What is Canary Testing A Comprehensive Overview

What is Canary Testing? A Comprehensive Overview

Beta Testing Benefits, Challenges, and Best Practices

Beta Testing: Benefits, Challenges, and Best Practices


<p>Reviewing your work is critical in the software development life cycle (SDLC). It reduces the instances of human errors and allows for better-quality code. Similarly, peer review in important, that involves peers checking each other’s work. But why is it essential, and how much software quality does it improve? Let’s see.</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_Review_in_Software_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is Peer Review in Software Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_Do_We_Need_Peer_Review"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Why Do We Need Peer Review?</a></li><li><a href="#What_Should_We_Review"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> What Should We Review?</a></li><li><a href="#Types_of_Peer_Reviews"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Types of Peer Reviews</a><ul><li><a href="#Formal"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.1</span> Formal</a></li><li><a href="#Informal"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.2</span> Informal</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Peer_Review_Process"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Peer Review Process</a></li><li><a href="#Peer_Review_8211_Static_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Peer Review &#8211; Static Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Peer_Review_Characteristics"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Peer Review Characteristics</a></li><li><a href="#Key_Takeaway"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> Key Takeaway</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">9</span> Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</a><ul><li><a href="#What_are_the_3_kinds_of_peer_review"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">9.1</span> What are the 3 kinds of peer review?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_a_peer_review_example"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">9.2</span> What is a peer review example?</a></li><li><a href="#What_are_the_5_key_elements_of_peer_review"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">9.3</span> What are the 5 key elements of peer review?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-peer-review-in-software-testing"><span id="What_is_Peer_Review_in_Software_Testing">What is Peer Review in Software Testing?</span></h2>



<p>Peer review in software testing can be described in 2 ways:</p>



<p> 1. A practice of checking or reviewing the code of your fellow developer.</p>



<p> 2. It can also mean checking the test cases and scripts created by your fellow testers to provide feedback and reduce testing issues.</p>



<p>Peer reviews involve viewing and testing the functioning some code or test cases to ensure that they meets the essential requirements criteria. The aim of peer review is to highlight any possible issues the piece being reviewed, suggest improvements, and check if their compliance with standards. Peer reviews help in getting a different perspective on one’s work and receiving suggestions on making the work not only better but also easier to follow. Peer review can be considered a static testing technique.</p>



<p>There are automated tools too that support the review of <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated tests </a>like <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/best-automation-testing-tools-for-web-and-mobile/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma,</a> that is built with review workflows, enabling testers to review each other’s work. Not only that, it has multiple other features that would enable you to achieve a test automation ROI, sooner and better. Check more about Testsigma here: <a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://testsigma.com</a></p>



<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">Get a test automation tool that enables peer reviews too; get Testsigma</a></button></p>



<br><h2 id="h-why-do-we-need-peer-review"><span id="Why_Do_We_Need_Peer_Review">Why Do We Need Peer Review?</span></h2>



<p>There are many reasons why you need to adopt peer review practice in your SDLC process. And it’s more than just improving the code quality.</p>



<ul><li>The inquisitive approach of your fellow developers and testers is sure to find minute issues that might miss your eyes.</li><li>It improves communication and accessibility within the team, as everyone knows who is working on what. This kind of understanding will increase the give-and-take of information among the team members.</li><li>Peer review facilitates learning among peers and builds an environment of healthy competition.</li><li>This process helps save costs in outsourcing the reviewing task to external resources or buying tools for the exact purpose.</li><li>Peer review practice is important as it also helps developers and testers meet their deadlines by taking help from their fellow team mates to solve any blockers faced.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-what-should-we-review"><span id="What_Should_We_Review">What Should We Review?</span></h2>



<p>There is no point in promoting peer review when you don’t know what things you should review in the first place. There is a plethora of documentation to prove that soliciting feedback results in improving the quality of the product and reducing rework. We have a list of all the necessary documents and tasks you should include in your peer review process:</p>



<ul><li>Product definition and marketing planning document to properly analyze the product’s purpose and delivery needs</li><li>User requirements/specifications documents containing all the information end-users want in the application</li><li>System design documents that consist of system architecture and UI/UX plan</li><li>Programming code reviewing involves checking the backend code and looking for defects, improvements, and flow</li><li>Test plans and test cases documents consist of the test scenario, steps, and more</li></ul>



<p></p>



<h2 id="h-types-of-peer-reviews"><span id="Types_of_Peer_Reviews">Types of Peer Reviews</span></h2>



<p>Peer review in software testing can be classified into two types: formal and informal. They differ in how they are conducted within the organization.</p>



<h3 id="h-formal"><span id="Formal">Formal</span></h3>



<p>A formal peer review is one which is led by a trained moderator and follows a particular structure. It consists of a series of tasks, including requirements walkthroughs, technical reviews, inspections, and a well-detailed report at the end.</p>



<h3 id="h-informal"><span id="Informal">Informal</span></h3>



<p>Informal peer review is the exact opposite of formal. No moderator leads the process, and it is usually a personal favor that your colleagues ask of you. It follows no structure, and there are no recorded minutes of meetings for reviewers to access.</p>



<h2 id="h-peer-review-process"><span id="Peer_Review_Process">Peer Review Process</span></h2>



<p>Follow these different ways to implement a peer review process in your company:</p>



<p><strong>Informal:</strong> Start with the informal review process that simply consists of asking a fellow developer or tester to check your code or tests for correctness and to suggest improvements.</p>



<p><strong>Walkthrough:</strong> This method consists of a software developer or tester leading peers interested in the review process. They can pose questions while reviewing and come up with their explanation/understanding of the product.</p>



<p><strong>Create a structure:</strong> For a formal review process, creating a structure and having a moderator enforce the structure upon the reviewers is the best way to go.</p>



<p><strong>Review:</strong> Start the review process formally or informally, as mentioned in the above steps.</p>



<p><strong>Verify:</strong> Verification involves an organized way of conducting the evaluation process. It involves applying several testing metrics/techniques to understand the results of the review process and to analyze the validity of the output.</p>



<h2 id="h-peer-review-static-testing"><span id="Peer_Review_8211_Static_Testing">Peer Review &#8211; Static Testing</span></h2>



<p>Peer review is a static black-box testing technique. Static testing refers to analyzing the code and the related documents without the need to execute the program and tasks. So, instead of running the tests and uncovering defects, peer review follows the static testing method, which identifies issues before executing the code.</p>



<p>Here are some examples of what undergoes testing/analysis as a part of the static testing method:</p>



<ul><li>Requirement specification documents</li><li>Design documents</li><li>Webpage content</li><li>Source code</li><li>Test plans, test cases, test scripts, and test data</li><li>User requirement documents</li></ul>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/Frame-48095885.png" alt="Testsigma - Peer Review – Static Testing" class="wp-image-30350" width="600" height="400"/></figure></div>



<p><p style="padding-top:30px">In the above image, you can see how the peer review process gradually becomes formal as it moves down across the pyramid. The picture illustrates the different stages of the peer review process that we have discussed in the above section.</p></p>



<p>Read here about <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/peer-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peer Testing</a></p>



<h2 id="h-peer-review-characteristics"><span id="Peer_Review_Characteristics">Peer Review Characteristics</span></h2>



<p>The characteristics of peer review are as below:</p>



<ul><li>It is a documented way of evaluating the code that involves a defect detection process.</li><li>The higher management is not involved in peer review. It consists of peers and a few technical specialists.</li><li>The peer review team is managed by a moderator who is not the original author of the code.</li><li>Reviewers create a final report of the review, which lists and details all the issues that require attention and enhancement in the program.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-key-takeaway"><span id="Key_Takeaway">Key Takeaway</span></h2>



<p>Peer review is a way of checking and validating the code of another developer. It is done to offer advice on making the product better and finding bugs in the code. There are different ways to perform peer review, and the most suitable one is the formal review. We have discussed the types, benefits, and processes of peer review in software testing in the above sections.</p>



<p>Peer review is a fairly easy task that takes less time than sourcing the work to outside parties, but it offers immense advantages to the business. It builds communication among the team members and creates a sense of shared responsibilities among them. And with the right approach and moderator, any peer review will only provide positive results for every code you check.</p>



<h2 id="h-frequently-asked-questions-faqs"><span id="Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</span></h2>



<h3 id="h-what-are-the-3-kinds-of-peer-review"><span id="What_are_the_3_kinds_of_peer_review">What are the 3 kinds of peer review?</span></h3>



<p>The three kinds of peer review in testing are single-anonymized, double-anonymized, and open peer review.</p>



<p>The single-anonymized peer review is where the author does not know the identity of the reviewer. In double-anonymized, both reviewer and author don’t know the identity of each other. In Open peer review, the identity of the author and reviewer are known by everyone in the reviewing team before, during, and after the peer review process.</p>



<h3 id="h-what-is-a-peer-review-example"><span id="What_is_a_peer_review_example">What is a peer review example?</span></h3>



<p>An example of peer review is deciphering the code of a developer. Suppose your colleague approached you to see their code and check if there is any possibility of making the program easy to understand and ensuring there is a smooth flow of data between the different modules/components of the code. This is a scenario where you are the reviewer, and your colleague is the author. Another example of peer review would be verifying the project specifications and design documents after receiving them from the clients and the stakeholders before moving ahead with the project.</p>



<h3 id="h-what-are-the-5-key-elements-of-peer-review"><span id="What_are_the_5_key_elements_of_peer_review">What are the 5 key elements of peer review?</span></h3>



<p>The five key elements of peer reviews are:</p>



<ul><li>Fairness in analyzing the code/documents</li><li>Appropriately selecting the right reviewers with the relevant experience</li><li>Choosing identifiable and publicly acceptable reviewers</li><li>Timely reporting of the review results</li><li>Providing helpful feedback</li></ul>


What is Peer Review in Software Testing?


<p>All software undergoes continuous modifications. Sometimes developers do so to fulfill clients’ requests, and other times it is to upgrade the functionality or security features. But whatever the case, any changes made to the software require continuous monitoring and maintenance. Testing software for how maintainable it is, is called Maintainability testing. </p>



<p>Let’s dive deeper into the subject in this blog. We will also talk about <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated testing </a>with maintainability 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_Maintainability_Testing_in_Software"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is Maintainability Testing in Software?</a></li><li><a href="#Factors_Affecting_the_Maintainability_of_the_Software"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Factors Affecting the Maintainability of the Software</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Measure_the_Maintainability_of_an_Application"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> How to Measure the Maintainability of an Application?</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Improve_Your_Software_Maintainability_with_Testsigma"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> How to Improve Your Software Maintainability with Testsigma?</a><ul><li><a href="#Steps_to_conduct_GUI_testing_with_Testsigma"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.1</span> Steps to conduct GUI testing with Testsigma:</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Maintainability_Testing_Best_Practices"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Maintainability Testing Best Practices</a></li><li><a href="#Summary"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Summary</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_the_purpose_of_maintainability"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">7.1</span> What is the purpose of maintainability?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_an_example_of_maintainability_in_software_quality"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">7.2</span> What is an example of maintainability in software quality?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-maintainability-testing-in-software"><span id="What_is_Maintainability_Testing_in_Software">What is Maintainability Testing in Software?</span></h2>



<p>Maintainability testing is verifying the software’s ability to maintain itself as it goes through several changes. Maintainability refers to a software’s capability to maintain itself under varying situations. It is important as applications go through several changes throughout the SDLC process, which clearly requires proper maintenance along with regular testing. And with maintainability testing, it becomes easier to validate a system’s potential to keep going with frequent features updates and bug fixes, among other things.</p>



<p>Maintainability testing is non-functional testing that defines how easy it is for developers to maintain, analyze, change a system, and run tests on it.</p>



<p>Please note that <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-maintenance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">maintenance testing</a> and maintainability testing are different. The former focuses on testing an application because of changes introduced in it. The latter checks how well the system can handle and maintain the changes.</p>



<h2 id="h-factors-affecting-the-maintainability-of-the-software"><span id="Factors_Affecting_the_Maintainability_of_the_Software">Factors Affecting the Maintainability of the Software</span></h2>



<p>There are several real-world and software-based factors that influence the maintainability of a system. </p>



<p><strong>For instance, some of the real-world factors are:</strong></p>



<ul><li>How old the software is currently and how many changes it experiences on a weekly/monthly basis?</li><li>If the memory and storage of the application is sufficient to withstand the changes and maintain its functioning accordingly.</li><li>The skill your business possesses to understand maintainability testing.</li><li>How developers built the application? Did they develop with the idea of making the system self-sufficient and maintaining itself during modifications?</li></ul>



<p><strong>The software-based factors are:</strong></p>



<ul><li>Does the structure of the software support maintenance?</li><li>Which programming language is used to develop the software?</li><li>If the software is self-reliable to withstand changes without breaking down.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-how-to-measure-the-maintainability-of-an-application"><span id="How_to_Measure_the_Maintainability_of_an_Application">How to Measure the Maintainability of an Application?</span></h2>



<p>Now, we will discuss how to measure them and gauge the maintainability of an application. Two of the most common measurement scales are: how changeable an application is and how stable it is while going through those changes. <a href="https://www.iso.org/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">ISO</a> is a popular standard that is internationally accepted and also provides guidelines for Systems and Software Quality Requirements and Evaluation (SQuaRE).</p>



<p>There are 5 prominent ISO-defined attributes that support the measurement of an application’s maintainability:</p>



<ul><li><strong>Modularity:</strong> This attribute focuses on the modular components of the system. It checks if the software consists of several independent components coming together. Based on the modularity of the application, a small change can have an impact on the application that might require renovations.</li><li><strong>Reusability:</strong> This attribute looks for pre-existing code snippets you can reuse in the application or another software to replicate its functionality. It reduces the cost of writing new code and improves the quality and overall productivity of the software.</li><li><strong>Analyzability:</strong> It checks how efficiently a software flow, often unintended, can be found and fixed. This attribute identifies defects in the system components that require changing.</li><li><strong>Modifiability:</strong> As per its name, modifiability is the criteria of the system that checks how much a system can be modified without compromising its quality and existing features.</li><li><strong>Testability:</strong> This attribute defines the degree of effectiveness with which test criteria can be developed. It further checks if these tests can meet those criteria.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-how-to-improve-your-software-maintainability-with-testsigma"><span id="How_to_Improve_Your_Software_Maintainability_with_Testsigma">How to Improve Your Software Maintainability with Testsigma?</span></h2>



<p>There is no one way or concrete method to follow while implementing maintainability testing. As every software undergoes certain changes throughout SDLC and even after its release, maintainability testing then works on a case-to-case basis. Typically, automation tools greatly support and expedite maintainability, such as <a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma</a>. Let’s take an example of running visual testing with Testsigma to understand how the tool supports maintainability testing. You can perform both static and dynamic visual testing using our tool.</p>



<p>Testsigma allows the execution of visual testing for web and mobile applications. Before starting, you only need to tick the ‘Enable Visual testing for this step’ option. The visual testing option is now available for the next successful run, where the online UI elements are compared against a baseline image.</p>



<h3 id="h-steps-to-conduct-gui-testing-with-testsigma"><span id="Steps_to_conduct_GUI_testing_with_Testsigma">Steps to conduct GUI testing with Testsigma:</span></h3>



<ul><li>Create a test case, add it to a test suite, and add the test suite to a Test Plan as per your requirement.</li></ul><br>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://images.storychief.com/account_36412/step-1_377529c5a8877f32e7869dc65a848865_2000.jpg" alt="Create a Test Case" width="800" height="400"/></figure></div>



<br><ul><li>Enable Visual Testing for the test steps that need visual testing.</li></ul><br>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://images.storychief.com/account_36412/enable-visual-testing_db8e8e08798cc94c84f275da70258acb_2000.jpg" alt="Enable Visual Testing" width="800" height="400"/></figure></div>



<br><ul><li>Run your test plan once to save all images as base images. These are the baseline pictures to compare the visual changes.</li><li>Now Run your test plan again. The tool will automatically take screenshots of your application at every test step and make reference images.</li></ul><br>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://images.storychief.com/account_36412/run-the-test-plan-view-the-results_377cd46e65e10a74256e68a4d06ad5a6_2000.jpg" alt="Run the Test Case" width="800" height="400"/></figure></div>



<br><ul><li>Testsigma automatically compares these reference images with the base images in the first run to find differences.</li></ul><br>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://images.storychief.com/account_36412/find-visual-errors_10baecf60cdf72d6e7323219516b3b39_2000.jpg" alt="Compare the Results" width="800" height="400"/></figure></div>



<br><ul><li>Any other changes in the screenshots are automatically ignored to avoid false negatives.</li></ul><br>



<p>Having a baseline image makes it easy to test the visuals and maintain the same quality and look of the application in the future. Such practice improves the maintainability of the application and even allows for reusing the test cases if similar visuals need to be tested later on. <a href="https://testsigma.com/request-demo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sign up for a demo</a> to see all this in action.</p>



<p><button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="display: block;
    margin: auto;"><a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Improve the maintainability of your software with an efficient test automation tool, Testsigma</a></button></p>



<h2 id="h-maintainability-testing-best-practices"><span id="Maintainability_Testing_Best_Practices">Maintainability Testing Best Practices</span></h2>



<p>But before you start maintaining your tests and also implement maintainability testing, here are some of the best practices that work for every type/category:</p>



<ul><li>Ensure to build a list of maintainability factors before you start with the testing, which would include the stability and complexity of the code.</li><li>The software must adhere to appropriate standards for the database, interface, and development processes. One instance of this will be verifying if the application supports optimized algorithms and the ability to reuse the code.</li><li>Your maintainability testing should comply with the five maintainability attributes we mentioned above: Modularity, Reusability, Analyzability, Modifiability, and Testability.</li></ul>



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



<p>Maintainability testing is the software’s ability to maintain itself as it goes through several modifications. It reduces the cost of maintaining the system. There are different categories of maintainability testing that focus on separate areas of the application and check for possible issues.</p>



<p>There are multiple ways to measure maintainability, which we have discussed in the above section.</p>



<h2 id="h-frequently-asked-questions-faqs"><span id="Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</span></h2>



<h3 id="h-what-is-the-purpose-of-maintainability"><span id="What_is_the_purpose_of_maintainability">What is the purpose of maintainability?</span></h3>



<p>The purpose of maintainability is to better the maintenance efforts of the software. The higher the maintainability, the better the ability of the application to handle the changes and maintain itself.</p>



<h3 id="h-what-is-an-example-of-maintainability-in-software-quality"><span id="What_is_an_example_of_maintainability_in_software_quality">What is an example of maintainability in software quality?</span></h3>



<p>An example of maintainability in <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/software-quality-assurance-plan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software quality</a> is code with a clear structure and proper commenting that makes it easier for developers to debug and analyze the program if new lines are added to it.</p>


Maintainability Testing What, How to Measure & Best Practices

Maintainability Testing | What, How to Measure & Best Practices

What is Risk Based Testing Top Benefits & Approaches

What is Risk Based Testing? Top Benefits & Approaches


<p>As a software project ends, every tester must check the effectiveness of the testing process to gain insights into the areas of improvement. So, QAs create a Test Closure Report. It includes all the test data, such as test cases, test plans, test suites, and other testing-related information for future reference. With this report, the test insights are recovered, making reviewing the testing process easier and identifying improvement areas in future projects. In this blog, we&#8217;ll discuss the importance of a Test Closure report in the testing development life cycle and detailed steps involved in creating a Test Closure report.</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_Test_Closure"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is Test Closure?</a></li><li><a href="#Need_for_Test_Closure"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Need for Test Closure</a><ul><li><a href="#Stages"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.1</span> Stages </a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#What_is_a_Test_Closure_Report"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> What is a Test Closure Report?</a></li><li><a href="#Importance_of_Test_Closure_Report_in_Test_Automation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Importance of Test Closure Report in Test Automation</a></li><li><a href="#Test_Closure_Activities_When_to_Perform_them_and_Why"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Test Closure Activities: When to Perform them and Why?</a><ul><li><a href="#Checking_for_Completion_of_Tests"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.1</span> Checking for Completion of Tests</a></li><li><a href="#Handing_Over_Test_Objects"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.2</span> Handing Over Test Objects</a></li><li><a href="#Learning_Experience"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.3</span> Learning Experience</a></li><li><a href="#Archiving"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.4</span> Archiving</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Benefits_of_Test_Closure_Activities"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Benefits of Test Closure Activities</a><ul><li><a href="#Evaluating_Exit_Criteria_and_Reporting"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">6.1</span> Evaluating Exit Criteria and Reporting</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#1_What_are_the_contents_of_test_closure_report"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">8.1</span> 1. What are the contents of test closure report?</a></li><li><a href="#2_Who_will_prepare_the_Test_Closure_Report"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">8.2</span> 2. Who will prepare the Test Closure Report?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-test-closure"><span id="What_is_Test_Closure"><strong>What is Test Closure</strong>?</span></h2>



<p>Test Closure is a crucial step in the TDLC that formally concludes and completes testing activities for a software release. It comprehensively summarizes the testing activities and results, including any issues and bugs found and resolved during the testing phase. Test Closure can also be considered as documentation of the testing process, and its purpose is to inform stakeholders about the quality and readiness of the software for release.</p>



<p>A good Test Closure has details such as the testing scope, <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test environment</a>, testing methodologies, test cases, and any issues and defects identified and resolved during testing. In addition to providing an overview of the testing results, the report should also contain a detailed analysis, highlighting any areas of concern and potential improvements.</p>



<h2 id="h-need-for-test-closure"><span id="Need_for_Test_Closure"><strong>Need for Test Closure</strong></span></h2><br>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://images.storychief.com/account_36412/need-for-test-closure_1e8d21cc8da7cb5ade1763a9e90e39db_2000.jpg" alt="Need for Test Closure"/></figure></div>



<br><ul><li><strong>Official Announcement for End of Testing Phase:</strong> Test Closure lets other team members know that testing has concluded and the software is ready for the next phase. This announcement helps team members to prepare for the next phase, such as deployment or release.</li><li><strong>Detailed Analysis:</strong> The Test Closure gives a clear picture of the issues found and resolved during the testing process. It will help the team to analyze the source of errors and resolve them quickly in future.</li><li><strong>Assessment of Risk Factor: </strong>Test Closure assesses the risk factor of the software. This helps clients decide whether or not to go ahead with the release of the software. If the risk factor is too high, the software needs further modification before the release.</li><li><strong>Present Test Metrics To Client:</strong> Test metrics are documented in the Test Closure, along with a detailed description of the testing process. This document provides an overview of the testing efforts and serves as a reference for future projects. Presenting test metrics to clients not only helps them understand the effectiveness of the testing process but also builds their confidence in the software.</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-stages"><span id="Stages">Stages </span></h3>



<p>Test closure is an important phase in the software development life cycle, which has six distinct stages, to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the software before we release it to the end users.</p>



<ul><li><strong>Checking planned deliverables: </strong>The first stage is to check the planned deliverables, which includes reviewing the test case documents, test plan, test scripts, test data, traceability matrix, test results, and reports. Here, the team ensures that all the planned deliverables are met and delivered to the stakeholders.</li><li><strong>Closing Incident Reports: </strong>Incidents are any variations or deviations observed during the testing phase. These incidents are logged as a report in the earlier stages and resolved before the process ends.</li><li><strong>Handover to Maintenance: </strong>After resolving incidents, the testware (all the info regarding test plans, test cases, test scripts, and other things needed to design and execute a test) is handed over to the maintenance team. They provide support to the software during its release.</li><li><strong>Archiving Environment: </strong>Here, the software, including test scripts, test environment, and test infrastructure, are finalized and archived for later use.</li><li><strong>Documenting System Acceptance: </strong>System acceptance testing is an important step in software testing since it validates that the system is ready for deployment and satisfies user expectations. By performing system acceptance testing, you can minimize the risks of deploying software lacking the desired criteria/quality. So, documenting this includes every aspect of the developed software and application and its supporting data and information. The customer representatives then accept it before the implementation of the software system.</li><li><strong>Analyzing Best Practices: </strong>The last stage involves exploring best practices. This stage is important as it helps to identify lessons learned from the project for future reference. It also helps to determine the changes required for similar projects in the future.</li></ul><br>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://images.storychief.com/account_36412/need-for-test-closure-2_3dcf3d419dd0aaacad35c382f3676430_2000.jpg" alt="Stages in Test Closure"/></figure></div>



<br><h2 id="h-what-is-a-test-closure-report"><span id="What_is_a_Test_Closure_Report"><strong>What is a Test Closure Report?</strong></span></h2>



<p>A test closure report is a document with a summary of a project&#8217;s entire testing process and its results. The report gives insights into test executions and software performance in the tests. Anyone from the team can use this report to evaluate the quality of the software and make an informed decision on its release.</p>



<p>Once the testing is complete, the testing team prepares the test closure report. The report consists of various metrics collected during the testing process. The test closure report is prepared to include all the necessary information that can support the completion of the test execution cycle. The report must contain screenshots, query results, recordings, and log files that provide a detailed account of the testing process. The test closure report template typically includes the following sections:</p>



<ul><li><strong>Test Summary Report:</strong> A complete document overviews the testing process, activities, and results.</li><li><strong>Identifier: </strong>A unique reference number set to the test closure report for easy tracking.</li><li><strong>Test Summary: </strong>A summary highlighting the key results, accomplishments, and challenges faced during testing.</li><li><strong>Variances: </strong>Any variations during testing activities and their impact on the project.</li><li><strong>Comprehensive Assessment:</strong> A detailed evaluation (strengths/weaknesses) of the quality of the software.</li><li><strong>Summary of Results: </strong>A brief of the test results, along with the test cases executed, passed, failed, and any outstanding issues.</li><li><strong>Evaluation:</strong> A review of the overall efficiency of the testing process.</li><li><strong>Summary of Activities</strong>: A short summary of testing activities completed, such as test planning, test design, and execution.</li><li><strong>Approval:</strong> Confirmation of completion of test closure report and approval by stakeholders, such as PMs, dev teams, and QAs.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-importance-of-test-closure-report-in-test-automation"><span id="Importance_of_Test_Closure_Report_in_Test_Automation"><strong>Importance of Test Closure Report in Test Automation</strong></span></h2>



<p><p style="padding-bottom:30px">The Test Closure Report is an important document in agile software development. We should prioritize this document as it helps find problems and understand the quality and status of the product before it is released, considers diverse opinions, and gives a transparent view of the testing process. This report helps make data-driven decisions and improve future projects. Automation tools like Testsigma have revolutionized the process of preparing test closure reports. These tools enable the QA team to generate <a href="https://testsigma.com/docs/reports/export-reports/export-report-pdf/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">custom reports</a> effortlessly with just a click. Testsigma&#8217;s amazing features offer flexibility, accuracy, and rich insights, helping teams to make data-driven decisions. Here’s a quick test closure report example demonstrating how to export your run results, as a test report, in Testsigma.</p></p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://d37oebn0w9ir6a.cloudfront.net/account_36412/pdfexprep_192ac05f851c6f04da43d0044fae1be3.gif" alt="Reports in Testsigma App"/></figure></div>



<p><p style="padding-top:30px">Testsigma generates an Executive report summarizing the testing process and results so stakeholders can make wise decisions. This report contains a plan report, test case list, test step list, and screenshots which are very helpful for a Test Closure Report. The Plan report shows the changes made and helps to assess the execution of the testing plan. The test case list ensures complete test coverage by analyzing the software&#8217;s functional and non-functional aspects. The Test step list gives a thorough overview of the testing steps. Screenshots provide clear evidence of the issues found and resolved.</p></p>



<p><p style="padding-bottom:15px">Not only this, Testsigma comes with many features that help you achieve ROI sooner and better. Know more about Testsigma here: <a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://testsigma.com/</a></p></p>



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<br><h2 id="h-test-closure-activities-when-to-perform-them-and-why"><span id="Test_Closure_Activities_When_to_Perform_them_and_Why"><strong>Test Closure Activities: When to Perform them and Why?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Test Closure Activities play a crucial role in concluding the testing phase of the software. Collecting and analyzing results in test reports, ensuring their accuracy, and facilitating their handover contribute to the overall quality of the software. These activities below provide crucial insights into the software&#8217;s performance.</p>



<h3 id="h-checking-for-completion-of-tests"><span id="Checking_for_Completion_of_Tests"><strong>Checking for Completion of Tests</strong></span></h3>



<p>In this activity, the team lead or manager ensures that all test work, including test cases, plans, and strategies, has been completed without any deletions. They also cross-check the documents to address all known bugs or errors appropriately.</p>



<h3 id="h-handing-over-test-objects"><span id="Handing_Over_Test_Objects"><strong>Handing Over Test Objects</strong></span></h3>



<p>After checking the test work, the relevant test objects and documentation are handed over to the individuals or teams needing them in the future. This transfer of information ensures future maintenance, troubleshooting, or further development.</p>



<h3 id="h-learning-experience"><span id="Learning_Experience"><strong>Learning Experience</strong></span></h3>



<p>The learning experience focuses on gathering insights from the testing process. Here, the QA team analyzes their practices, methodologies, tools, and results to identify best practices for future releases and stop poor practices that lead to unfavorable results.</p>



<h3 id="h-archiving"><span id="Archiving"><strong>Archiving</strong></span></h3>



<p>The testing team should organize and store test data, documents, reports, logs, and configurations generated during the testing phase. This ensures the information is appropriately documented, preserved, and accessible for future reference, enabling traceability, compliance, auditing, and troubleshooting.</p>



<h2 id="h-benefits-of-test-closure-activities"><span id="Benefits_of_Test_Closure_Activities">Benefits of Test Closure Activities</span></h2>



<ul><li>Test closure activities ensure that planned deliverables are successfully delivered to clients or end users, confirming the completeness and accuracy of the software.</li><li>These activities assess the software&#8217;s compliance with end-user requirements, ensuring a user-friendly product that satisfies their experience.</li><li>Test closure activities resolve bugs and errors, stopping their recurrence and enhancing the reliability of the software.</li><li>By assessing the development and testing process, test closure activities give valuable insights for future projects, enabling continuous improvement.</li><li>Managers can efficiently transfer necessary test cases and data to relevant stakeholders, enabling data-driven decisions.</li><li>Test closure activities evaluate the testing process, allowing the identification of areas for improvement.</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-evaluating-exit-criteria-and-reporting"><span id="Evaluating_Exit_Criteria_and_Reporting"><strong>Evaluating Exit Criteria and Reporting</strong></span></h3>



<p>The exit criteria for test closure are the conditions to be fulfilled before concluding the testing phase. This includes providing a Test Closure Report, a complete document summarizing testing activities, results, and observations, and getting official approval from the client.</p>



<p><strong>Additional exit criteria may involve:</strong></p>



<ul><li>Completing all planned test activities.</li><li>Fixing critical errors.</li><li>Adhering to schedules.</li><li>Achieving test coverage goals.</li><li>Fulfilling any needed test documentation.</li></ul>



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



<p>The Test Closure Report plays an important role in ensuring the success of testing projects. It documents the testing process and gives valuable insights into the test executions and performance of the software. The report also helps evaluate the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_quality" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software&#8217;s quality</a>, make data-driven decisions, and identify areas of improvement for future projects.</p>



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



<h3 id="h-1-what-are-the-contents-of-test-closure-report"><span id="1_What_are_the_contents_of_test_closure_report"><strong>1. What are the contents of test closure report?</strong></span></h3>



<p><strong>Ans: </strong>The test closure report includes all the necessary details that can support the completion of the testing process. The report also has screenshots, query results, recordings, and log files that gives a detailed account of the testing process. The contents of test closure report are as follows:</p>



<ul><li>Test Summary Report</li><li>Identifier</li><li>Test Summary</li><li>Variances</li><li>Comprehensive Assessment</li><li>Summary of Results</li><li>Evaluation</li><li>Summary of Activities</li><li>Approval</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-2-who-will-prepare-the-test-closure-report"><span id="2_Who_will_prepare_the_Test_Closure_Report"><strong>2. Who will prepare the Test Closure Report?</strong></span></h3>



<p><strong>Ans: </strong>A QA engineer will prepare the Test Closure Report and is reviewed by all stakeholders. This report offers a detailed analysis of the testing activities, the methodologies used, the current status of specified bugs, and detailed info regarding any remaining open defects.</p>


Test Closure Report Everything You Need To Know

Test Closure Report: Everything You Need To Know

What is Error Guessing Technique in Software Testing

What is Error Guessing Technique in Software Testing?


<p>Did you know software errors cost the US economy an estimated $1.7 trillion annually? Or that software defects are responsible for 25% of total system failures? These statistics highlight the importance of software testing. The software testing life cycle encompasses activities executed during the testing phase. By following these six key testing phases, you can ensure that the final product is free from errors, glitches, and other issues that can hamper its performance.</p>



<p>The 6 phases of testing are Requirement analysis, Test planning, Test case development, Test environment setup, Test execution, and Test reporting. We will examine the best practices and techniques that can ensure the successful completion of each phase in detail and delve into each phase. By the end of this post, you will have a complete understanding of the key phases involved in software testing.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/Frame-48095883.png" alt="Phases of Testing" class="wp-image-30354" width="800" height="500"/></figure></div>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#6_Key_Phases_of_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> 6 Key Phases of Testing </a><ul><li><a href="#1_Requirement_analysis"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.1</span> 1. Requirement analysis</a></li><li><a href="#2_Test_planning"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.2</span> 2. Test planning</a></li><li><a href="#3_Test_case_development"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.3</span> 3. Test case development</a></li><li><a href="#4_Test_environment_setup"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.4</span> 4. Test environment setup</a></li><li><a href="#5_Test_execution"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.5</span> 5. Test execution</a></li><li><a href="#6_Test_closure"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.6</span> 6. Test closure</a></li><li><a href="#Test_Automation_as_part_of_Phases_of_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.7</span> Test Automation as part of Phases of Testing</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Phases_of_Testing_in_Agile_SDLC_Models"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Phases of Testing in Agile SDLC Models</a></li><li><a href="#Summary"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Summary</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_are_the_four_phases_of_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.1</span> What are the four phases of testing?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-6-key-phases-of-testing"><span id="6_Key_Phases_of_Testing"><strong>6 Key Phases of Testing </strong></span></h2>



<p>Here are the phases of software testing explained in detail.</p>



<h3 id="h-1-requirement-analysis"><span id="1_Requirement_analysis"><strong>1. Requirement analysis</strong></span></h3>



<p>Requirement analysis involves identifying, analyzing, and documenting the requirements of a software system.</p>



<ul><li>During requirement analysis, the software testing team works closely with the stakeholders to gather information about the system&#8217;s functionality, performance, and usability.</li><li>The requirements document serves as a blueprint for the software development team, guiding them in creating the software system.</li><li>It also serves as a reference point for the testing team, helping them design and execute effective test cases to ensure the software meets the requirements.</li></ul>



<p>In summary, by conducting thorough requirement analysis, software testing teams can help ensure the software system&#8217;s success and user satisfaction.</p>



<h3 id="h-2-test-planning"><span id="2_Test_planning"><strong>2. Test planning</strong></span></h3>



<p>During the test planning phase, the team develops a complete plan outlining each testing process step, including identifying requirements, determining the target audience, selecting appropriate testing tools and methods, defining roles and responsibilities, and defining timelines. This phase aims to ensure that all necessary resources are in place and everyone on the team understands their roles and responsibilities. A well-designed test plan minimizes risks by ensuring that potential defects are identified early in the development cycle when they are easier to fix. Also, adhering to the plan throughout the testing process fosters thoroughness and consistency in testing efforts which can save time and cost down the line.</p>



<h3 id="h-3-test-case-development"><span id="3_Test_case_development"><strong>3. Test case development</strong></span></h3>



<p>During the test case development phase, the team thoroughly tests the software and considers all possible scenarios.</p>



<p>This phase involves multiple steps, including test design, test case creation, and test case review:</p>



<ul><li>Test design involves identifying the test scenarios and defining the steps to be followed during testing.</li><li>Writing test cases for each identified scenario, including input data, expected output, and the steps to be followed, involves creating test cases.</li><li>Test case review involves reviewing the test cases to ensure they are complete and cover all possible scenarios.</li></ul>



<p>Also, this is the phase when the involvement of test automation can be started. You can select the test cases for test automation here. And, if automation is already a part of the STLC, and the product is suitable for testing, then the test case automation can be started too.</p>



<h3 id="h-4-test-environment-setup"><span id="4_Test_environment_setup"><strong>4. Test environment setup</strong></span></h3>



<p><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test environment</a> setup in software testing life refers to creating an environment that simulates the production system where the software application is deployed. A person can ensure efficient and effective testing activities by designing the test environment correctly.</p>



<p>The setup includes</p>



<ul><li>hardware,</li><li>software,</li><li>networks, and</li><li>databases.</li></ul>



<p>When setting up test environments, we consider network bandwidth, server capabilities, and storage capacity. A properly set-up test environment aims to replicate real-world scenarios to identify potential issues before deployment in production systems. Testers can perform functional, performance, or load testing during this phase. Automating your Test environment setup can make your work easier. You can set up automated tests to run on the configured setups here.</p>



<h3 id="h-5-test-execution"><span id="5_Test_execution"><strong>5. Test execution</strong></span></h3>



<p>Test execution refers to the software testing life cycle phase where created test cases are executed on the actual system being tested. At this stage, testers verify whether features, functions, and requirements prescribed in earlier phases perform as expected. The test execution also involves the execution of automated test cases.</p>



<h3 id="h-6-test-closure"><span id="6_Test_closure"><strong>6. Test closure</strong></span></h3>



<p>Test closure is integral to the STLC and includes completing all planned testing activities. It includes</p>



<ul><li>reviewing and analyzing test results,</li><li>reporting defects,</li><li>identifying achieved or failed test objectives,</li><li>assessing test coverage, and</li><li>evaluating exit criteria.</li></ul>



<p>For example, in agile methodology, test closure occurs at the end of each sprint as a formal review meeting with essential stakeholders. The team aims to validate that they have adequately tested all the functionality before release. They generate closure reports detailing the overall product quality and bug statistics, leading to the project&#8217;s successful conclusion.</p>



<p>Effective test closure signifies that the software product is ready for delivery and can move towards launch after addressing all identified defects and weaknesses, ensuring flawless functioning and a positive user experience.</p>



<p>When discussing test automation, the effective generation of test reports and integration with other tools in the test process also plays a big role.</p>



<h3 id="h-test-automation-as-part-of-phases-of-testing"><span id="Test_Automation_as_part_of_Phases_of_Testing">Test Automation as part of Phases of Testing</span></h3>



<p>Thus, to succeed through the 6 phases of STLC,&nbsp;<a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test automation</a>&nbsp;becomes a part too. Some tools are built keeping all of these in mind.</p>



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<p>Tools make the steps easier by</p>



<p> 1. Making test creation easy </p>



<p>2. Enabling test environment setup </p>



<p>3. Quick test execution </p>



<p>4. Insightful test reporting. </p>



<p><strong>For example, <a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma</a>: </strong></p>



<p>1. It Makes test creation easy as it is a no-code test automation platform. Automating your tests is as easy as writing your sentences in simple English. Similarly, they are super easy to edit and maintain too. </p>



<p>2. Support for configuring the tests to run on the test environment of your choice. </p>



<p>3. Intuitive UI that enables you to create, configure and execute your tests in minutes. </p>



<p>4. Customizable test reporting; make it report according to your needs.</p>



<p><strong><em>A visual representation of creating a Test Plan with Testsigma is depicted below:</em></strong></p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://d37oebn0w9ir6a.cloudfront.net/account_36412/e2e-testing-scenario-gif_38fec3c4e754f34a36cdc165adf10c78.gif" alt="Testsigma - Testplan"><figcaption>PC<strong><em>:</em></strong><a href="https://testsigma.com/tutorials/test-plans/cross-platform-end-to-end-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a></figcaption></figure></div>



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<h2 id="h-phases-of-testing-in-agile-sdlc-models"><span id="Phases_of_Testing_in_Agile_SDLC_Models"><strong>Phases of Testing in Agile SDLC Models</strong></span></h2>



<p>Similarly, agile SDLC models also incorporate test phases to ensure the quality of the product being developed. The phases are based on the same principles, just are termed different: There are several key phases to consider when embarking on an agile testing life cycle.</p>



<ol><li>The first phase, Impact Assessment, involves gathering all necessary information from stakeholders to understand the project&#8217;s scope and requirements fully. From there, the Agile Testing Planning phase allows stakeholders to collaborate and schedule the testing process and deliverables.</li><li>The developed feature is thoroughly tested in the Release Readiness phase to ensure it meets client expectations before going live.</li><li>Daily Scrums are conducted to check testing progress and set goals for the next day.</li><li>Finally, the Test Agility Review phase involves meeting stakeholders to review progress against milestones.</li></ol>



<p>Agile testing can be conducted efficiently and effectively by following these key phases.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table aligncenter"><table><tbody><tr><td>Read More on <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/sdlc-vs-stlc/">SDLC vs STLC – Key Differences</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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



<p>To identify defects and ensure they are fixed before the product is released, it is important to give equal importance to each phase of STLC. In this blog, we discussed the various phases of STLC and what they entail.</p>



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



<h3 id="h-what-are-the-four-phases-of-testing"><span id="What_are_the_four_phases_of_testing"><strong>What are the four phases of testing?</strong></span></h3>



<p>The Four-Phase Test Pattern is a widely used testing methodology that helps ensure the quality and reliability of software systems.</p>



<ol><li>The first phase, Setup, involves establishing the necessary preconditions for the test.</li><li>The second phase, Exercise, involves acting on the system under test.</li><li>Verify is the third phase, where the testers check whether the expected outcome has been achieved.</li><li>Finally, in the Cleanup phase, testers return the system under test to its initial state after completing all tests.</li></ol>


6 Key Phases of Testing in Software Testing Lifecycle

6 Key Phases of Testing in Software Testing


<p>As software development becomes increasingly important and complex, understanding the methods and techniques used to ensure quality and reliability in software testing is essential. One such method is Pilot testing!</p>



<p>Pilot testing involves testing a limited software version with a small group of users before releasing it to the general public. People often use pilot testing in combination with other testing methods like <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/alpha-test-vs-beta-test/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alpha and beta testing</a>.</p>



<p>This blog will help you figure out the perks and cool ways to pilot-test your software so that it&#8217;s super easy for users and totally rocks for your target audience.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://images.storychief.com/account_36412/pilot-testing_885e499a14752c5f8bb63144a8554ed8_2000.jpeg" alt="This is not Pilot 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_Pilot_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is Pilot Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_Pilot_Testing_is_Important"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Why Pilot Testing is Important?</a></li><li><a href="#Objectives_Of_Pilot_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Objectives Of Pilot Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Example_of_Pilot_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Example of Pilot Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Benefits_of_Pilot_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Benefits of Pilot Testing</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Do_Pilot_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> How to Do Pilot Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Steps_after_Evaluation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Steps after Evaluation </a></li><li><a href="#When_to_Automate_Your_Pilot_Tests"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> When to Automate Your Pilot Tests?</a></li><li><a href="#Pilot_Testing_vs_Beta_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">9</span> Pilot Testing vs Beta Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Best_Practices"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">10</span> Best Practices </a></li><li><a href="#Summary"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">11</span> Summary</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">12</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#Is_pilot_testing_a_reliability_test"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">12.1</span> Is pilot testing a reliability test?</a></li><li><a href="#Is_pilot_testing_an_essential_part_of_all_research_projectsnbsp"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">12.2</span> Is pilot testing an essential part of all research projects?&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_the_difference_between_pilot_testing_and_UAT"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">12.3</span> What is the difference between pilot testing and UAT?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-pilot-testing"><span id="What_is_Pilot_Testing"><strong>What is Pilot Testing?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Pilot testing in software testing is a type of User Acceptance Testing where a small group of users or stakeholders are selected to test the application in a real-world setting. The objective is to identify any issues that may arise during production use and improve the overall quality of the product. </p>



<p>Based on their feedback, testers can further refine the application to enhance its features and ensure it meets user requirements before launching it for widespread use. Working with real-world users under actual production conditions helps organizations mitigate risk by identifying potential problems before releasing an application into production.</p>



<h2 id="h-why-pilot-testing-is-important"><span id="Why_Pilot_Testing_is_Important"><strong>Why Pilot Testing is Important?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Here are some key reasons why it is important:</p>



<ul><li><strong>Minimizes Risk</strong>: It helps identify any design flaws, usability issues, or gaps in functionality that could derail the project&#8217;s success. This ensures that the final product meets expectations.</li><li><strong>Saves Time and Money</strong>: It allows teams to make changes earlier in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systems_development_life_cycle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">development cycle</a> when less expensive and reduces the likelihood of major development roadblocks during final deployment.</li><li><strong>Gains Valuable Insights</strong>: Through pilot testing, developers can gain valuable feedback from their target audience to refine functionality needs and better understand user behavior.</li><li><strong>Increases User Adoption</strong>: The findings from pilot tests allow developers to see how users interact with their product or service. Testers can then fine-tune their offering accordingly, increasing <a href="https://whop.com/blog/product-adoption-metrics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adoption rates</a> for new products as they launch.</li></ul>



<h2 id="objectives-of-pilot-testing"><span id="Objectives_Of_Pilot_Testing"><strong>Objectives Of Pilot Testing</strong></span></h2>



<p><strong>1. Identify Performance Limitations:</strong> It enables evaluation of the actual performance of a product against known, predetermined skills and processes. This allows companies to identify any unexpected difficulties the product may cause in the user&#8217;s normal operations.</p>



<p><strong>2. Validate System Requirements: </strong>Testing a product before the official launch helps identify any missing functionalities and extra ones that may not have been necessary. This helps validate system requirements before the actual product launch.</p>



<p><strong>3. Assess Product Usability: </strong>It helps assess a product&#8217;s ease of use and user-friendliness. Assessing usability helps ensure that the product&#8217;s user experience is up to the standards and is user-friendly.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>4. Refine and Improve:</strong> Through pilot testing, companies gain valuable insights which can be used for product improvements. Companies can identify potential areas of improvement and refine product features according to user feedback.</p>



<p><strong>5. Reduce System Risk: </strong>It helps identify potential errors before the product&#8217;s launch. This helps reduce the risk of failures or crashes after the launch of a product. Companies can also fix any issues identified during the pilot phase before the product is ready for launch.</p>



<h2 id="h-example-of-pilot-testing"><span id="Example_of_Pilot_Testing"><strong>Example of Pilot Testing</strong></span></h2>



<p>We will give you a quick and easy example to help you understand how this works.</p>



<p>A company has developed a new mobile app for booking flights. Before releasing the app to the public, they would conduct pilot tests by selecting a small group of users to test it in real-world scenarios. They will ask these users to perform various tasks such as searching for flights, booking tickets, and checking in for their flights.</p>



<p>During this pilot testing phase, testers would closely monitor the app&#8217;s performance and gather user feedback on any issues. This feedback would then be used to make necessary changes and improvements to the app before it is released to the public.</p>



<h2 id="h-benefits-of-pilot-testing"><span id="Benefits_of_Pilot_Testing"><strong>Benefits of Pilot Testing</strong></span></h2>



<p>The benefits includes:</p>



<ol><li>Saving time and money by catching errors early on and avoiding costly mistakes during larger implementations.</li><li>Providing an opportunity for stakeholders to provide feedback and shape the project&#8217;s direction.</li><li>Assessing the usability and functionality of products or services under real-world conditions.</li><li>Reducing risks associated with launching new initiatives, such as low adoption rates or negative customer reception.</li><li>Improving overall quality by incorporating feedback into design iterations before finalizing the product or service.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-how-to-do-pilot-testing"><span id="How_to_Do_Pilot_Testing"><strong>How to Do Pilot Testing?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this testing like a professional:</p>



<ol><li>Step one involves identifying your target audience and selecting a sample size that accurately represents them.</li><li>Step two requires defining your objectives and determining the data collection methods.</li><li>It&#8217;s important to create guidelines for testing protocols and ensure sufficient resources are available for executing the tests at scale during step three.</li><li>The fourth step involves carrying out the tests in controlled environments, followed by a thorough analysis of the results gathered in step five.</li><li>Once this evaluation is complete, the sixth and final stage involves fine-tuning your product or service based on feedback and implementing necessary changes before finalization.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-steps-after-evaluation"><span id="Steps_after_Evaluation"><strong>Steps after Evaluation </strong></span></h2>



<p>After the evaluation , the next step is to analyze and interpret the results obtained. This involves</p>



<ul><li>reviewing data collected from the pilot test and</li><li>assessing its validity, reliability, and relevance.</li></ul>



<p>Once this is done, requests can be made about whether to proceed with full-scale implementation or modify the design. The modifications could include changes in how data will be collected during the deployment phase. Finally, documenting lessons learned during pilot testing provides valuable insights that can contribute towards improved processes and outcomes when deploying on a broader scale. Also, clear communication of findings should occur with stakeholders so they are fully informed about the importance of investment.</p>



<h2 id="h-when-to-automate-your-pilot-tests"><span id="When_to_Automate_Your_Pilot_Tests"><strong>When to Automate Your Pilot Tests?</strong></span></h2>



<p>As software development cycles continue to shorten, automated pilot testing has become essential for ensuring product quality and meeting tight deadlines. However, not all aspects of a project require automation; the decision to automate pilot tests must be made carefully based on considerations such as project size, frequency of updates, and level of complexity. </p>



<p><a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Automated testing</a> is ideal for projects with constantly changing user requirements or a significant volume of repetitive tests that can quickly bog down manual testers. Automating pilot testing takes place post-UAT but pre-deployment, serving as a preparatory exercise for usability testing with a reduced user count.



Testsigma is a <a href="https://testsigma.com/codeless-automation-testing-tools" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">no-code test automation tool</a> that lets you automate your tests for web, mobile, APIs and desktop applications in minutes. Writing and editing tests is as easy as writing and editing a simple English sentence. </p>



<div style="height:17px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<h2 id="pilot-testing-vs-beta-testing"><span id="Pilot_Testing_vs_Beta_Testing"><strong>Pilot Testing vs Beta Testing</strong></span></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Features</strong></td><td><strong>Pilot Testing</strong></td><td><strong><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/beta-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beta Testing</a></strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Timing&nbsp;</strong></td><td>Testing is done before the release of the product</td><td>Beta testing is done after the release of the product</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Purpose</strong></td><td>it is done to verify the product functions as anticipated</td><td>Beta testing is done to evaluate how the product&#8217;s features meet the user&#8217;s needs after the release</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Intended Users</strong></td><td>it is done by select users that represent the general group of users</td><td>Beta testing is done by a larger group of users that may represent a larger group of users</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Scope&nbsp;</strong></td><td>it has a small scope and limited feature set</td><td>Beta testing has a much larger scope and broader feature set</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Feedback</strong></td><td>it provides feedback about the product before the public release</td><td>Beta testing offers user feedback to product developers about how to make the product better for future releases</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 id="h-best-practices"><span id="Best_Practices"><strong>Best Practices </strong></span></h2>



<p>Here are some tips to help you get started:</p>



<ol><li><strong>Clearly define your goals for the pilot test</strong>. Are you testing for usability, functionality, or effectiveness? Determining this beforehand will help you create a focused and successful pilot test.</li><li><strong>Select your pilot participants carefully</strong>. Make sure you choose a diverse group of people who represent your target audience. This will help you get a variety of feedback and insights.</li><li><strong>Provide clear instructions and guidance to your pilot participants</strong>. Make sure they understand what they are supposed to do and provide them with any necessary materials or information.</li><li><strong>Be open to feedback and take notes</strong>. Listen carefully to what your pilot participants say, and take detailed notes on their feedback and suggestions.</li><li>Use the feedback to improve your product or service.</li><li>After the pilot test, analyze the feedback you received and make any necessary changes to improve your product or service.</li></ol>



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



<p>It&#8217;s important to consider factors like who your target audience is, how many people you need for the test, and what kind of feedback you want to gather from them. You&#8217;ll also want to establish clear objectives and metrics for success so that you can analyze the data collected during testing and use it to improve your product before going live. So do your due diligence with pilot testing- it may be the key to unlocking your product&#8217;s full potential!</p>



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



<h3 id="h-is-pilot-testing-a-reliability-test"><span id="Is_pilot_testing_a_reliability_test">Is pilot testing a reliability test?</span></h3>



<p>Pilot test can provide valuable data that can inform and improve the reliability testing process, but it is not a substitute for it.</p>



<h3 id="is-pilot-testing-an-essential-part-of-all-research-projects"><span id="Is_pilot_testing_an_essential_part_of_all_research_projectsnbsp">Is pilot testing an essential part of all research projects?&nbsp;</span></h3>



<p>Pilot testing is not always an essential part of all research projects, but it is a helpful tool to consider.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Pilot testing is a useful method to develop evidence and insights into a project’s results before launching the full-scale project.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="what-is-the-difference-between-pilot-testing-and-uat"><span id="What_is_the_difference_between_pilot_testing_and_UAT">What is the difference between pilot testing and UAT?</span></h3>



<p>Pilot testing is when a small, usually representative subset of the user groups is assessed with a prototype or early version of the product being developed. Its goal is to discover any usability issues, evaluate features, and identify areas of improvement in the product.&nbsp;</p>



<p>User Acceptance Testing (UAT) occurs during the final stages of the development cycle, usually after a full product version is created. UAT focuses more on performance, functionality, usability, and security within the specified requirements.</p>


What is Pilot testing in Software Testing

Pilot Testing | What it is, Why ,How to Do & Best Practices


<p>When a software is in the testing phase, different types of testing techniques and methodologies are followed on different layers. Two such types of testing are functional testing and integration testing. Both play a significant role in ensuring the quality of the product and delivering a top-notch product. In this article, we will discuss functional and integration testing &#8211; when to perform them, the benefits of executing these tests, and then the key differences between them.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Difference_Between_Functional_and_Integration_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> Difference Between Functional and Integration Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Functional_Testing_vs_Integration_Testing_Purpose"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Functional Testing vs Integration Testing: Purpose</a></li><li><a href="#Functional_Testing_vs_Integration_Testing_Workflow_Comparison"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Functional Testing vs Integration Testing: Workflow Comparison</a></li><li><a href="#Functional_Testing_Vs_Integration_Testing_Use_Case_Comparison"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Functional Testing Vs Integration Testing: Use Case Comparison</a></li><li><a href="#Challenges_of_Integration_Testing_vs_Functional_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Challenges of Integration Testing vs Functional Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Core_Differences_Functional_Testing_Vs_Integration_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Core Differences – Functional Testing Vs Integration Testing</a></li><li><a href="#When_to_Automate"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> When to Automate?</a></li><li><a href="#Wrapping_Up"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> Wrapping Up</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_functional_testing_manual_or_automation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">9.1</span> Is functional testing manual or automation? </a></li><li><a href="#Is_integration_testing_the_same_as_UAT"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">9.2</span> Is integration testing the same as UAT? </a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-difference-between-functional-and-integration-testing"><span id="Difference_Between_Functional_and_Integration_Testing"><strong>Difference Between Functional and Integration Testing</strong></span></h2>



<p><strong>Functional testing</strong> helps verify that the software works as expected and meets user’s expectations. It is a type of black-box testing that involves testing various aspects of the application, such as user interfaces, APIs, databases, and other system components, to validate that they are working as expected. It doesn&#8217;t involve looking into the internal working of software functions &#8211; just observing output on the appropriate input.</p>



<p><strong>Integration testing</strong> is when two or more components are integrated and tested as a whole. It ensures that smaller components are working correctly together after integration and provides an error-free user interface for the end users. It helps to improve the performance and scalability of the software and increase the overall software quality.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong>Read all about <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/integration-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Integration Testing</a></strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 id="functional-testing-vs-integration-testing-purpose"><span id="Functional_Testing_vs_Integration_Testing_Purpose"><strong>Functional Testing vs Integration Testing: Purpose</strong></span></h2>



<p id="purpose-of-functional-testing"><strong>Purpose of Functional Testing</strong></p>



<p>Functional testing helps verify that the software meets the functional requirements. It ensures that the software behaves as expected and aligns with the business requirements.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It checks everything like the end-to-end workflows, functionality of the application, APIs, database, client-server communication, security, etc. Every functionality is tested with different inputs, and the test result will be compared with the expected output.</p>



<p id="purpose-of-integration-testing"><strong>Purpose of Integration Testing</strong></p>



<p>Integration testing helps test the interactions between different software modules after they have been individually tested.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The main aim of integration testing is to ensure that the integrated components work together as intended and to identify any issues that might arise due to their interactions. Typically, integration is done after unit testing.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="functional-testing-vs-integration-testing-workflow-comparison"><span id="Functional_Testing_vs_Integration_Testing_Workflow_Comparison"><strong>Functional Testing vs Integration Testing: Workflow Comparison</strong></span></h2>



<p>Let&#8217;s take a look at the workflow difference between the integration test vs functional test,</p>



<p id="functional-testing-workflow"><strong>Functional Testing Workflow</strong></p>



<ul><li>Understand the software requirements and functional specifications provided by the development team or stakeholders.</li><li>Create test cases that cover different functional aspects of the application and test scenarios.</li><li>Now, create a document for the traceability matrix after designing the test cases.</li><li>Create test data and start executing test cases.</li><li>Once the test is complete, compare the actual result with the expected result to validate if the product works as it is intended to be.</li></ul>



<p id="integration-testing-workflow"><strong>Integration Testing Workflow</strong></p>



<ul><li>Understand the requirements and specifications provided by the developers.</li><li>First, divide the application into smaller modules and understand each module&#8217;s functionality.&nbsp;</li><li>Next, find where you start and finish in each part and create a test plan.&nbsp;</li><li>Choose the best integration testing approach based on the app&#8217;s needs and identify test conditions.</li><li>Then, start to design test cases to perform integration testing and analyze the results.</li></ul>



<h2 id="functional-testing-vs-integration-testing-use-case-comparison"><span id="Functional_Testing_Vs_Integration_Testing_Use_Case_Comparison"><strong>Functional Testing Vs Integration Testing: Use Case Comparison</strong></span></h2>



<p>Functional testing and integration testing are both critical aspects of the software testing process, but they serve different purposes and focus on different aspects of a software application. Let&#8217;s consider different use cases to understand this,</p>



<p id="functional-testing-use-case"><strong>Functional Testing Use Case</strong></p>



<p>Use Case: Consider you are testing an e-commerce application&#8217;s shopping cart functionality.</p>



<ul><li><strong>User Scenario:</strong> Add to Cart Functionality</li><li><strong>Test Description:</strong> Test the cart&#8217;s functionality. That is, when a user adds a product to the cart, the cart should be updated with the correct name, price, and quantity of the product.</li><li><strong>Expected Result:</strong> The application should accurately update the cart and show the correct product details.</li></ul>



<p id="integration-testing-use-case"><strong>Integration Testing Use Case</strong></p>



<p>Use Case: Consider an e-commerce website where users can browse products, add them to their cart, and proceed to checkout. The website is made up of several components: a product catalog, a shopping cart, a user authentication system, and a payment gateway.</p>



<ul><li><strong>User Scenario:</strong> Test the interactions between these components to ensure they work as expected.</li><li><strong>Integration Test:</strong> Test the cart module, checkout module, etc. That is, adding multiple products to the cart and verifying the cart&#8217;s accuracy. Next, add a product to the cart, log out, and then log in again to ensure the cart items are retained. Then, add products to the cart, proceed to checkout, and verify that the payment gateway works correctly.</li><li><strong>Expected Outcome:</strong> The user should be able to browse products, add items to the cart, login, proceed to checkout, and complete the payment.</li></ul>



<h2 id="challenges-of-integration-testing-vs-functional-testing"><span id="Challenges_of_Integration_Testing_vs_Functional_Testing"><strong>Challenges of Integration Testing</strong> <strong>vs Functional Testing</strong></span></h2>



<p>Let&#8217;s take a look at the challenges between integration testing vs functional testing,</p>



<p id="challenges-of-functional-testing"><strong>Challenges of Functional Testing</strong></p>



<ul><li>Designing comprehensive and effective test cases for all possible functional scenarios can be complex and time-consuming. </li><li>Functional testing can become complex when requirements change frequently, requiring constant updates to test cases and test data.</li><li>Functional changes or bug fixes in one area of the software can unintentionally impact other areas. Ensuring that new functional additions don&#8217;t break existing functionality requires robust <a href="https://testsigma.com/regression-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regression testing</a>. Get here the Comparison between <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/regression-testing-vs-integration-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Regression Testing vs Integration Testing</a></li><li>Defining clear test requirements for every change is difficult due to the detailed and measurable information they contain.</li><li>Keeping a simple report to decide whether something works or not with functional tests might not work well. This is because reports are divided based on features and defects.</li><li>It takes a long time to fix recurring issues and to set up the test environment.</li><li>Creating test metrics to analyze and improve applications is challenging due to software complexities and varying test requirements.</li></ul>



<p id="challenges-of-integration-testing"><strong>Challenges of Integration Testing</strong></p>



<ul><li>When you replace mock data with real modules, you might find new bugs.</li><li>It is time-consuming and needs good coding skills to create integration tests because programs and data required for testing are mocked.&nbsp;</li><li>It is difficult to understand the logic because the software code is written by multiple teams separately.</li><li>It is difficult to understand the code because it is written by different teams separately.</li><li>Testing integrated parts of the software is complicated because various things like the database, platform, and software environment affect the tests.</li><li>Choosing the right testing approach can become harder when you have multiple options to consider.</li><li>Integration testing gets even more complex when external features, tools, and libraries from different companies with their own dependencies are involved.</li></ul>



<h2 id="core-differences-functional-testing-vs-integration-testing"><span id="Core_Differences_Functional_Testing_Vs_Integration_Testing"><strong>Core Differences – Functional Testing Vs Integration Testing</strong></span></h2>



<p>The table below depicts the integration test vs functional test core differences,</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Functional Testing</strong></td><td><strong>Integration Testing</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Helps verify that the software is functioning as expected and meets the user&#8217;s requirements</td><td>Helps test how different software modules interact with each other</td></tr><tr><td>Executed by testers</td><td>Executed by testers and developers</td></tr><tr><td>Helps identify issues that might interrupt the application&#8217;s working</td><td>Helps identify issues that might occur while integrating different components</td></tr><tr><td>It is performed before integration testing</td><td>It is performed after unit testing and functional and before system testing</td></tr><tr><td>It is quite complex when compared to integration testing, as the entire application is tested.</td><td>It is less complex as we test the modules.</td></tr><tr><td>It uses the black-box technique.</td><td>It uses the gray box testing technique (both white box and black box testing)</td></tr><tr><td>Tools used &#8211; Testsigma, Selenium, Katalon, Tricentis, etc.</td><td>Tools used &#8211; Testsigma, Selenium, JUnit</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 id="h-when-to-automate"><span id="When_to_Automate"><strong>When to Automate?</strong></span></h2>



<p>You should automate the functional and integration testing if you repeatedly execute the same functional and integration tests, and you see an ROI on automating them. <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Automated testing</a>, when planned and executed well, reduces the total time and effort required to perform testing, thus accelerating the time to market, and also provides an <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/roi-test-automation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ROI</a>.</p>



<p><a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma</a> is a powerful test automation tool that lets you automate web, mobile, and desktop applications in the same place. It is an AI-driven platform that lets you create test cases in plain English, which makes the testing 10x faster.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://images.storychief.com/account_36412/image_94755119bdfe2d7dfa2cde9844b93e72_2000.png" alt="Functioanl Testing vs Integration Testing" width="840" height="399" /></figure>



<p>The following are some of the top benefits offered by Testsigma,</p>



<ul><li>It is a no-code test automation tool that lets you author simple and complex tests in simple English</li><li>It is very simple and easy to use</li><li>Also comes with a record and play feature to record user actions and later automate them as test cases on the cloud.</li><li><a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-cross-browser-testing-tool" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Automate cross-browser testing</a> across 3000+ real devices and 1000+ browser/OS combos.</li><li>A no-code test automation tool that does not require coding to write test scripts</li><li>Automate your web, mobile, desktop, and API tests in one place</li><li>Easy test maintenance on the cloud</li><li>No need to download any tools or frameworks</li><li>Supports parallel test execution</li></ul>



<p>Testsigma is also available as an open source and free version.Start automating your functional and integration tests with Testsigma Open Source</p>



<h2 id="h-wrapping-up"><span id="Wrapping_Up"><strong>Wrapping Up</strong></span></h2>



<p>Functional testing and integration testing are closely related to each other, but they are not the same. We hope that this article helped you understand them and their differences better.</p>



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



<h3 id="h-is-functional-testing-manual-or-automation"><span id="Is_functional_testing_manual_or_automation">Is functional testing manual or automation? <strong></strong></span></h3>



<p>Functional testing can be both manual and automated. Manual functional testing involves human testers executing test cases manually to verify the software&#8217;s functionality. On the other hand, <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/automated-functional-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated functional testing</a> involves using automation testing tools to execute test cases and compare actual results with expected results. Automated functional testing is typically faster, more efficient, and repeatable than manual testing.</p>



<h3 id="h-is-integration-testing-the-same-as-uat"><span id="Is_integration_testing_the_same_as_UAT">Is integration testing the same as UAT? <strong></strong></span></h3>



<p>No, integration testing is not the same as user acceptance testing (UAT). They both serve different purposes in the SDLC. Integration testing is focused on verifying the interactions between different modules of the application, while UAT is focused on validating the software from the perspective of end-users.</p>


Functional Testing Vs Integration Testing - Key Differences