Test optimization techniques in software testing


<p>Both DevOps and Agile frameworks focus on rapid development and delivery, and to enable this test automation becomes crucial. However, automation testing has its own challenges. Maintenance is one such challenge. If a test automation framework is not maintained correctly, automation testing starts to give False Positive and False Negative results.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#False_Positive_VS_False_Negative_8211_Overview"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> False Positive VS False Negative &#8211; Overview</a></li><li><a href="#False_Positive_VS_False_Negative_How_to_Find"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> False Positive VS False Negative: How to Find?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_do_False_Positive_and_False_Negative_Occur"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Why do False Positive and False Negative Occur?</a></li><li><a href="#Examples_of_False_Negative_and_False_Negative"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Examples of False Negative and False Negative</a></li><li><a href="#False_Positive_and_False_Negative_8211_Importance_in_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> False Positive and False Negative &#8211; Importance in Testing</a></li><li><a href="#False_Positive_and_False_Negative_8211_Importance_in_test_automation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> False Positive and False Negative &#8211; Importance in test automation</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Choose_the_Right_Tool"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> How to Choose the Right Tool?</a></li><li><a href="#Best_Practices_for_Reducing_False_Positive_and_False_Negative"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> Best Practices for Reducing False Positive and False Negative</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="#How_to_handle_false_positive_and_negative"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">9.1</span> How to handle false positive and negative?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="false-positive-vs-false-negative-overview"><span id="False_Positive_VS_False_Negative_8211_Overview"><strong>False Positive VS False Negative &#8211; Overview</strong></span></h2>



<p id="h-what-is-false-positive-in-software-testing"><strong>What is False Positive in Software Testing?</strong></p>



<p>A false positive is an outcome where the model wrongly predicts the positive case.</p>



<p>if the test case is supposed to pass however due to script issues the test result is marked as fail. If you look at the application everything might be working as expected it&#8217;s just automation script marked them fail. The false positive might occur mostly due to tools, dependencies, middleware, or sometimes invalid DOM elements.</p>



<p id="h-what-is-a-false-negative-in-software-testing"><strong>What is a False Negative in Software Testing?</strong></p>



<p>A false negative is an outcome where the model wrongly predicts the negative case.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In testing, if the test case is supposed to fail due to functional issues or defects however test case ignores those defects and marks the test as pass. It can occur due to improper construction of test cases, false assumptions while writing the automation scripts, etc.</p>



<h2 id="h-false-positive-vs-false-negative-how-to-find"><span id="False_Positive_VS_False_Negative_How_to_Find"><strong>False Positive VS False Negative: How to Find?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Both false positives and false negatives are common in test automation. However, more than false positives, the false negatives have impact as it marks the defective application as pass.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If more of such issue start occurring in your application, the test automation test reports become unreliable. Thus, you should be very careful while writing the tests.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Let’s understand in detail how to find the false positives and false negatives.</p>



<p id="h-how-to-find-false-negatives"><strong>How to Find False Negatives?</strong></p>



<p>Finding a false negative is a lot more complicated than you think, as false negative results mark the test as passing inaccurately. False negatives can be caught only if you analyze them manually. You might not be able to validate a complete application manually if it is a complex application. However, you can put the strategy that whenever there are specific feature changes, you must ensure that all those test cases are validated manually and note down the expected result. The strategy needs to be improved based on its effectiveness.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Building a robust framework and having the right strategy are key to reducing false negatives.</p>



<p><strong>How to Find the False Positives?</strong></p>



<p>Unlike false negatives, finding false positives is easy. Standard practice in automation is to analyze the automation failures as and when the result/report appears.&nbsp; Before logging any issue as a defect, perform a double-check by reproducing the error manually.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In false positives scenarios, you can aim to go through the list of failure scenarios manually and analyze them before concluding.</p>



<h2 id="h-why-do-false-positive-and-false-negative-occur"><span id="Why_do_False_Positive_and_False_Negative_Occur"><strong>Why do False Positive and False Negative Occur?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Both False negatives and false positives can occur because of various reasons. However, the business impact of false negatives is more compared to false positives. As an automation team, you should always aim to have 0% false negatives. The false positive percentage can vary based on the application complexity and automation framework.</p>



<p id="h-reason-for-false-negatives"><strong>Reason for False Negatives</strong></p>



<ol><li>Poor Automation framework architecture</li><li>Skipping some of the conditions while designing the test case</li><li>Untrustworthy tools/packages are used for automation</li><li>Outdated packages, and libraries used in test automation</li><li>Unhandled pesticide paradox principle</li><li>Assumption of test coverage<br></li></ol>



<p id="h-reason-for-false-positives"><strong>Reason for False Positives</strong></p>



<ol><li>Automation scripts are not maintained regularly</li><li>Unstable <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">testing environment</a></li><li>Standard locator strategies are not used</li><li>Outdated frameworks, libraries, and packages used</li><li>Underlying component issues such as Incompatible browsers, browser drivers, etc.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-examples-of-false-negative-and-false-negative"><span id="Examples_of_False_Negative_and_False_Negative"><strong>Examples of False Negative and False Negative</strong></span></h2>



<p><br>When you hear about false positives and false negatives you may easily get confused, Let&#8217;s put it into analogy. When we compare with the medical test case, the medical test is done for the whether patient has some medical condition or not. Similarly, when it applies to software testing we can assume as below. <em>A positive test found a bug when there was a bug in the application</em>. This means that there was a bug in the application and automation testing found it, it is a true and ideal scenario.<br>Let&#8217;s take another example of COVID-19 test</p>



<p><strong>False Positive</strong></p>



<p>Suppose Person X doesn&#8217;t have COVID-19 and he provides the sample for testing. When the report arrived the test report was marked inaccurately COVID-19 positive though he doesn’t have an infection in his body.</p>



<p>When the same scenario is applied to testing, If you have a login scenario that is working as expected when you execute the automation test script it reports back Login functionality failed. In reality, there is no bug as such. This is a false positive.</p>



<p><strong>False Negative</strong></p>



<p>Suppose Person Y has covid infection and he provides the sample for testing. When the report arrived, report marked as “No Infections” which is COVID-19 negative. This is inaccurate, as in reality he had a COVID-19 infection.</p>



<p>Similarly, in software testing, you have a login scenario, which is failing to log in with a username and password. But, when you execute the automation script you get the report saying that the login test is passed. This is false negative.</p>



<p>If you are still confused, let&#8217;s put it in simple terms.</p>



<p>Automation test reporting failure without any valid failure in the application is called a false positive.</p>



<p>Automation test passing even if there is a valid failure in the application is called a false negative.</p>



<h2 id="h-false-positive-and-false-negative-importance-in-testing"><span id="False_Positive_and_False_Negative_8211_Importance_in_Testing"><strong>False Positive and False Negative &#8211; Importance in Testing</strong></span></h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.javatpoint.com/software-engineering-software-development-life-cycle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Software Development Life Cycle</a>(SDLC) gives the same importance to testing as development, the reason is it aims to deliver quality products. Imagine a company has launched a car with model X, and after 6 months it finds a major issue with the car engine which can be life-critical. Now the company has to recall all the cars that are sold, and the company should provide compensation to the customer, additionally, the company might have to face lawsuits. These things might not have happened if there had been a proper check in place before releasing the car. The same thing applies to software. The quality of the application resides in the quality of the testing and testing framework. If testing itself does not report actual failures, that can incur loss and reputation damage to the organization.</p>



<p>The false negatives are scarier than the false positives. The false negatives leave the feature broken. If you are dealing with health care, defense, or automobile software the false negatives may take a toll on someone&#8217;s life. However, if the tool you choose, and the framework you build are robust and flawless then the organization gets great benefit.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In short, The good or bad quality lies in the automation framework and automation scripts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Though the impact of false positives is lesser, if it occurs more frequently you end up with unreliable testing. The Team might have to spend a lot of time analyzing without any gain. The good news is that false positives are easy to fix especially with modern testing tools like <a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma</a>. It suggests the fixes for failures, and guidance and provides technical support if you are struggling to fix the critical issue.</p>



<p>Both false positives and false negatives are critical in testing. However when we compare, the false positives are tolerable to some extent, but there is zero tolerance for false negatives.</p>



<h2 id="h-false-positive-and-false-negative-importance-in-test-automation"><span id="False_Positive_and_False_Negative_8211_Importance_in_test_automation"><strong><strong>False Positive and False Negative &#8211; </strong>Importance in test automation</strong></span></h2>



<p>False positives and false negatives are most common in <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-web-application-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test automation</a>, however, it is not limited to test automation. If the same occurs in manual testing it will be because of human error.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The automation framework design plays a critical role when dealing with false positives and negatives. As an organization makes huge investments to set up infra for automation, skills, and resources the unreliable results may disappoint the management and it may end with questioning Return on Investment(ROI). Thus, having a robust design to tackle the false positives and false negatives is a must.</p>



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<h2 id="h-how-to-choose-the-right-tool"><span id="How_to_Choose_the_Right_Tool"><strong>How to Choose the Right Tool?</strong></span></h2>



<p>As mentioned earlier, the automation framework plays a very critical role in the success of test automation. The automation framework depends on the underlying tools used. The tool should be capable enough to handle all the edge cases and should be continuously updated as technology changes.</p>



<p>As technology has evolved, many legacy automation tools have disappeared. One of the reasons is they could not align with modern technology change. Importantly their architecture was not flexible.</p>



<p>The right tool for your organization will be based on many factors such as the development framework used, cost, infrastructure, required skillsets, requirement of upskills, nature of the application, application domain, etc. The below pointers are generic and irrespective of the project domain that you need to consider while choosing the right tool.</p>



<ul><li>Don&#8217;t be biased, evaluate all possible automation tools as per the requirement</li><li>The tool should be intelligent enough to choose the best stable locator</li><li>It should provide all critical functionalities natively, as it reduces the third-party library dependency. In turn, this reduces the false positives and false negatives</li><li>It should support the DevOps ecosystem</li><li>It should align with the modern Agile framework</li><li>The reporting should be comprehensive</li><li>Consider no code automation tools if your organization is short of skills or resources.</li></ul>



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<h2 id="h-best-practices-for-reducing-false-positive-and-false-negative"><span id="Best_Practices_for_Reducing_False_Positive_and_False_Negative"><strong>Best Practices for Reducing False Positive and False Negative</strong></span></h2>



<p>The best practices for reducing false positives and false negatives vary from project to project. To reduce them you need to prepare a concrete strategy while designing the test strategy document. Below is the list of the best practices that are independent of the project and application however, list is non-exhaustive.&nbsp;</p>



<ul><li>Build it right, from the beginning. Choose the right tool and build a robust framework.</li><li>Integrate the alerting and monitoring tools wherever possible</li><li>Prepare a code review checklist and make it a mandatory requirement to follow</li><li>Never write a test case based on the assumption</li><li>Use the right testing tool after careful evaluation of your requirements</li><li>Use dedicated environment for testing. Ensure it is as stable as the production environment</li><li>Cover all possible testing scenarios, and use assertion as much as possible in your test scripts.</li><li>Learn from failures, and update the checklists, and strategy documents as and when required.</li></ul>



<p>False positives and false negatives in test automation are common, however, you should always target to minimize them. Especially when it comes to false negatives you should aim for zero. False positives are unavoidable as UI testing relies on browsers and other testing components.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Choosing the right tool can help to reduce false positives. False positives mostly occur due to latency, locator, browser incompatibility, etc. If your test automation tool is smart enough to handle such issues the false positives can be easily reduced. <a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma</a> is one such tool it automatically chooses the best possible locators and your test will be executed on the most stable workspaces remotely. This helps in producing the most accurate, stable, and reliable reports.</p>



<p>On the other hand, false negatives occur if you don’t write the test cases as per the requirement. False negatives require manual analysis and in-depth investigation. Remember even if you have the right toolsets, good infrastructure, and a stable application environment &#8211; if you don’t write test cases properly as per requirement then test automation will become unreliable.</p>



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



<h3 id="how-to-handle-false-positive-and-negative"><span id="How_to_handle_false_positive_and_negative"><strong>How to handle false positive and negative?</strong></span></h3>



<p>False positives can be handled by implementing the correct design strategies while building the automation framework. If the framework is robust then there will be fewer false positives. False negatives can be reduced with code review, and test case review strategies. Additionally having the right process while developing the test cases can bring you great benefits.</p>


False Positives and False Negatives in Software Testing

False Positive and False Negative in Software Testing


<p>“When to stop testing” is a very interesting topic yet highly asked in many interviews these days. There are several answers to that question too such as: “you stop once you have completed an acceptance criteria”, some say “you never stop as testing is an ongoing task” and some day “it depends!”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Every company and every engineering team have their own criterias set in terms of when testing should be stopped for a particular product/feature. There are several things that impact this decision such as the entry and exit criterias too, however are these enough?&nbsp;</p>



<p>Let&#8217;s dive deeper and understand what is a good way to stop testing with enough confidence.&nbsp;</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#When_do_we_start_testingnbsp"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> When do we start testing?&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#When_to_Stop_Testingnbsp"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> When to Stop Testing?&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#Checklistnbsp"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Checklist&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-when-do-we-start-testing"><span id="When_do_we_start_testingnbsp">When do we start testing?&nbsp;</span></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/CzPSbY-tiRvIEJ7KlE4Ukql-ZMJB5zS9ilOlkYHDma7Qa73w3RNXnHy1pPnG6BSywr_k6D8xbTUK6gnqhH3wPq4X5x1RdZTOc0ZA5vNHl_lD5GstFcZUGeRdCtlwb4IaZK-TWEdKVkHtCoV0fTdIhxk" alt="start testing"/></figure>



<p>Let&#8217;s start this blog by understanding when to really initiate your testing process. As we keep hearing a lot in communities, conferences, webinars, etc shift testing to the left and not to leave this major task later in the SDLC. The reason behind this is that it helps find defects earlier, clear any assumptions/ambiguities, reduces costs, time and effort to rework and retest on features. This then leads to a good quality product.&nbsp;</p>



<p>We can start testing as early as the requirements stage by understanding what is the ask from this feature:</p>



<ul><li>What do we already have in place?&nbsp;</li><li>How much testing will be required?</li><li>If we don&#8217;t have anything in place, then what would the system expect?</li><li>Pair with developers and Business analysts to get a clear picture and expectations</li><li>Understand if we need other teams too as this might be a feature that impacts other teams or not</li><li>Be involved with the design team to understand the design prior to testing it</li><li>If you are automating tests, you can follow a TDD process too and won&#8217;t have to wait till the feature is fully developed</li></ul>



<p>Once we are clear at this stage, deployment will become much smoother for the entire team.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-when-to-stop-testing"><span id="When_to_Stop_Testingnbsp">When to Stop Testing?&nbsp;<a href="https://qa.world/when-to-stop-testing/"></a></span></h2>



<p id="h-till-date-no-manager-director-has-ever-said-to-me-or-my-team-to-stop-testing-or-reduce-testing-all-i-hear-is-are-we-ready-to-proceed-are-we-confident-with-the-amount-that-has-been-tested-generally-testing-is-an-ongoing-task-we-do-tend-to-meet-acceptance-criterias-and-move-our-tasks-to-completion-however-sometimes-an-extension-or-enhancement-is-done-to-the-same-feature-that-means-you-have-to-test-it-again-therefore-having-an-open-mind-about-this-is-always-good-for-all-teams">Till date no manager/director has ever said to me or my team to stop testing or reduce testing. All I hear is are we ready to proceed, are we confident with the amount that has been tested? Generally testing is an ongoing task, we do tend to meet acceptance criterias and move our tasks to completion, however sometimes an extension or enhancement is done to the same feature, that means you have to test it again. Therefore having an open mind about this is always good for all teams.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The following points can be some guidelines to help you stop the testing tasks:</p>



<ul><li>Decisions from your product owners, line managers to stop the testing tasks<ul><li>a) Budget or/and resources were allocated to some other high priority project</li><li>&nbsp;b) The project was canceled (from the client’s side or the company’s side)&nbsp;</li><li>c) The allocated budget is over and no more budget is being allocated.</li></ul></li></ul>



<ul><li>Deadlines that need to be met</li><li>No high priority and severity bugs found/expected</li><li>Completion of test case execution</li><li>Completion of functional and code coverage to a certain point</li><li>Completion of the acceptance criteria and exit criteria. It is imperative that we consider multiple factors while designing exit criteria, some of which are mentioned below:<ul><li>1. Strong buy-in from the software development team. In the end, your job is to discover defects and theirs is to fix.</li><li>2. If there are clients who will further test the product, that should also be considered as to what will be an acceptable input quality.</li></ul></li><li>Good coverage of the functionality/code.</li><li>Number of bugs in the feature or too buggy to deep dive (valid criteria for exiting a testing process is the discovery of a forecasted number of bugs).</li><li>Release deadline has been met</li></ul>



<p>It is vital to pay attention to all finer details and errors in the product of the application. It is not possible to find all the bugs that may exist, but the team management will make decisions on when to release the product anyway. Also remember that if a bug is found in a live production environment that is not solely the testers responsibility, it&#8217;s the engineering team&#8217;s responsibility. Similarly, if you are retesting a vital bug and get asked “are we ready to release the testing?” it should not be the testers decision to say yes or no, it should always come from the management team. The release might go ahead with some unwanted bugs! See, we haven’t really stopped testing. The question is, can we find these bugs prior to the release, and what is their severity? And the best thing, how to stop the same bug from appearing?</p>



<p>Thereafter if you have met the exit criterias, ship it, but understand that it still has an unlimited amount of not yet discovered bugs.</p>



<h2 id="h-checklist"><span id="Checklistnbsp">Checklist&nbsp;</span></h2>



<p id="h-this-checklist-can-serve-as-a-guide-to-determine-whether-or-not-your-team-have-enough-confidence-for-completing-the-testing">This checklist can serve as a guide to determine whether or not your team have enough confidence for completing the testing:</p>



<ul><li>Stop the testing when deadlines like release deadlines or testing deadlines have reached.</li><li>Stop the testing when the test cases have been completed with some prescribed pass percentage.</li><li>Stop the testing when the testing budget comes to its end.</li><li>Stop the testing when the code coverage and functionality requirements come to the desired level.</li><li>Stop the testing when the bug rate drops below a prescribed level.</li><li>Stop the testing when the number of high severity Open Bugs is very low.</li><li>Stop the testing when the period of beta testing/alpha testing is over.</li></ul>



<p>Some useful metrics you could also use :</p>



<ul><li>Have a dashboard of the percentage of test cases that have passed.</li><li>Have a completion percentage based on the number of test cases executed.</li><li>Have a percentage of failed test cases.</li></ul>



<p>One way to speed up your testing is when you automate your tests. Automation, though, should only be taken up if you <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/roi-test-automation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">see an ROI</a> in the long run at least.</p>



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<p><a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma</a> is one such tool that comes with features made specifically to help you speed up your testing. It is a codeless platform thus you don’t need to learn to code too. Learn more about it here: testsigma.com</p>



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



<p>Determining when to stop testing is subjective and a complex matter. I believe testing is a never-ending process in a positive way. I have yet to hear from someone that the software is 100% complete from testing. Criteria once designed are not meant to be carved in stone. It should be reviewed constantly in light of the adherence and the post-release issues which come after we meet a set criterion. Therefore, by exploring factors such as meeting release deadlines, the severity of bugs, management decisions, and establishing effective exit criteria, we have equipped you with the necessary thinking points to make informed choices. While the decision may still require careful consideration and evaluation of specific project circumstances, we are confident that the information shared in this blog will empower you to determine appropriate exit criteria and identify the right time to conclude testing. Remember, success lies in finding the right balance between thorough testing and project constraints.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Happy testing!</p>


When to STOP testing?


<p>When software is tested through several phases of software development, there are multiple issues that can occur. They can be functionality issues or a non-functionality one that the software engineers might need to debug. And, there could be some issues that may go unnoticed because of a lot of error clutter. This is what is the concept of defect masking. This phenomenon occurs when a significant software flaw could potentially lead to critical system failures. Therefore, effective testing strategies and thorough defect prioritization are crucial to mitigate this risk and ensure the identification of all critical defects during the testing phase.</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_defect_masking"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is defect masking?</a></li><li><a href="#Masked_Defects_Example"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Masked Defects Example</a></li><li><a href="#Why_Masked_Defect"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Why Masked Defect?</a></li><li><a href="#Practical_description_of_masked_errors"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Practical description of masked errors</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_the_difference_between_latent_and_masked_defects"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> What is the difference between latent and masked defects?</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-defect-masking"><span id="What_is_defect_masking">What is defect masking?</span></h2>



<p>Defect masking is a terminology in software testing that refers to a scenario where a critical defect goes undetected due to another defect or issue that attracts more attention during the testing process. Defect masking can be a serious concern as it may result in the release of faulty software, ultimately compromising system reliability and user satisfaction.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-masked-defects-example"><span id="Masked_Defects_Example">Masked Defects Example</span></h2>



<p>An example of a masked defect that is easily visible but unnoticed is a faulty user interface. Let’s say the UI that was built is extremely visually attractive but some of the most important functionalities according to the requirements of the application might not be easily visible which would impact the business revenue.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Another example would be when integrating multiple software components or third-party libraries, integration issues may arise. These issues can sometimes mask defects within individual components. For instance, a defect in one module may only become apparent when integrated with others, making it harder to trace the root cause.</p>



<p>One of the most common examples is that a software product may function flawlessly in one environment but exhibit critical defects in another, like a production environment versus a development or testing environment. Testers might not discover these defects if they primarily focus on one environment and assume that the software is functioning correctly elsewhere.</p>



<h2 id="h-why-masked-defect"><span id="Why_Masked_Defect">Why Masked Defect?</span></h2>



<p>Defects can become masked because of a combination of factors like limited resources, shifting priorities, and the complexity of software systems. When teams have constraints in resources and limited time, they often prioritize addressing more visible or urgent defects allowing less critical ones to remain hidden.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This results in a scenario where the presence of defects is masked by other issues, becoming an unintentional byproduct of the software. These interdependencies often involve complex relationships between various components or modules within the software, making it challenging to predict how a defect in one area might affect or be obscured by defects in another. This phenomenon underscores the importance of meticulous testing, rigorous defect tracking, and comprehensive quality assurance practices to uncover and rectify all <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/types-of-defects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">types of defects</a>, especially those that could otherwise remain hidden and compromise the software&#8217;s integrity and functionality.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In essence, defect masking is a nuanced challenge that requires vigilant attention to detail and effective <a href="https://www.javatpoint.com/test-strategy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">testing strategies</a> to mitigate its impact.</p>



<h2 id="h-practical-description-of-masked-errors"><span id="Practical_description_of_masked_errors">Practical description of masked errors</span></h2>



<p>In practical terms, consider a scenario in which a software development team is working on an e-commerce platform. During testing, they discovered a minor formatting issue in the product description section that caused a huge misalignment in the text. This cosmetic issue is quickly identified and resolved because it&#8217;s readily available to testers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, buried within the same codebase, there&#8217;s a more critical defect related to payment processing that occasionally results in incorrect transactions, but it&#8217;s rare and doesn&#8217;t consistently trigger errors. This severe payment bug remains unnoticed because the team&#8217;s attention is predominantly focused on fixing the visual flaw.&nbsp;</p>



<p>So, the payment error remains masked by the less impactful formatting issue, posing a significant risk to the system&#8217;s financial integrity and user trust. This practical example illustrates how a less critical defect can mask a far more severe one when testing and development priorities are not effectively managed.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-is-the-difference-between-latent-and-masked-defects"><span id="What_is_the_difference_between_latent_and_masked_defects">What is the difference between latent and masked defects?</span></h2>



<p>There often is a misconception between masked and latent defects. So here are its differences.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Latent Defects</strong></td><td><strong>Masked Defects</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Latent defects are defects within the software that are present but dormant or inactive. They do not manifest themselves until specific conditions or scenarios arise.</td><td>Masked defects are defects that go unnoticed or undetected during testing due to the presence of other defects or because they are overshadowed by more visible issues.</td></tr><tr><td>Latent defects are triggered by specific and often uncommon usage patterns, data inputs, or environmental conditions that are not typically encountered during regular testing.</td><td>Masked defects are concealed by other defects and may only become apparent when the masking defects are resolved, or under specific, often uncommon, circumstances.</td></tr><tr><td>Latent defects may remain dormant for an extended period and can potentially go undetected for a long time if the triggering conditions do not occur.</td><td>Masked defects are usually detected only when the defects masking them are fixed or when the right set of conditions is met during testing or real-world usage.</td></tr><tr><td>A latent defect in a backup system might only become active and noticeable when a specific type of system failure occurs, triggering the backup process.</td><td>A masked defect might occur when a critical software bug is concealed by the presence of other, less impactful issues, leading testers and developers to overlook it during testing.</td></tr><tr><td>Latent defects can have severe consequences when they become active, potentially leading to system failures, data loss, or other critical issues.</td><td>Masked defects can impact software quality by allowing critical issues to go unnoticed, potentially leading to user dissatisfaction, financial losses, or compromised system reliability.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<p><strong>How can test automation help?</strong></p>



<p>If you have test cases that need to be executed repeatedly, and you see test automation generating an ROI in the long run, it is always recommended to automate your tests.</p>



<p>Automating these tests ensures there is no masked defect in the areas where tests are automated.</p>



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



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



<p>In conclusion, defect masking is a significant concern in software testing that can lead to the release of faulty software. Addressing this issue requires a combination of robust testing practices, effective communication, defect prioritization, and a commitment to delivering high-quality software to end-users. </p>



<faq>
  <ts-list-item>
    <ts-title-value>What is defect leakage?</ts-title-value>
    <ts-content-value>Defect leakage occurs in a software application when issues that were previously identified and supposedly fixed reappear in later stages of development or even after the software has been released to users. This phenomenon indicates that defects have &#8220;leaked&#8221; from one phase of development or testing into another, often going unnoticed until they resurface in a more critical context.</ts-content-value>
  </ts-list-item>
</faq>



<customlinks>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Automated mobile app testing</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/automated-mobile-app-testing</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Automated web application testing</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/automated-web-application-testing</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
</customlinks>


Defect Masking in Software Testing What it is & Why it Matters

Defect Masking in Software Testing | What it is & Why it Matters?

A Guide on Requirements Traceability Matrix Template

Progression Testing Elevating Evolution of Software Testing

Progression Testing: Elevating Evolution of Software Testing

Software Testability What it is, Types & How to Measure It

Software Testability: What it is, Types & How to Measure It


<p>At its core, Root Cause Analysis (RCA) in software testing operates much like seeking answers to everyday predicaments. Imagine when you are unwell and seeking the cause of your ailment or when your electricity goes out, and we&#8217;re determined to identify the underlying issue. Similarly, in the realm of software, when defects arise, the purpose of RCA is akin to unveiling the true source of these glitches.</p>



<p>Just as simple remedies don&#8217;t suffice when we&#8217;re sick or dealing with a malfunction in the house, addressing symptoms alone in <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/types-of-defects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software defects</a> overlooks the crucial question: &#8220;Why?&#8221;.</p>



<p>In this blog, we&#8217;ll uncover how RCA functions in guiding us to delve deep, not just into symptoms, but into the very core of software issues.</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_Root_Cause_Analysis"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is Root Cause Analysis?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_To_Perform_Root_Cause_Analysis"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Why To Perform Root Cause Analysis?</a></li><li><a href="#Examples_of_Root_Cause_Analysis"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Examples of Root Cause Analysis</a></li><li><a href="#Goals"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Goals</a></li><li><a href="#RCA_in_Test_Automation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> RCA in Test Automation</a></li><li><a href="#Tips_to_Follow_for_Performing_Effective_RCA"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Tips to Follow for Performing Effective RCA</a></li><li><a href="#Summary"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Summary</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_an_RCA_tool"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">8.1</span> What is an RCA tool?</a></li><li><a href="#What_are_the_types_of_RCA"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">8.2</span> What are the types of RCA?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-root-cause-analysis"><span id="What_is_Root_Cause_Analysis">What is Root Cause Analysis?</span></h2>



<p>Root Cause Analysis (RCA) in software testing is a systematic approach used to identify and address the underlying reasons behind software defects. By addressing the underlying causes, RCA helps in improving software quality by enhancing development processes, communication, and collaboration.</p>



<p>RCA involves a structured investigation process that examines various aspects of the software development and testing lifecycle, including requirements, design, coding, testing, and deployment.</p>



<h2 id="h-why-to-perform-root-cause-analysis"><span id="Why_To_Perform_Root_Cause_Analysis">Why To Perform Root Cause Analysis?</span></h2>



<p>Here are some of the key features of root cause analysis in software testing that make it important:</p>



<ul><li>It helps in <strong>cost reduction</strong> associated with defect correction. By pinpointing the accurate reason for errors, RCA helps resolve problems before the software reaches the production stage, where defect identification and mitigation is five times more expensive than the design stage.</li><li>With an error-free product and an efficient RCA process in place, you can identify, solve, and deliver software at an <strong>accelerated speed</strong> to gain a competitive advantage in the market.</li><li>RCA enables companies to find the source of defects to <strong>promote a seamless problem-solving approach</strong> and remove the issue from its root, ensuring better software quality.</li><li>Better quality software is sure to add to the existing customer experience and improve upon it. Clearly, RCA contributes to <strong>enhancing customer satisfaction</strong>.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-examples-of-root-cause-analysis"><span id="Examples_of_Root_Cause_Analysis">Examples of Root Cause Analysis</span></h2>



<p>Let&#8217;s explore an example where RCA proves invaluable for a high-traffic e-commerce website grappling with sluggish performance during peak periods.</p>



<p><strong>Issue:</strong> The e-commerce website experiences sluggish performance during peak traffic, causing user frustration and potential revenue loss.</p>



<p><strong>RCA Process:</strong></p>



<p>To address this challenge, the testing team initiates the RCA process by collecting performance metrics, server logs, and user feedback. Their comprehensive analysis reveals a critical insight: <strong>the website&#8217;s response time significantly increases when users attempt to add items to their cart.</strong> Further investigation uncovers that the cart update process triggers numerous database queries per item, leading to a database bottleneck that hampers overall performance. With this revelation, the development team takes swift action. They optimize database queries, introduce caching mechanisms, and implement load-balancing strategies for efficient traffic distribution. To prevent future occurrences, performance testing becomes an integral part of the development lifecycle, identifying and rectifying potential bottlenecks at an early stage.</p>



<p>Let’s take another instance where RCA uncovers the intricacies of the problem and offers solutions for consistent, reliable results.</p>



<p><strong>Issue:</strong> A financial software application generates inconsistent financial reports, causing confusion and eroding user trust.</p>



<p><strong>RCA Process:</strong></p>



<p>In this scenario, the testing team embarks on an RCA journey to address data inconsistencies. They begin by conducting meticulous data validation tests, comparing outputs against expected results. Discrepancies emerge, particularly when the application handles extensive data involving complex calculations. <strong>The root cause analysis reveals that certain data inputs contain non-numeric characters that disrupt essential calculations.</strong> Moreover, existing error-handling mechanisms prove inadequate. The development team responds swiftly, enhancing the software&#8217;s defenses with robust input validation mechanisms and bolstering error-handling procedures to ensure precise calculations and consistent outcomes. To safeguard data integrity, automated data validation checks are introduced, and comprehensive data integrity tests become routine during each <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_release_life_cycle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">release cycle</a>.</p>



<h2 id="h-goals"><span id="Goals">Goals</span></h2>



<p>Root cause analysis in testing has three goals aimed at identifying, mitigating, and preventing issues in the system:</p>



<ul><li>Identify the cause of the problem, i.e., discover the root of the cause.</li><li>Understand the root cause and analyze how to resolve the problem.</li><li>Put the learnings of the analysis into practice to fix the issue and prevent future system breakdowns.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-rca-in-test-automation"><span id="RCA_in_Test_Automation">RCA in Test Automation</span></h2>



<p><a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test automation</a> plays a pivotal role in enabling effective Root Cause Analysis (RCA) by providing consistent, repeatable, and comprehensive testing processes. In a complex software environment, defects can originate from various sources, such as code changes, integration issues, or configuration discrepancies. Automated tests offer the advantage of executing a wide range of test cases consistently, capturing valuable data points, and allowing rapid <a href="https://testsigma.com/regression-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regression testing</a>. This extensive test coverage generates a wealth of data that can be analyzed during RCA to identify patterns, trends, and potential root causes of failures.</p>



<div class="cta-banner-v2">
<div class="title-with-description ">
<p class="title">Here is a guide with in-depth discussions on the different characteristics of test automation. </p>
</div>
<a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" class="cta-btn-v1" rel="noopener">Check out the guide</a>
</div>



<p>But how do you combine RCA with test automation in real? By making use of a test automation tool that is equipped with capabilities to execute RCA.&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/automation-testing-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test automation tools</a> can help in RCA processes by providing clear and useful reports. For example, Testsigma tool offers customizable reports with screenshots, videos, and logs, and testers can analyse the test failure patterns across test runs over a period of time. Additionally, the tool comes with deugging features to help with quick and efficient debugging.</p>



<p>Try Testsigma <a href="https://testsigma.com/qa-automation-tools" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">QA automation tool</a> to drive your testing efforts 10x faster without spending time on coding complex testing scripts. </p>



<h2 id="h-tips-to-follow-for-performing-effective-rca"><span id="Tips_to_Follow_for_Performing_Effective_RCA">Tips to Follow for Performing Effective RCA</span></h2>



<p>Performing RCA is important, but following the right path for analysis is important. A few tips can take your RCA in testing to the next level:</p>



<ul><li>Collect relevant information such as error logs, test results, user feedback, and system performance metrics to form a solid foundation for your analysis.</li><li>While picking out a test automation tool, make sure it has logging and reporting feature for properly executing RCA.</li><li>Bring together representatives from development, testing, design, and other relevant areas to gain diverse insights and expertise.</li><li>Approach the problem from different angles – technical, process-related, human factors, and external influences – to ensure a comprehensive analysis.</li><li>Not all potential root causes are equal. Use data and impact analysis to prioritize which issues to tackle first for maximum impact.</li><li>Alongside addressing current issues, establish preventive measures to avoid similar problems in future development cycles.</li><li>Utilize established RCA methodologies like the 5 Whys, Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagrams, or Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to systematically explore potential root causes.</li></ul>



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



<p>Finding a solution to a problem is the right way to handle it, but identifying the root cause of the issue is the best way. Once you know what you are dealing with, the present and future become easier to manage. In software testing as well, fixing a defect will give you instant improvement, but eliminating it fully will eradicate future breakdowns of the system.</p>



<p>Root cause analysis (RCA) in testing is a critical component of uncovering the major reasons behind the malfunctioning of software and making it vanish for the good.</p>



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



<h3 id="what-is-an-rca-tool"><span id="What_is_an_RCA_tool">What is an RCA tool?</span></h3>



<p>An RCA tool in testing is a software solution designed to facilitate the systematic investigation of root causes behind issues arising in software. It provides structured methodologies, data collection, analysis, and collaboration features to enhance the problem-solving process in software testing.</p>



<h3 id="what-are-the-types-of-rca"><span id="What_are_the_types_of_RCA">What are the types of RCA?</span></h3>



<p>In testing, there can be RCA for three types of issues:</p>



<ul><li><strong>Internal issues:</strong> This includes code changes, software/hardware failures, server issues, or any such defects associated with the internal functioning of the system.</li><li><strong>Human-made problems:</strong> Software undergoes frequent modifications, and it is likely that a bug can arise after updates to the system. They would often be due to unintentional errors made by individuals working on the project.</li><li><strong>Communication gap:</strong> If a requirement specification or bug definition gets lost in the hierarchy of the project, it is often contributed as collaboration/communication issue.</li></ul>


RCA in Testing for Software Defects


<p>Analyzing each test case is necessary to ensure it meets specific criteria and benchmarks. But what exactly is test analysis, and how does it fit into the software development process?</p>



<p>This blog post will answer that question by exploring the ins and outs of&nbsp;</p>



<ul><li>test analysis,&nbsp;</li><li>including its purpose,&nbsp;</li><li>benefits, and&nbsp;</li><li>complete workflow.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<p>We will break down the entire process step-by-step, from the initial planning phase to the final report and analysis.&nbsp; Get here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/workflow-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Workflow Testing</a></p>



<p>Let us BEGIN!<br></p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="642" height="536" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/image-136.png" alt="Test Analysis" class="wp-image-33905"/></figure></div>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Test_Analysis"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is Test Analysis?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_the_purpose_of_the_test_analysis"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> What is the purpose of the test analysis?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_is_test_analysis_critical"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Why is test analysis critical?</a></li><li><a href="#What_are_the_criteria_for_test_analysis"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> What are the criteria for test analysis?</a></li><li><a href="#Issues_encountered_when_Test_Analysis_is_done_during_Black_Box_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Issues encountered when Test Analysis is done during Black Box Testing</a></li><li><a href="#An_Approach_to_Test_Analysis_Based_on_Test_Categories"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> An Approach to Test Analysis Based on Test Categories</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_do_Test_Analysis_Steps"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> How to do Test Analysis: Steps</a><ul><li><a href="#Review_test_basis"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">7.1</span> Review test basis:</a></li><li><a href="#Identify_test_conditions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">7.2</span> Identify test conditions:</a></li><li><a href="#Designing_test_cases"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">7.3</span> Designing test cases:</a></li><li><a href="#Expected_and_unexpected_inputs"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">7.4</span> Expected and unexpected inputs:</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#How_can_Testsigma_help_with_Test_Analysis"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> How can Testsigma help with Test Analysis:</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">9</span> Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">10</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_the_difference_between_test_design_and_test_analysis"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">10.1</span> What is the difference between test design and test analysis?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_a_test_analysis_report"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">10.2</span> What is a test analysis report?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-test-analysis"><span id="What_is_Test_Analysis">What is Test Analysis?</span></h2>



<p>Test analysis inspects and analyzes the <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-artifacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test artifacts </a>to create test conditions or cases. Test analysis aims to collect requirements and create test objectives to establish test conditions. As a result, it&#8217;s also known as Test Basis.</p>



<p>Test analysis is the first step in the test design process. It is essential to perform test analysis carefully and thoroughly to ensure the test cases are complete and adequate.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-is-the-purpose-of-the-test-analysis"><span id="What_is_the_purpose_of_the_test_analysis">What is the purpose of the test analysis?</span></h2>



<p>Test analysis aims to identify any defects or weaknesses in the software and recommend further testing or improvement. It is an essential part of the software testing process and helps ensure the software is tested.</p>



<p>Here are some specific purposes:</p>



<ul><li>To identify defects in the software.</li><li>To determine the severity of defects.</li><li>To focus on defects for fixing.</li><li>To make recommendations for further testing.</li><li>To improve the testing process.</li><li>To guarantee that the software meets its needs.</li><li>To reduce the risk of defects being released to production.</li></ul>



<p>The test analysis results can improve the<a href="https://www.simplilearn.com/tutorials/devops-tutorial/fundamentals-of-software-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> testing process</a>, such as identifying areas where the testing was ineffective or if new test cases need to be created.</p>



<h2 id="why-is-test-analysis-critical"><span id="Why_is_test_analysis_critical">Why is test analysis critical?</span></h2>



<p>Test analysis is essential because it helps ensure that the correct tests are executed, and the results are accurately interpreted. By carefully analyzing the test results, testers can identify potential defects in the software and recommend corrective actions.</p>



<p>Test analysis is also essential for improving the overall quality of the testing process. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the test cases, testers can make necessary adjustments. This will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the testing process.</p>



<h2 id="what-are-the-criteria-for-test-analysis"><span id="What_are_the_criteria_for_test_analysis">What are the criteria for test analysis?</span></h2>



<p>The criteria for test analysis vary depending on the specific project and the testing methodology used. However, some standard criteria include:</p>



<ul><li><strong>Completeness</strong></li></ul>



<p>Do the test cases and test suites cover all required functionality and performance requirements?</p>



<ul><li><strong>Correctness</strong></li></ul>



<p>Are the test cases well-designed and accurate?</p>



<ul><li><strong>Effectiveness</strong></li></ul>



<p>Are the test cases effective in identifying defects?</p>



<ul><li><strong>Efficiency</strong></li></ul>



<p>Can the test cases be executed quickly and efficiently?</p>



<ul><li><strong>Maintainability</strong></li></ul>



<p>Can the test cases be easily updated and maintained?</p>



<h2 id="issues-encountered-when-test-analysis-is-done-during-black-box-testing"><span id="Issues_encountered_when_Test_Analysis_is_done_during_Black_Box_Testing">Issues encountered when Test Analysis is done during Black Box Testing</span></h2>



<p>Black box testing is a type of software testing performed without any knowledge of the internal structure of the software.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This can make test analysis challenging. Because testers need to rely on their understanding of the software requirements and their own experience to design and execute effective test cases.</p>



<p><strong><em>Some of the specific issues of test analysis in black box testing include:</em></strong></p>



<ul><li><strong>Identifying all possible inputs</strong>: It can be difficult to identify all possible inputs to a black box system, especially for complex systems. This can lead to incomplete test coverage.</li><li><strong>Designing test cases for internal states:</strong> It can be challenging to design them for internal states of a black box system, as testers cannot directly observe them. This can lead to ineffective test cases.</li><li><strong>Interpreting test results:</strong> It can be challenging to interpret the results of black box tests. This is because the testers cannot directly observe the internal behavior of the system. This can make it difficult to identify the root cause of test failures.</li></ul>



<h2 id="an-approach-to-test-analysis-based-on-test-categories"><span id="An_Approach_to_Test_Analysis_Based_on_Test_Categories">An Approach to Test Analysis Based on Test Categories</span></h2>



<p>Test analysis based on test categories is a systematic approach that divides test cases into categories based on their purpose.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This can help ensure that all aspects of the software are tested, and the test cases are effective.</p>



<p><strong><em>The following are some standard test categories:</em></strong></p>



<p><strong>Functional testing</strong></p>



<p>Tests the functionality of the software to ensure that it meets the requirements. This includes testing the software&#8217;s features,&nbsp; user interface, and user experience.</p>



<p><strong>Performance testing</strong></p>



<p>Tests the performance of the software to ensure that it can handle the expected load and respond within acceptable timeframes. This includes testing the scalability of the software, as well as its throughput and response time.</p>



<p><strong>Security testing</strong></p>



<p>Tests the security of the software to identify and mitigate any vulnerabilities. This includes testing the software for common security weaknesses, such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting.</p>



<p><strong>Usability testing</strong></p>



<p>Tests the usability of the software to ensure that it is easy to learn and use. This includes testing the software for navigability, clarity, and consistency.</p>



<p><strong>Example of Test Analysis Based on Test Categories</strong></p>



<p>Consider a simple web application that allows users to log in, register, and view a list of products. The test cases for this application could be categorized as follows:</p>



<ul><li><strong>Functional testing:</strong><ul><li>Login test cases</li><li>Registration test cases</li><li>Product viewing test cases</li></ul></li><li><strong>Performance testing:</strong><ul><li>Login performance test cases</li><li>Registration performance test cases</li><li>Product viewing performance test cases</li></ul></li><li><strong>Security testing:</strong><ul><li>Login security test cases</li><li>Registration security test cases</li><li>Product viewing security test cases</li></ul></li><li><strong>Usability testing:</strong><ul><li>Login usability test cases</li><li>Registration usability test cases</li><li>Product viewing usability test cases</li></ul></li></ul>



<p>Once the test cases have been categorized, the testers can analyze each category to ensure that the test cases are complete, correct, effective, efficient, and maintainable.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-to-do-test-analysis-steps"><span id="How_to_do_Test_Analysis_Steps">How to do Test Analysis: Steps</span></h2>



<p>Testing can be a serious business, but that doesn&#8217;t mean we can&#8217;t have a little fun with it. So, let&#8217;s look at the steps involved in this.</p>



<h3 id="h-review-test-basis"><span id="Review_test_basis">Review test basis:</span></h3>



<p id="h-this-is-the-first-step-in-test-analysis-and-it-involves-reviewing-the-documentation-that-forms-the-basis-for-the-test-cases-this-documentation-can-include-the-requirements-design-specifications-risk-analysis-and-any-other-relevant-information">This is the first step in test analysis, and it involves reviewing the documentation that forms the basis for the test cases. This documentation can include the requirements, design specifications, risk analysis, and any other relevant information.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-identify-test-conditions"><span id="Identify_test_conditions">Identify test conditions:</span></h3>



<p>Once the test basis has been reviewed, the next step is identifying the test conditions. A test condition is a specific set of circumstances that must be tested. For example, a test condition for a login feature might be &#8220;a user is able to login when they enter a valid username and password.&#8221;&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-designing-test-cases"><span id="Designing_test_cases">Designing test cases:</span></h3>



<p>The next step is to design the test cases. A test case is a document that describes a specific test condition and the steps that need to be taken to execute the test. The test cases should be designed to cover all of the identified test conditions, and they should be written clearly and concisely.</p>



<h3 id="h-expected-and-unexpected-inputs"><span id="Expected_and_unexpected_inputs">Expected and unexpected inputs:</span></h3>



<p>The final step is to identify the expected and unexpected inputs for each test case. The expected input is the input that is expected to produce the desired output. The unexpected input is an input that is not expected to produce the desired output. The goal of this step is to ensure that the test cases are comprehensive and that they cover all of the possible scenarios.</p>



<p>Here are some additional things to keep in mind:</p>



<ul><li>Test analysis is an iterative process.&nbsp;</li><li>The <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/what-is-test-case/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test cases</a> may need to be revised and updated as the software is developed and tested.</li><li>It should be performed by a skilled test analyst who understands the software and the testing process well.</li><li>The test analysis results can improve the testing process and ensure the software is tested thoroughly and effectively.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-how-can-testsigma-help-with-test-analysis"><span id="How_can_Testsigma_help_with_Test_Analysis">How can Testsigma help with Test Analysis:</span></h2>



<p>Some features of Testsigma are:</p>



<ol><li>Inclusion of review workflow</li><li>Easily customizable test reports.</li><li>Easy Test creation/editing/maintenance and execution.</li><li>Availability of logs/videos and screenshots for executed tests</li></ol>



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



<p>To sum up, test analysis ensures that tests are effective and efficient and cover all of the essential areas of the software.&nbsp;</p>



<p>&#8220;The purpose of test analysis is to identify and evaluate the test conditions that need to be met to ensure that the software meets its requirements and functions as intended.&#8221; &#8211; Michael Bolton, Software Testing Expert.&nbsp;<br><strong><em>Try </em></strong><a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-web-application-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>Testsigma </em></strong></a><strong><em>and create automated web app tests.</em></strong></p>



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



<h3 id="what-is-the-difference-between-test-design-and-test-analysis"><span id="What_is_the_difference_between_test_design_and_test_analysis">What is the difference between test design and test analysis?</span></h3>



<p>The <strong>Test design</strong> process involves creating an exhaustive software application testing plan. This includes identifying test conditions, designing test cases, and determining the necessary test data and expected outcomes.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Test analysis</strong>, however, involves analyzing the software system&#8217;s requirements and specifications to determine what needs to be tested. The primary focus is understanding the system&#8217;s functionality, potential risks, and possible defects to determine the most suitable testing approach.</p>



<h3 id="what-is-a-test-analysis-report"><span id="What_is_a_test_analysis_report">What is a test analysis report?</span></h3>



<p>A report on test analysis is a complete document that gives an overview of the testing process and its outcomes. It analyzes the test results, highlights any issues or defects, and provides suggestions for improvement. This report helps stakeholders assess the effectiveness of the testing efforts and make informed decisions about the quality of the software.</p>


Test Analysis What it is, Purpose & Complete Work Flow 

Test Analysis | What it is, Purpose & Complete Work Flow 


<p>I bet you&#8217;ve been there when an app gives up on you and freezes because too many people use it simultaneously. It&#8217;s annoying, but it&#8217;s just one of those things that happen to all of us from time to time. That&#8217;s why software developers must perform <strong>concurrency testing</strong>, which assesses an application&#8217;s ability to handle multiple requests simultaneously.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Testers can ensure that their software meets users&#8217; expected high-performance standards by identifying and resolving issues related to race conditions, deadlocks, and other concurrency-related problems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Hey, if you&#8217;re a software tester, pay attention to the significance of concurrency testing. It&#8217;s essential for ensuring that your apps are top-notch in quality.</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_Concurrency_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is Concurrency Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_concurrency_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Why concurrency testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Advantages_of_Concurrent_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Advantages of Concurrent Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Disadvantages_of_Concurrent_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Disadvantages of Concurrent Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Concurrent_testing_methods"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Concurrent testing methods</a></li><li><a href="#Automating_concurrency_testingnbsp"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Automating concurrency testing&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#What_tools_to_look_fornbsp"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> What tools to look for?&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#Summary"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> Summary</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">9</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_concurrent_user_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">9.1</span> What is concurrent user testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_parallel_vs_concurrent_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">9.2</span> What is parallel vs. concurrent testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_an_example_of_concurrency_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">9.3</span> What is an example of concurrency testing?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-concurrency-testing"><span id="What_is_Concurrency_Testing">What is Concurrency Testing?</span></h2>



<p>Concurrency testing is software testing that aims to identify and resolve issues that may arise when multiple users or processes access a system simultaneously. It helps ensure the system can handle concurrent requests without crashing or causing data corruption.<br></p>



<h2 id="h-why-concurrency-testing"><span id="Why_concurrency_testing">Why concurrency testing?</span></h2>



<ul><li>It is essential to conduct concurrency testing to ensure a system can handle multiple user requests.&nbsp;</li><li>It can also help testers know the processes simultaneously without encountering crashes or data corruption.</li><li>It can detect and address potential issues early.</li><li>Concurrency testing can improve the system&#8217;s overall performance and reliability.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-advantages-of-concurrent-testing"><span id="Advantages_of_Concurrent_Testing">Advantages of Concurrent Testing</span></h2>



<p><em>Check out the Advantages:</em></p>



<ul><li><strong>Faster testing process: </strong>Concurrent testing allows multiple tests to be executed simultaneously, reducing the overall time required for testing.</li><li><strong>Increased test coverage:</strong> A more extensive range of scenarios and functionalities can be tested simultaneously by running multiple tests, improving test coverage.</li><li><strong>Early defect detection:</strong> Concurrent testing helps identify defects and issues earlier in the development cycle, allowing for quicker resolution and preventing them from escalating into major problems.</li><li><strong>Improved resource utilization:</strong> With concurrent testing, hardware, software, and test environments can be utilized more efficiently as multiple tests run concurrently on the same resources.</li><li><strong>Enhanced scalability:</strong> Concurrent testing enables organizations to scale their efforts quickly by adding more parallel test executions without significantly impacting the testing time.</li><li><strong>Better simulation of real-world scenarios:</strong> By executing multiple tests concurrently, it becomes easier to simulate real-world scenarios where different functionalities or components interact simultaneously.</li><li><strong>Increased productivity:</strong> Concurrent testing reduces the waiting time between tests, enabling testers to work on other tasks while tests run.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-disadvantages-of-concurrent-testing"><span id="Disadvantages_of_Concurrent_Testing">Disadvantages of Concurrent Testing</span></h2>



<p><em>Here are some disadvantages:</em></p>



<ul><li><strong>Increased complexity:</strong> Concurrent testing involves running multiple tests simultaneously, making the testing process more complex and challenging to manage.</li><li><strong>Resource limitations:</strong> Concurrent testing requires a significant amount of resources, including hardware, software, and personnel. This can be a disadvantage for organizations with limited resources.</li><li><strong>Difficulty isolating issues:</strong> When multiple tests are running concurrently, it can be challenging to isolate and identify the root cause of any issues. This can lead to longer debugging and troubleshooting times.</li><li><strong>Increased risk of interference:</strong> Running multiple tests concurrently increases the risk of interference between different test cases. Interference can result in false positives or negatives, making it harder to assess the system&#8217;s quality under test accurately.</li><li><strong>Lack of focus on individual tests: </strong>Individual test cases may need more attention or scrutiny with concurrent testing. This could lead to overlooking critical defects or vulnerabilities.</li><li><strong>Limited test coverage:</strong>&nbsp; This limited <a href="https://www.tutorialspoint.com/test-coverage-in-software-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test coverage</a> can leave potential issues undetected, posing a risk to the overall reliability and performance of the system.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-concurrent-testing-methods"><span id="Concurrent_testing_methods">Concurrent testing methods</span></h2>



<p>Various methods are commonly employed for conducting concurrency testing.&nbsp;</p>



<ol><li>One of the most popular and effective methods is known as Fuzz Testing. In this method, the tester deliberately inserts random, incorrect data into the system to observe how it responds. This approach can help detect and identify potential vulnerabilities in the design, which can then be addressed and rectified.&nbsp;</li><li>Another method that is frequently used is Random Testing. This involves running multiple threads simultaneously while randomizing the test inputs. This method can help detect race conditions and other issues that may arise when multiple lines access the same resources simultaneously.</li><li>Code Review is another essential method that is often used in concurrency testing. In this approach, the testers thoroughly scrutinize the code and its structures to identify potential issues or weaknesses. This can help ensure the code is robust and reliable under high-load conditions.&nbsp;</li><li>Lastly, Static Analysis is a method that involves checking the coding system before the code is executed. This approach can help identify potential issues and vulnerabilities before they can cause any harm to the system. By combining these methods, testers can ensure the system is robust, reliable, and can handle high-load conditions without issues.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-automating-concurrency-testing"><span id="Automating_concurrency_testingnbsp">Automating concurrency testing&nbsp;</span></h2>



<p><strong><em>Automation is key in today&#8217;s software development game, and concurrency testing isn&#8217;t different.</em></strong></p>



<ol><li>Automating concurrency testing can be a game-changer in terms of efficiency.</li><li>By automating these tests, you can save time and resources while ensuring your system functions as intended.&nbsp;</li><li>Plus, automation allows you to run tests more frequently, catching issues before they become bigger problems.</li><li>Overall, automation is smart for anyone looking to streamline their testing process.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-what-tools-to-look-for"><span id="What_tools_to_look_fornbsp">What tools to look for?&nbsp;</span></h2>



<p>When it comes to concurrency testing, there are several tools available that can help ensure the stability and reliability of concurrent systems. Here are some of the top tools worth considering:</p>



<ol><li><strong>JMeter: </strong>JMeter is an open-source tool developed by the Apache Software Foundation. It is primarily used for load testing and performance measurement of web applications. However, it can also be utilized for concurrency testing. JMeter allows you to simulate multiple users accessing your application simultaneously, enabling you to analyze how well your system handles concurrent requests.</li><li><strong>LoadNinja:</strong> LoadNinja is a cloud-based tool focusing on ease of use and scalability. It allows you to record user interactions with your web application and replay them concurrently with thousands of virtual users. LoadNinja also provides detailed performance metrics and visualizations for analysis.</li><li><strong>WebLOAD:</strong> WebLOAD is a popular tool that offers robust load testing capabilities, including concurrency testing. It allows you to simulate thousands of virtual users and monitor system performance under heavy loads. It provides real-time analytics and customizable reports and supports protocols like HTTP, WebSocket, SOAP, etc.</li><li><strong>LoadView: </strong>LoadView is an open-source and complete solution designed to offer exceptional reliability and efficiency to performance engineers. With LoadView, you can rest assured that your system can handle even the most demanding traffic loads. As a fully managed, cloud-based solution, LoadView has a wide range of features that can help identify and address any issues that may arise during periods of high traffic.</li></ol>



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



<p>Time to wrap up!</p>



<p>If you&#8217;re developing software, testing for concurrency is essential. This means ensuring your app or program can handle many people or processes simultaneously without any problems. Doing this can avoid issues like the app freezing or crashing when too many people use it.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Testing for concurrency is a great way to ensure everyone has a good experience and keeps your customers happy.</p>



<p><em>Here is a blog that talks in detail about Visual Testing, a new launch in Testsigma.&nbsp;</em></p>



<p>Know in detail: <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/testsigma-announces-visual-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://testsigma.com/blog/testsigma-announces-visual-testing/</a></p>



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



<h3 id="what-is-concurrent-user-testing"><span id="What_is_concurrent_user_testing">What is concurrent user testing?</span></h3>



<p>Concurrent user testing is a software testing technique that evaluates the performance and functionality of an application when multiple users access it simultaneously. This type of testing is essential for applications that are expected to receive a high number of concurrent users, such as e-commerce platforms, social media networks, and online gaming websites.</p>



<h3 id="what-is-parallel-vs-concurrent-testing"><span id="What_is_parallel_vs_concurrent_testing">What is parallel vs. concurrent testing?</span></h3>



<p>Parallel testing refers to running multiple tests simultaneously on different environments or configurations to increase test coverage and reduce execution time. Concurrent testing, on the other hand, involves executing multiple tests simultaneously on the same environment or configuration, focusing on identifying issues related to resource contention and system performance. Both approaches aim to optimize testing efficiency but differ in focus and execution setup.</p>



<h3 id="what-is-an-example-of-concurrency-testing"><span id="What_is_an_example_of_concurrency_testing">What is an example of concurrency testing?</span></h3>



<p>An example of concurrency testing is testing an e-commerce website that processes multiple user requests simultaneously. This testing involves simulating high-traffic scenarios to determine if the website can handle the load without crashing or slowing down. The testing can also include checking whether the user data is stored correctly or the transactions are processed accurately.</p>


Concurrency Testing In Software Testing- Overview