In any real-life activity, the events leading up to an event determine the outcome. A test case is like a recipe &#8211; it needs the right ingredients and steps to produce the desired outcome. Preconditions are those required ingredients.&nbsp;



They outline the specific conditions that must be met before you run the test. Think of them as setting the stage for your test. Ensuring these preconditions are in place guarantees a reliable and meaningful test run.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_preconditioning_in_testing">1 What is preconditioning in testing?</a></li><li><a href="#How_do_you_write_preconditions_in_test_cases">2 How do you write preconditions in test cases?</a></li><li><a href="#What_are_the_preconditions_that_are_essential_for_successful_test_execution">3 What are the preconditions that are essential for successful test execution?</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Use_Preconditions_in_Test_Cases">4 How to Use Preconditions in Test Cases?</a></li><li><a href="#Analyzing_the_Results_of_a_Test_Case_Using_Preconditions">5 Analyzing the Results of a Test Case Using Preconditions</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">6 Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">7 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_8220Post-condition8221_in_a_test_case">7.1 What is &#8220;Post-condition&#8221; in a test case?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_the_difference_between_precondition_and_postcondition_in_a_test_case">7.2 What is the difference between precondition and postcondition in a test case?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-preconditioning-in-testing">What is preconditioning in testing?</h2>



Preconditions are the conditions that must be fulfilled to ensure the test runs smoothly and produces reliable and accurate results.&nbsp;



Preconditioning helps set up the test environment, data, and other necessary parameters before running the test. By ensuring that the preconditions are met, testers can minimize the chances of encountering errors and inconsistencies during the test run.&nbsp;



Yet, preconditioning helps to ensure that the testing process is efficient, effective and produces the desired results.



 Here&#8217;s a different real-life example to illustrate preconditions: Imagine you&#8217;re baking a cake. The main activity is mixing the batter and putting it in the oven. Yet, several preconditions need to be met before you can even begin:



<ol><li>You must have all the necessary ingredients, like flour, sugar, and eggs.</li><li>You&#8217;ll need a working oven at the proper temperature.</li><li>You&#8217;ll want a mixing bowl and utensils ready for action.</li></ol>



&nbsp;With these preconditions in place, attempting to bake the cake is possible.



<h2 id="h-how-do-you-write-preconditions-in-test-cases">How do you write preconditions in test cases?</h2>



Here&#8217;s how to incorporate strong preconditions into your test cases:



<ul><li>Identify Requirements:&nbsp; Clearly define the initial state the system needs to be in for the test to run correctly. This might involve data setup, user permissions, or system configurations. </li><li>List Explicit Steps (if necessary):&nbsp; If achieving the preconditions requires specific actions, list them as separate steps within your test case. This enhances clarity and ensures everyone understands the necessary setup process. </li><li>Consider Reusability:&nbsp; If preconditions are common across multiple tests, explore creating separate reusable steps or functions to streamline your test suite and avoid redundancy.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-what-are-the-preconditions-that-are-essential-for-successful-test-execution">What are the preconditions that are essential for successful test execution?</h2>



Guaranteeing successful test execution hinges on establishing strong preconditions. Here are some key elements to consider: 



<ul><li>Proper Environment:&nbsp; Ensure the<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> test environment </a>(hardware, software, network) is set up correctly and matches the production environment as closely as possible. </li><li>Data Availability:&nbsp; Verify that all necessary test data in the system is present and accurate, before running the test. This might involve creating specific test accounts or populating databases with relevant information. </li><li>System State:&nbsp; The system under test should be in a specific, well-defined state. This could involve closing open applications, logging out user accounts, or setting specific system configurations. </li><li>Dependencies Met:&nbsp; If the test case relies on the successful execution of other tests, ensure those pre-requisite tests have passed before proceeding.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-how-to-use-preconditions-in-test-cases">How to Use Preconditions in Test Cases?</h2>



Preconditions are the building blocks of robust test cases. By clearly defining them, you ensure your tests start from a consistent state, leading to more reliable results. Using a real-world example in Testsigma, an <a href="https://testsigma.com/qa-automation-tools" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated testing tool</a>, let&#8217;s see how preconditions work.&nbsp;



In Testsigma, you can define this precondition directly within your test case steps.&nbsp;



This is just a sample example



Here&#8217;s how it will look:



Precondition: I take an example to verify that a user is able to login to gmail.&nbsp;



In Testsigma, you can define this precondition as a separate step within your test case. This step might involve navigating to the Gmail login page using a specific URL (e.g., &#8220;https://accounts.google.com&#8221;). Testsigma would then check if the login page elements are present, indicating a successful precondition.



This precondition ensures your test case starts with a clean slate, where the user is demonstrably logged out. If the verification step fails, the precondition isn&#8217;t met, and the test case won&#8217;t proceed.&nbsp;



This safeguards against unreliable test results and ensures your test focuses solely on the login functionality for a specific user.&nbsp;



Only if this precondition is met (i.e., you&#8217;re on the login page) will Testsigma proceed with the actual test steps, which might involve entering your username and password and verifying a successful login. 



This approach ensures your test starts from a known state (logged out) and focuses specifically on the login functionality. In the image below, you can see the preconditions passed. Next, you will find your test cases for the Gmail login page.&nbsp;



Yet, if the precondition fails (perhaps you were already logged in), the entire test case fails, indicating the test couldn&#8217;t be executed under the intended conditions.



Once you&#8217;ve defined the precondition, you can link it to the login test steps. Testsigma will execute the precondition first. If the precondition (logging out) is successful, the test proceeds with the login steps, as shown in the below image.&nbsp;



This approach ensures your login test always starts with a clean slate (logged-out state) and delivers reliable results about the login functionality itself. By effectively using preconditions in Testsigma, you can create robust test cases more likely to catch actual issues.



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This approach ensures your tests are reliable and provide clear insights into the actual login process.



<h2 id="h-analyzing-the-results-of-a-test-case-using-preconditions">Analyzing the Results of a Test Case Using Preconditions</h2>



Preconditions play a vital role in analyzing test case results. Examining the preconditions is a crucial first step if a test case fails.&nbsp;



Did the preconditions ensure the system was in the expected state?&nbsp;&nbsp;



For example, in the previous section, we saw that verifying if the user was indeed logged out beforehand (as per the precondition) is essential if a login test fails.&nbsp;&nbsp;



By analyzing preconditions first, you can isolate issues and determine if the test failure stems from problems with the preconditions or the actual functionality being tested. This focused approach saves time and ensures you&#8217;re addressing the root cause of the failure.



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



In conclusion, preconditions are the cornerstone of effective software testing. They establish a well-defined foundation for test cases, ensuring consistent execution and reliable results. By understanding how to write and utilize preconditions in tools like Testsigma, you can streamline your testing process, improve test maintainability, and ultimately deliver higher-quality software.&nbsp;



Remember, clear preconditions are like a strong foundation for your house &#8211; they pave the way for robust and trustworthy testing practices.



Happy Testing!



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



<h3 id="h-what-is-post-condition-in-a-test-case">What is &#8220;Post-condition&#8221; in a test case?</h3>



In a test case, a post-condition refers to the state or conditions that are expected to be true after the execution of the test scenario. These conditions specify the expected outcomes or changes in the system after the test.



<h3 id="h-what-is-the-difference-between-precondition-and-postcondition-in-a-test-case">What is the difference between precondition and postcondition in a test case?</h3>



Preconditions specify the initial state or conditions required for executing a test, while postconditions define the expected outcomes or states after the test execution. Preconditions ensure proper test setup, while postconditions verify the correctness and effectiveness of the tested functionality.

Precondition in a Test Case | What is it & How do you use it?

<a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Software testing</a> is more than creating tests, reporting bugs, or ensuring that a piece of software meets the specified requirements. It starts with a different mindset — a way of thinking about software in order to anticipate risks, overcome biases, think critically, and dive deeper into the complexities of a software application.&nbsp;



This mindset brings a tester’s focus from technical complexity to overall quality and user satisfaction.



I have worked with inspiring testers from all over the world.&nbsp;



In this article, we will discuss the key aspects of a tester&#8217;s mindset; we will explore the way expert testers think, the reason behind their practices, and the principles they incorporate to ensure that the software is robust, reliable, and ready for the real world.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Risk_Investigators">1 Risk Investigators</a></li><li><a href="#Bias_Breakers">2 Bias Breakers</a></li><li><a href="#Critical_Thinkers">3 Critical Thinkers</a></li><li><a href="#Activity_Focused_Over_Artifact_Focused">4 Activity Focused Over Artifact Focused</a></li><li><a href="#Problem_Finders">5 Problem Finders</a></li><li><a href="#Other_Key_Traits_Testers_Mindset">6 Other Key Traits: Tester’s Mindset</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-risk-investigators">Risk Investigators</h2>



One of the fundamental traits of a good tester is the ability to investigate risks. Testers are Risk Investigators.&nbsp;



We believe in the possibility of risks.&nbsp;



Risk is the primary motivation for testing. If there is no risk, there is no need for any kind of testing. Whenever the testers interact with any feature, they ask questions to find potential risks:



<ul><li>&#8220;What could go wrong?&#8221;</li><li>“What specifically may not work?”</li><li>“In what way it might not work?”</li><li>“Is that sort of failure likely?”</li></ul>



This mentality helps testers with test design as well as the sampling tests for execution. While designing tests, the tester asks questions such as:



<ul><li>“Why does this test exist?”</li><li>“Is there an alternative test that covers the product?”</li><li>“What value does the test bring?”</li><li>“Can this test be clubbed with an existing test?”</li></ul>



 Whether a new feature is introduced or there is a subtle change in an existing one, the tester looks for potential risks. They’re realists, as they understand that software development involves various choices and each choice comes with its fair share of risk and potential pitfalls.



<h2 id="h-bias-breakers">Bias Breakers</h2>



Humans are biased.&nbsp;



But, biases aren’t always bad.&nbsp;&nbsp;



The problem begins when we pretend that biases don’t exist. Whether it&#8217;s confirmation bias, where we see only what we expect to see, or positivity bias, where we’re over-motivated by the success stories and fancy claims.&nbsp;



All these mental biases affect our judgment and perception of reality.&nbsp;



Testers, conscious of such biases, actively engage in conscious debiasing and act as bias breakers.



If you are new to the concept of biases, the <a href="https://www.sog.unc.edu/sites/www.sog.unc.edu/files/course_materials/Cognitive%20Biases%20Codex.pdf" rel="nofollow">cognitive bias codex</a> showcases a list of 188 different biases that people face in day-to-day life. <gwmw style="display:none;">



The tech industry is deeply affected by such biases.



To break free from biases, testers use strategies like:



<ul><li>Pair Testing: Two testers work together, questioning each other’s assumptions, and bringing different perspectives to the table.</li><li>De Bono Thinking Hats: Good testers actively engage with developers, product owners, business analysts, or even fresh testers to gain diverse perspectives and opinions. While a developer may find no flaw in a feature, a tester might see potential edge cases where it could break.&nbsp;</li></ul>



This activity increases a tester’s awareness giving him a 360-degree perspective.



<ul><li>Second Order Thinking: This involves moving beyond the immediate problem and considering multiple layers of implications and consequences of a given decision.</li></ul>



Biases can make testing socially challenging.&nbsp;



While everyone else on the team would be cheering for a quick release, the tester would have to work against the biases to explore, experiment, and evaluate any open risks and critical areas.&nbsp;



It’s like fighting an uphill battle. Having an awareness of biases and the strategies to work around them is what sets a good tester apart.



<h2 id="h-critical-thinkers">Critical Thinkers</h2>



A critical skill that defines a tester, critical thinking.&nbsp;



Critical thinking is all about analyzing your thought process and asking probing questions. It’s like a shortcut formula for testing. I use this three-question formula that I learned from James Bach to think critically:



<ul><li>Huh? – Does this make sense?</li><li>Really?? – Is this true?</li><li>So?? – Okay, Maybe it’s true! But, what does this mean in the context of this product?</li></ul>



For example, during a requirement review, a good tester often challenges vague or ambiguous requirements, asking questions like, &#8220;What if the user does something unexpected here?&#8221;&nbsp;



or&nbsp;



during product demos, a tester might question the assumptions behind the design, think about potential failure points, and reconsider the idea that the design even makes sense.



Testers are always on the lookout for uncovered pathways—those unconventional areas where bugs are probably hidden.&nbsp;



They think about failure possibilities, not just the happy paths that a user might take, but the edge cases, the &#8220;what if?&#8221; scenarios that could lead to unexpected results



<h2 id="h-activity-focused-over-artifact-focused">Activity Focused Over Artifact Focused</h2>



Testing is not limited to the end product, but all the activities involved in getting there. In the words of the famous testing expert, Michael Bolton:



While the artifacts can be useful to some degree, the key point of the exercise is the exercise: developing the tester’s mind and mental models. The map is not the territory, and it’s the mapping, not the map, that’s the important bit.



Good testers know that the whole point of testing is a journey, an ongoing process of investigation, exploration, and experimentation. They focus on&nbsp;



<ul><li>Testing Sessions: Engaging in hands-on testing activities where testers interact with the software to uncover issues.</li><li>Investigation: Digging deeper into areas of the software that seem problematic, unclear, risky, uncovered, etc.</li><li>Exploration: Navigating through the software in an unscripted manner, seeking out unknowns, recording observations, making notes, etc.</li><li>Scripting Good Ideas: Writing tests that cover specific scenarios but being aware that the scripts are only as good as the thought process behind them.</li></ul>



By being activity-focused, good testers know that artifacts such as bug reports, test reports, and test scripts are just the by-products of essential testing activities. Artifacts are important, but they should never be the top focus of good testers.&nbsp;



The best testers care more about activities carried out, the insight gained during the journey, the understanding of the product, and the potential issues identified along the way.



<h2 id="h-problem-finders">Problem Finders</h2>



Testers look for problems. They believe in the Veblen’s Principle, i.e.,



There’s no change, no matter how awful, that won’t benefit some people, and no change, no matter how good, that won’t hurt some.



As responsible testers, this means asking questions such as:&nbsp;



<ul><li>What problems could this change create?</li><li>How might customers get unhappy?</li><li>How might we lose business?</li><li>What could go wrong beyond the acceptance criteria?</li></ul>



Testers don’t just analyze the happy path—they’re concerned with what lies beyond it. They understand that problems can arise in unexpected areas.&nbsp;



Testers actively seek out potential pitfalls before these become real issues.



<h2 id="h-other-key-traits-tester-s-mindset">Other Key Traits: Tester’s Mindset</h2>



Apart from core mindsets, these are some qualities that a good tester has:



<ul><li>Honesty: Testers must be honest about the state of the software, even if the truth is difficult to hear. We are hired to present the true state of things.</li><li>Patience: Testing can be a repetitive process, and patience is key to uncovering deeper issues. You will never get good results unless you develop patience in your testing approach.</li><li>Showcasing Your Work: Testers need to effectively communicate their findings, status, risks, issues, etc. in a language that even non-technical stakeholders can understand.&nbsp;</li></ul>



Projecting testing work is difficult as a lot of it comes from tacit knowledge. Your ability to showcase work will set you apart.



<ul><li>Persuasion and Storytelling: A tester must be able to tell the story of a bug, persuading stakeholders of its importance and the potential impact it could have if left unaddressed.</li></ul>



The mindset of a tester is one of curiosity and skepticism. At the same time, it also needs a constant focus on quality. It involves thinking critically, challenging assumptions, and being vigilant for risks and potential issues.&nbsp;



So, the next time you think about a software testing role, remember it’s not just an ordinary tech role — it has a lot to do with the correct mindset, one that requires a blend of skills, traits, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

The Tester’s Mindset:  Thinking Beyond the Code

As with any form of creation, manufacturing, and development, it is better to identify problems sooner rather than later. Regarding software development and testing, this is exceptionally true.&nbsp;



When it comes to pushing high-quality software, defect prevention is integral. Catching bugs and anomalies early makes it much easier to resolve them, as opposed to dealing with their effects once they have been enmeshed into the system.&nbsp;



In this piece, we’ll dive into the definition, necessity, and principles of defect prevention.&nbsp; We’ll also discuss techniques to perform defect prevention and the integral role of automation in this layer of quality assurance.&nbsp;



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Defect_Prevention">1 What is Defect Prevention?</a></li><li><a href="#Advantages_of_Early_Defect_Detection">2 Advantages of Early Defect Detection</a></li><li><a href="#Principles_of_Defect_Preventionnbsp">3 Principles of Defect Prevention&nbsp;</a><ul><li><a href="#Software_Requirements_Analysis">3.1 Software Requirements Analysis</a></li><li><a href="#Reviews_Self-Review_and_Peer_Review">3.2 Reviews: Self-Review and Peer Review</a></li><li><a href="#Defect_Logging_and_Documentation">3.3 Defect Logging and Documentation</a></li><li><a href="#Root_Cause_Analysis_and_Preventive_Measures_Determination">3.4 Root Cause Analysis and Preventive Measures Determination</a></li><li><a href="#Embedding_Procedures_into_Software_Development_Process">3.5 Embedding Procedures into Software Development Process</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Role_played_by_Test_Automation_in_Defect_Prevention">4 Role played by Test Automation in Defect Prevention</a></li><li><a href="#Summary">5 Summary</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">6 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_a_checklist_and_how_does_it_prevent_defects">6.1 What is a checklist and how does it prevent defects?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_the_difference_between_defect_detection_and_defect_prevention">6.2 What is the difference between defect detection and defect prevention?</a></li><li><a href="#How_does_QA_prevent_defects">6.3 How does QA prevent defects?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-defect-prevention">What is Defect Prevention?</h2>



Defect prevention is a strategy in the SDLC that is deployed to identify and target the root causes of any defects. The process involves analyzing defects appearing in past projects, laying down distinct checkpoints in the pipelines, and taking action to prevent the emergence of similar defects/bugs/anomalies in the future.&nbsp;



Defect Prevention is built on the extraction of and sharing of technical knowledge between QA teams or testing projects. Prevention methods are used to improve quality and productivity while keeping development costs low.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-advantages-of-early-defect-detection">Advantages of Early Defect Detection</h2>



<ul><li>Defects are much easier to handle if discovered at an early stage. Rigorous detection cycles can identify potential issues before they snowball into bigger, more expensive problems. Think of it as examining the raw materials in a manufacturing process before sending them into the manufacturing pipeline. </li><li>Reduces rework, waste and minimizes the risk of customer complaints and app uninstallations. </li><li>Allows teams to monitor operations, analyze data, and narrow down testing areas for optimization and change. Leads to lower cycle times, higher efficiency rates, and targeted utilization of resources. This inevitably translates to cost savings. </li><li>Frees up dev and QA time that would otherwise be spent dealing with completely avoidable bugs. </li><li>Forces test leaders to think in terms of prevention and optimization when designing test cases, scripts, and implementation guidelines. </li><li>Involves collaboration with all stakeholders so as to prioritize what defects and bugs should be quickly detected, based on user paths, preferences, actions and business needs.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-principles-of-defect-prevention">Principles of Defect Prevention&nbsp;</h2>



<h3 id="h-software-requirements-analysis">Software Requirements Analysis</h3>



Defects in the requirements and design phase will translate to foundational source code, if not rooted out at the source. Requirements-based defects are the hardest to eliminate after coding begins, because it often means undoing protocols that prop up the whole system.&nbsp;



These defects cannot be found via traditional testing methods. They require review and inspections after the documents are finalized.&nbsp;



Read More: <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/techniques-to-prevent-software-bugs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Techniques To Prevent Software Bugs</a>



“According to Crosstalk, the Journal of Defense Software Engineering, “most failures in software products are due to errors in the requirements and design phases—as high as 64 percent of total defect costs.” <a href="https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/uk/Documents/technology/deloitte-uk-your-bad-requirements-are-costing-you-money.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Source</a>



All software requirements and designs must be reviewed to ensure that the requirements accurately reflect customer needs. Consider running sessions between devs and customers so the software creators understand what they need to prioritize in their code.&nbsp;



<h3 id="h-reviews-self-review-and-peer-review">Reviews: Self-Review and Peer Review</h3>



Self-reviews and peer reviews refine code quality by bringing multiple pairs of eyes on the source code. These reviews are excellent for ferreting out algorithm implementations, holes in logic, and missing conditions. The self-review helps the developer clean up any obvious flaws they might have missed in a rush, while the peer reviews provide a new POV and the expertise of a fellow teammate or manager.&nbsp;



<h3 id="h-defect-logging-and-documentation">Defect Logging and Documentation</h3>



All defects must be tracked, logged, investigated, and reported. Ideally, QAs should suggest structures/steps to resolve defects, but that usually only works out when the workload is not overwhelming (and it usually is).&nbsp;



When considering the purchase of a <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/defect-tracking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">defect tracking</a> or <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/defect-management/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">defect management</a> tool, check for the following features:



<ul><li>Allows QAs to provide complete descriptions of each defect so that devs understand the problem in its entirety.&nbsp;</li><li>Allows QAs to clarify at which phase of software testing the defects have been encountered.&nbsp;</li><li>Allows QAs to upload screenshots/videos for further clarification.</li><li>Contains space to mention the names of QAs who find each defect, so that they can be contacted by devs if so required.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-root-cause-analysis-and-preventive-measures-determination">Root Cause Analysis and Preventive Measures Determination</h3>



Once defects are logged, they must be examined. Often a meeting (initiated by the project manager/coordinator) is required to explore root causes of as many defects as possible.&nbsp;



This stage – <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/defect-analysis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">defect analysis</a> – aims to achieve the following:&nbsp;



<ul><li>Improving software quality by finding and neutralizing as many defects as possible, as early as possible. This requires examination of their root causes.&nbsp;</li><li>Understanding how the defect operates and what function it hinders by speaking directly to the QAs who found it.</li><li>Diving into systemic errors whose cause is buried in the foundation structure of the source code. These bugs are the hardest to handle, and must necessarily be addressed at early stages of the SDLC.</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-embedding-procedures-into-software-development-process">Embedding Procedures into Software Development Process</h3>



Read More: <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/defect-removal-efficiency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Defect Removal Efficiency: How To Calculate It For Test Automation</a>



The last stage of defect prevention requires teams to take their learnings from the analysis stage and use them to optimize the development process. It requires the entire team to figure out ways to modify existing processes, introduce new practices, and provide proof that these changes will have a tangible positive impact on final outcomes.&nbsp;



A few tips to achieve the above:



<ul><li>Provide monthly status reports of the team mentioning recurrent serious defects and analyses. </li><li>Monthly (ideally) or fortnightly meetings to inform all stakeholders about the state of the SDLC and any major defects that choke its efficacy. </li><li>Taking the time to regularly push for and implement better prevention measures into the SDLC (as far as stakeholder approval makes it possible). </li><li>Monitoring the SDLC before and after implementation defect prevention tactics. Have they actually led to a reduction in the number of defects?</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-role-played-by-test-automation-in-defect-prevention">Role played by Test Automation in Defect Prevention</h2>



Traditionally, test automation has been used to identify defects and refine the QA process by taking human effort out of repetitive and time-intensive tasks. Instead of running a regression test manually for the 6th time, testers can focus on complex problems that machines cannot solve.&nbsp;



Test automation plays the most integral role in defect prevention – finding defects quickly and easily. By creating suitable test scripts, QAs can automate predetermined user actions and analyze the actual results without having to run each step themselves.&nbsp;



Take acceptance tests as an example. Teams can build a set of criteria that denote that software functioning is “acceptable” and deploy automation tools like Testsigma to follow the script and generate error-free results.&nbsp;



Not only does test automation reduce the time and effort required to sniff out major and minor defects, it also takes human error out of the equations. Human eyes and minds are naturally prone to error, especially when they are looking at the same screen and performing the same action over hours. Machines, fed with appropriate and comprehensive input parameters, do not have the same problem. They do not get tired and they do not make human mistakes.&nbsp;



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



Quality Assurance doesn’t just eliminate bugs as they show up. In its larger context, QA professionals envision and implement systems to better filter out defects that hamper software performance and user experience.&nbsp;



As technology evolves, so do the defects that infect it. Defect prevention takes a step back from immediate debugging (though that is still very much a part of it) and applies testers’ real-world experiences to development and testing contexts.&nbsp;



Defect prevention reduces testing costs, effort and time. It has a direct positive impact on the ROI of QA budgets, because it examines the cause rather than the symptoms of software malfunction.&nbsp;



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



<h3 id="h-what-is-a-checklist-and-how-does-it-prevent-defects">What is a checklist and how does it prevent defects?</h3>



A checklist is used by QA engineers to note down all steps or tasks to be accomplished in a project. In the defect prevention ecosystem, checklists offer a systematic approach to everything that needs to be done to actually prevent defects.&nbsp;



QAs refer to checklists to confirm that every user step and bug detection mechanism has been enacted or implemented. It is directly useful for improving efficiency, quality, and safety mechanisms.&nbsp;



<h3 id="h-what-is-the-difference-between-defect-detection-and-defect-prevention">What is the difference between defect detection and defect prevention?</h3>



As the phrases themselves suggest, defect detection is confined to the act of identifying defects in the software as it is developed. Defect prevention, on the other hand, uses experience from past projects to create and embed practices that prevent too many defects from emerging in the first place.&nbsp;



Defect detection is part of defect prevention, but not vice-versa.&nbsp;



<h3 id="h-how-does-qa-prevent-defects">How does QA prevent defects?</h3>



The process of Quality Assurance (QA) focuses primarily on finding, tracking, analyzing, reporting, and eliminating defects in software. It also involves building systems to prevent defects from showing up too frequently by addressing the common root causes. By studying such causes, software behavior, and user expectations, experts can put appropriate filters to prevent <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/defect-leakage-in-software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">defect leakage</a> in place. They can also recommend best practices that minimize the likelihood of bugs emerging from errors in requirements, design blueprints, and rushed coding.

Defect Prevention Principles, Methods and Techniques

Desktop Application Testing | What, Why, and How to Perform?

Dependency Testing | How to Do, Benefits & Limitations

Digital Testing | How to do, Challenges & Best Practices

A review in software testing, any sort of review, is a worthwhile practice to ensure quality and accuracy. If the test cases you created go through a review process, evidently the mistakes will reduce and the test coverage will improve. Yet conducting reviews is not simply going through the code or the scripts; it involves technical efficiency to understand the business and translate the same into actionable software tests. It can either be peer review or managerial review, but overall, it is a necessary part of the testing process.



Let us guide you through the process of technical review in software testing, which will help you identify critical issues related to the functioning of the product.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Technical_Review">1 What is Technical Review?</a></li><li><a href="#Importance_of_Technical_Review_in_Software_Testing">2 Importance of Technical Review in Software Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Types_of_Software_Technical_Review">3 Types of Software Technical Review</a></li><li><a href="#Why_is_Technical_Review_Necessary">4 Why is Technical Review Necessary?</a></li><li><a href="#Who_Participates_in_the_Technical_Review_Process">5 Who Participates in the Technical Review Process?</a></li><li><a href="#Goals_of_the_Technical_Review">6 Goals of the Technical Review</a></li><li><a href="#Technical_Review_Characteristics">7 Technical Review Characteristics</a></li><li><a href="#Process_of_Technical_Review">8 Process of Technical Review</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_do_a_Technical_Review_Example_with_Testsigma">9 How to do a Technical Review Example with Testsigma?</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">10 Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">11 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_technical_review_in_static_testing">11.1 What is technical review in static testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_technical_review_in_dynamic_testing">11.2 What is technical review in dynamic testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_should_a_technical_review_include">11.3 What should a technical review include?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_technical_review_in_Agile">11.4 What is technical review in Agile?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-technical-review">What is Technical Review?</h2>



Technical review in <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software testing</a> is a structured evaluation process conducted by technical experts to assess the technical aspects of a software product, such as its design, architecture, code quality, and implementation details. It is a static white-box testing technique, which aims at uncovering technical defects in the early stages of SDLC that are often missed by black box testing.



These reviews typically involve examining documentation, codebase, diagrams, and other artifacts to ensure compliance with established standards, best practices, and requirements.



An example of technical review could be a scenario where a software development team is conducting a <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/role-of-a-software-tester-in-code-reviews/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">code review</a> session for a new feature implementation in a web application. The review involves a group of technical experts, including software architects, senior developers, and testers. During the review, the team examines the codebase, focusing on aspects such as code structure, modularity, error handling, performance optimization, and adherence to coding standards.



<h2 id="h-importance-of-technical-review-in-software-testing">Importance of Technical Review in Software Testing</h2>



Performing technical review of a software does more than just eliminating issues. It helps in:



<ul><li>Improving the understanding of the employees as they get a chance to review and provide suggestions.</li><li>Maintaining the software by increasing the developer’s understanding of the product, code base, and any changes that might be introduced.</li><li>Early identification of defects, vulnerabilities, and design flaws in the software development lifecycle.</li><li>Fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among team members, including developers, testers, architects, and stakeholders by engaging in review discussions.</li><li>Identifying and mitigating risks associated with software development, including technical debt, scalability issues, and performance bottlenecks.</li><li>Providing the feedback and the progression of software development through assessing the review process and its impact on development and testing.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-types-of-software-technical-review">Types of Software Technical Review</h2>



Among different <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/types-of-review-in-software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">types of reviews in software testing</a>, you need to focus primarily on technical review if the goal is to find and solve coding errors. But there are other options you should look at:



<ul><li>Code Review: A thorough examination of the source code by peers or senior developers to identify defects, improve code quality, ensure adherence to coding standards, and promote knowledge sharing.</li><li>Design Review: Evaluation of the software design documents, including architecture diagrams, system specifications, and interface designs, to validate the design decisions, identify potential design flaws, and ensure alignment with requirements and best practices.</li><li>Requirements Review: Assessment of the software requirements documents to verify completeness, consistency, clarity, and feasibility of the specified requirements.</li><li>Test Plan Review: Review of the test plan document to validate test coverage, test objectives, test strategies, and test techniques.</li><li>Test Case Review: Examination of test cases and test scripts to verify correctness, completeness, clarity, and effectiveness in verifying the functionality and behavior of the software for thorough test coverage and accuracy in test execution.</li><li>Architecture Review: Evaluation of the software architecture, including system architecture diagrams, component interactions, and dependencies, to assess scalability, performance, security, and maintainability of the system design.</li><li>Document Review: Review of various project documents such as user manuals, installation guides, release notes, and technical specifications to ensure accuracy, consistency, and completeness of the documentation deliverables.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-why-is-technical-review-necessary">Why is Technical Review Necessary?</h2>



Besides the basic importance of the technical review process, there are many other reasons why technical review from a business perspective is necessary. Technical reviews help ensure the quality, reliability, and functionality of software products, which directly impacts customer satisfaction and retention. By identifying defects early in the development process, technical reviews help mitigate the risk of costly rework, delays, and potential reputation damage. This proactive approach ultimately contributes to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty, leading to increased revenue and market competitiveness.



Moreover, from an ROI perspective, investing in technical reviews upfront reduces the overall cost of quality by minimizing defects and rework downstream. It also promotes efficient resource utilization and faster time-to-market by streamlining development processes and improving productivity.



<h2 id="h-who-participates-in-the-technical-review-process">Who Participates in the Technical Review Process?</h2>



Technical review participants may include software architects, developers, testers, and other relevant stakeholders who collaborate to provide feedback, share insights, and make recommendations for enhancing the technical integrity and quality of the software product.



<h2 id="h-goals-of-the-technical-review">Goals of the Technical Review</h2>



For any practice to be successful, you should have a clear understanding of your goals. You can’t just start conducting a technical review without knowing what you are trying to achieve with this process. Some of the goals of technical review in software development and testing are:



<ul><li>To identify defects early in the development process to reduce the delivery time and improve the product quality.</li><li>Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among team members, stakeholders, and subject matter experts to leverage collective expertise, insights, and perspectives.</li><li>Identify opportunities for process improvement, optimization, and standardization to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and repeatability of software development and testing activities.</li><li>Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and organizational policies by reviewing artifacts for adherence to applicable guidelines, laws, and regulations.</li><li>Provide insights, recommendations, and actionable feedback to stakeholders and decision-makers to support informed decision-making and prioritize corrective actions and improvements.</li><li>Validate and verify the correctness, completeness, consistency, and accuracy of software artifacts, including code, design documents, requirements, test plans, and documentation.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-technical-review-characteristics">Technical Review Characteristics</h2>



Some of the important characteristics of technical review are:



<ul><li>Technical reviews follow a structured and systematic process, typically involving predefined roles, responsibilities, and review criteria to ensure consistency and effectiveness.</li><li>It is a documented process with a focus on identifying defects, recommendations, and areas for improvement for future reference and action.</li><li>It often does not involve the management.</li><li>Someone who is not the author of the review acts as the moderator.</li><li>Technical reviews may be conducted iteratively throughout the software development lifecycle.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-process-of-technical-review">Process of Technical Review</h2>



Technical review process is fairly simple and straightforward, which follows the industry standards set by <a href="https://standards.ieee.org/ieee/1028/4402/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IEEE Standard 1028</a>. The steps are almost the same for all the different types of technical reviews.



<ul><li>Planning: Define the objectives, scope, and criteria for the review. Establish roles and responsibilities for participants, allocate resources, and schedule review activities.</li><li>Preparation: Reviewers prepare for the review by familiarizing themselves with the artifacts under review, including documentation, requirements, designs, or code. Gather relevant documentation and guidelines to guide the review process.</li><li>Review Meeting: Conduct the review meeting, where reviewers examine the artifacts in detail, focusing on specific aspects such as correctness, completeness, clarity, and adherence to standards. Identify defects, inconsistencies, and areas for improvement.</li><li>Approval: Review and finalize the findings, decisions, and actions taken. Obtain approval from relevant stakeholders to proceed with the next steps in the development process.</li><li>Documentation: Document review outcomes, including review findings, decisions, and actions taken, for future reference and audit purposes. Maintain records of review activities, including artifacts reviewed, participants involved, and review results.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-how-to-do-a-technical-review-example-with-testsigma">How to do a Technical Review Example with Testsigma?</h2>



Among the multiple types of technical reviews we discussed till now, you can conduct <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-case-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test case review</a> using Testsigma.



It is a cloud-based, AI-powered test automation tool that supports <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-web-application-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated web application testing</a>, mobile testing, and API testing on its platform. The pre-defined NLPs allow testers to create test cases in Testsigma in simple English.



For test case review, go to Settings -&gt; Preferences and switch on the toggle for the Test Case Review Management.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeI2hSATvgD8Z6DIxF0Yisr80LUfeD3w3TKfVNyFYzBN_2j5AQy35pZ1EdDrbeWhRMXJc9yYuUbiguJoUNBBOG_drV8_7lXekdOrLSfVpw_CYSws5nfEB0Y0aVKhvqMK91V33yBnMOSQnycdg_qg1R_dIFK?key=4WXi6BZstaD4CBMGKSEjQg" alt="Test Case Review Management"/></figure></div>



Toggle the switch on for Test case review management under Settings



Next, choose the test case you want to get reviewed and submit it for review. Go to Test Cases and select the test case for review.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdNql9ONB4YPjw8rl6ID-6wKcvd3bAFd_lKmslk9HI8fdIMWmbs6i_1YotHr6AAXbubWyeoj_HRypEAmHzxMjSWTJYmoGle1xmVSKoB4FGofnxrY9meo_DnZhLoWJ_bpZEj4oZbcNWXikoUvKNHdDcZbGc?key=4WXi6BZstaD4CBMGKSEjQg" alt="test case for review"/></figure></div>



Select the test case for review



Select the reviewer and submit it.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdRru_8FMG3FVEoCrRdqNxgguEyEnIjBFp57QEi_cQi9wroOgX5l6NL6l_eu8-IoCIxaIeptIIni4dBNzxGbNMrFSz1OUx4bykvYwWCoqiP6LQqunaIWhqqSxfdhSEwj4t2AGbM7eYISliOolHmyPI3urCy?key=4WXi6BZstaD4CBMGKSEjQg" alt="Submit Review"/></figure></div>



Send the test case for review



Besides sending test cases for review, you can also get the elements reviewed in Testsigma tool directly. Go to Elements under the Create Test Cases section and follow the same steps as above.&nbsp;



Don’t forget to switch the Element Management Review on under Preferences before you start the review process.



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Read about <a href="https://testsigma.com/docs/elements/web-apps/overview/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">functional elements in Testsigma</a>.



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



Technical review is a critical part of the development and testing process. Developers and testers around the world rely on their peers and managers to review their code, design, and tests to provide valuable feedback.



Alternatively, providing suggestions to their counterparts further helps them develop an understanding of the project better.



If your business is starting with the technical review process or improving the existing one, consider this blog as your helping hand. Don’t forget to check out the different ways and frameworks to perform the review process while you are at it.



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



<h3 id="h-what-is-technical-review-in-static-testing">What is technical review in static testing?</h3>



Technical review in <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/static-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">static testing</a> involves a structured examination of software artifacts such as code, design documents, or requirements to identify defects, improve quality, and ensure adherence to standards and best practices before dynamic testing begins.



<h3 id="h-what-is-technical-review-in-dynamic-testing">What is technical review in dynamic testing?</h3>



Technical review in dynamic testing involves evaluating the technical aspects of a software system during execution. It focuses on analyzing system performance, reliability, scalability, and other technical characteristics under varying conditions, such as load, stress, or concurrency.



<h3 id="what-should-a-technical-review-include">What should a technical review include?</h3>



A technical review should include a thorough evaluation of software artifacts for correctness, completeness, consistency, adherence to standards, and compliance with requirements. It involves identifying defects, providing feedback, and making recommendations for improvement.



<h3 id="h-what-is-technical-review-in-agile">What is technical review in Agile?</h3>



In Agile, a technical review typically refers to a collaborative inspection or walkthrough of code, user stories, or other development artifacts during sprint planning, refinement, or review meetings. It aims to ensure alignment with Agile principles, promote continuous improvement, and enhance the quality of deliverables within short development cycles.

What is Technical Review in Software Testing

What is Technical Review in Software Testing?

Sometimes, peoples’ opinions on quality assurance can be limited to what they see. As an example, some people think that software testing is all about verifying each of the separate components of the software application. But, it is important to test both separate components as well as the entire software as a whole. This also may include several aspects such as security, performance, user experience, etc. This is where holistic testing is required.&nbsp;



However, most of the people are not that much familiar with this term. So, through this article, we are going to discuss what holistic testing is, why it is important, what its benefits are, how to perform holistic testing, how Testsigma can be used to do holistic testing, its limitations, and best practices.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Holistic_Testing">1 What is Holistic Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_Holistic_Testing_Matters">2 Why Holistic Testing Matters?</a></li><li><a href="#Benefits_of_Holistic_Testing">3 Benefits of Holistic Testing</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_do_Holistic_Testing">4 How to do Holistic Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#How_does_Testsigma_help_in_Holistic_testing">5 How does Testsigma help in Holistic testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Limitations_of_Holistic_Testing">6 Limitations of Holistic Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Best_Practices_in_Holistic_Testing">7 Best Practices in Holistic Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">8 Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">9 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#Why_is_it_called_holistic_testing">9.1 Why is it called holistic testing?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-holistic-testing">What is Holistic Testing?</h2>



Simply Holistic testing is a way of testing software and it mainly looks at the entire system instead of its separate individual components. In holistic testing, testers verify every component together and make sure the software works well in real-world situations. In holistic software testing, testers verify a software&#8217;s overall functionality as well as non-functional aspects. Here, they mainly focus on performance, security, and user experience. The goal of holistic testing is to make sure all components of the software work together smoothly and the software meets users&#8217; needs effectively. This helps in identifying and fixing issues that might not be visible when testing components individually.



<h2 id="h-why-holistic-testing-matters">Why Holistic Testing Matters?</h2>



Holistic testing is very important when it comes to guaranteeing software quality. Because it makes sure that all parts of a software system work together smoothly and gives a good user experience.&nbsp;



This holistic testing approach helps identify issues that might be missed when testing components separately. And it evaluates all the mandatory quality aspects such as functionality, performance, security, and usability as a whole.&nbsp;



This testing approach leads to smooth and reliable software while reducing the risk of problems in real-world use and increasing user satisfaction. Software development teams can make sure that their software is in good quality and a good standard by performing holistic testing.



<h2 id="h-benefits-of-holistic-testing">Benefits of Holistic Testing</h2>



Holistic software testing provides a lot of advantages to testers who want to guarantee the overall quality of a software application. Here are some of those key benefits. 



<ul><li>Testing throughout development &#8211; Guarantees continuous testing throughout all the stages of the development cycle with early bug detection.</li><li>Comprehensive test planning &#8211; Allows for a proper testing process including detailed test planning, including clear objectives, defined test environments, resource allocation, and scheduling.</li><li>Effective test plan implementation &#8211; Helps to create a well-prepared test plan, verifying whether all tests are conducted as per the requirements.</li><li>Different test methodology integration &#8211; Combines multiple testing methods such as static, dynamic, exploratory, white-box, and black-box testing.</li><li>Increased test coverage &#8211; Increases the overall test coverage. Identifies issues that can be missed while testing in other approaches.</li><li>Reduces time and cost &#8211; Identifies and fixes bugs early in the development lifecycle. It will reduce the time and cost.</li><li>Collaboration in the development team &#8211; Promotes shared responsibility among developers and testers while building collaboration.</li><li>Improved software quality &#8211; Guarantees thorough validation and verification at each stage of development, leading to higher overall software quality and user satisfaction.</li><li>Continuous testing &#8211; Supports ongoing testing efforts, which need changes from time to time. Provide real-time feedback.</li><li>Risk mitigation &#8211; Identifies and addresses high-risk areas effectively. It reduces the likelihood of major issues in the final product. </li></ul>



A holistic testing approach makes sure that all potential issues are addressed, leading to a smoother user experience.



<h2 id="h-how-to-do-holistic-testing">How to do Holistic Testing?</h2>



To perform a holistic approach to <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software testing</a>, it&#8217;s important to use a strategy that covers every phase of the software development process. This guarantees that the entire system is thoroughly tested and any issues that are found are fixed early. Here are the steps to conduct holistic testing.



<ol><li>Define test objectives &#8211; Set specific objectives for the testing process. Those should go along with the project&#8217;s requirements and what users expect.</li><li>Create a test plan &#8211; Create a detailed plan with related details. Information like Test environment, resources needed, team responsibilities, testing methods, schedule, and expected coverage can be added.</li><li>Implement continuous testing &#8211; Add testing activities throughout all stages of the software development cycle. Testing should go from initial design to final deployment.</li><li>Use different test methodologies &#8211; Apply various testing techniques. Testing methods such as static, dynamic, exploratory, white-box, black-box, component, and regression testing can be used.</li><li>Conduct end-to-end testing &#8211; Test the entire workflow from start to finish (An end-to-end test). Make sure all components of the system work together in a correct way.</li><li>Perform User experience (UX) testing &#8211; Verify the software from the user&#8217;s perspective. It will make sure that it is user-friendly, easy to use, and meets their needs.</li><li>Perform performance testing &#8211; Conduct performance tests and load tests. It will give an idea of how the system performs under different conditions, including high user loads and increased network traffic.</li><li>Perform security testing &#8211; Run security tests and identify potential security vulnerabilities. Fix them to protect the system from security threats.</li><li>Perform regression testing &#8211; Make sure new changes do not negatively affect existing functionalities. That can be covered through regression tests.</li><li>Gather and analyze test data &#8211; Collect data from various tests and analyze the results. Frequently, share insights with the rest of the development team for continuous improvement.</li><li>Review test reports and update accordingly &#8211; Regularly review the testing process. Make necessary changes if needed and repeat that process.</li></ol>



By following these steps, testers can make sure that their software is thoroughly tested and meets high standards of quality. This ultimately leads to a better user experience and a more reliable software product.



<h2 id="h-how-does-testsigma-help-in-holistic-testing">How does Testsigma help in Holistic testing?</h2>



Testsigma is a comprehensive testing platform that is designed to support a holistic approach in software testing with specific tools and features.&nbsp;



<ul><li>Testsigma supports <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated testing</a> including end-to-end test automation for different types of applications &#8211; web, mobile, desktop and APIs &#8211; all from the same place.&nbsp;</li><li>It supports for planning, execution, and tracking of test cases.&nbsp;</li><li>Testsigma supports data-driven testing and utilizes AI to identify issues in the software.&nbsp;</li><li>Furthermore, it has a good reporting feature as well.&nbsp;</li></ul>



By offering these features, Testigma supports in various ways when it comes to holistic testing approaches. This ensures a thorough evaluation of the software and improves the overall quality and reliability of the software application. Here is how Testsigma can be used to automate a simple test case.



<ol><li>Log in to the Testigma application, hover on the “Create&nbsp; New” button, and click on the “Test Case” option.</li></ol>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1156" height="653" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/30152755/Holistic-testing.png" alt="Holistic Testing" class="wp-image-46933" srcset="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/30152755/Holistic-testing.png 1156w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/30152755/Holistic-testing-768x434.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1156px) 100vw, 1156px" /></figure></div>



2. In the “Create Test Case” screen, give a meaningful name such as “Verify login with valid credentials” for your test script.



3. Under the URL area, give the URL to the login page of your application.



4. In Testigma, there are several ways for you to define test steps. You can record the test steps or define them in simple English easily.



5. Once the steps are created, you can easily run the tests on the devices/browsers of your choice.



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<h2 id="h-limitations-of-holistic-testing">Limitations of Holistic Testing</h2>



While holistic testing offers many advantages, it also has several limitations that can affect the testing process. Here are some of those key limitations that you might face.



<ol><li>Complexity &#8211; Managing all components of the system can be complicated and requires careful coordination.</li><li>Time-consuming &#8211; Testing everything thoroughly can take a lot of time, potentially delaying the delivery of the project.</li><li>Resource allocation &#8211; Holistic testing requires more resources, like skilled testers and advanced tools, which can increase costs.</li><li>Difficult to scale &#8211; As projects grow, maintaining comprehensive testing for larger systems can be challenging.</li><li>Test overlapping &#8211; Different tests might cover the same areas and it will result in unnecessary repetition.</li><li>Dependence on team collaboration &#8211; Due to bad communication and collaboration, the testing process can be unsuccessful.</li><li>Incomplete test coverage &#8211; Even though holistic testing gives a huge test coverage, sometimes, bugs can be still missed.</li><li>Challenges in measuring test effectiveness &#8211; It can be challenging to measure how effective holistic testing is. Because the impact of individual tests can be difficult to quantify. </li></ol>



Even though there are a few challenges, holistic testing is very important for guaranteeing overall software quality. Balancing its benefits and limitations is very important for effective testing. By understanding its limitations, teams can plan and execute tests to achieve the best results.



<h2 id="h-best-practices-in-holistic-testing">Best Practices in Holistic Testing</h2>



To initiate effective holistic testing, it is important to follow best practices that cover all aspects of the testing process. Here are some of those best practices for holistic testing. 



<ul><li>Define clear test objectives &#8211; Define clear objectives and requirements for what the testing process should achieve.</li><li>Develop a comprehensive test plan &#8211; Create a detailed plan mentioning test environments, resources, responsibilities, methods, and schedules.</li><li>Implement continuous testing &#8211; Integrate testing at every stage of development. It will identify and address issues at the earliest stages.</li><li>Use different testing methods &#8211; Combine different testing approaches. Methods such as static, dynamic, exploratory, white-box, and black-box testing can be used.</li><li>Focus on user experience (UX) testing &#8211; Include usability testing. It will help to verify whether the software is user-friendly and meets user needs.</li><li>Automate where possible &#8211; Use <a href="https://testsigma.com/qa-automation-tools">test automation tools</a> to improve efficiency in repetitive testing tasks.</li><li>Use team collaboration &#8211; Increase cooperation between developers, testers, and other stakeholders of the team.</li><li>Continuous review and update tests &#8211; Continuously review and refine test cases and strategies. Check whether they are according to the received feedback and requirement changes of the clients.</li></ul>



By following these best practices, software development teams can create and execute a thorough and effective testing process. That will ultimately help to increase software quality and reliability. This approach not only improves the end product but also streamlines the development cycle. And at the end of the development process, it leads to more successful project outcomes.



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



Holistic testing plays a key role when it comes to the overall quality and reliability of a software application. It helps to test the entire software with all functional aspects as well as the non-functional aspects such as security, performance, user experience, etc. There is a specific way to perform a holistic test and it gives a lot of benefits when it comes to ensuring software quality.&nbsp;



Even though there are limitations and challenges in holistic testing, with best practices we can ignore most of them. Furthermore, Testsigma can be also used as a holistic testing tool with its comprehensive features. At the end of the day, thanks to holistic testing, a software application with more quality and reliability can be delivered to the clients. And that will definitely make them happy.



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



<h3 id="h-why-is-it-called-holistic-testing">Why is it called holistic testing?</h3>



In a holistic approach to software testing, it looks at the entire system, not just separate individual components. This approach verifies whether all aspects, such as functionality, performance, security, and user experience, are thoroughly tested.&nbsp;



By viewing the software as a whole, holistic testing helps find and fix issues that might arise from how different parts work together. This comprehensive method verifies whether the software application meets high-quality standards and provides a smooth user experience.&nbsp;

Holistic Software Testing | What it is, Benefits & How to Do?

Test Evidence - What it is, Why & How to Capture?

Test Evidence – What it is, Why & How to Capture?

Coffee machines are like minicomputers today. Many have complex user interfaces that enable users to create different types of coffee, choose a size, add extra ingredients, or even set a temperature range.&nbsp;



Smart coffee machines also tell you when the coffee is low, the water tank needs cleaned, or filters need changing.&nbsp;



Coffee vending machines use software code to perform tasks. Software code requires full test coverage to ensure customer satisfaction.&nbsp;



Test cases for coffee machines need to verify that functionality meets requirements.&nbsp;



This guide provides samples of test cases for coffee machines, including functional, usability, user interface, boundary conditions, and negative test scenarios.&nbsp;



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Functional_Test_Cases_For_A_Coffee_Vending_Machine">1 Functional Test Cases For A Coffee Vending Machine</a></li><li><a href="#Usability_Test_Cases_For_Coffee_Vending_Machine">2 Usability Test Cases For Coffee Vending Machine</a></li><li><a href="#User_Interface_Test_Cases_For_Coffee_Machine">3 User Interface Test Cases For Coffee Machine</a></li><li><a href="#Boundary_Conditions_Test_Cases_For_Coffee_Vending_Machine">4 Boundary Conditions Test Cases For Coffee Vending Machine</a></li><li><a href="#Negative_Test_Cases_For_A_Coffee_Vending_Machine">5 Negative Test Cases For A Coffee Vending Machine</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Automate_Test_Cases_in_Testsigma">6 How to Automate Test Cases in Testsigma</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">7 Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-functional-test-cases-for-a-coffee-vending-machine">Functional Test Cases For A Coffee Vending Machine</h2>



What types of test cases for coffee machines verify functionality? Consider using basic <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/what-is-test-case/">test case </a>techniques to create every kind of test case. Use the functional requirements and the following functional test case samples to get started.



<ol><li>Fill the water, beans, and additives (creamer or milk) to the expected level.&nbsp;<ul><li>Press the large coffee button with no additives.&nbsp;<ol><li>Verify any indicator lights show the machine is brewing.&nbsp;</li><li>Verify a large coffee cup dispenses into the filling space.&nbsp;</li><li>Confirm the indicator lights let the user know when the coffee is ready.&nbsp;</li></ol></li><li>Verify the coffee fills as expected in the cup and the machine resets to receive a new order.&nbsp;<ol><li>Confirm there are no additives.&nbsp;</li><li>Use a thermometer to confirm the temperature matches requirements.&nbsp;</li></ol></li></ul></li></ol>



<ol start="2"><li>Fill the water, beans, and additives (creamer or milk) to the expected level.&nbsp;<ul><li>Ensure the unit is plugged in or has access to a power source.&nbsp;</li><li>Press the large coffee button and add two or more creams.&nbsp;<ol><li>Verify any indicator lights show the machine is brewing.&nbsp;</li><li>Verify a large coffee cup dispenses into the filling space.&nbsp;</li><li>Confirm two cream additives are added after the coffee.&nbsp;</li><li>Confirm the indicator lights show when the order is complete.&nbsp;</li></ol></li><li>Verify the coffee fills as expected in the cup, and that the machine resets to receive a new order.&nbsp;<ol><li>Use a thermometer to confirm the temperature matches requirements.</li></ol></li></ul></li></ol>



<ol start="3"><li>Select the ON button to activate the automatic cleaner.&nbsp;<ul><li>Confirm the machine indicates the coffee, additives, and water reservoirs are empty.&nbsp;</li><li>Verify that an indicator light shows the machine is locked for cleaning.&nbsp;<ol><li>Try to press the coffee button for any size coffee.</li><li>Verify the system shows a message indicating it is in cleaning mode.&nbsp;</li></ol></li><li>Time the cleaning process.&nbsp;<ol><li>Verify the time it takes to clean meets requirements automatically.&nbsp;</li></ol></li><li>Once the automatic cleaning process is completed, inspect the machine.&nbsp;<ol><li>Verify the cup dispenser is full.&nbsp;</li><li>Verify the water dispenser is clean and empty.&nbsp;</li><li>Verify the coffee dispenser is clean and empty.&nbsp;</li><li>Verify the additive dispensers are clean and empty.&nbsp;</li></ol></li><li>Confirm the machine resets after cleaning to indicate the user must fill the ingredients before brewing coffee.&nbsp;</li></ul></li></ol>



<ol start="4"><li>Fill all ingredients after cleaning.&nbsp;<ul><li>Select the ON button to brew a large cup of coffee with one cream and one sugar.&nbsp;<ol><li>Verify an indicator light shows the machine is brewing.&nbsp;</li><li>Verify a large coffee cup dispenses into the filling space.&nbsp;</li><li>Confirm one cream additive and one sugar are added after the coffee.&nbsp;</li><li>Confirm the indicator lights show when the order is complete.&nbsp;</li></ol></li><li>Verify the coffee fills as expected in the cup and the machine resets to receive a new order.&nbsp;<ol><li>Use a thermometer to confirm the temperature matches requirements.</li></ol></li></ul></li><li>Fill the coffee dispenser, not the cups, additives, or water dispenser.&nbsp;<ul><li>Select a large coffee with one cream and one sugar.&nbsp;</li><li>Verify an indicator light displays with a message that the machine is out of cups, additives, and water.&nbsp; Click the option to contact the operator.&nbsp;<ol><li>Verify an SMS message is sent to the coffee machine operator to indicate it needs service.&nbsp;</li></ol></li><li>Verify the machine shows a message apologizing for the inconvenience.&nbsp;</li><li>Confirm the machine does NOT dispense coffee without all ingredients present.</li></ul></li></ol>



<h2 id="usability-test-cases-for-coffee-vending-machine">Usability Test Cases For Coffee Vending Machine</h2>



Usability test cases for coffee machines are intended to ensure the user can successfully receive a cup of coffee at an accurate temperature and with any added ingredients at the size selected without issue. Need more test design options for non-functional tests? Consider different approaches to design.&nbsp;



<ol><li>Verify users can quickly locate the ON and OFF buttons.<ol><li>Turn the machine OFF.&nbsp;</li><li>As a user, determine how easy or difficult it is to locate the ON button.</li></ol></li><li>Verify the user’s coffee cup is full when service is complete.&nbsp;<ol><li>Brew each available size of coffee.&nbsp;</li><li>After service is complete, verify the cup is full to meet requirements (¼ inch below the rim, for example).&nbsp;</li></ol></li><li>Verify the machine displays an understandable error message for:<ol><li>No cup inventory</li><li>Any ingredient is empty</li><li>Machine requires service</li><li>The user selects a non-supported additive number&nbsp;</li></ol></li><li>Confirm the images and indicator lights match standards (green for ON or Ready, red for Error)<ol><li>View the indicator light colors when using the machine.&nbsp;<ol><li>Verify when an error exists the light is red (or per requirements).</li><li>Verify when the system is functioning then the light is green (or per requirements).&nbsp;</li></ol></li></ol></li></ol>



<h2 id="user-interface-test-cases-for-coffee-machine">User Interface Test Cases For Coffee Machine</h2>



User interface test cases for coffee machines intend to identify defects in functionality based on UI controls.



<ol><li>Verify button lights, images, or text match requirements for each function.</li><li>Verify the button indicators and lights exist for notifying users when ingredients are missing.</li><li>Confirm the correct brand and logo display according to requirements.</li><li>Verify the machine generates an error when it is plugged into an improper voltage power source.&nbsp;</li></ol>



<h2 id="boundary-conditions-test-cases-for-coffee-vending-machine">Boundary Conditions Test Cases For Coffee Vending Machine</h2>



Test cases for coffee machines must include verifying the machine operates with variances in values for all options: coffee, size, additives, and temperature.&nbsp;



<ol><li>Verify users receive a single serving for each coffee serving.&nbsp;</li><li>Verify when users press the coffee button repeatedly, users receive a single serving.&nbsp;</li><li>Verify users are limited to 0-6 additive servings.</li><li>Verify machine accepts only supported chip credit cards.&nbsp;</li></ol>



<h2 id="negative-test-cases-for-a-coffee-vending-machine">Negative Test Cases For A Coffee Vending Machine</h2>



Negative test cases for coffee machines are intended to identify defects when a user acts out of the expected sequence.&nbsp;



<ol><li>Press large and small coffee buttons at the same time.&nbsp;<ul><li>Verify only the first selection is fulfilled.&nbsp;</li></ul></li><li>Overfill the coffee beans and push the brew button.&nbsp;<ul><li>Verify the machine indicates an error with a red indicator light and a message that says the coffee beans are overfull.&nbsp;</li></ul></li><li>Turn the machine off and then press the coffee button.&nbsp;<ul><li>Verify the machine does not respond without power.&nbsp;</li></ul></li><li>Turn the machine on its side and try to press the coffee button.&nbsp;<ul><li>Verify the machine displays an error that it is not upright and cannot function.&nbsp;</li></ul></li></ol>



<h2 id="how-to-automate-test-cases-in-testsigma">How to Automate Test Cases in Testsigma</h2>



If you are a tester who creates test cases, you also will need to know how to automate those at some point of time. Testsigma is a low-code test automation platform that makes it very easy to learn and start with automating and executing test cases.



Leverage Generative AI (Gen-AI) technology by automating test cases using Testsigma.&nbsp;



Testsigma users can also perform test management, bug tracking, and test development in Testsigma. Get started with Testsigma using a free trial of the cloud-based tool.&nbsp;



Most organizations start by creating test cases:&nbsp;



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1600" height="804" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03120321/How-to-Automate-Test-Cases-in-Testsigma.png" alt="How to Automate Test Cases in Testsigma" class="wp-image-45853" srcset="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03120321/How-to-Automate-Test-Cases-in-Testsigma.png 1600w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03120321/How-to-Automate-Test-Cases-in-Testsigma-768x386.png 768w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03120321/How-to-Automate-Test-Cases-in-Testsigma-1536x772.png 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /></figure></div>



Next, organize tests into new test suites for easier tracking and status reporting:



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1600" height="914" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03121810/Test-Suites-1.png" alt="Test suites" class="wp-image-45857" srcset="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03121810/Test-Suites-1.png 1600w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03121810/Test-Suites-1-768x439.png 768w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03121810/Test-Suites-1-1536x877.png 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /></figure></div>







Write your automated scripts. Visit the test automation guide for creating automated scripts with Testsigma.



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



Testing coffee machine computer interfaces can be challenging. By understanding how to write test cases for coffee machines, testers can create full suites of effective, concise, and thorough test coverage.&nbsp;



Testing is more than proving functionality works, quality test cases also verify functionality through usability, user interface, boundary conditions, and negative test cases. Consider using Testsigma to automate test cases and leverage the power of AI for analytics, reporting, test development, and even maintenance.&nbsp;