If you are a software tester, you can perform various testing methods to make sure that your software application is developed with good quality. However, if you have a software application with a high complexity and a lot of input possibilities, you may have a lot of testing to do. It would take a long time to design and execute all the test scenarios. Also, there is a high chance of missing some of the test scenarios even if you try your best to give 100% test coverage with a large number of test cases. This is the situation in which you need help from the test technique called combinatorial testing. 



With this article, we are going to learn what combinatorial testing is, how to write a combinatorial test case, and what tools we can use to perform combinatorial testing.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/Xw0YSjIQjlRbnlo8uu64vPpoIP2uXGs95Qn8WZqHUqNg6dAenYEgkQRMZ1Qh3iWUXQI5fpzx7IkNnPBd4qFhdV7cBmr54e7Pa_1OovvcBVo_sV4jMDpvlpxlcfRWkmz9ZJNgi8_77CeqSy01ric0EXY" alt="Combinatorial testing" width="800" height="721" /></figure></div>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Combinatorial_Testing_in_Software_Testing">1 What is Combinatorial Testing in Software Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_are_the_Benefits_of_Combinatorial_Testing">2 What are the Benefits of Combinatorial Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Combinatorial_Test_Case">3 Combinatorial Test Case</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Do_Combinatorial_Testing">4 How to Do Combinatorial Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Manual_Combinatorial_Testing">5 Manual Combinatorial Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Automated_Combinatorial_Testing">6 Automated Combinatorial Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Why_Do_We_Need_Combinatorial_Testing_Tools">7 Why Do We Need Combinatorial Testing Tools?</a></li><li><a href="#Top_Combinatorial_Testing_Tools">8 Top Combinatorial Testing Tools</a></li><li><a href="#Advantages_Of_Combinatorial_Testing">9 Advantages Of Combinatorial Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Disadvantages_Of_Combinatorial_Testing">10 Disadvantages Of Combinatorial Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">11 Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">12 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_combinatorial_testing_in_game_testing">12.1 What is combinatorial testing in game testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_combinatorial_design_in_software_testing">12.2 What is combinatorial design in software testing?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-combinatorial-testing-in-software-testing">What is Combinatorial Testing in Software Testing?</h2>



Combinatorial testing is a testing method that uses multiple combinations of input parameters to perform testing for a software application. The main goal of combinatorial testing is to make sure that the software product can handle different combinations of test data as input parameters and configuration options. 



Testers use combinatorial testing based on the idea that defects in a software application can occur by specific combinations of input parameters rather than by isolated inputs. By focusing on the input combinations like that, the testers can provide effective <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-coverage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test coverage</a> while reducing the number of test cases written. 



<h2 id="h-what-are-the-benefits-of-combinatorial-testing">What are the Benefits of Combinatorial Testing?</h2>



Combinatorial testing has many advantages when it comes to ensuring the quality of a software product. That is why testers choose combinatorial testing over normal software testing methods when testing complicated software applications. Let us get to know some of the benefits of combinatorial testing.



<ul><li>Covers a broad range of input combinations using a minimum number of test cases.</li><li>Increases test coverage compared to normal <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/component-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">component testing</a> since it always considers multiple input combinations.</li><li>Helps to detect bugs, defects, vulnerabilities, and unexpected outputs that might not be detected during the usual component and regression testing phases.</li><li>Reduces testing effort, cost, and time. (Since combinatorial tests use fewer test cases to cover a wide scope of testing.)</li><li>Identifies issues at the earliest while allowing the team to address and fix those earlier in the software development life cycle.</li><li>Optimizes the testing process by removing unwanted test cases while ensuring that the cost and effort are not wasted on repeating the same test scenarios again and again.</li><li>Helps to test complex software applications with a large number of parameters, settings, and options.</li><li>Reduces the risk of critical defects going unnoticed, which can occur only when handling specific input combinations.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-combinatorial-test-case">Combinatorial Test Case</h2>



A combinatorial test case is very different from a normal test case, and it is a specific test scenario that is created using combinatorial test techniques. That is designed to cover various combinations of input parameters of a software application. Let us get to know some key points about combinatorial test cases.



<ul><li>Each combinatorial test case is designed to cover a specific input parameter of variable combination.</li><li>Combinatorial test cases are created to cover a wide range of the scope since the end goal of combinatorial testing is to reduce the number of test cases.</li><li>Combinatorial test cases are not created randomly. They are designed using specialized algorithms or tools that consider various input parameters to create <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Test_case" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test cases</a>.</li><li>The basic need for combinatorial test cases is to reduce the effort of testing complicated software applications focusing on critical combinations.</li><li>Like the other types of test cases, the testers should be able to detect defects, bugs, vulnerabilities, and unexpected system behaviors when combinatorial test cases are executed.</li></ul>



Let’s take a combinatorial test example for a simple login scenario. Initially, a login page of a web application might contain parameters such as user name and password. Those parameters can have several inputs like this,



<ul><li>Username: [User1, User2, User3]</li><li>Password: [Password1, Password2]</li></ul>



If we consider this login scenario to write combinatorial test cases, we can design 6 possible combinatorial test cases for that. Those will be like the following,&nbsp;



<ul><li>Test Case 1: Username=User1, Password=Password1</li><li>Test Case 2: Username=User2, Password=Password1</li><li>Test Case 3: Username=User3, Password=Password1</li><li>Test Case 4: Username=User1, Password=Password2</li><li>Test Case 5: Username=User2, Password=Password2</li><li>Test Case 6: Username=User3, Password=Password2</li></ul>



In this combinatorial test example, we can cover all the possible input combinations of usernames and passwords using only 6 test cases. With that, now you have an idea of how to write a minimum number of test cases to cover a broad range of the testing scope.



<h2 id="h-how-to-do-combinatorial-testing">How to Do Combinatorial Testing?</h2>



Combinatorial testing cannot be done with the same approach that we use to perform normal component testing since it always focuses on the input parameter combinations rather than testing the initial scenario. To perform a combinatorial test, the following steps can be followed.



<ol><li>Identify input parameters and configuration options that need to be tested in the software application, including variables, settings, features, etc.</li><li>For each of these parameters or the configurations, define a list of possible values that represent different settings and options. (Such as different usernames, passwords, etc.)</li><li>Insert the list of possible values into the selected combinatorial testing tool and design the respective combinatorial test cases. Or create the combinatorial test cases manually considering the respective input combinations.</li><li>Execute the created test cases on your software application.</li><li>Analyze the results of the test execution and review the combinatorial test coverage.</li><li>Repeat the testing process with various input parameters and configurations if you need to.</li><li>Report any issues found during combinatorial test execution.</li><li>Continue maintenance testing by re-running combinatorial tests from time to time with necessary changes.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-manual-combinatorial-testing">Manual Combinatorial Testing</h2>



When it comes to manual combinatorial testing, testers manually select and combine input parameters and their values to cover various combinations. They need to plan, design and execute combinatorial test cases while documenting the test results as well. Even though its control is with the testers, creating combinatorial test cases will be more time-consuming and it will not be much practical for the software applications with a large number of input parameters. This approach is more effective for smaller software applications with less number of input parameter combinations that the automated tools are not suitable for.



<h2 id="h-automated-combinatorial-testing">Automated Combinatorial Testing</h2>



In automated combinatorial testing, testers use specialized software tools or scripts to create and execute a large number of test cases. These automated tools use combinatorial algorithms to create test cases while considering various combinations of input parameters and configuration options. Ultimately, this approach minimizes the time and effort of manual combinatorial testing and it is more effective for software applications with a large number of input parameters.



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



<h2 id="h-why-do-we-need-combinatorial-testing-tools">Why Do We Need Combinatorial Testing Tools?</h2>



Combinatorial testing tools are very important due to several reasons. Let’s take a software application that needs to be tested with a lot of input variables. Other than performing combinatorial testing manually, we can get help from the combinatorial testing tools which create a minimum number of test cases that cover a wide range of input combinations. It reduces the time and effort required for manual combinatorial testing as well. When it comes to accuracy, we can trust the test cases that were written by an automated approach rather than the manually written ones. 



Combinatorial testing tools help detect defects, vulnerabilities, and unexpected responses effectively. Most importantly, combinatorial testing tools can be effectively used when testing more complex software applications instead of doing combinatorial testing manually. Because, if testers create and execute combinatorial test cases manually for a more complex software application, there is a high chance of missing several critical test scenarios that can lead the entire software product to a high risk.



<h2 id="h-top-combinatorial-testing-tools">Top Combinatorial Testing Tools</h2>



Even though combinatorial testing sounds like quite a new concept, several tools can be used to perform combinatorial testing which are currently popular among quality assurance engineers. Here are some of those tools.



<ul><li>ACTS (Advanced Combinatorial Testing System)</li><li>Pict</li><li>Hexawise</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-advantages-of-combinatorial-testing">Advantages Of Combinatorial Testing</h2>



Combinatorial testing has a lot of advantages that make the tester’s life easier. Let’s get to know some of those advantages.



<ul><li>Combinatorial testing provides a wide test coverage with a smaller number of test cases which verifies the software application considering various input combinations.</li><li>Combinatorial testing reduces testing effort, time, and cost, especially for software applications with a large number of input variables.</li><li>This testing method is highly effective when it comes to detecting issues that occur due to specific input combinations.</li><li>Combinatorial testing helps to detect issues during the earlier stages of development while reducing the cost of fixing them in later development phases.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-disadvantages-of-combinatorial-testing">Disadvantages Of Combinatorial Testing</h2>



Even though there are plenty of advantages that the software development teams can gain from using combinatorial testing when ensuring the quality of the software applications, there is a set of disadvantages and challenges in combinatorial testing as well. Let’s get to know some of those disadvantages and challenges.



<ul><li>Combinatorial testing may become more complex when dealing with a huge number of input parameters and values. It will be a bit challenging for the testers to manage those combinations manually.</li><li>Since the testers may need to use specialized tools to perform automated combinatorial testing, it will take considerable time and effort for the testers to dive into those new tools.</li><li>Automated combinatorial testing tools may require more computing resources and it will be challenging for the software projects which function under less number of resources.</li><li>Combinatorial testing focuses on specific input combinations and sometimes they may not represent real-world user behavior.</li><li>With the changes that are getting added to the particular software application, combinatorial test cases should be updated and well-maintained from time to time.</li></ul>



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



Combinatorial testing helps the testers to effectively verify the behaviors of a software application by designing and executing test cases considering various combinations of input variables and configurations. This testing approach is very beneficial especially when it comes to software applications with a huge complexity. Ultimately, combinatorial testing covers a wide scope of testing with less number of test cases while reducing the cost, time, and effort. Even though there are a few disadvantages, with the usage of the most suitable tools and adhering to the correct combinatorial test design steps, the testers can tackle those challenges and get the maximum out of combinatorial testing. All in all, combinatorial testing is the best way of giving the maximum test coverage with the minimum number of test cases.



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



<h3 id="h-what-is-combinatorial-testing-in-game-testing">What is combinatorial testing in game testing?</h3>



Testers use combinatorial testing to test games to verify their behavior against various combinations of input parameters and gaming scenarios. This approach helps game testers and developers identify defects, gameplay issues, and unexpected interactions under specific combinations of playing actions, player characters, and certain conditions. Performing combinatorial testing in the gaming industry is very important since we all know that there can be millions of game-playing combinations available due to the number of players that use the particular games and the differences in the behavior of each game player.



<h3 id="h-what-is-combinatorial-design-in-software-testing">What is combinatorial design in software testing?</h3>



Combinatorial test design allows the testers to create a well-structured and efficient set of test cases to validate a particular software application. While doing combinatorial design, the testers may have to select various combinations of input parameters and configurations to make sure that those test cases deliver the maximum test coverage. An effectively designed combinatorial test set helps identify defects, bugs, vulnerabilities, and unexpected application behaviors while reducing the cost, effort, and time of testing.

Combinatorial Testing What it is, How to Perform & Tools

Combinatorial Testing | What it is, How to Perform & Tools

Every online website has multiple digital assets. The main menu, search bar, images, and breadcrumbs make up a few of the fundamental components of the website design. They add to the overall design and operations of the site. One such component is pagination. Predominantly used by e-commerce sites, blogs, catalogs, and data tables, pagination comes into action when there is a large amount of digital content to deal with. Alongside this comes pagination test cases to qualify the component as bug-free and in proper working condition.



We show you how.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Pagination">1 What is Pagination?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_Perform_Pagination_Testing">2 Why Perform Pagination Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Test_Cases_for_Pagination">3 Test Cases for Pagination</a><ul><li><a href="#Positive_Test_Cases_for_Pagination">3.1 Positive Test Cases for Pagination</a></li><li><a href="#Negative_Test_Cases_for_Pagination">3.2 Negative Test Cases for Pagination</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Pagination_Testing_Best_Practices">4 Pagination Testing Best Practices</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Automate_Test_Cases_for_Pagination">5 How to Automate Test Cases for Pagination?</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_are_the_use_cases_for_pagination">7.1 What are the use cases for pagination?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_REST_API_pagination">7.2 What is REST API pagination?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-pagination">What is Pagination?</h2>



Pagination is a design pattern for online websites that comes into play when there is a need to organize large amounts of data in a specific order. It divides and displays the content into separate pages, which plays a critical role in simplifying navigation and access to the information.&nbsp;



The goal of pagination is to offer a clear pathway for users to discover crucial content on the website to prevent them from going off-track. On the plus side, pagination improves customer satisfaction and retention.



An example of pagination is Testsigma blogs, which provide readers with quick access to all the posts in an organized manner.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/_HmTNi6rHiqZm8T0X0R7Xq9G0aJ3DYMzWXRcrPvNTR9RimqbOwn27j1WgoVHzjh-I0gTdb_P95Q-3c2HtlriyprvA4C5g4FLq4HuliJ0GbwPBViSnp3FPqTAk_PLaiYQLx3P04hHC56Vz64rCntea54" alt="Pagination Example" /></figure></div>



To test the pages on the website, you can either do manual testing or automated testing using tools such as Testsigma.



<h2 id="h-why-perform-pagination-testing">Why Perform Pagination Testing?</h2>



For the same reason, you execute any other testing: to ensure that a basic yet fundamental section of your website is behaving as intended. Issues in the pagination functionality can lead to the loss of potential customers for e-commerce sites and a decline in interested readers for blog sites. Subsequently, providing easy and quick entrance to any part of your website (through pagination) is only going to enhance the customer satisfaction quotient for the business.



<h2 id="h-test-cases-for-pagination">Test Cases for Pagination</h2>



Similar to every other element and functionality, pagination also has a list of <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/what-is-test-case/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test cases</a> for testers to run. It encompasses both positive and negative test cases with the same goal to validate the authenticity and quality of the component. Let’s look at some of the essential pagination test cases for e-commerce, blog, and data-based websites:



<h3 id="h-positive-test-cases-for-pagination">Positive Test Cases for Pagination</h3>



<ul><li>Verify that the pagination controls (Next, Previous, Page Numbers) are present and functional.</li><li>Ensure that the specified number of items per page is displayed consistently.</li><li>Confirm that clicking on the Next and Previous buttons correctly navigates to the next and previous pages.</li><li>Test selecting a specific page number and confirm that the correct page is displayed.</li><li>Verify that navigation to the first and last pages works as expected.</li><li>Test the pagination behavior when there is a large dataset to ensure it handles a maximum page limit properly.</li><li>Check that pagination adjusts appropriately on different screen sizes, ensuring a positive user experience.</li><li>Validate the UI aspects of pagination, i.e., font size, font style, display, and clickability, as expected.</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-negative-test-cases-for-pagination">Negative Test Cases for Pagination</h3>



<ul><li>Test pagination behavior when there are no items to display, ensuring it provides appropriate feedback.</li><li>Check if an attempt to go to a page that does not exist shows a 404 error page or an appropriate error message.</li><li>Check the response when attempting to navigate to a page with a negative page number.</li><li>Test scenarios where the specified items per page exceed the total number of items, ensuring it handles such cases appropriately.</li><li>Verify that pagination controls are not displayed when the dataset is within a single page.</li><li>Check the system&#8217;s behavior when data is removed during pagination to ensure consistency and accuracy.</li></ul>



We also have a comprehensive blog on <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-cases-for-search-functionality/">test cases for search functionality</a> that users rely on to find specific website information.



<h2 id="h-pagination-testing-best-practices">Pagination Testing Best Practices</h2>



Any testing is successful when testers follow the best approach to create and execute test cases. Adopting such practices prevents missing out on critical tests and helps to get results that are useful in debugging the issues. These best practices for test cases for pagination are tried and tested for your business:



<ul><li>Gain a clear understanding of the pagination requirements, including the number of items per page, expected behavior, and any specific business rules.</li><li>Verify that the frontend pagination controls align with the backend logic, ensuring consistency in data retrieval and display.</li><li>If pagination is coupled with sorting, test the combined functionality to ensure proper sorting across pages.</li><li>Follow a certain <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-case-template/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test case template</a> to create tests that align with the requirements of pagination functionality.</li><li>Make sure to add negative test cases as well.</li><li>Validate if the UI of pagination is consistent throughout the different browsers and devices.</li><li>Clearly document test cases, including expected results and any specific configurations or conditions.</li><li>Perform a <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-case-review/">test case review</a> before finalizing the number of test cases, including the count of passed, failed, and blocked tests.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-how-to-automate-test-cases-for-pagination">How to Automate Test Cases for Pagination?</h2>



Once you know the best approach to conduct pagination testing, the next step is to put it into practice. With a couple of examples, you can see how Testsigma is an excellent companion for creating and executing pagination test cases.



Consider the blogs page on Testsigma website. We will test if the Previous and Next buttons are working correctly. Here are the steps to follow. Read on how to create test cases in Testsigma using NLPs.



<ul><li>Navigate to the blog URL on Testsigma.</li><li>Identify the pagination element at the end of the page.</li><li>Click on the Next button available. The previous button will only become active when you move from the first page.</li><li>Verify that clicking on Next takes you to the subsequent webpage. If you are on the 1st page, next should take you to the 2nd page. If you are on the 7th page, next should take you to the 8th page.</li><li>Repeat the same steps to check the Previous button from the 2nd page or any page thereafter.</li><li>Verify that clicking on the Previous button takes you to the preceding webpage.</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/x0WTmA7xT7b1MWAZOjrF0dLWUpW2dvJ2jHm09h79KNo4tQuKcubOCfvPKMqq0OsrgUvYeAOHrgBJN_c2tJMtzqMYhT54MdOo0h8LI8TOMnkZyYEuUvSNFRP7PcKcQsPZO4mupoVdzSOE2GqIWKHpp4I" alt="Verifying pagination function" /></figure>



Similarly, you can validate the UI and pagination functionality using Testsigma. The tool works best for <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-web-application-testing">web automated testing</a>, mobile app testing, and <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-api-testing">automated API testing</a> to offer exceptional automation testing.



But the benefits don’t stop here. Partner with Testsigma to:



<ul><li>Save time and resources by automating cross-browser testing</li><li>Quickly present the best and easy-to-understand analytics and reporting to your stakeholders</li><li>Harness the power of AI and NLP-based no-coding test case creation</li><li>Integrate your existing tool set with Testsigma</li></ul>



 <button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Sign up to explore the 5x automation testing benefits Testsigma brings for the QA teams</a></button> 



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



Similar to writing test cases for other functions, pagination test cases are also done in the same manner. Since pagination takes care of organizing data or information in a specific sequence, it is essential to validate this functionality. It is easy to do, and we have outlined the tests you can focus on for checking pagination on your website.



Either <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/test-cases-for-manual-testing/">write test cases for a manual testing</a> approach or go for automation using tools like Testsigma with all the information presented to you in this blog.



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



<h3 id="h-what-are-the-use-cases-for-pagination">What are the use cases for pagination?</h3>



Pagination is crucial for displaying large sets of data in manageable portions. Common use cases include search results, product listings, and data tables. It enhances user experience by presenting information in digestible chunks, reducing page load times, and facilitating efficient navigation through content.



<h3 id="h-what-is-rest-api-pagination">What is REST API pagination?</h3>



REST API pagination involves breaking large sets of data into smaller, manageable chunks to improve performance and reduce the amount of data transferred in each request. It utilizes query parameters like page and per_page to specify the requested page and the number of items per page.

How to Write Pagination Test Cases with Samples

SoapUI vs Postman – Top 5 Key Differences

In the ever-evolving software testing landscape, a term became the latest buzzword – Prompt Engineering.&nbsp;



What is it? &amp; How did it become the talk of the town?&nbsp;



Thanks to the emergence of powerful Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, and Bard, along with applications popping out across domains such as marketing, copywriting, sales, development, product management, and, most importantly, testing.



In this article, let’s delve into the intriguing world of Prompt Engineering for testers.&nbsp;



Let’s explore how this skill can supercharge our testing efforts and serve as an icing on the cake. Fasten your seatbelts because we&#8217;re about to embark on a journey that will transform our approach as a software tester.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#The_Multifaceted_Applications_of_Prompt_Engineering">1 The Multifaceted Applications of Prompt Engineering</a></li><li><a href="#Frameworks_to_Craft_Meaningful_Prompts">2 Frameworks to Craft Meaningful Prompts</a></li><li><a href="#Tips_for_Effective_Prompt_Engineering">3 Tips for Effective Prompt Engineering</a></li><li><a href="#Cautionary_noticenbsp">4 Cautionary notice:&nbsp;</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-the-multifaceted-applications-of-prompt-engineering">The Multifaceted Applications of Prompt Engineering</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/RVq-CQwom70BRIbUykPgJAJqE6UcFl9-C1wX_hcN2PWI8JJ_TsZPz7f1BLzuG5iyUgWhJb2zmLvglvf3HWFPDkR0zVUsXZYI4Ny1QDgvKnjJjl3vHD28Xf8jyApipW4GRf1ZcBfyHSmMxTsYLH_fXQ" alt="The Multifaceted Applications of Prompt Engineering" width="648" height="432" /></figure></div>



Let’s explore the versatility of Prompt Engineering across domains to understand its diverse potential.



<ol><li>Marketing: From generating compelling ad copies, and engaging social media posts, to creating click-worthy headlines, the possibilities are limitless.&nbsp;</li><li>Copywriting: From crafting persuasive sales letters, and email marketing campaigns, to attention-grabbing product descriptions that maximize their selling potential made easier.</li><li>Operations: From creating automated responses to customer queries, optimizing supply chain processes, and many other values help increase operation efficiency.</li></ol>



All one needs is the right prompt.



<ol start="4"><li>Testing: Prompt Engineering can revolutionize your testing process. Here are a few examples to level up your testing game with prompt engineering:<ol><li>Test Idea Generator: Prompt Engineering can be used in generating test ideas. By providing your LLM with a well-crafted prompt, we can obtain a list of test ideas to jumpstart our testing efforts.&nbsp;</li></ol></li></ol>



Think of it as a brainstorming partner that never gets tired.&nbsp;



We can get test ideas based on the type of application, quality criteria to be checked, and testing depth required.&nbsp;



<ol start="2"><li>Analyze Key Statements / Text: Understanding and interpreting requirement documents is critical for a tester. Prompt Engineering allows testers to feed these statements to LLM and receive multiple interpretations along with questions to clarify ambiguity, helping us validate understanding and uncover potential issues.</li><li>Learning Guide: As testers, we are always learning continuously. Prompt Engineering can kickstart the learning process when we try to learn different topics.&nbsp;</li></ol>



Creating prompts to provide you a concise overview of any topic can increase the pace of learning.



<ol start="4"><li>Coding: Generating code, whether it&#8217;s in Python, Java, C#, or any other language, can be assisted to a great extent with the help of prompts. Effective prompts can be written to create boilerplate code, test scripts, and even for deep tasks such as code review.</li></ol>



<ol start="5"><li>Brainstorming Partner: Stuck with testing? Need fresh ideas for finding bugs?</li></ol>



LLM applications can be our brainstorming partner. Feed it with the right prompts and get rid of your creative block. 



While the above applications might look like an instant game changer and time saver, there&#8217;s a major challenge that needs to be addressed with prompting.&nbsp;



LLMs rely on the quality of the prompts. As the famous saying goes, &#8220;Garbage In, Garbage Out.&#8221; The response from LLMs will only be as good as the prompt you provide.&nbsp;



This is where the skills of a tester play a major role.&nbsp;



Crafting meaningful prompts is an art that can significantly impact the quality of our output. In the coming section, we will see how to craft meaningful prompts to get high-quality desired outcomes.



<h2 id="frameworks-to-craft-meaningful-prompts">Frameworks to Craft Meaningful Prompts</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/_K2HUM0vX8nHjKHyUWS7ROt20EWhy-z3UM9CJqs0yMmwhica_lnshyjGGvnN0klgYl6owfZWC-P0YDBFX-HSy7p4otqTiDDXSTPc0JhZBpVNmIUz9eupnX65T565ULr1a3FHHx89n9StT3xS44tbEw" alt="Frameworks to Craft Meaningful Prompts" /></figure></div>



Several frameworks have emerged in recent times. A framework can be used depending on the depth of the task at hand.&nbsp;



Let&#8217;s explore a few of them with examples of sample prompts as a tester:&nbsp;



<ol><li>APE (Action, Purpose, Expectation)<ul><li>Action: Define the job or activity to be done.</li><li>Purpose: Discuss the intention or goal.</li><li>Expectation: State the desired outcome.</li></ul></li></ol>



Example: Generating test data using the APE framework.



[Action]: Generate test data for a regular user attempting to log in.



[Purpose]: To assess the login form&#8217;s functionality and security by testing various scenarios with different input data.&nbsp;



[Expectation]: The test data should include both valid and invalid input values, such as correct and incorrect usernames and passwords, as well as special characters, excessively long inputs, and empty fields. This data will be used to evaluate how the login form handles different situations, including successful logins, failed logins, and the prevention of security vulnerabilities like SQL injection.



<ol start="2"><li>RACE (Role, Action, Context, Expectation)</li></ol>



<ul><li>Role: Specify the role of LLM.</li><li>Action: Detail what action is needed.</li><li>Context: Provide relevant details of the situation.</li><li>Expectation: Describe the expected outcome.</li></ul>



Example: Generating boilerplate selenium code in C# for login to a web application.



[Role]: As an automation engineer using C# and NUnit who uses Pascal Coding standards.



[Action]: Write boilerplate Selenium code to automate the login functionality of a web application.



[Context]: The web application has a login page with input fields for username and password, a login button, and the expected elements for successful login, such as a welcome message.



[Expectation]: The Selenium code should be written following Pascal Coding standards, and it should include the setup of the WebDriver, navigating to the login page, entering valid credentials, clicking the login button, and verifying the expected elements on the successful login page. Additionally, proper exception handling and reporting should be implemented in the code.



<ol start="3"><li>COAST (Context, Objective, Actions, Scenario, Task)<ul><li>Context: Set the stage for the conversation.</li><li>Objective: Describe the goal.</li><li>Actions: Explain the actions needed.</li><li>Scenario: Describe the scenario.</li><li>Task: Describe the task.</li></ul></li></ol>



Example: Performing requirement analysis for an application



[Context]: As a test engineer, you are leading the requirements review session for a new mobile banking application.



[Objective]: The goal is to conduct a comprehensive review of the project requirements to ensure they are well-defined, unambiguous, and testable.



[Actions]:&nbsp;



<ul><li>Carefully examine each requirement.</li><li>For each requirement, provide notes, raise questions on ambiguity, suggest test ideas, and offer comments.</li><li>Determine if each requirement is testable in its current state.</li></ul>



[Scenario]: You are part of a cross-functional team consisting of developers, product managers, and business analysts.



[Task]: Review the following requirements.



<ol start="4"><li>TAG (Task, Action, Goal)<ul><li>Task: Define the specific task.</li><li>Action: Describe what needs to be done.</li><li>Goal: Explain the end goal.</li></ul></li></ol>



Example: Analyze sample test data JSON file and generate relevant test data ideas.



[Task]: Extract input variables from the provided JSON data file.



[Action]: Review the JSON data file and identify key input variables.



[Goal]: Suggest possible values for each input variable to facilitate test data generation.



<ol start="5"><li>RISE (Role, Input, Steps, Expectation)</li></ol>



<ul><li>Role: Specify the role of LLM.</li><li>Input: Describe the information or resources.</li><li>Steps: Ask for detailed steps.</li><li>Expectation: Describe the desired result.</li></ul>



Example: Crafting step-by-step documentation for test environment setup on fresh PCs.



[Role]: In the role of a Lead Test Engineer (LTE), you are responsible for documenting the test setup process.



[Input]: The .NET test application source code, necessary dependencies, and access to the target test machine.



[Steps]:



<ul><li>Explain how to set up the development environment (e.g., Visual Studio) and which components need to be installed.</li><li>Detail the steps to clone or download the test application&#8217;s source code from the version control repository.</li><li>Explain how to build and compile the project, specifying any build configurations or build tools required.</li><li>Provide guidance on running the tests, including any specific commands for NUnit to use.</li><li>Include troubleshooting steps for common setup issues or errors that testers might encounter.</li></ul>



[Expectation]: After following the documented setup steps, other testers should be able to successfully set up their test machines, build the test application, and run the tests without encountering significant issues. The documentation should ensure a smooth and error-free setup process.



<h2 id="tips-for-effective-prompt-engineering">Tips for Effective Prompt Engineering</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/0ErJiscatqkfXrxNmi4FsS5-Eiq4aSwM5gzc-zTFsufOOCsnS-b4OTqIGoc-9UUNCTkkVEXTqtgCAeKrXt60ZVGBlB55I1Zdp4gxFun3lVAMurxEogwuK2pXLs9CioDU5PYq9FkpmKVWKxSNG1P5uQ" alt="Tips for Effective Prompt Engineering" /></figure></div>



<ul><li>While crafting a prompt, ensure that enough context is provided to ensure accurate responses.</li><li>Be mindful of implicit details like the version of the programming language, coding conventions, and commenting standards.</li><li>Save frequently used prompts in text expanders like <a href="https://www.getmagical.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GetMagical</a> or <a href="https://www.autohotkey.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">AutoHotKey</a> for quick access.</li><li>Just like LLMs refine their models with updated data, keep refining prompts based on the responses received.</li></ul>



<h2 id="cautionary-notice">Cautionary notice:&nbsp;</h2>



Treat LLM responses as heuristics. They are not infallible, so always review and verify before implementation.&nbsp;



With great power comes great responsibility. Use this technology wisely and ethically.



Check out our <a href="https://testsigma.com/ai-driven-test-automation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI-powered open-source test automation</a> solution which can provide a balance of responsibility and creativity in terms of using AI for testing: Green button to try out open source Testsigma



 <button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Try Testsigma open source</a></button> 



In conclusion, Prompt Engineering is a game-changer for testers. It enables testers to harness the incredible capabilities of LLMs and can aid in making the testing process more efficient and effective. By mastering the art of crafting meaningful prompts, testers can unlock a whole new world of possibilities in <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software testing</a>.&nbsp;



So, embrace this new era of testing and make Prompt Engineering your secret weapon for success!

Prompt Engineering for Testers Unleashing the Power of LLMs

Prompt Engineering for Testers: Unleashing the Power of LLMs

How to Write Test Cases For Login Page?

Unit testing vs acceptance testing is not a battle but a complimentary testing treaty. In SDLC, the quest to create robust and bug-free applications is a never-ending journey for developers and testers. Every company uses various testing methodologies to ensure the reliability and functionality of their products.&nbsp;



As testers, understanding the nuances and significance of unit testing and acceptance testing is crucial for crafting resilient products.



In this blog, we will discuss the core differences between unit testing and acceptance testing and how they synergistically contribute to the overarching goal of delivering high-quality software.&nbsp;



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Definition_8211_Unit_Testing_vs_Acceptance_Testing">1 Definition &#8211; Unit Testing vs Acceptance Testing</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_Unit_Testing">1.1 What is Unit Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_Acceptance_Testing">1.2 What is Acceptance Testing?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Should_You_Do_Unit_Testing_or_Acceptance_Testing">2 Should You Do Unit Testing or Acceptance Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Key_Difference_Between_Acceptance_Testing_And_Unit_Testing">3 Key Difference Between Acceptance Testing And Unit Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Unit_testing_vs_Acceptance_Testing_8211_How_to_Automate_with_Testsigma">4 Unit testing vs Acceptance Testing &#8211; How to Automate with Testsigma</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">5 Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">6 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_are_unit_testing_system_testing_and_acceptance_testing">6.1 What are unit testing, system testing, and acceptance testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_the_difference_between_acceptance_testing_and_integration_testing">6.2 What is the difference between acceptance testing and integration testing?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-definition-unit-testing-vs-acceptance-testing">Definition &#8211; Unit Testing vs Acceptance Testing</h2>



Unit testing and acceptance testing are two distinct levels of <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software testing</a> that serve different purposes in the software development process.



<h3 id="h-what-is-unit-testing">What is Unit Testing?</h3>



Unit testing is the process of testing the individual units or modules of a software application in isolation. A unit refers to the smallest part of an application, such as a function, method, or class.&nbsp;



It is performed by the developers. Unit tests focus on verifying the correctness of each unit of code independently, ensuring that each unit behaves as expected.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/3X4Cg1ylKTyLt3d3j4F7RBYKOq-MjMWmO8LjQRco9vzOAkhEUu0zp62cV9Kb8uO7y8wKIItD6sIodbfuzhEsqdzM-coV0hpo_sx7GFY8xYrthS2jDnf_9Lmx3nmFrmHV--Vdr84J20K_EganjoeGKrQ" alt="Unit testing" width="631" height="482" /></figure></div>



<h3 id="h-what-is-acceptance-testing">What is Acceptance Testing?</h3>



<a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/acceptance-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Acceptance testing</a> evaluates a software system&#8217;s functionality and performance to ensure that it meets specified requirements. It is done to validate that the entire application behaves as expected from the end-user&#8217;s perspective.



<h2 id="h-should-you-do-unit-testing-or-acceptance-testing">Should You Do Unit Testing or Acceptance Testing?</h2>



As testers, it&#8217;s essential to perform both unit and acceptance testing. Both unit testing and acceptance testing play vital roles in the software development process. And it is ideal to incorporate both these tests into your testing strategy.&nbsp;



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/MuFJdJwIuwE_USCIZ8w4WkC3VYQPsWOazVduI-uH6sTUznNEQwA9b8q-h5wMbRT0vNX4n-UGPXqOPtiAa5GYmzK8dW0d55X53xdMGrVTN0o2I88nfeP7ITFpFmkb6goRJ8ITQ41xi_wJZw1niArGaDk" alt=" unit testing vs acceptance testing" width="700" height="700" /></figure></div>



(Unit vs Acceptance testing is not a superhero battle. Instead, superheroes come together to fight against enemies and ensure the world is safe)



The choice between unit testing and acceptance testing is not a matter of one versus the other. Let me explain this in detail.&nbsp;



Most people think that doing a few tests should help create quality software, but that&#8217;s not the case. However, the best practice is to have a great test strategy that tests the application at different levels and aspects.&nbsp;



A comprehensive testing strategy will include multiple <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/levels-of-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">levels of testing</a>, starting with unit testing and moving to integration testing, system testing, and, finally, acceptance testing. This approach is known as the testing pyramid.&nbsp;



The <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/testing-pyramid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test pyramid</a> emphasizes the importance of a broad base of unit tests with a decreasing number of tests at higher levels. The combination of unit testing and acceptance testing provides a more thorough and effective means of ensuring software quality.



<figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/5Lpz6Z9n69B2jLVbR8cll5ZGJF2CX2eczEakb5xACIr-_dLyfu8raQutfNo4w1YA2qQPRKiYZxFYvdGyAbJt6j0tFiT6R9QnozqF8tju0hbc5Bb2m_C8kS9c3Dgm2IcfDOQZAUjQkWy2Ob6upzuRGdc" alt=" Unit testing vs acceptance testing" width="800" height="444" /></figure>



<h2 id="h-key-difference-between-acceptance-testing-and-unit-testing">Key Difference Between Acceptance Testing And Unit Testing</h2>



Unit and acceptance testing are two different levels of testing that serve distinct purposes in the software development process. Let&#8217;s discuss the core differences between acceptance testing vs unit testing in detail,



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Unit Testing</td><td>Acceptance Testing</td></tr><tr><td>Unit tests focus on testing individual units or components.</td><td>Acceptance tests involve testing the entire system or a complete feature.</td></tr><tr><td>Tests are isolated from the rest of the system.</td><td>Tests the system as a whole, including external components.</td></tr><tr><td>Validates the correctness of each unit of code.</td><td>Validates the correctness of the entire application</td></tr><tr><td>It is performed by developers</td><td>It is performed by testers or end users</td></tr><tr><td>It can be automated</td><td>It mostly involves manual testing to validate the user experience of the application from an end-user perspective.</td></tr><tr><td>Performed during the development phase.</td><td>Usually performed toward the end of the development cycle. That is during the production stage.</td></tr><tr><td>Developer-centric, often executed in the development environment.</td><td>The test environment closely mimics the production environment.</td></tr><tr><td>Provides rapid feedback to developers during coding.</td><td>Feedback is often given at later stages, impacting the overall system.</td></tr><tr><td>Developers test their functions, methods, or classes.</td><td>Testers perform <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/uat-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">User Acceptance Testing</a> (UAT), Alpha testing, or Beta testing.</td></tr><tr><td>Performed from the developer perspective</td><td>Performed from the end-user perspective</td></tr><tr><td>Tools &#8211; JUnit, TestNG, Testsigma, etc.&nbsp;</td><td>Tools &#8211; Testsigma, Selenium, etc.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



If you think acceptance and system testing are the same, you might be wrong. Learn the key differences between <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/acceptance-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">acceptance testing and system testing</a>.



<h2 id="h-unit-testing-vs-acceptance-testing-how-to-automate-with-testsigma">Unit testing vs Acceptance Testing &#8211; How to Automate with Testsigma</h2>



Automation is the key to any robust testing strategy. You can automate your entire acceptance testing process using a test automation platform like Testsigma for faster and more efficient testing.&nbsp;



A testing strategy that could manually take months to complete can be done in a day or week span with automated testing. You can make your testing up to 10x faster and more efficient with a robust test automation tool like Testsigma.&nbsp;



Some of the core benefits of Testsigma are as follows,



<ul><li>Automate your web, mobile, desktop, and API testing in one place.</li><li>Run different types of software testing in a single platform. That is, you can run UI, functional, cross-browser, portability, integration, regression testing, and more in one place.</li><li>It provides AI capabilities like in-built test case management, self-healing, etc.</li><li>No need for extensive coding skills. Testsigma makes the test case creation process easy and efficient with NLPs. That is, users can create test cases using plain English. For example, Navigate to <a href="https://testsigma.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.testsigma.com</a> (an NLP) will navigate to the URL.</li><li>Perfect for both scriptless and script-based test automation.</li><li>Accessible for both technical and non-technical users.</li></ul>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/GTc2V5Ith5p6maGcrCTYGZp_Tjf8CzPixx-9wyn6IxouXEY5I6rnEz7Tmm0MBoT7HZoLD-LHCCjh1UyGFZpi9Tm5rSpAEVDBcv18L5KftJBk3U5Urz-5NZAAn4IZBfiD0fxC641wM3kgw6qc7ZR3W24" alt="Testsigma for test automation" width="800" height="365" /></figure></div>



<a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-web-application-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Automate your web testing</a> across 3000+ real devices/tablets and 1000+ browser/OS combos using Testsigma.&nbsp;



 <button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Sign up for a free trial and start automating your web, mobile, desktop, and API tests in less than 2 minutes.</a></button> 



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



The dynamic interplay between acceptance testing and unit testing plays a pivotal role in shaping the reliability and quality of the final product. As we&#8217;ve explored the nuances of these two distinct testing methodologies, it becomes evident that they are complementary forces working in tandem to ensure a robust and user-friendly software solution.



By embracing both tests, companies can build products that meet technical specifications and exceed user expectations.



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



<h3 id="h-what-are-unit-testing-system-testing-and-acceptance-testing">What are unit testing, system testing, and acceptance testing?</h3>



<ul><li>Unit testing is the process of testing individual units or components of a software application in isolation to ensure their correctness.</li><li><a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/system-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">System testing</a> is the process of testing the entire software application, including integrated components, to validate its functionality and performance.</li><li>Acceptance testing evaluates the software system&#8217;s functionality and performance to ensure it meets business requirements and is ready for deployment, often involving end-users to validate user acceptance.</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-what-is-the-difference-between-acceptance-testing-and-integration-testing">What is the difference between acceptance testing and integration testing?</h3>



<ul><li>Acceptance testing helps evaluate if the entire software system meets specified requirements from an end-user perspective.</li><li>Integration testing helps verify the interaction between different components or systems to ensure they work together as intended.</li></ul>

Unit Testing vs Acceptance Testing 10 Key Differences

Unit Testing vs Acceptance Testing: 10 Key Differences

👨🏻‍💻 Introduction: Greetings to all the wonderful people out there! I am delighted to introduce myself as Vijayaraghavan, but you can simply call me Vijay. I have the privilege of working as a Quality Automation Specialist at NatWest Group.



👨🏻‍🏫 What an incredible year it has been for me, both personally and professionally! I started by attending some amazing conferences like TestFlix, Worqference, and Qonfx where I had the opportunity to learn and network with industry experts. And guess what? The year ended on a high note as I was invited to be a speaker at AZConf, Asia&#8217;s largest Cloud &amp;amp; AI Conference. It has truly been a journey of growth and achievement that I will always cherish! In my Personal life, Have been promoted to a father 👨‍👩‍👦



&nbsp;📅 One of the most significant meetups I attended this year was the Rave Test Party (RTP) Chennai meet-up. It was an incredible opportunity for me to engage in meaningful conversations and coordinate with my mentors. The Selector Hub tool list has been incredibly helpful in expanding my knowledge. Additionally, having the opportunity to meet and interact with testing superstars in person is an experience that I will forever cherish and hold dear.



📚 Embracing new technologies is crucial in today&#8217;s fast-paced world. During my learning journey, I had the opportunity to gain valuable insights and skills, such as attending a Terraform Bootcamp. Additionally, I completed certifications like Safe Agilist 6 and the AWS Solution Architect Associate exam. These experiences have enhanced my knowledge and prepared me to tackle innovative challenges in the ever-evolving tech landscape.



👨🏾‍🤝‍👨🏼 Community collaboration is a powerful force that allows us to make a significant impact. By actively engaging with different communities, such as through volunteering with AWS UG MDU and AWS UG NCR, we not only expand our networks but also contribute to the betterment of society. It is an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and collectively work towards creating positive change.



🤖&nbsp; Attending both virtual and in-person conferences offers a great opportunity to expand your knowledge and network. By participating in virtual conferences such as TestFlix, Qonfx, and Worqference, you have the chance to not only secure a respectable position on the leaderboard but also emerge as a winner in social contests. It&#8217;s an exciting way to make meaningful connections and showcase your expertise. Had the privilege of speaking about Amazon Rekognition, a groundbreaking AWS service for visual analysis, at Asia&#8217;s most prestigious cloud and AI conference.



🌈 Recognizing the value of continuous learning, I&#8217;m diligently participating in the 12-Week AWS Challenge Workshop and the 30 Days of JavaScript Challenge to enhance my skills and knowledge.



🤝 This year, I embarked on a journey of exploration, discovering innovative tools like <a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma</a>, Browser Stack, SelectorHub, and Pynt. I&#8217;m thrilled to share my experiences and insights through videos on my YouTube channel.



🙏 Thank you for your patience and for taking the time to read my content. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year filled with joy, laughter, and love. May this festive season bring you closer to your loved ones and may the New Year usher in new beginnings and endless possibilities.☃︎🎅🎄❄️☃️🎁🦌&nbsp;&nbsp;



&#8212;



Thanks &amp; Regards



Vijay 🙂

QA Chronicles A Tester's Reflections Of The Year

QA Chronicles A Tester’s Reflections Of The Year

Dear Community,



As a tester, this year has been a unique journey for me—one filled with victories, setbacks, and invaluable lessons.



Let&#8217;s start with the wins:



<ul><li>1. <a href="https://events.diversityq.com/EN/WITSummit_AwardsAsia2023/shortlist" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">WIT Asia Next Generation Leader of the Year</a> Finalist Award: It&#8217;s an honor to be recognized among exceptional talents shaping the future.</li><li>2. Nomination for <a href="https://womenawards.globant.com/2023/RisingStar/PrachiDahibhate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Globant Rising Star Award</a>: Being considered for this prestigious award is humbling and motivating.</li><li>3. Selected for BrowserStack Champion program: Joining a program that champions quality testing has been incredibly rewarding.</li><li>4. Selected for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cF83mz9atI" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Selectorshub Ambassador Program</a>: This opportunity to represent innovative tools is both exciting and fulfilling.</li><li>5. Surpassed 15k+ followers on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/prachi-dahibhate-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LinkedIn </a>&amp; 1.8k on <a href="https://twitter.com/DahibhatePrachi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>: Building a strong network within the testing community has been enriching.</li></ul>



Now, onto the flip side—the fails and bug tales:



This year wasn&#8217;t without its challenges. One of the notable failures I encountered was overlooking a critical edge case scenario in an e-commerce platform I was testing. I missed testing the checkout process with a specific combination of discount codes and payment methods, which led to a situation where users couldn&#8217;t apply certain discounts when using a particular payment gateway. It taught me the importance of thorough test planning and considering diverse user journeys. As for bug tales, there was this intriguing incident where a seemingly minor UI change caused a cascade of issues across various devices and browsers. What appeared as a simple adjustment in button placement resulted in functionality glitches, especially on older versions of certain browsers. It emphasized the necessity of comprehensive cross-browser and cross-device testing, even for seemingly small changes. My biggest learning from these experiences has been the significance of collaboration and communication. Engaging with developers, designers, and product managers early in the development cycle helped in better understanding requirements and identifying potential pitfalls. Building strong communication channels not only improved the testing process but also fostered a culture of shared responsibility for product quality. On a personal note, while these failures and bug tales might have been challenging, they&#8217;ve been invaluable in shaping my growth as a tester, reinforcing the importance of attention to detail, thorough testing methodologies, and effective collaboration within a team. Testing often involves navigating through uncertainties and unexpected scenarios. Staying flexible and open to learning from failures has been crucial in refining my approach as a tester. In the community, I&#8217;ve strived to share these experiences, posting regularly to contribute to our collective learning and growth.



Looking forward to more challenges and victories in the coming year!

My Wins, Fails, and Bug Tales A Year of Growth and Learning

My Wins, Fails, and Bug Tales: A Year of Growth and Learning

Native Apps vs Hybrid App Comparison 5 Top Key Differences

Native Apps vs Hybrid App Comparison: 5 Top Key Differences

As the year 2023 gradually comes to a close, I find myself at the crossroads of contemplation, prepared to unravel the narrative of a year that was complex, unpredictable, and full of unexpected victories and concealed obstacles. The chapters of 2023 in my journey as a quality assurance engineer are filled with experiences that tested not only software, but also the limits of creativity, resiliency, and adaptability. Join me as I traverse through the labyrinth of experiences, wins, fails, experiments, and invaluable learnings that have shaped my journey in the ever-evolving field of software testing.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#The_Beginning">1 The Beginning</a></li><li><a href="#My_Experience_as_a_Quality_Assurance_Engineer">2 My Experience as a Quality Assurance Engineer</a></li><li><a href="#My_Wins">3 My Wins</a></li><li><a href="#My_Failures">4 My Failures</a></li><li><a href="#My_Learnings">5 My Learnings</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">6 Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-the-beginning">The Beginning</h2>



The year kicked off with a mix of excitement and concern for me as a Nigerian who just completed her National Youth Service program, and was not sure of what next. Applying for the Graduate Trainee Program at Helium Health as a Quality Assurance Engineer marked the beginning of my journey in the field of software testing. Working in a health tech company, and being in charge of ensuring that the digital health solutions are reliable and of high standards was the highlight of the year 2023.&nbsp;



Before I became a QA Engineer, I never knew that a field such as QA or software testing existed, as opposed to the popularity of other tech areas like Web Development, Product Design, and others. Although I was a bit skeptical about the niche because I was yet to fully understand the role that QA engineers and software testers play in the software industry, now, I can confidently say that “Software testers and Quality Assurance Engineers are the unsung heroes in software development.”



<h2 id="my-experience-as-a-quality-assurance-engineer">My Experience as a Quality Assurance Engineer</h2>



My experience in the field of QA has been nothing short of amazing, definitely came with a lot of challenges. However, I would say that my already established background in Software Development as a Front-End Developer made my journey easier and more enjoyable. I took some courses to fully immerse myself in the niche, a big shoutout to Tarek Roshdy, who I believe is one of, if not the best tutor on Udemy when it comes to Software Testing. I found his style of teaching really enjoyable and I really love how he is able to explain concepts in a way that makes it easy for even beginners to understand.&nbsp;



Fast forward to when the Senior QA Engineer started assigning projects to me, I felt like I was not ready to start taking on projects, which was one of the lessons I learnt that you can never validate your learning and knowledge if you do not apply them. Writing test cases definitely shaped my way of thinking because one thing I learnt is that, as a tester, you have to put yourself in the shoes of every potential user of an application or product, to achieve optimal results.



Also in the year 2023, I got a job opportunity as a Freelance Technical Writer at Testsigma, and this also marked the beginning of my career in Technical writing. Writing on the different blog articles increased my level of knowledge and research in software testing, because as a technical writer, you have to convey technical information in the simplest and uncomplicated way possible.



<h2 id="my-wins">My Wins</h2>



Celebrating wins is an integral part of my QA journey. The wins of 2023 were not just moments of celebration, they were also milestones that signaled the triumph of innovation, hard work, and resilience. In 2023, I was offered a full-time employment at Helium Health as a Junior Quality Assurance Engineer after the six-month Graduate Trainee program. At the end of the program, I could proudly say that I had gained significant skills in <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software testing</a>. I could write and execute test cases, bug reports, and test reports and also conduct performance, regression, and usability testing. This might not seem like a lot of progress, but I count it as one because I knew where I started from, and it was only evident that I had put in a lot of work.



Collaboration emerged as a key theme in my wins column. Creating efficient tools for cross-functional collaboration—especially with developers—led to a more unified approach to quality assurance. The testing team was able to establish a symbiotic relationship with the development team, resulting in faster bug resolution and smoother integration of new features.



Perhaps one of the most satisfying wins was the successful execution of a complex performance testing strategy. Simulating real-world scenarios and stress-testing applications under heavy loads revealed potential bottlenecks and vulnerabilities. Mitigating these issues before deployment not only enhanced the overall user experience but also prevented costly downtimes, marking a significant win for both the testing team and the organization.



<h2 id="my-failures">My Failures</h2>



In the pursuit of triumphs, failures are inevitable. Several testing approaches that looked good on paper fell apart when confronted with practical situations. Also as someone who was still struggling, I found it difficult to understand some of the tasks given to me by the Senior QA Engineer. There were times when it would take a long time for me to complete certain tasks because it took a while for me to understand the concepts. I remember vividly when he asked me to conduct a load test on a certain application. I had to utilize a lot of resources to get the job done, however, the good feedback I got from him was more than enough to compensate for the tons of work I had to do. Acknowledging failures became a stepping stone for improvement for me. Embracing failure not as a setback, but as a guide to refinement, proved to be a key takeaway from the year.



<h2 id="my-learnings">My Learnings</h2>



Amidst the ups and downs of experiences, the wins, and the failures, the true essence of 2023 lies in its profound lessons. Each challenge, setback, and triumph became a chapter in the ongoing saga of growth and self-discovery.&nbsp;



I learnt that adaptability is the cornerstone of successful testing in an ever-changing technological landscape. In a field where rapid technological advancements can quickly rewrite the laws, being adaptable and welcoming of change has become more than a survival ability. One lesson ingrained in my professional ethics is the capacity to adapt approaches, tools, and strategies in reaction to evolving trends. Continuous upskilling and staying abreast of industry trends became non-negotiable, ensuring that I remained at the forefront of cutting-edge testing practices.



I also learnt that my relationship with people will determine how good I am at my job, because if you are not productive with people, there is a limit to how far you can go.



The remote work revolution demanded a recalibration of communication strategies. Navigating the nuances of virtual collaboration became an art in itself. Learning to convey complex testing scenarios and insights effectively through digital channels wasn&#8217;t just a necessity for me, it was a revelation in the power of clear, concise communication, a skill that extended beyond testing scenarios into everyday professional interactions.



Perhaps the most transformative learning of 2023 was the recognition that being a QA engineer wasn&#8217;t just about finding bugs, it was about being a proactive contributor to the entire software development lifecycle. Shifting from a gatekeeper mentality to a collaborative partner in quality became a paradigm shift that altered the way I approached testing.



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



As I pen down my reflections on the year 2023, I realize that being a tester is not just a profession but a dynamic journey of growth, resilience, and perpetual learning. Each experience, win, fail, and experiment has contributed to the evolving narrative of my testing odyssey. Here&#8217;s to embracing the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead, as I navigate the ever-shifting currents of software testing in the years to come.

MY REFLECTIONS OF THE YEAR 2023 AS A TESTER

Hello there,



As we near the end of 2023, I sit back and reflect on it. It went pretty fast like every other year 🙂



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/k52BTahMmdsJpkQ18JlJsfajowa9JCxjVO1048cIRS2ty9kRhPIbdI8VLmrETXpBGslamZ7DoX-28pnYVttSfpSUFS0Ui5Cuwhr3UYXDzu4T9FlKrwqBMJOy6fpBUP4ZcU1y9L5z4tHNXTWPYRurjJI" alt="Self reflection" /></figure></div>



2022 was a super busy year with many talks, blogs, and workshops. This year, I had to focus on multiple things and upskilling. So I had to invest time in learning, reading, spending quality time with my family, focusing on my health, etc. I love writing, and it&#8217;s always been my favorite space. I wrote many blogs this year too.



When I think about 2023, I can&#8217;t help but wonder about the beginning and the twists and turns that happened. This year is not just about testing, another year of learnings, failures, travels, giving back to the community, blogs, and so on. And yes, my love for API still grows, it will never fade.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Wins_8211_Conquering_New_Horizons">1 Wins &#8211; Conquering New Horizons:</a></li><li><a href="#Fails_8211_Embracing_the_Lessons">2 Fails &#8211; Embracing the Lessons:</a></li><li><a href="#Biggest_Learnings">3 Biggest Learnings</a></li><li><a href="#Sending_off_2023">4 Sending off 2023!!</a></li><li><a href="#A_Message_for_2024_8211_Embrace_the_Unknown">5 A Message for 2024 &#8211; Embrace the Unknown</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-wins-conquering-new-horizons">Wins &#8211; Conquering New Horizons:</h2>



It might be a bit boring listing down my achievements, but this is not about bragging (maybe a little 😁) It is my self-reflection, and many pleasant memories surfaced while writing this blog. I hope the tales below inspire you rather than annoy you 😊



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/ju6BeVLm4F5XneBsswaDAF9cjW7e7HOPvO1YvYI2INXMQ__PKQxeYmWNS3v_Mn_9hjh55urk6mT6aapxXv5eyuH4zUFqjrGm8CtVaMaDigIBmy3ibplYRuMnQRXYE5NLWKPlfADgREeWSyh75nGP-gM" alt="Wins - Conquering New Horizons:" width="768" height="768" /></figure></div>



I am proud of many of my achievements, the most notable of which is that I traveled to the United States and presented at the Agile Testing Days conference. The audience loved my workshop, it&#8217;s about API Testing. I took my family along, and they were so proud of me and yes we had a wonderful holiday after the conference. The United States was always my dream, and when I got through the paper selection, I was most excited and glad I could make it to the conference.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/OisQAYY_bMQ1yOM3HLJ_w0xI8dXDYwSQUrIONgdkSaMjRp5IJKqF8gsiYKVg_Un1MnAnL12OJgYxhdshAGyeZkq7_WQznfuwQDHrnqZk_MtC5yKg4D9Eby6soEMZAH-WZuTIy6UM9SlmwMP2fgW9RGU" alt="Api testing" width="768" height="576" /></figure></div>



In recognition of Women&#8217;s History Month, I am delighted to announce that I am listed among the top 100 women in technology to follow and learn from. This is a really inspiring and diverse list. I am honored to be included on this incredible list:<a href="https://lnkd.in/gT-kn3cc"> https://lnkd.in/gT-kn3cc</a>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/HQE8cUBtDPT0qXdfX8MELhpWn6xRug_mmufpqZgSARpnL5BPoQ3Cg3E_4y_PIcu2w3k-qOwFjCq3_sFN5X2w9D5PVDkvR9bFFt7_xUhHLbFUxZp__-V2cJj5HiLuNp-LPZZAP-R1fkwvZQnx5QnACiE" alt="Pricilla Bilavendran" /></figure></div>



I have been nominated for the<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/globant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Globant</a> Awards 2023 under the &#8220;𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫&#8221; category ❤️



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/u1HC2OyrF0jh9CJwdMs98lejQ7g7xP8w7v3ItL2PysvDUg5wDbZk2MrBdN5gQZJRICySJ8lImYlOGKjbajQxDMz0Cl8iR3PfhVvA689XF__XScuGpH9_uv92MqdouWFBp0sGZjdN7_kzZd0_QrusjyA" alt="Inspiring Leader" /></figure></div>



I traveled to a few conferences, and when I got invited to a Software Testing conference in Malaysia, I couldn&#8217;t expect anything more 🙂 How wonderful it is to be able to attend a fantastic conference from your location 😍



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/f53vtv9re1oyxIFiSqq0zpJpKJuI5bhwHyLzW6WdR60P8nc5z7llTGw54epee3vtWf2vaW7BpU7cJJBbYGTzRaHbNi9lHfgSRhKofIPJuxtFngRgptVEAeSAOeqqb9tGB6Geksy16pKD8Rvx115LI_w" alt="Pricilla bilavendran" width="699" height="768" /></figure></div>



I presented on a topic about &#8220;Career Branding&#8221; to my fellow Billenials. They enjoyed the talk and many started to work on their branding and I am so elated to see the improvements after my talk. Isn&#8217;t that every speaker looks forward to? This one topic and this session, remain close to my ❤️



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/7meUiQ8BKR6ldcnQ4ValskEo2fMJsCcEqq4ppPVtkk0rdQlmfWRjRjUgndaqRi_Q-3EItFXYpivGIZUocBTH33cuwPHaCPNhgvgwsFNgK5I9DLaYwE2F9IGgQxrvDkWDkE-Ur5giA_tj4Qx72E4gm1s" alt="career branding" /></figure></div>



I am deeply honored to have received the prestigious &#8220;Best Test Leader&#8221; award by LambdaTest and I couldn&#8217;t be more grateful for this recognition. This award isn&#8217;t just about me; it&#8217;s about the incredible individuals whom I have had the pleasure of working with, the obstacles we&#8217;ve tackled together, and the unwavering support of mentors, my team, colleagues, and friends who have served as a guiding light ⚡



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/pYIbJchHmrNUxihlTtoSGwl4qPjGDY3jJPUcWH3wnNvkQ9NcU4hKpu-tyxivVO5Gs2Bfmv8hK8a5IYqenjZn0Eku-8oH6mkbGKJz4f3cOtsAzH_zhPVAx6pwCF_Y7vU9oXDM2N5_duCuLUsYI09K8aU" alt="lambdatest awards" /></figure></div>



I celebrated four years with Billennium this September.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/uOHoM_FIe3HZbPUy94iq5QnoGbHJkunXpOtAv9y0DAkZJNkrf0I3kB1DcHJR4MUn_p9fNQXvZewbAGYNFqbO5hvWo3mzpecS5zHHuisVO8_ab1IwInihSbW65rwgqaj8q4b4lRpSQGZoK2vUGeci2JQ" alt="Billenium" /></figure></div>



I am thrilled and deeply humbled to share that I am listed as one of the &#8220;Strong Women in IT 2023&#8221; by the<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/strong-women-in-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Strong Women in IT</a> community. This recognition means the world to me, and I am immensely grateful to everyone who has been a part of my journey ❤️ You can read the report here:<a href="https://lnkd.in/gJMQFsBY" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://lnkd.in/gJMQFsBY</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/Hd5zq3LSboeWN5T-WtH4W-txdl1QJwGE4DbFv-XekfTXwFDPfsTsC97cfpt9MWwCxs4Ql4KL8yhgAp8jvSMlfz95wHQdlXdf0bRqo0uhlBLNmjYt3qz75y0dXsfJOrVsJ-ULCk0pOChhxP9BAI7Bj64" alt="Strong women in IT" /></figure>



AI is Everywhere, and this year there&#8217;s been a lot of hype around that topic. As a Tester, we need to learn about the tech and tools. So I dived deep and took many courses regarding AI and Machine Learning. I had a great time learning and that&#8217;s how the topic of &#8220;Prompt Engineering&#8221; picked my interest. The LLMs behind the AI systems are evolving. They might not be a replacement for humans, but they can assist you to SOME EXTENT. I realized that learning how to write efficient prompts makes a big change to the output from the AI Systems. So based on it, I gave a talk about it at this year&#8217;s TestFlix.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/KfLFrK1Vo1ef4-gh4AyAole1QaEahBsB1XhV8l1zwTTMJFL-HXaNuIol-GpZ1pNSyQRnuxvUCjnut6aMfmZOGl41g60Ha-S5aVh9gC0MsauXowNW1XmS1rSny3QB3m4CBVzRvXZVKibse-kZ3V1Ju5Q" alt="Testflix" /></figure></div>



<h2 id="h-fails-embracing-the-lessons">Fails &#8211; Embracing the Lessons:</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/ldvEODxANS3I7Mt5qxPeUl0nARicjkK-zOLbaZ-seOoQ2T6vLpoDu8JIPfZvwou1LhPJzUzJwsnSEZdb7clO4q4k6ATyMkr891IN9QugC1h1GmWQuE5DMlK4zBUi1vZ8agR4KZXk1xpZXutU02oIvTQ" alt="Embracing the lessons" /></figure></div>



Ah, yes you read it right. After seeing all the above achievements, did you think Pricilla&#8217;s life was perfect? Oh no my friend! Nothing is perfect.



This year, I encountered my fair share of failures and glitches that made me question my abilities. But with each failure came a valuable lesson. Yes, trust me.



On the work front, there were a lot of changes in the hierarchy, ways of working which were a bit stressful and needed to be more adaptive. We all survived though. Fortunately, I have a great team, they were very supportive and caring ❤️



I was handling a lot of mental struggle, which made me unfit to focus and hampered my concentration. And yes some health issues, which made me motivated to lose a few pounds. I feel much better now 😍 and gearing up for 2024!!



<h2 id="h-biggest-learnings">Biggest Learnings</h2>



As every year, 2023 gave and taught me so much.



In the ever-evolving world of <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software testing</a>, the biggest learnings often extend beyond the lines of code. Testing is not just about finding bugs; it&#8217;s about building bridges between teams, fostering a culture of shared responsibility, and ensuring that the final product is usable. I learned the importance of usability and accessibility of the products, which made me learn and implement more about it.



Some things can wait, so no pressure. One at a time, and not overwhelm yourself. Even if not, it&#8217;s fine. I can be okay without knowing everything.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/HL1_CrEuaJhtrLRcTl8YssU7uDWmmyuB5bSdGMfmc8g6ewEvZmBuquh8iabjF1RJNR_zxNsGjwi98g0Cue7Nxv_5jjX2yixCT2IAqdA7P4zOaoLSim2E1CqRdelMKTA37zUeB4yizi2kQMv1sI8sPlU" alt="Pricilla Bilavendran" width="768" height="768" /></figure></div>



<h2 id="h-sending-off-2023">Sending off 2023!!</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/_QYKBSNlDsJz0C5VYIhvzvjF0CK7Twccmr-vz0KKTzjrCA17Gscr1x3OZykSq3rY8cLBySbpPV8hmzM-_dXCYsrhEQw_PHiA7HiqfDPkrb8FAnkhMtrOPzJ6CiPekdP4RMUxWzc3mSA9dqts8LUDXcA" alt="Sendoff 2023" /></figure></div>



As the year comes to a close, I&#8217;m grateful for the victories, humbled by the failures, and inspired by the stories that molded my path. Reading about the layoffs and people losing jobs was so painful, and I am glad that I have a job and I love doing that ❤️ I tried to help many through my free mentoring classes, master classes, blogs, and talks.



It has been a journey of discovery, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of a software tester navigating the ever-evolving seas of technology.



<h2 id="h-a-message-for-2024-embrace-the-unknown">A Message for 2024 &#8211; Embrace the Unknown</h2>



As we stand on the cusp of a new year, my wish for our testing community is to embrace the unknown with courage and curiosity. May your wins be plentiful, your failures be stepping stones to greatness, and your bug tales be stories that spark the imagination. Let&#8217;s continue to build bridges, share knowledge, and navigate the ever-shifting currents of technology with resilience and a pioneering spirit.



Here&#8217;s to a year of learning, resilience, upskilling, and the steadfast spirit of a tester navigating the ever-changing technological environment. Happy testing, and cheers to the limitless possibilities that lie ahead in the lines of code and beyond ❤️



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/o86wFQem3bemdDQMKNKywICLVnsm33q9A2ZRz-kRkTsTFv2RdLnjZkftLD0odjGnBbsgoFh4fpZ1zV8PqYlHqeyJl90ejkP57BdOtywvQOU5htirDZbNbTvkReTRTUdJ33v_PBTjZ0Xn7S9A61RAcaU" alt="Happy testing" /></figure></div>

A Whirlwind of Emotions in 2023 Self-Reflection

A Whirlwind of Emotions in 2023: Self-Reflection

Jira started out as an issue-tracking and project-management tool in 2002. Companies initially used Jira for bug tracking. But over the years, it has become a ubiquitous platform for businesses to manage projects and ensure collaboration. Yet one issue has remained constant since the beginning: Jira does not have an in-built testing infrastructure. So, you can feed the defect information but cannot reuse it for further testing processes in the tool. But the good part is Jira allows integrations with some of the top-rated test automation tools, including Testsigma, for complete test case management.



Let’s look at how you can write and manage <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/what-is-test-case/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test cases</a> for Jira.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Jira">1 What is Jira?</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Setup_Jira_for_Case_Testing">2 How to Setup Jira for Case Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Create_Test_Cases_in_Jira">3 How to Create Test Cases in Jira?</a></li><li><a href="#Steps_for_Writing_Test_Cases_in_Jira">4 Steps for Writing Test Cases in Jira</a><ul><li><a href="#Step_1_Create_a_Test_Case_Issue_and_Keep_It_Active">4.1 Step 1. Create a Test Case Issue and Keep It Active</a></li><li><a href="#Step_2_Change_a_User_Story_to_Be_a_Test_Case">4.2 Step 2. Change a User Story to Be a Test Case</a></li><li><a href="#Step_3_Add_a_Testing_as_a_Status_in_Jira_Workflow">4.3 Step 3. Add a Testing as a Status in Jira Workflow</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Report_on_Test_Cases_in_Jira">5 Report on Test Cases in Jira</a><ul><li><ul><li><a href="#Dedicated_Test_Case_Management_Tool_with_Jira_Integration">5.0.1 Dedicated Test Case Management Tool with Jira Integration</a></li></ul></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Problems_with_Writing_Test_Cases_in_Jira">6 Problems with Writing Test Cases in Jira</a></li><li><a href="#Advantages_of_using_Jira_for_Test_Case_Management">7 Advantages of using Jira for Test Case Management</a></li><li><a href="#Disadvantages_of_using_Jira_for_Test_Case_Management">8 Disadvantages of using Jira for Test Case Management</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">9 Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">10 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#Does_Jira_work_for_test_case_management">10.1 Does Jira work for test case management?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_the_test_case_template_in_Jira">10.2 What is the test case template in Jira?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-jira">What is Jira?</h2>



Jira is a widely used project management and issue-tracking tool by Atlassian. It provides a versatile platform for teams to plan, track, and manage their work efficiently. Multiple in-built features, such as customizable dashboards, real-time collaboration, and detailed reporting, make Jira a fan-favorite of many top companies.



But what stands out in the tool is its integration capabilities, extensive plugin marketplace, and compatibility with agile methodologies. For instance, businesses can easily combine their test automation platforms with Jira for easy and quick test case management and bug reporting. Our focus will be on this particular feature of the tool throughout the blog.



<h2 id="h-how-to-setup-jira-for-case-testing">How to Setup Jira for Case Testing?</h2>



Jira does not have an inherent test case feature, but it has innumerable customization options. For case testing setup, we will use the Issue Type feature by creating a new custom issue that is specifically for case testing. Additionally, you will need to set up custom subtasks that testers can use to feed the test case results directly into Jira.



It is ideal to have your custom ‘Test Case’ issue type to have a summary, test case steps, and the expected results.



Once you have the vital information in place, let’s start with creating our custom issue type for case testing:



<ul><li>Go to Jira Settings by clicking on the gear icon in the top-right corner and selecting Issues. You will require admin access for this.</li><li>Under the Issues section, select Issue Types and click on the Add Issue Type button to create a Test Case issue.</li><li>Provide details for the new issue type, including description and icon.</li><li>Associate the new issue type with an issue type scheme. This determines which projects will use the new issue type. Go to Issue type schemes settings and click Edit on the Jira project you want to associate the issue type with.</li><li>Assign a field configuration to the issue type, specifying which fields will be available and required. Don’t forget to add a summary, test case steps, and the expected results. You will find it under Screen Settings to Add Screens.</li><li>After adding screens, go to Screen Schemes to add a screen scheme. This step is to add the screen scheme to the custom screen you created in the previous step.</li><li>Next, go to Issue type screen schemes. Look for the Jira project in which you want to use the new Issue type. Then, select Associate an issue type with a screen scheme, and select the new issue type (e.g. Test Case) and its Screen scheme. Lastly, click on Add.</li><li>And voila! You have successfully created a custom issue type for case testing with the necessary fields within the choice of your Jira project.</li><li>Verify by creating a test issue of the new type to check if it behaves as expected.</li></ul>



Next up, you have to create a custom subtask, Test Case Results, that QAs can use to log the test results directly.



Here are the steps to follow:



<ul><li>Follow the same first step to add the issue type. But this time, select Sub-Task Issue Type.</li><li>Re-trace the same steps. Add screens, select the fields for the subtask, add screen schemes, and select the previously created screen as default.</li><li>In the last step, when you are in the Issue type screen scheme, there is no need to create a new screen scheme. Look for the test case screen scheme set up prior and select Configure under Actions to Associate an issue type with a screen scheme.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-how-to-create-test-cases-in-jira">How to Create Test Cases in Jira?</h2>



Creating test cases in Jira is easy now that you have an issue type and the necessary fields to describe and log your tests. It is similar to creating a new task.



Go to your Jira account and click on Create. Pick the issue type as Test Case and enter the details in the available fields. Remember to provide the steps to recreate the defect and the expected results for the developers to fully understand the issue.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/YSoH3CpAx6SpwHXygWcP0zgUMWtqPB7sAoDmzn9nWvGCAIRzznECwOhpt_JkCiKGxB7Lyw8k0kudNTdJO5EMYReqOzo_ZwCbL-jd6YQfT0CmyURD_p4zLaoQkxVv6npIUbgys4VihABaXP1kSXI3MpU" alt="Create Issue"/></figure></div>



Image source: <a href="https://marker.io/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">maker.io</a>



<h2 id="h-steps-for-writing-test-cases-in-jira">Steps for Writing Test Cases in Jira</h2>



All the essential elements are in place for you to start creating and managing test cases in Jira. The only thing left to do is start logging the issues.



<h3 id="h-step-1-create-a-test-case-issue-and-keep-it-active">Step 1. Create a Test Case Issue and Keep It Active</h3>



You can begin by creating a Jira task with the Issue Type Test Case that we made earlier. It will allow you to feed all the critical and important information about the issue in the task. However, there is a downside to this step. Jira tasks are not flexible. Once you create and publish it for everyone to see, it cannot be reused, which is a common practice in regression testing.



One way to tackle this is to keep the task open and update its description regularly with new tests that everyone in the project can follow.



<h3 id="h-step-2-change-a-user-story-to-be-a-test-case">Step 2. Change a User Story to Be a Test Case</h3>



Jira also enables users to create user stories, which you can use to serve as test cases. But again, these stories have the same problem as the tasks. Once they are pushed, you cannot use them to re-run the test cases.



<h3 id="h-step-3-add-a-testing-as-a-status-in-jira-workflow">Step 3. Add a Testing as a Status in Jira Workflow</h3>



Another way to handle tests in Jira is to add an extra status in the workflow, i.e., testing. When you add a Test Case issue type, which is still in the testing stage, keep the status as Testing. Once the process is over, mark it as Done or Closed.



But there might be cases where the tests are over, but the testing is still not done. So, you will have to find a workaround in that situation.



<h2 id="h-report-on-test-cases-in-jira">Report on Test Cases in Jira</h2>



The final round of testing is to prepare a comprehensive report that aids in analyzing and understanding the bugs. In Jira, you can rely on two ways for test reporting:



<ul><li>Writing it manually with all the necessary screenshots and steps</li></ul>



For this approach, you need to make a child issue to the parent issue, i.e., the test case.&nbsp;



Click on Add a Child Issue and choose Test Case Results, which we created in the earlier section. Next, enter all your findings along with relevant screenshots and steps to help everyone relate the results with the right test case. This way of reporting simple but comes with a few disadvantages: it is manual, requires developers to keep switching between Jira and their application, and demands technical skills to log issues. Opting for an automated approach is the alternative here.



<ul><li>Integrating a third-party tool with the host to do all the reporting work automatically</li></ul>



Since Jira does not offer support for test case reporting automatically, a bug reporting tool takes the lead here. A well-thought integration with the right tool for case testing and bug reporting for Jira will assist both testers and developers in easily doing their work.



<h4 id="h-dedicated-test-case-management-tool-with-jira-integration">Dedicated Test Case Management Tool with Jira Integration<gwmw style="display:none;"></h4>



Testsigma is a dedicated <a href="https://testsigma.com/test-management" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test case management tool</a> and comes equipped with features to aid bug reporting in Jira. Our test automation tool enables QAs to:<gwmw style="display:none;">



<ul><li>Push bugs directly to Jira&#8217;s project</li><li>Capture screenshots, annotate bugs, and share them with your team</li><li>Follow your choice of test case template and re-produced bugs with the right steps to feed in Jira</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/9gOvrpM1OFoD6M6Azp4bMUhuIiDu65ioAYFANLeEnk14xAC1YdRZ25hL1XEa2ORfdw737mqcP554RVAiWww4eFoL_dsDcwwceXrH39hw75x7UDp43erRaZ7BX_c8NHXjUGHLiI_8wMXfEUETWo5Wp5Y" alt="Bug reporting"/></figure>



<a href="https://testsigma.com/docs/integrations/bug-reporting/jira/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Integrate Testsigma with Jira</a> in a few easy steps to simplify your bug-reporting process.



But wait! That’s not all. Testsigma is a full-fledged web automated testing tool that provides end-to-end testing capabilities for mobile and API without coding.



 <button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Sign up to experience the best of no-code automation testing with Testsigma</a></button> 



<h2 id="h-problems-with-writing-test-cases-in-jira">Problems with Writing Test Cases in Jira</h2>



Every step we discussed that pertains to writing test cases in Jira has encountered a problem. It is a highly manual process, does not support re-running of test cases, and requires time and skill to create a single test case.



Jira is a dedicated project management tool, and even though there are ways you can make writing test cases possible within Jira, it is not good practice to do so.



<h2 id="h-advantages-of-using-jira-for-test-case-management">Advantages of using Jira for Test Case Management</h2>



Despite all the backlogs Jira has when it comes to test case management, there exist a few advantages that must not be overlooked.



<ul><li>Jira provides a centralized repository for storing and organizing test cases. This centralization ensures easy access, version control, and efficient management of test artifacts.</li><li>Seamless integration between Jira and development tools streamlines communication between testing and development teams.</li><li>Jira offers robust traceability features, linking test cases to requirements, user stories, and defects.</li><li>Jira supports agile and Scrum methodologies, allowing testing teams to align with iterative development cycles.</li><li>Teams can design custom workflows in Jira to reflect their specific testing processes, incorporating stages for planning, execution, <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-case-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test case review</a>, and closure.</li><li>Jira provides real-time visibility into testing progress through customizable dashboards and reports.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-disadvantages-of-using-jira-for-test-case-management">Disadvantages of using Jira for Test Case Management</h2>



Let’s look at some of the disadvantages as well.



<ul><li>Jira&#8217;s extensive customization options can lead to complexity during initial setup. Teams may face challenges in configuring workflows, screens, and issue types.</li><li>Jira can be resource-intensive, especially in instances with a large number of projects, issues, or concurrent users.</li><li>While customization is a strength, excessive customization can lead to maintenance challenges. Constantly changing configurations may create dependencies and impact the stability of the testing environment.</li><li>Jira&#8217;s native test management features are basic compared to specialized test management tools. Advanced test case management functionalities, such as test case design, traceability matrices, and test execution analytics, may require additional plugins or integration with dedicated test management tools.</li><li>The feature-rich interface of Jira can overwhelm users, especially those focused primarily on test case management.</li></ul>



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



The Jira project management tool can serve as a test case management and bug-tracking tool. But when the stakes are high, it is not always the right way to go. There are multiple ways you can use Jira for your testing purposes, and the majority of them include improving collaboration and focusing on getting the right information across to the developers.



If you wish to use Jira as a case management tool, this blog can help you get a hold of the tool’s capability in every way. Alternatively, multiple integration possibilities exist as well. But no matter your choice, remember to focus on creating a clear and concise test case report that captures as much information as possible.



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



<h3 id="h-does-jira-work-for-test-case-management">Does Jira work for test case management?</h3>



Yes, Jira can be used for test case management. It provides a flexible and customizable platform that supports various testing methodologies, including manual and automated testing. The latter is done using third-party integrations.



<h3 id="h-what-is-the-test-case-template-in-jira">What is the test case template in Jira?</h3>



In Jira, a test case template serves as a predefined structure or blueprint for creating test cases with consistent formatting and information. This template includes standard sections, fields, and steps that testers can use as a starting point when designing test cases.Particularly, a <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-case-template/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test case template</a> in Jira would be a new issue type that we created in this blog in one of the sections.

How to Write and Manage Test Cases for Jira