
<p>When it comes to ensuring the quality of software, testing is essential. The testing process can vary depending on the application type being developed and its purpose. One form of testing used in software development is known as screenshot Testing, also sometimes known as <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/visual-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Visual Testing</a>. This guide discusses screenshot testing, how it works, and how to perform the process on different platforms.</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_Screenshot_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is Screenshot Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_Screenshot_Testing_is_Important"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Why Screenshot Testing is Important?</a></li><li><a href="#When_to_Use_Screenshot_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> When to Use Screenshot Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_Keep_Screenshot_Tests_to_a_Minimum"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Why Keep Screenshot Tests to a Minimum?</a></li><li><a href="#How_Does_Screenshot_Testing_Work"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> How Does Screenshot Testing Work?</a><ul><li><a href="#Step_1_Choose_a_Screenshot_Testing_Tool"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.1</span> Step 1: Choose a Screenshot Testing Tool</a></li><li><a href="#Step_2_Define_Test_Scenarios"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.2</span> Step 2: Define Test Scenarios </a></li><li><a href="#Step_3_Capture_Screenshots"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.3</span> Step 3: Capture Screenshots</a></li><li><a href="#Step_4_Compare_Screenshots"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.4</span> Step 4: Compare Screenshots</a></li><li><a href="#Step_5_Resolving_the_Issue"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.5</span> Step 5: Resolving the Issue</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Screenshot_Testing_with_Testsigma"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Screenshot Testing with Testsigma</a></li><li><a href="#Advantages_of_Screenshot_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Advantages of Screenshot Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Disadvantages_of_Screenshot_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> Disadvantages of Screenshot Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Best_Practices_for_Screenshot_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">9</span> Best Practices for Screenshot Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Tools_for_Performing_Screenshot_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">10</span> Tools for Performing Screenshot Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">11</span> Conclusion</a><ul><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">11.1</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-screenshot-testing"><span id="What_is_Screenshot_Testing"><strong>What is Screenshot Testing?</strong></span></h2>



<p>In Screenshot testing, testers take screenshots of the application or website under test and compare them to the expected results. They can then identify discrepancies between the two and report them to developers for resolution. This process helps ensure the application or website meets design specifications and provides a positive user experience.</p>



<p>This testing is particularly useful when the UI of the application gets changed often and can point out the smallest of differences from the expected results very quickly.</p>



<h2 id="why-screenshot-testing-is-important"><span id="Why_Screenshot_Testing_is_Important"><strong>Why Screenshot Testing is Important?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Screenshot testing is important to evaluate the end-user experience. It is done to ensure all the visual elements work fine on different devices. It helps analyze and compare different versions. The objective is to make sure that everything looks correct and is visually consistent.</p>



<h2 id="when-to-use-screenshot-testing"><span id="When_to_Use_Screenshot_Testing"><strong>When to Use Screenshot Testing?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Screenshot testing is essential for <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/cross-platform-end-to-end-testing-explained-with-real-life-scenarios/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cross-platform testing</a>. To test if the UI is responsive across all platforms. When dealing with dark modes or different themes, it is better to verify the aspect ratios, color schemes, fonts, etc. &nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="why-keep-screenshot-tests-to-a-minimum"><span id="Why_Keep_Screenshot_Tests_to_a_Minimum"><strong>Why Keep Screenshot Tests to a Minimum?</strong></span></h2>



<p>While screenshot testing is important for a better user experience, doing too much of it can lead to excessive non-critical bugs. This can increase the time taken to market. UI changes frequently, and maintaining large sets of screenshot tests requires constant updates to avoid outdated baselines. It is recommended to test all necessary and high-priority tasks with this testing.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-does-screenshot-testing-work"><span id="How_Does_Screenshot_Testing_Work"><strong>How Does Screenshot Testing Work?</strong></span></h2>



<p>You take screenshots of the website or app in different environments like browsers, resolutions, and operating systems. Following these steps ensures that your website or application functions optimally and provides a positive user experience.</p>



<p><strong>Here are the steps:</strong></p>



<h3 id="step-1-choose-a-screenshot-testing-tool"><span id="Step_1_Choose_a_Screenshot_Testing_Tool">Step 1: Choose a Screenshot Testing Tool</span></h3>



<p>The first step is to choose a Screenshot testing tool that suits your needs. Many options are available in the market, such as Testsigma, Applitools, Percy, and Cypress. Each tool has its unique features and benefits.</p>



<h3 id="step-2-define-test-scenarios"><span id="Step_2_Define_Test_Scenarios">Step 2: Define Test Scenarios </span></h3>



<p>Once you have selected a tool, the next step is to define test scenarios. This involves identifying your application&#8217;s different pages or screens that need to be tested. You can also define specific actions that users might take on these pages.</p>



<h3 id="step-3-capture-screenshots"><span id="Step_3_Capture_Screenshots">Step 3: Capture Screenshots</span></h3>



<p>After defining test scenarios, you must capture screenshots of each page or screen using the screenshot testing tool. This can be done manually or automatically, depending on your tool. These screenshots become the baseline for your tests.</p>



<h3 id="step-4-compare-screenshots"><span id="Step_4_Compare_Screenshots">Step 4: Compare Screenshots</span></h3>



<p>Once you have captured the screenshots, the next step is to compare them. By comparing the screenshots, you can ensure that the UI is consistent with the expectation. This will help you identify any visual bugs or inconsistencies that may have been introduced during development or changes made to the page. </p>



<h3 id="step-5-resolving-the-issue"><span id="Step_5_Resolving_the_Issue">Step 5: Resolving the Issue</span></h3>



<p>After identifying any visual bugs or inconsistencies, addressing them promptly is important. This may involve making changes to the code or design of the page. Once the necessary adjustments have been made, repeating the comparison process is recommended to ensure the issues have been resolved. Tools like Testsigma, Applitools, Percy, and BrowserStack can automate this process and make it way faster to compare multiple screenshots simultaneously. </p>



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<h2 id="h-screenshot-testing-with-testsigma"><span id="Screenshot_Testing_with_Testsigma"><strong>Screenshot Testing with Testsigma</strong></span></h2>



<p>With Testsigma, you can perform this Testing for your web and mobile applications.</p>



<p>This Testing is default switched off for all test steps. Users have the freedom to turn it on only for the steps where they need visual validation.</p>



<p><strong>1. How to Enable Testing for a Test Step</strong></p>



<p>This testing can be configured for a test step on a test case details page or on a test step recorder. Below are the steps for doing the same:</p>



<ol><li>Go to the step and click on step details.</li><li>Turn on the the Testing for the step using the setting &#8220;Visual Testing&#8221;(Screenshot Testing)</li><li>Testing validation is now on for this test step.</li></ol>



<p style="padding-bottom:30px">Alternatively, below is a <em>gif</em> demonstrating the above steps:</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/migrated_images/gif-visual-testing-edit-teststep_bbb35d85a5575be00763335b8bcc4bfb.gif_1748949141.gif" alt="visual testing"/></figure>



<p><p style="padding-top:30px">After you enable “visual testing” for a test step &#8211; Screenshot Testing becomes available only after the next successful run. This is because, to execute Screenshot testing, Testsigma needs a baseline image corresponding to the test step.</p></p>



<p><strong>2. Bulk Update Steps </strong></p>



<p>Testsigma supports bulk steps updates to turn on/off Screenshot testing to save time and reduce redundant efforts.</p>



<p>You can select all the steps in the test case you want and turn on/the screenshot testing settings on/off in one go.</p>



<p><p style="padding-bottom:30px">Below is a gif demonstrating bulk updates for enabling screenshot testing for multiple steps at once:</p></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/migrated_images/gif-visual-testing-bulk-update-test-steps_653cb3d80cdc02db9eb8f235ac156f5d.gif_1748949137.gif" alt="screenshot testing"/></figure>



<h2 id="h-advantages-of-screenshot-testing"><span id="Advantages_of_Screenshot_Testing"><strong>Advantages of Screenshot Testing</strong></span></h2>



<p>This testing plays a vital role in ensuring the quality and accuracy of software applications. Here are some major advantages and disadvantages of this testing.</p>



<p><strong>The advantages are:</strong></p>



<ol><li>Its primary benefit is to detect even the slightest differences in the graphical user interface between the expected and actual results.</li><li>Allows for fast testing to identify if there are major differences between expected and actual results.</li><li>It visually represents how the user will see the application and can detect UI-related errors.</li><li>Easy to use and set up compared to other <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated testing</a> methods.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-disadvantages-of-screenshot-testing"><span id="Disadvantages_of_Screenshot_Testing"><strong>Disadvantages of Screenshot Testing</strong></span></h2>



<p><strong>The disadvantages are:</strong></p>



<ol><li>Not suitable for more complex applications with multiple user interactions, functionalities, and data sets.</li><li>It cannot detect logical defects in the application as it only captures what it is displaying.</li><li>It is a labor-intensive process as manual effort compares expected and actual results.</li></ol>



<h2 id="best-practices-for-screenshot-testing"><span id="Best_Practices_for_Screenshot_Testing"><strong>Best Practices for Screenshot Testing</strong></span></h2>



<ul><li><strong>Maintain a balance of tests: </strong>Too much testing doesn’t assure you of a great visual experience. There are other tests to consider to improve the user experience. Focus on the most important aspects instead of testing everything.</li><li><strong>Avoid false positives: </strong>Small visual imperfections can cause unnecessary test failures. Ignoring such minor anomalies can save a lot of time in testing.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Use baseline screenshots correctly: </strong>To get better results, use the correct baseline screenshot. This baseline screenshot will be a reference image that is compared with all the screenshots taken on different devices.</li><li><strong>Automate screenshot testing in CI/CD pipelines:</strong> Integrate testing into your CI/CD workflows. Run tests automatically on new code commits and pull requests to catch visual regressions early.</li><li><strong>Implement </strong><a href="https://testsigma.com/parallel-test-runs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>parallel testing</strong></a><strong> for faster execution:</strong> Perform different tests on different platforms, browsers, and devices. Run screenshot tests in parallel to save time.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-tools-for-performing-screenshot-testing"><span id="Tools_for_Performing_Screenshot_Testing"><strong>Tools for Performing Screenshot Testing</strong></span></h2>



<p><strong>The must-to-know tools are here. Bookmark them:</strong></p>



<p>1. <strong>Testsigma</strong>: <a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma </a>is a web-based test automation platform for automated screenshot testing. It enables developers and QA teams to create, run and manage <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated tests</a> for web, iOS, and Android applications. It also supports <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/visual-regression-tests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">visual regression tests</a> for UI components.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/migrated_images/image_91d3f999c6c9c9afb4ba379a195b8cc6_2000.png_1748949135.png" alt="Testsigma screenshot"/></figure></div>



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<p>2.<strong> Applitools Eyes</strong>: Applitools Eyes provides AI-driven visualization testing to compare web and mobile application interface images, detect visual UI differences, and report them as bugs. It is a cloud-based automated testing solution.</p>



<p>3. <strong>Kobiton</strong>: The cloud-based test automation platform, Kobiton, supports automated testing for Android and iOS applications. Kobiton offers access to real devices and browsers for testing, screenshot testing, and bug tracking.</p>



<p>4. <strong>Screenster</strong>: Developers can use Screenster, a cloud-based automated testing solution, to verify the accuracy of their web and mobile apps across browsers and devices. It records screenshots of each test run and allows developers to check for visual regression errors.</p>



<p>5. <strong>Percy</strong>: Percy is a visual testing platform designed to help QA teams identify visible changes in web and mobile applications. It uses screenshot data to compare images of the same page or element across different browsers, devices, and environments and provides feedback on any broken images or layout discrepancies.</p>



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



<p>Here comes the finale! Screenshot testing is a simple and effective way to help ensure integrity, reliability, and accuracy. By using this method, teams can save time and resources and provide an improved user experience. This makes it an invaluable tool for testing and development.</p>



<h3 id="h-frequently-asked-questions"><span id="Frequently_Asked_Questions"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></span></h3>



<div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1753162827730"><strong class="schema-faq-question">What is the Difference Between Snapshot Testing and Screenshot Testing</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Screenshot testing focuses only on visual components like image rendering. It is mainly used for detecting visual anomalies and layout issues to ensure the UI is consistent across different platforms. For example, screenshot testing can check if the user interface looks the same on different devices or browsers.<br/><br/>Snapshot testing, on the other hand, focuses on the structural representation of the visual components, such as the underlying code. It helps in identifying unexpected changes in UI components by testing the structure of the codebase used in the UI, rather than its appearance. <br/><br/>For example, snapshot testing could be used to ensure the structure of the code that creates a UI component hasn’t changed unintentionally.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1753162862769"><strong class="schema-faq-question">What is Screenshot Testing vs UI testing?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Screenshot testing is usually done via automated tests and helps to verify the look, feel, and consistency of the UI across different versions of the same application. It is typically faster and requires less time, cost, and effort to conduct compared to other testing methods.<br/><br/>UI testing, in contrast, can be performed either manually or with automation. It tests the functioning of UI components, including buttons, checkboxes, and other interactive elements. UI testing generally takes more time to complete and is higher in cost and effort because it assesses both the visual aspects and the actual interactions within the application.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1753162905434"><strong class="schema-faq-question">What is Android screenshot testing?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Android screenshot testing is a way to test the UI of an Android app. With this testing, users can check that everything looks how it should on all device sizes and configurations, ensuring the user experience is consistent across different devices. It&#8217;s helpful for developers because they can quickly find and fix any visual bugs in their app.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1753162981201"><strong class="schema-faq-question">How to perform Android screenshot testing?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Android screenshot testing involves capturing screenshots of an app on different devices and comparing the visuals against a baseline to spot any differences. It helps ensure UI consistency across various Android platforms.</p> </div> </div>




Screenshot Testing – What it is and How to Perform?

SDLC vs STLC – Key Differences Explained


<p>As its name suggests, gorilla testing differs from the monkey testing technique, and it’s advantageous for companies and product teams to understand and appreciate these differences. This blog will explore how this testing differs from monkey testing and why it’s essential to quality assurance practices.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/migrated_images/gorilla-testing_ea668820d8fa92e453798d5efd1779e8_2000.jpeg_1748949311.jpg" alt="Gorilla Testing"/></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_Gorilla_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is Gorilla Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Features_of_Gorilla_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Features of Gorilla Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Importance_of_Gorilla_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Importance of Gorilla Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Monkey_Testing_vs_Gorilla_Testing_Usage"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Monkey Testing vs. Gorilla Testing: Usage</a></li><li><a href="#Monkey_Testing_vs_Gorilla_Testing_A_Comparison"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Monkey Testing vs. Gorilla Testing: A Comparison</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="#Is_ad-hoc_testing_also_known_as_gorilla_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">7.1</span> Is ad-hoc testing also known as gorilla testing?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-gorilla-testing"><span id="What_is_Gorilla_Testing"><strong>What is Gorilla Testing?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Gorilla Testing is a software testing method where all or most system areas are tested for a shorter time to identify significant issues quickly. This Testing is black-box testing focusing on a limited portion of an application, product, or system. </p>



<p>The goal is to identify any major flaws or problems within that area before proceeding with more thorough Testing. It is usually conducted by a relatively small amount of testers, spending a relatively short testing effort, the goal being to find as many bugs as possible in the shortest time.</p>



<h2 id="h-features-of-gorilla-testing"><span id="Features_of_Gorilla_Testing"><strong>Features of Gorilla Testing</strong></span></h2>



<p><strong>Here are some of the most important features of this testing:</strong></p>



<ul><li>A wide application testing with an emphasis on exploration and discovery.</li><li>Focused on user experience, functionality, and compatibility of the product.</li><li>Utilizes both positive and <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/negative-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">negative testing</a> scenarios to ensure the highest quality possible.</li><li>Covers areas like functionality, usability, compatibility, etc.</li><li>Highly flexible to allow for adjustment in test cases, depending on the product&#8217;s unique characteristics.</li><li>Identifies issues and bugs and offers detailed reports on the product&#8217;s performance.</li><li>Since gorilla testing focuses only on necessary features, it saves time and resources by avoiding unnecessarily testing non-critical features.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-importance-of-gorilla-testing"><span id="Importance_of_Gorilla_Testing"><strong>Importance of Gorilla Testing</strong></span></h2>



<p>The importance of Gorilla Testing cannot be overstated. Gorilla Testing helps developers and testers identify issues early in the software development process, saving time and money in the long run.</p>



<ol><li>It helps identify critical defects that may have been missed during other testing phases.</li><li>It ensures the system can handle unexpected and extreme inputs or scenarios.</li><li>It helps improve the overall quality of the software by identifying issues early on in the development cycle.</li><li>It helps ensure the system is robust and can handle large amounts of data or traffic.</li><li>It can also help identify performance issues and bottlenecks in the system.</li><li>It helps build confidence in the software&#8217;s ability to perform under different conditions and scenarios.</li><li>This testing can also help uncover security exposures that may have been missed during other testing phases.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-monkey-testing-vs-gorilla-testing-usage"><span id="Monkey_Testing_vs_Gorilla_Testing_Usage"><strong>Monkey Testing vs. Gorilla Testing: Usage</strong></span></h2>



<p><strong>Let us discuss this in a super easy way:</strong></p>



<p><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/monkey-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monkey Testing</a> is like randomly trying the software without special skills or training. You basically do whatever comes to mind, like clicking buttons, typing things, breaking stuff, and so on. The idea is to find any possible issues with how the software works, how user-friendly it is, and how secure it is.</p>



<p>On the other hand, you have Gorilla Testing. It&#8217;s pretty intense and needs some serious skills and knowledge. Basically, you&#8217;re purposely trying to mess up the software with a mix of know-how, system smarts, and lots of testing methods. The goal is to uncover sneaky bugs and problems the average user wouldn&#8217;t catch.</p>



<p>More details are in the table below:</p>



<h2 id="h-monkey-testing-vs-gorilla-testing-a-comparison"><span id="Monkey_Testing_vs_Gorilla_Testing_A_Comparison"><strong>Monkey Testing vs. Gorilla Testing: A Comparison</strong></span></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Monkey Testing</strong></td><td><strong>Gorilla Testing</strong></td></tr><tr><td>It is a type of testing that doesn&#8217;t require planning or knowledge of the system being tested.</td><td>Requires some basic prior knowledge of the system being tested and a test plan.</td></tr><tr><td>It is a software testing method that does not follow a defined test plan and instead relies on testers to try out the application randomly.&nbsp;</td><td>Its name implies it is a more intensive form of testing that involves longer and more resilient test cycles. It involves more protocols and test cases than monkey testing.</td></tr><tr><td>Intended to find basic issues.&nbsp;</td><td>Intended to find more complex issues and bugs that would normally require more focused testing.&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Testers are less skilled and often need to be supervised.&nbsp;</td><td>Testers are more skilled and closely supervised.&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Testing is conducted to locate bugs or broken features.&nbsp;</td><td>Testing is conducted to ensure that all user requirements are met.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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



<p>To summarize, gorilla testing is all about looking at the bigger picture. It doesn&#8217;t involve testing individual parts but rather focuses on the overall functionality and stability of the system. Unlike Monkey Testing, which randomly tests small bits of code without much thought, Gorilla Testing takes a more structured and thorough approach. It ultimately leads to better system performance and fewer failures.</p>



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



<h3 id="h-is-ad-hoc-testing-also-known-as-gorilla-testing"><span id="Is_ad-hoc_testing_also_known_as_gorilla_testing"><strong>Is ad-hoc testing also known as gorilla testing?</strong></span></h3>



<p>Because <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ad_hoc_testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ad-hoc testing</a> and gorilla testing both involve sending random inputs and not following a set procedure, gorilla testing, and ad-hoc testing are sometimes considered similar.<gwmw style="display:none;"></p>



<p></p>


Gorilla Testing How It Is Different from Monkey Testing

Gorilla Testing: How It Is Different from Monkey Testing


<p>In simple terms, shift left refers to moving testing and quality assurance earlier in the development process, while shift right focuses on testing and monitoring after the software is released. In this blog post, we&#8217;ll break down the differences between Shift Left vs Shift Right and why they matter.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_the_Difference_Between_Shift_Left_and_Shift_Right"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is the Difference Between Shift Left and Shift Right?</a></li><li><a href="#Test_Automation_Using_Shift_Left_and_Shift_Right"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Test Automation Using Shift Left and Shift Right.</a></li><li><a href="#Why_Shift_Right_and_Shift_Left_Testing_are_Critical_for_Microservices_Architecture"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Why Shift Right and Shift Left Testing are Critical for Microservices Architecture?</a></li><li><a href="#Shift_Left_vs_Shift_Right_When_to_Use_Which"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Shift Left vs Shift Right: When to Use Which?</a></li><li><a href="#Shift_Left_vs_Shift_Right_8211_Tools_Used"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Shift Left vs Shift Right &#8211; Tools Used </a></li><li><a href="#Shift_Left_vs_Shift_Right_A_Summary"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Shift Left vs Shift Right – A Summary</a></li><li><a href="#Which_One_to_Choose_Shift_Left_or_Shift_Right_or_Both"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Which One to Choose, Shift Left or Shift Right, or Both?</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">9</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#Is_the_shift_left_positive_or_negative"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">9.1</span> Is the shift left positive or negative?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_an_example_of_shift_left_testing_and_shift_right_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">9.2</span> What is an example of shift left testing and shift right testing?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-the-difference-between-shift-left-and-shift-right"><span id="What_is_the_Difference_Between_Shift_Left_and_Shift_Right"><strong>What is the Difference Between Shift Left and Shift Right?</strong></span></h2>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<ul><li><strong>Testsigma: </strong>Testsigma can also automate shift-right tests for efficient and effective test automation and execution. </li></ul>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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


Shifting Gears The Differences between Shift Left vs Shift Right

Shift Left vs Shift Right: Top Key Differences


<p>Peer testing is an efficient way of identifying bugs in your programming. Another person verifying your code with a new perspective is sure to pull out issues that might go unnoticed otherwise. It further helps you to gain some insight into the subject, which guides you to enhance the code structure. And even testers do peer testing to validate the test scripts and cases of their fellow QA engineers.</p>



<p>Let us dive deeper into this topic and better understand the nuances of peer testing in terms of development and testing.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Peer_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is Peer Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_are_the_Benefits_of_Peer_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> What are the Benefits of Peer Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Who_Should_Do_It"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Who Should Do It?</a></li><li><a href="#What_are_the_Requirements_of_Peer_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> What are the Requirements of Peer Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Perform_Peer_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> How to Perform Peer Testing?</a><ul><li><a href="#Manual"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.1</span> Manual</a></li><li><a href="#Automated"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.2</span> Automated</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Disadvantages_of_Peer_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Disadvantages of Peer Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Summary"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Summary</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-peer-testing"><span id="What_is_Peer_Testing">What is Peer Testing?</span></h2>



<p>Peer testing is a software development practice that developers follow to review or evaluate each other’s code. The process involves a coder checking the program of their fellow colleagues to provide feedback, identify issues, and ensure complete code quality.</p>



<p>The purpose of peer testing is to nurture a collaborative environment that leads to building bug-free applications with shared responsibility. By involving multiple developers in the review process, you can catch potential issues and promote collaboration and knowledge sharing within the development team.</p>



<p>Another approach to peer testing is testers checking the test scripts of their fellow QA engineers to see if there are any problems with the tests. It includes testers verifying the manual or automation tests of their colleagues to provide feedback and suggestions.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-are-the-benefits-of-peer-testing"><span id="What_are_the_Benefits_of_Peer_Testing">What are the Benefits of Peer Testing?</span></h2>



<p>Peer testing offers multiple benefits to the developers as well as testers involved in the project. It ensures that coders improve on their existing program and that the stakeholders receive a better-quality product to take to market. Here are some of the reasons why you should do peer testing:</p>



<ul><li><strong>Defect Identification:</strong> Peer testing helps identify defects and issues early in the development lifecycle. When team members review the code, documentation, or test scripts they can spot errors, bugs, and potential problems that may have been overlooked by the author. Finding and fixing issues early saves time and effort that would otherwise be spent on detecting and resolving defects at later stages.</li><li><strong>Quality Improvement:</strong> Peer testing contributes to improving the overall quality of the software. Through collaborative review and feedback, team members can suggest enhancements, highlight areas for improvement, and share best practices in the code or <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Test_script" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test scripts</a>. This leads to better code and script readability and maintainability, resulting in higher-quality software.</li><li><strong>Knowledge Sharing and Learning:</strong> This process fosters an environment of knowledge sharing and learning within the team. Reviewing each other&#8217;s work allows colleagues to gain exposure to different coding styles, approaches, and problem-solving techniques. Testers can offer improvement in test scripts and testing approaches, learn from each other&#8217;s experiences, expand their knowledge and improve their skills.</li><li><strong>Code Consistency and Standards:</strong> Peer testing helps enforce coding standards and maintain code consistency across the project. Reviewing application code or testing scripts, ensures that developers and testers follow established guidelines, conventions, and architectural principles. Such practice makes the code and the script more readable, understandable, and maintainable, especially when multiple individuals work on the same project.</li><li><strong>Collaboration and Team Building:</strong> It promotes collaboration and team building by involving team members in the review process. It creates a sense of shared responsibility, encourages open communication, constructive feedback, and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.</li><li><strong>Risk Mitigation:</strong> Peer testing helps mitigate risks associated with software defects. Catching and addressing issues reduces the likelihood of critical bugs or functional gaps in the final product. This process improves customer satisfaction, reduces support requests, and minimizes the impact of potential issues on the project timeline.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-who-should-do-it"><span id="Who_Should_Do_It">Who Should Do It?</span></h2>



<p>It is a very important practice that benefits the author and the reviewer. Here are some of the individuals who should be a part of the review:</p>



<ul><li><strong>Developers:</strong> Peers within the <a href="https://youteam.io/blog/guide-to-hiring-remote-team-of-software-developers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">development team</a> can review each other&#8217;s code to identify issues in the code, bugs, or areas for improvement.</li><li><strong>Testers:</strong> Quality assurance professionals can engage in peer testing to validate test cases, review test plans, and provide feedback on the testing process. They can check the requirement documents, the testing approach, and the use of automation tools.</li></ul>



<p>There are many other individuals involved in peer testing, such as designers, business analysts, project managers, and stakeholders, that ensure reviewing of several documents. But mostly, when it comes to checking the code or test scripts, developers and testers remain a big part of peer testing.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-are-the-requirements-of-peer-testing"><span id="What_are_the_Requirements_of_Peer_Testing">What are the Requirements of Peer Testing?</span></h2>



<p>Peer testing does not have a long list of requirements that you need to follow necessarily, but below are a few suggestions you can take into account:</p>



<ul><li>Be constructive and positive in your feedback.</li><li>Do not treat it as a formality or back away from it.</li><li>Learn from the review and the suggestions for existing and future changes in your code or test scripts.</li><li>Ask relevant questions if any doubts persist.</li><li>Follow a structured review process to avoid communication gaps or confusion about the project.</li><li>Define clear objectives of peer testing before starting the process.</li><li>Be confident that getting your work reviewed or reviewing somebody else’s code will only improve your skills and expertise.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-how-to-perform-peer-testing"><span id="How_to_Perform_Peer_Testing">How to Perform Peer Testing?</span></h2>



<p>Upon deploying the code in the development/<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test environment</a>, follow the below steps to perform a standardized peer testing process:</p>



<ul><li>The coder or the tester works on their project; they design, develop, test, and implement the code or the test script.</li><li>Subsequently, they execute a self-review process. Developers perform unit testing, and testers check their scripts manually or using automated tools.</li><li>Peer testing comes now; another developer or tester checks your code and provides feedback on the same.</li><li>If there is any issue, the code or the script is Rejected and sent back to the author with suggestions. After the problem is resolved, peer testing is done again, and the function is Passed.</li></ul>



<p>You can perform peer testing in two ways: Manual or automated. Let’s discuss this.</p>



<h3 id="h-manual"><span id="Manual">Manual</span></h3>



<p>With manual peer testing, the reviewer goes through the code or the test script line-by-line manually without using any automation tools. They spend time understanding every function and looking at minute details in the program to avoid overseeing any issues. It further extends the process as the reviewer would need to carefully draft a feedback document with all the details to highlight the code&#8217;s issues and possible improvement areas.</p>



<p>While manual peer testing brings a human approach to the entire process, it is also time-consuming and prone to errors.</p>



<h3 id="h-automated"><span id="Automated">Automated</span></h3>



<p>Automated peer testing involves using an automation tool, such as Testsigma, to review and provide feedback to the author. By using an automated tool, you are saving time and resources by a tremendous amount. Tools like Testsigma offer an in-built review workflow that allows testers to verify each other’s work. <gwmw style="display:none;"><gwmw style="display:none;"></p>



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<h2 id="h-disadvantages-of-peer-testing"><span id="Disadvantages_of_Peer_Testing">Disadvantages of Peer Testing</span></h2>



<p>Some of the disadvantages of peer testing are:</p>



<ul><li>A lack of expertise or skill in reviewing code as per the specified guidelines can impact the entire process.</li><li>Engaging more than one peer to perform the review in order to stay in line with the deadline can hamper communication.</li><li>Often, group dynamics and interpersonal relations also play a major role in the peer testing process, likely affecting the project’s health.</li><li>Peer testing may not provide comprehensive coverage of all aspects of the work being reviewed.</li><li>There are chances that peers engaged in the testing process may not have received formal training in review techniques or quality assurance methodologies.</li></ul>



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



<p>Peer testing is verifying the code or test scripts of your fellow colleagues to offer constructive advice on improving the program or test script and making it better. With multiple advantages and disadvantages to the process, peer testing is still a good practice to follow as it allows both the author and the tester to work on their skills and improve communication across the team.</p>



<p>You can perform peer testing manually or by using an automation tool. We offer you Testsigma as the go-to peer testing tool as it consists of <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/peer-review-in-software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">peer review</a> and reporting features that are most important in peer testing.</p>



<p>Check out our tool in action by registering for a <a href="https://testsigma.com/request-demo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">free demo</a>. And meanwhile, browse through the website to know why <a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma</a> is a one-in-million test automation tool.<gwmw style="display:none;"></p>



<div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1752833989691"><strong class="schema-faq-question">What is the full form of P2P in testing?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">P2P stands for peer-to-peer in software testing terms. It means performing testing activities directly between peers or individuals. It involves the collaboration and interaction of team members to evaluate and validate the software or system under test.<gwmw style="display:none;"></gwmw></p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1752834020390"><strong class="schema-faq-question">Why is peer testing important?<gwmw style="display:none;"></gwmw></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Peer testing enhances a lot more than just the code being tested; it improves collaboration between team members, allows them to showcase their expertise, highlights bugs early on in the SDLC process, and reduces bias among colleagues.<gwmw style="display:none;"></gwmw></p> </div> </div>



<p><gwmw style="display:none;"></p>
