appium 1. x, all available drivers would be installed at the same time as the main Appium server. This is no longer the case.</em></li></ul>



<h3 id="h-installing-drivers"><span id="Installing_Drivers">Installing Drivers:</span></h3>



<ul><li>To find the list of available drivers, use the following command.&nbsp;<ul><li>appium driver list</li></ul></li></ul><br>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="990" height="316" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/image-111.png" alt="Testsigma - Test automation platform" class="wp-image-29806"/></figure>



<br><ul><li>To install a specific driver, use the following command.<ul><li>appium driver install &lt;drivername&gt;&nbsp;</li></ul></li></ul><br>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1298" height="172" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/image-109.png" alt="Testsigma - Test automation platform" class="wp-image-29802"/></figure>



<br><ul><li>Now, when you start appium, it starts the server along with the installed drivers.&nbsp;</li></ul><br>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1600" height="292" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/image-110.png" alt="Testsigma - Test automation platform" class="wp-image-29804"/></figure>



<br><p><em>Note: </em><em>By default, appium creates a hidden directory called </em><em>.appium</em><em> inside your user home directory. This will be the location of all the appium drivers that we install. In my case, it would be: “/Users/vikramramalingam/.appium”.</em></p>



<h2 id="h-starting-appium-via-exec-file"><span id="Starting_Appium_via_exec_file">Starting Appium via exec file:</span></h2>



<p>In order to create an executable file for the appium server, we need a command line interface called “<a href="https://github.com/vercel/pkg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">pkg</a>”.</p>



<h3 id="h-pre-requisite-1"><span id="Pre-requisite-2">Pre-requisite:</span></h3>



<h4 id="h-pkg"><span id="Pkg">Pkg:</span></h4>



<ul><li>A node.js package that can convert your Node.js app into executable files.</li><li>Another advantage of using pkg is, it creates executable files for several target machines at once.</li></ul>



<h4 id="h-installing-pkg"><span id="Installing_Pkg">Installing Pkg:</span></h4>



<ul><li>You can install pkg using the below command:<ul><li>npm install -g pkg</li></ul></li></ul>



<h3 id="h-steps-to-create-an-executable-file"><span id="Steps_to_create_an_executable_file">Steps to create an executable file:</span></h3>



<ul><li>Create a new node js project using the below command<ul><li>npm init</li></ul></li><li>Add appium and pkg as a dependency<ul><li>npm install &#8211;save appium@2.0.0-beta.71</li><li>npm install &#8211;save pkg@5.8.0</li></ul></li><li>Create an index.js file and add the below code, which will start the appium server:</li></ul>



<pre class="wp-block-code"><code><styled-code>
const {asyncify} = require('asyncbox');
const appium = require('appium');

if (require.main === module) {
  asyncify(appium.main);
}

module.exports = appium;
</styled-code></code></pre>



<ul><li>Pkg looks for an entry point to the application in the package.json file, so add bin and mention index.js.</li><li>Pkg has options such as targets, assets, and outputPath.<ul><li><strong>targets: </strong>Specify the format for which you want to build your output. For example, I am generating an exec file for node version:node16, Os: macOS, and Arch: arm64. If we don&#8217;t specify the target, Pkg generates an exec file for Windows, Linux, and macOS by default.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>assets: </strong>Asset is where we need to add all the required dependencies. For the appium server, we need to add the axios.cjs path as assets Apart from that I have also added files related to the sharp module, as I was getting errors for the same.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>output path: </strong>Path where the exec file should be placed.&nbsp;</li></ul></li></ul>



<p>After doing the above, the package.json file should look like this:</p>



<styled-code>{

 &#8220;name&#8221;: &#8220;appium&#8221;,

 &#8220;version&#8221;: &#8220;1.0.0&#8221;,

 &#8220;description&#8221;: &#8220;Project to create exec file for appium&#8221;,

 &#8220;bin&#8221;: {

   &#8220;appium&#8221;: &#8220;./index.js&#8221;

 },

 &#8220;scripts&#8221;: {

   &#8220;start&#8221;: &#8220;node ./index.js&#8221;,

   &#8220;test&#8221;: &#8220;echo \&#8221;Error: no test specified\&#8221; &amp;&amp; exit 1&#8243;
},

 &#8220;license&#8221;: &#8220;ISC&#8221;,

 &#8220;dependencies&#8221;: {

   &#8220;appium&#8221;: &#8220;^2.0.0-beta.71&#8221;,

   &#8220;pkg&#8221;: &#8220;^5.8.0&#8221;

 },

 &#8220;pkg&#8221;: {

   &#8220;targets&#8221;: [
     &#8220;node16-macos-arm64&#8221;
   ],
   &#8220;assets&#8221;: [
&#8220;./node_modules/axios/dist/node/axios.cjs&#8221;,&#8221;./node_modules/sharp/build/**&#8221;,&#8221;./node_modules/sharp/vendor/**&#8221;
],
   &#8220;outputPath&#8221;: &#8220;dist&#8221;

 }

}</styled-code>



<br><ul><li>Then give the below command to create an exec file for the appium server<ul><li>pkg package.json</li></ul></li><li>You can ignore the warnings on running the above command and once it is over, in the dist folder, you can find the appium server as an exec file. Double-click on it to start the server.</li></ul><br>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1600" height="269" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/image-113.png" alt="Testsigma - Test automation platform" class="wp-image-29810"/></figure>



<br><ul><li>One important thing to consider before packaging is that, when we try to start the server, appium by default fetches the npm version on the machine and checks if the npm version is compatible to start the server. Because of that, if you try to start the appium server using the exec file we have just created in a machine that does not have npm, it will throw the below error.&nbsp;</li></ul><br>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1294" height="162" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/image-114.png" alt="Testsigma - Test automation platform" class="wp-image-29812"/></figure>



<br><ul><li>To overcome this problem, go inside the appium folder which is present inside the node_modules folder of the project’s working directory, and search for the below methods and comment them out. This will stop appium from looking for the npm version on the target machine.&nbsp;<ul><li>getNpmVersion()</li><li>checkNpmOk()</li></ul></li><li>After doing the above, run the command again to create an executable file, and this time, you will be able to start the server on machines that do not have npm.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<p>It took me some time to figure this out. And having written this article, I hope it will help you get through the process of creating an executable file for the appium server with ease.</p>



<p>All said and done, I would also like to tell you about a <a href="https://testsigma.com/low-code-test-automation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">low-code test automation platform</a> for web, mobile, APIs, and desktop applications &#8211; Testsigma.&nbsp; I, along with my team, at Testsigma, am working on some interesting innovations in the field of test automation and would definitely like you to check it out here: <a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://testsigma.com/signup</a>.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Creating an executable file for the appium server not only helps you with starting/stopping the server but also with easy installation and distribution.</p>



<p>Happy Testing!!</p>


Creating an executable file for Appium Server