Before buying any smartphone, do you usually give it a check as per your needs? A trial run is always the best idea if you wish to encounter no problems with the product during use.&nbsp;Similarly, prior to launching any mobile application (or a website, for that matter), field testing is important. It checks the ability of the application to function under real-life conditions before it is released to the users.



Let’s see how field testing is critical for testing every mobile application today.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Field_Testing">1 What is Field Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_is_Field_Testing_Important">2 Why is Field Testing Important?</a></li><li><a href="#Who_Does_Field_Testing">3 Who Does Field Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#When_Does_Field_Testing_Happen">4 When Does Field Testing Happen?</a></li><li><a href="#Field_Testing_and_Test_Automation">5 Field Testing and Test Automation</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Run_a_Field_Test">6 How to Run a Field Test?</a></li><li><a href="#Limitations">7 Limitations </a></li><li><a href="#Examples_of_Tests_that_Can_Be_Verified_in_Field_Test">8 Examples of Tests that Can Be Verified in Field Test</a></li><li><a href="#Best_Practices">9 Best Practices</a></li><li><a href="#Summary">10 Summary</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">11 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#Which_testing_is_also_called_field_testing">11.1 Which testing is also called field testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_the_primary_advantage_of_field_tests">11.2 What is the primary advantage of field tests?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-field-testing">What is Field Testing?</h2>



Field testing refers to the process of testing and evaluating an application in real-world conditions outside of the controlled development environment. Testers deploy this approach for both web and mobile applications with the aim of gathering real-user feedback and identifying any issues or potential improvements before the official release.



In mobile, it involves deploying the app to actual devices and having users interact with it in their everyday environments. Typically, the testing is done on mobile networks only. It is a type of <a href="https://testsigma.com/mobile-testing">mobile testing</a>.



Field testing checks the app on various devices, operating systems, and network conditions to assess its performance, functionality, usability, and overall user experience. The goal is to uncover issues and collect feedback that went unnoticed during the development and testing phases.



One fascinating aspect of field tests is the discovery of unexpected user behaviors and usage patterns. Despite extensive testing during development, field testing often uncovers unique scenarios that developers may not have anticipated. These scenarios could include different network conditions, diverse device configurations, or user interactions that were not replicated in the testing environment. By conducting field testing, developers gain valuable insights into how their app performs in the hands of real users, allowing them to identify and address any issues or optimizations needed for a better user experience.



<h2 id="h-why-is-field-testing-important">Why is Field Testing Important?</h2>



Field tests are a perfect way of experimenting with your product before launching it to your customer base. The short time window between the final testing and the release date is when the field test is performed. The process allows you to:



<ul><li>Gain access to unhinged feedback from a small portion of users who interact with the application.</li><li>Develop products that are error-free and ready for launch.</li><li>Collect critical data that are essential to improve the application and its features.</li><li>Work on new features and upgrades for the future.</li><li>Use the test data from the users for other purposes, such as sales and marketing.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-who-does-field-testing">Who Does Field Testing?</h2>



Since field testing is done at the last stage of development, product managers, marketing managers, and the support team takes care of the process. They provide the application access to users and gain maximum insight from their feedback.



<h2 id="h-when-does-field-testing-happen">When Does Field Testing Happen?</h2>



Field testing in software testing occurs at the later stage of application development. It comes even after alpha and beta testing. And because the application is made available to only a few users, field testing is also called a limited release or soft launch. The right hierarchy of testing is given below:



Alpha testing -&gt; Beta testing -&gt; Field testing -&gt; Application launch -&gt; Support



<h2 id="h-field-testing-and-test-automation">Field Testing and Test Automation</h2>



Field testing involves a few users checking out the application before releasing it to all the customers. It’s like ‘playing the field’ before the main game starts. And because users interact with the app on their own, there is no room for automation in this scenario.



However, there might come instances after field testing is complete where you would need automation. That is when you receive feedback from the users, which requires you to address bugs or features that went unnoticed before. Such insights give rise to new test cases, which can be automated using the right tools to save time and cost. And surely, an effective approach here is to go for a test automation tool, such as <a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma</a>, to run all the test cases.



It is a powerful, AI-powered tool that easily supports web and mobile application testing. The simple interface and <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/the-era-of-low-code-no-code-platforms-what-you-should-know/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">no-code testing</a> make the tool a go-to option for less complex tests that do not need many resources, which might often be the case after field testing. Testsigma provides a cloud-based testing platform that supports end-to-end test automation for mobile applications. It allows testers to create and execute test scripts across different devices, operating systems, and network conditions.



 <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, desktops and APIs, 10x faster, with Testsigma</a></button> 



For instance, let&#8217;s consider a simple mobile application that involves searching and sorting products as per their category. Clothes go into apparel, laptops and mobiles are under electronics, medicine and household products are under essentials, and so on. With Testsigma, field tests for this application can be automated after you receive suggestions from the limited user base. You can design test scripts to run regression tests and validate the right sorting with their cost and usage.



<h2 id="h-how-to-run-a-field-test">How to Run a Field Test?</h2>



Like other user tests, field testing offers a multi-step approach that includes planning, designing, testing, and analyzing reports. Let’s look at these steps individually.



<ul><li>Planning: Clearly, every process begins with the planning phase. It consists of a simple and concise document outlining the goals, objectives, deadline, authority, and results of the project. This stage involves talking to the stakeholders, project managers, and developers; basically, everyone is involved in the process of creating the document.</li><li>Designing: In the designing phase, the document is shared with the responsible individuals of the teams who would be working on the project. They will understand the task and start developing the application with all the necessary resources.</li><li>Testing: This step comes after the designing/development when testers get involved in the project to validate the application for its authenticity and specifications. They perform their own set of tests, manual or automated, and share the finally passed product which undergoes field testing using a small portion of users.</li><li>Analyzing: The last phase analyzes testers&#8217; results after running the previous step. It includes assessing the success of the test and its implications and making recommendations for improvements, further tests, or next steps.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-limitations">Limitations </h2>



Field testing has several limitations that should be taken into consideration when planning and interpreting the results. Here are some common limitations associated with field testing:



<ul><li>Field tests can be challenging as it is conducted in real-world environments where conditions can be highly variable.</li><li>Field tests are resource-intensive and time-consuming, requiring a dedicated team of QAs to perform all the steps that include real-world scenarios.</li><li>It can be risky to make the mobile application available to the end-users, however small in portion, without offering them initial guidance about the features and functions of the app.</li><li>For most testers and businesses, procuring multiple devices of varying dimensions and software specifications to execute field testing can be challenging.</li></ul>



It is possible to mitigate all these issues. You need to carefully plan and prioritize field testing efforts from the beginning.



<h2 id="h-examples-of-tests-that-can-be-verified-in-field-test">Examples of Tests that Can Be Verified in Field Test</h2>



Suppose you are building an application that tracks stock prices and allows users to buy/sell them in real time. The functions of the app would include:



<ul><li>giving stock information,</li><li>adding money to the app wallet,</li><li>enabling the buying/selling option within seconds, and</li><li>making all the payments without any interruptions, as stock prices are quite volatile.</li></ul>



Not to mention that hundreds of thousands of users would simultaneously do all of these. Two of the field tests for this type of application would be checking the network and connectivity testing and performance testing.



Test the application&#8217;s performance and behavior for network and connectivity validation under different network conditions, such as 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi, or low signal strength areas. Verify that the application works properly and efficiently handles network interruptions.



For performance, you need to check if the application can withstand certain load/visitor limits. Testers usually do that by hitting the app with huge traffic. In field testing, that can be done by asking users to consistently open the app and perform some activities to see if the application is performing everything properly.



Some other field tests that you can conduct for this application are checking how it affects the battery and power consumption of the mobile and validating if the UI is displaying correctly on different devices with varying dimensions.&nbsp;



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



Let’s look at some of the best practices for field testing that will make it easier for you to deliver an unexceptionally high-quality mobile application to your users:



<ul><li>Select a diverse set of devices representative of your target user base.</li><li>Test the app under various network conditions, including different signal strengths, network speeds (3G, 4G, Wi-Fi), and network providers. This helps assess the app&#8217;s performance and reliability across different connectivity.</li><li>Define specific test scenarios and use cases that cover a wide range of user interactions and workflows.</li><li>Perform field tests after all the <a href="https://testsigma.com/regression-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regression tests</a> are complete, and you have a list of <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/what-is-test-case/">test cases</a> to support your testing process.</li><li>Be detailed and clear while logging the feedback to ensure no communication gap or confusion about how the app works.</li><li>Pay attention to the app&#8217;s impact on device resources such as battery life, CPU usage, memory, and data consumption.</li><li>Lastly, refine and enhance the app using the insights gained from field testing.</li></ul>



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



Any product becomes a hit when users accept it and like it. Same with mobile applications. But how do you make sure that users like the final product without releasing it to them? You launch the app for your users. Confused?



Field testing validates a mobile application in real-life conditions by making it available to a few potential customers. It helps product managers and stakeholders to gather critical insight into the functioning of the application before making it public for everyone to use.



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



<h3 id="h-which-testing-is-also-called-field-testing">Which testing is also called field testing?</h3>



Field testing is also called Beta testing, which aims to select a group of users, known as beta testers, to evaluate the software in a real-world environment before its official release. During <a href="https://www.javatpoint.com/beta-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beta testing</a>, the software is made available to a limited number of external users who represent the target audience or a specific user group, which is a similar approach to field testing.



<h3 id="h-what-is-the-primary-advantage-of-field-tests">What is the primary advantage of field tests?</h3>



Primary advantages of field testing in software testing include real-world user feedback, identifying usability issues, validating software performance in varying environments, uncovering unanticipated bugs, enhancing user experience, and gaining insights into user preferences.

What is Field Testing Explained With Examples

What is Field Testing? Explained With Examples

What is CI CD testing? How Does It Work?

Agile Model in Software Testing | What it is , Why & Benefits

Did you find a bug? I mean in the software! Software bugs can be the bane of any software project, causing delays, disruption, or even software failures. Any software development project must pay close attention to bug identification and resolution. This blog looks at some of the most common bugs in software testing processes. We&#8217;ll also explore how they can be identified and solved quickly and effectively so software projects can stay on track and meet their goals.&nbsp;



By looking at these common bug types, we can better understand how to manage them and ensure that our software projects stay on course.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Gh8JZgvgg4QlHtNcD3nkOt2kA_H9b07vvVCeyA0Ut8AcjkhQxgAkxL2O26Tjrf5fjVHO9LL_iCFc2q8KQ_F698acYeBd2gtrT8RCnncsCQ64Q4MgpP-jp21xsVTqIHektmZXODHGPJagdyXCF2KArw" alt="find a bug
" /></figure></div>



Did you <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/how-to-find-bugs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">find a BUG</a>?



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_a_Software_Bug">1 What is a Software Bug?</a></li><li><a href="#Different_Types_of_Bugs_in_Software_Testing">2 Different Types of Bugs in Software Testing:</a><ul><li><a href="#1_Functional_Bugs">2.1 1. Functional Bugs</a></li><li><a href="#2_Logical_Bugs">2.2 2. Logical Bugs</a></li><li><a href="#3_Workflow_Bugs">2.3 3. Workflow Bugs</a></li><li><a href="#4_Unit_Level_Bugs">2.4 4. Unit Level Bugs</a></li><li><a href="#5_System-Level_Integration_Bugs">2.5 5. System-Level Integration Bugs</a></li><li><a href="#6_Out_of_Bound_Bugs">2.6 6. Out of Bound Bugs</a></li><li><a href="#7_Security_Bugs">2.7 7. Security Bugs</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Common_Examples_of_Software_Bugs">3 Common Examples of Software Bugs</a></li><li><a href="#Impact_of_Software_Bugs">4 Impact of Software Bugs!</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Find_Underlying_Software_Bugs">5 How to Find Underlying Software Bugs?</a></li><li><a href="#Identify_and_Resolve_Bugs">6 Identify and Resolve Bugs!</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">7 Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">8 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_the_most_common_type_of_software_bug">8.1 What is the most common type of software bug?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_the_classification_of_a_bug_in_testing">8.2 What is the classification of a bug in testing?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-a-software-bug">What is a Software Bug?</h2>



Software bugs are errors, flaws, deficiencies, or defects in a computer program or system that cause it to produce an incorrect or unexpected result or to behave in unintended ways.



<h2 id="h-different-types-of-bugs-in-software-testing">Different Types of Bugs in Software Testing:</h2>



Software bugs can be classified into multiple categories based on their nature and impact. Broadly speaking, these categories include Functional Bugs, Logical Bugs, Workflow Bugs, Unit Level Bugs, System-Level Integration Bugs, Out of Bound Bugs, and Security Bugs.



<h3 id="h-1-functional-bugs">1. Functional Bugs</h3>



Functional bugs refer to defects or issues in software applications that affect their intended functionality. These bugs can manifest in various ways, such as incorrect calculations, unexpected behavior, crashes, or unresponsive features. They can arise due to coding errors, inadequate testing, compatibility issues, or external factors like hardware limitations.



For example, for functional testing, let us consider a scenario wherein the user logs into their Testsigma account. The Email field within the login page fails to accept special characters like “@” and “.”, , triggering a functional defect in the form of an error message.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/wGbyDNpHKGBOktYYYq2wMyll0XIcFXfg4LWN_kapKqUJVAXSmn2stEKc7tAad4haOOArZxCRYIrMgg5uXdFlCzVOLUPA40l3j_nEPsfJA6KyhtVztzKvVRDjVz2JfPTWIZ6HiFszuHC9" alt="Functional bug" /></figure>



 <h3 id="h-2-logical-bugs">2. Logical Bugs</h3>



Do you know Logical bugs are common in software development and can be quite challenging to identify and fix? Unlike syntax errors, which are relatively easy to spot due to their violation of the programming language&#8217;s rules, logical bugs occur when the code does not produce the expected output or behavior.



In the image shown below, the user&#8217;s action of clicking on the &#8220;Blog&#8221; page in Testsigma is depicted. It would be considered a logical bug if the user is redirected to the &#8220;Support&#8221; or any other page.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/8VWWdDK-NnRIZnz_fvH_9X8PVMi8ZchO4aDjO2qubY_sn8FRRr9m2OxP93SmN5w2i8Dki2nPqoyeIzp3jjmN-yUYmkn9hJ-Qrv47waMbg8zPTK6oHhEFGFg1X3YQnp6U9SHgc89MCclT" alt="logical bug" /></figure>



 <h3 id="h-3-workflow-bugs">3. Workflow Bugs</h3>



This bug can be a major hindrance to productivity and efficiency in any organization. These bugs refer to glitches, errors, or bottlenecks within a workflow process, causing team members delays, confusion, and frustration.



Let&#8217;s consider an example to explain this concept. Upon accessing the website &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma.com</a> on the below-mentioned page, the user is expected to be redirected to the documents page upon clicking the &#8220;Doc&#8221; icon. However, this expected behavior does not occur. In that case, it can be inferred that a workflow bug exists within the system.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/dwZattff_0AEIj5jppiIfSGzL_degsZmZB3gGrwZnykDYfWGxuOseRip0I4ZJPlO4p9gzMN3pq2LsEKukFNqB9xuH6CgsiVj1DbOuIP4YmDLFSyX2UG1EgtFKk98mgBm9pTaXg4cQ5h2" alt="workflow bug" /></figure>



 <h3 id="h-4-unit-level-bugs">4. Unit Level Bugs</h3>



Unit-level bugs refer to the defects or errors at the smallest testable component of a software system, known as a unit. These units can be functions, methods, classes, or modules. When developers write code, they break it into smaller units to make it more manageable and easier to test.



Explaining a unit-level bug through an example is a simple task. The image shows no action after clicking the &#8220;Schedule a Demo&#8221; button. Based on this observation, it can be concluded that the issue is a unit-level bug, which pertains to a defect that occurs at the smallest unit of code &#8211; a module, function, or statement.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/fbPBDCi5jceOODQXQioHzfyNS2COD3thQLwgN3raQ0KBauLxruHW3zVV4FxxvR7oqd0zgog6k7j99GzzTJj_rgbifo_6yvcLBuQR0c3rXWBHMjNGXWyPKxUS2OCkF8b1cibsiJO-otJq" alt="Unit level bug" /></figure>



 <h3 id="h-5-system-level-integration-bugs">5. System-Level Integration Bugs</h3>



System-level integration bugs refer to the issues that arise when different components or subsystems of a complex system fail to work together seamlessly. These bugs can occur for various reasons, such as incompatible interfaces, module miscommunication, or inadequate testing.



Consider an example scenario &#8211;



Suppose we have a web application with multiple modules like user registration, login,&nbsp; checkout and payment processing. Different teams develop each module, which must be integrated for the application to function correctly. The application throws an error when the user clicks on “Proceed to Payment” &#8211; means the system failed where the checkout was integrated with payment. This will be an example of a system-level integration bug.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/gkAzt_acii0beOnuyoeZ6ZbdmTmvxNQ5TyYZuc89uIp3qT5w7oY_fc502y0co7bmkL9zxGktQ119UnfcVy9FvcsD52XwRLHT-mZggY5Yh0_iiqTj1cJWMSYy-nbiB2GxVcIA8_eLL7L4" alt="system level integration bug" /></figure>



 <h3 id="h-6-out-of-bound-bugs">6. Out of Bound Bugs</h3>



Out Of Bound Bugs occur with logical and arithmetic errors exceeding the allowable boundaries of a specified operation.



Consider the following scenario in which a user attempts to schedule a Demo in Testsigma. Upon navigating to the TimeSlot page, the user incorrectly selects a date one day before the current date, July 18th, 2023. As a result, the Demo gets scheduled for July 17th, 2023, which is outside the acceptable range of dates. This can be categorized as an out-of-bounds bug.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_g9aj1Y_TfZ3aNgVWjcD442fjWmmbrhmQXeCuU4fx2PlTGOe3HH5nkRv08eGB6cSgdv-HMkDH66Tnqhk3V10Na2fzxtiiXiqXs5fuaDjsDG2e3oRx_wELuhkdw8W16tioQ5kpwD-QO4K" alt="Out of bound bug" /></figure>



 <h3 id="h-7-security-bugs">7. Security Bugs</h3>



These are persistent and concerning issues in the world of technology. These bugs refer to vulnerabilities or flaws in software, hardware, or systems that malicious actors can exploit to gain unauthorized access, steal sensitive information, disrupt services, or cause other harmful consequences.



So, here is an example of a security flaw. Look at the image below where the user enters the wrong combination login on Testsigma login page, it lets the user in! This is a major software flaw because it exposes the site to security risks. This will enable anyone to log in to the application. It&#8217;s a security bug.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/ef6W57VoQG4IXtsuMvJFK094mdCwa8m7lD82gX16rqiePA7fZzEhUAx0dCcs-ikSztVeTPgd2UwRpGJbmfRAaZuR178OvOPoy8UWM9yvf6krzbnKyy8ooPvagntod-G3pGkzTO7pU0-M" alt="Security bugs
" /></figure>



 <h2 id="h-common-examples-of-software-bugs">Common Examples of Software Bugs</h2>



Software bugs are flaws within a program that prevents it from performing correctly and can be caused by design or coding errors. Common examples of software bugs include:&nbsp;



<ul><li>Unexpected program crashes</li><li>Results that don&#8217;t match expectations,&nbsp;</li><li>The program encountering an infinite loop,</li><li>Incorrect calculations,&nbsp;</li><li>Data missing from a database</li><li>Malfunctioning user interface elements,</li><li>Unresponsive API&nbsp;</li><li>Security vulnerabilities&nbsp;</li><li>Errors with file permissions&nbsp;</li><li>Unnatural slowness&nbsp;</li><li>Compatibility issues</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-impact-of-software-bugs">Impact of Software Bugs!</h2>



<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_bug">Software bugs</a> can have far-reaching consequences on software systems, businesses, and users alike. The following points outline the primary effects of software bugs:



1. Extended Development Time: Software bugs can lead to a prolonged development period, as they need to be found, identified, and corrected.



2. Increased Cost: Investigating and fixing software bugs can be expensive and time-consuming, increasing development costs.



3. Reduced System Quality: Bugs may prevent a software system from functioning properly, decreasing system quality.



4. User Frustration: Software bugs can create confusion, frustration, and dissatisfaction, leading to a poor user experience.



5. Regulatory Compliance Violations: Software bugs can sometimes cause a business to violate the applicable regulatory standards.



<h2 id="h-how-to-find-underlying-software-bugs">How to Find Underlying Software Bugs?</h2>



Finding underlying software bugs can be a daunting process for developers, but it can be done if it is done systematically. To find the underlying software bug, the following steps should be taken:&nbsp;



<ol><li>Begin bug-hunting via exploration of the features of the software: Test each feature and identify underperforming or unexpected behaviors; for example, within Testsigma Web Application, if we are testing the “login feature” &#8211; test the logging in/out process, and note any errors in the loading/saving/validation of data. </li><li>Carefully study the user interface: Explore every menu, every button, every page, etc., and look for inconsistencies and unexpected features. For example, within if we are testing the registration page for Testsigma application, you need to analyze the user interface for that page and ensure that all input fields are validated correctly. </li><li>Set up test plans: Set up user scenarios for various functions the software should have and thoroughly test each scenario. For example, when testing the registration process in Testsigma Web Application, create a plan to register a user, log out, log in back, and verify the login credentials are correct. </li><li>Make use of existing automation tools. Executing existing automation scripts and verifying if the executables are returning expected output can be immensely helpful in uncovering unknown software bugs. For these, you should use a test automation tool that goes well with your application. Testsigma is a <a href="https://testsigma.com/tools/automation-testing-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test automation tool</a> that lets you automate your tests for web, mobile, desktop and APIs, from the same place. It is a no-code test automation platform that makes it very easy to automate your tests in simple English.</li></ol>



 <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, 10x faster, with Testsigma</a></button> 



<h2 id="h-identify-and-resolve-bugs">Identify and Resolve Bugs!</h2>



Finding and fixing bugs can be annoying, and it takes time and effort to go through your code carefully. But it can also be pretty cool! You might even feel like a detective on the case.



Identifying and resolving bugs involves various steps, such as:&nbsp;



1. Isolating the source of the bug.&nbsp;



2. Running through the code and looking for possible errors.&nbsp;



3. Make sure all parameters are correct and rerun the code.&nbsp;



4. Refactoring the code to ensure optimal performance.&nbsp;



5. Testing the code again to find any new potential bugs.



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



Bug testing is an essential part of the software development process and helps to ensure that software is properly tested prior to launch. Identifying and resolving bugs during development is important to deliver a successful and user-friendly product. With a better understanding of common bugs, developers can take preventive measures and improve software quality.



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



<h3 id="h-what-is-the-most-common-type-of-software-bug">What is the most common type of software bug?</h3>



The most common type of software bug is coding errors, which are found in the code written to make the software operational. These errors may lead to crashed systems, unexpected errors, or incorrect output.



<h3 id="h-what-is-the-classification-of-a-bug-in-testing">What is the classification of a bug in testing?</h3>



Generally, bugs are classified as either major or minor, depending on their impact on the program. Major bugs should be prioritized and fixed immediately, while minor bugs may be addressed later.

Common Types of Bugs in Software Testing

As the tech sphere develops quickly, businesses must ensure their software and systems perform effectively. Feature testing is essential for organizations to find and fix potential issues in any new feature before the product gets to the users. Join us on this exciting journey to learning the various aspects of feature testing.&nbsp;



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Feature_Testing">1 What is Feature Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#How_feature_tests_work_8211_Manual_and_Automated">2 How feature tests work &#8211; Manual and Automated</a></li><li><a href="#Advantages_of_Feature_Testing">3 Advantages of Feature Testing</a><ul><li><a href="#How_to_Effectively_Test_a_Feature">3.1 How to Effectively Test a Feature?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Summary">4 Summary</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">5 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#How_do_you_perform_feature_testing">5.1 How do you perform feature testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_do_features_mean_in_software_testing">5.2 What do features mean in software testing?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-feature-testing">What is Feature Testing?</h2>



Feature testing is essential to the development lifecycle because it helps identify any bugs, errors, or problems that might occur when using a particular feature. Feature Test is important when creating something new. It helps spot any issues that could arise when using a certain feature.&nbsp;



Feature testing is essential in delivering high-quality software. Some examples of tests during feature testing include:



<ul><li>Checking if a button works correctly,&nbsp;</li><li>Verifying data inputs are processed accurately or&nbsp;</li><li>Ensuring that different components interact seamlessly.</li></ul>



Next time you use a feature in an app or website and everything seems to work smoothly, remember that dedicated testers spent time testing that feature. That&#8217;s why you get a seamless user experience.



<h2 id="h-how-feature-tests-work-manual-and-automated">How feature tests work &#8211; Manual and Automated</h2>



Feature tests ensure that an app&#8217;s feature does what it should when it&#8217;s up and running.



Manual testing involves a human tester executing test cases to verify the software&#8217;s functionality. This approach is often used in the early stages of development when the features still need to be fully developed and still need to be stable for automation.&nbsp;



For example, let&#8217;s consider a scenario where we have developed a login feature for a web application. In manual testing, a tester would have a test plan to test the login feature thoroughly. It would include testing the login with valid and invalid credentials, all UI elements, and any other apt test.&nbsp;



<a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Automated testing</a> involves an automation tool executing test cases to verify the <a href="https://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Software_functionality" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software&#8217;s functionality</a>. The following discussion presents an example of automated feature testing using Testsigma, a no-code test automation tool.&nbsp;



We aim to automate the data-driven functionality in Testsigma, which enables us to input data sets along with the values. First, we give that data to be tested.&nbsp;



The image below shows the test data profile used to run the test case. I have taken the Data Set as Things, and the Values are -The Guide, Gel Pen, and KIA, for example.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/ATMGDVFtQ0aHdGdpywe7TST-0hexIIW-sLW8n0QUFAsYBnXvHDdsqikVyiBJFr3jt0zj-lSvuXJs9-jUGgEKZeIC6hVRGqFzgrtXqe-3KVRgXd-r5BqW4LZnxbYmChQSrSLZThzNK_k9" alt="Feature testing screenshot 1" /></figure>



In the below-shown image, you can see the extracted test data using @|parameter|- Thing [Data set- CAR; KIA-Value] &nbsp;in the test steps, and it is automated. You can also see the test case executed successfully and verified.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/L8x5oMyKAqT43GEcM1oObvj5EsUYP8HRM-VOssCqW-3mzfSyhfWTUWHh0pr2LGY9EGaIUf2DT25S97MMUEFhmxgN1oTT7-2mIMzueR8HXzhEtPbLkBaHJX0ELg-8PiajNeoKXOO2rnKL" alt="feature testing screenshot 2" /></figure>



This illustrates the ease with which automation can build any feature.



So why wait? Give <a href="https://testsigma.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma</a> a try and enjoy stress-free feature testing!



Automate your feature tests for web, mobile, desktops and APIs, 10x faster, with Testsigma



<h2 id="h-advantages-of-feature-testing">Advantages of Feature Testing</h2>



Here you go:



<ol><li>Feature testing can be useful for finding any issues in the software before it goes public, ensuring it&#8217;s user-friendly and easy to use.&nbsp;</li><li>Feature testing can help spot inconsistencies and logic gaps in the application.&nbsp;</li><li>With Feature testing, testers can give feedback on specific features and suggest changes or improvements.&nbsp;</li><li>Believe it or not, feature testing can save us some development time and money.</li></ol>



Verifying the functionality of a feature before its release allows for more timely and cost-effective changes or fixes.



<h3 id="h-how-to-effectively-test-a-feature">How to Effectively Test a Feature?</h3>



Let me tell you some tricks to do it effectively.



<ol><li>Establish clear goals: Before starting a feature test, it is important to understand what the feature should do (functional requirements) and why. This should be clearly documented to ensure the proper use and measurement of the results.</li><li>Identify user scenarios: Identifying the user scenarios associated with the feature is also important to ensure that all possible expansions are tested.</li><li>Create a test plan: To ensure all possibilities are considered when considering the results.</li><li>Set up the environment: Set up the <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test environment</a> with the feature installed and configured.</li><li>Execute the tests: In this step, you should execute the tests outlined in the Test plan. When testing, the first iteration will always be manual; once the feature is stable, it can be automated.&nbsp;</li><li>Document the results: For future use, you should detail the results to properly understand, communicate, and track any issues or successes.</li><li>Re-test based on results: If any issues occur during the testing, run more tests to address them and document the results.</li><li>Report the results and review: Once you&#8217;re done, report and review the results to ensure the feature works as expected.</li></ol>



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



To wrap it up, feature testing is a must for software development. It lets you test the user experience and uncover areas for improvement specific to a feature. Only when a feature is thoroughly tested can integration and system testing be done successfully.



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



<h3 id="h-how-do-you-perform-feature-testing">How do you perform feature testing?</h3>



Feature testing involves thorough testing of a feature. It begins with a careful examination of the requirements, followed by test case creation and a focus on feature functions, UX, performance, and security during the testing.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h3 id="h-what-do-features-mean-in-software-testing">What do features mean in software testing?</h3>



Features in <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software testing</a> refer to a software application&#8217;s specific characteristics or functionalities that can be tested for quality assurance. They cover a range of behavior and activities that the application should be capable of performing as expected. For example, consider Facebook, a social media application, here for feature testing. Some of the features of this application could include:



1. Signing up: You must create an account as the first step, where you must give your personal information &#8211; name, email, password, etc.



2. News Feed: This is like your own personalized magazine that shows posts, pics, and updates from your friends and the pages you follow.



3. Messaging: You can slide into your friends&#8217; DMs and group chats here.



4. Sharing Photos and Videos: You can upload and share your favorite pics and videos with your friends on your profile.

Feature Testing- What It Is and How It Works

Feature Testing- What It Is and How It Works?

How to Find Bugs in Application/ Website?

Dynamic Testing What it is ,Types ,& Step by Step Process

Dynamic Testing | What it is ,Types ,& Step by Step Process

Formal Testing In Software Testing - An Overview

Formal Testing In Software Testing – An Overview

Flutter Testing A Complete Guide To Test Flutter Apps

Flutter Testing: A Complete Guide To Test Flutter Apps

Hey there, tech enthusiasts and passionate testers! For the last one year, our industry is flooded with material on how ChatGPT and other AI models will transform the <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/future-of-software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">future of testing</a>. I promise you that this article will be different and would not talk about the capabilities of ChatGPT but would instead talk about the myths in testing industry that ChatGPT has busted.&nbsp;



Brace yourselves as we unveil the myth that ChatGPT, the AI language model, has finally shattered: the notion that coding is the primary &#8220;super&#8221; skill for success in testing. Believe it or not, coding is not the be-all and end-all of testing prowess. Let&#8217;s explore why and discover what lies ahead for the testing landscape.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Introduction">1 Introduction</a></li><li><a href="#Whats_Next">2 What’s Next?</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">3 Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-introduction">Introduction</h2>



For years, the belief that coding skills are paramount for testers has sustained in the industry. Many aspiring testers or mid-range experienced testers felt compelled to hone their programming abilities, and even practice competitive programming assuming it was the golden ticket to excel in the industry. But ChatGPT has emerged as a game-changer, challenging this long-running assumption.



 With ChatGPT, it has become increasingly easy and simple to generate test framework codes, sample scripts, test data generation utilities, and whatnot. Just a simple search on YouTube, and you will find a plethora of video tutorials on how to generate code samples <a href="https://hix.ai/chatgpt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">using ChatGPT</a>. In most cases, the code generated by the AI model needs basic to no modification for most simple to basic use cases of test automation. 



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/kpX0JFZdmD4kjR3zlbNj67fONXu2XONzOf6t5-41mJ3TteTTVmVoxk6i1k0zjyRGfJ0pIoWOxAqGZwgvCB0t6n6Qe5WbB75eqC-0PZ9hce7R-foqFFujlvU7G6BiDFk1xMu6hf7M3RiHpHK3CfLdhQ" alt="A picture containing wall, flag, indoor, fabric

Description automatically generated" /></figure>



This article is not against coding or programming as a skill. Coding is undeniably valuable in testing, especially when it comes to creative and custom automation needs. However, it is merely one piece of the puzzle. Testing is a multidimensional craft that demands a diverse skill set to deliver fruitful results.&nbsp;



<h2 id="what-s-next">What’s Next?</h2>



With the rise and boom of AI &amp; No Code tools in the market (Ex: <a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma</a>), it’s clear that basic framework generation or scripting work will get easy and simple. As the testing landscape evolves, it&#8217;s essential for testers to embrace this transformation and continue to nurture their diverse skill set. By focusing on the key testing skills, testers can adapt to the changing industry and remain at the forefront of delivering exceptional value.



So, what are these key testing skills that deserve your attention? Let&#8217;s see some of the essential abilities that testers have not been focusing much but should be focusing on:



<ol><li>Risk Analysis: As a tester, we primarily test to find information about the risks and help the team reduce their risk gap. Your ability to assess risks and prioritize them is crucial. Identifying potential issues, the risk gap associated with them as well as their impact on the system under test helps the team make well-informed decisions and drive the project effectively. Here are a few resources to get started and understand risk analysis in testing:<ul><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g97mMeC9EIE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Michael Bolton. Risk Analysis. QA Fest 2018 &#8211; YouTube</a></li><li><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/risk-based-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">What is Risk Based Testing? Top Benefits &amp; Approaches (testsigma.com)</a></li><li><a href="https://riskstormingonline.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">RiskStorming Online</a><a href="https://riskstormingonline.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> | A Quality Strategy Created Together</a></li><li><a href="http://catless.ncl.ac.uk/Risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">RISKS-LIST: RISKS-FORUM Digest (ncl.ac.uk)</a></li></ul></li></ol>



<ol start="2"><li>Effective Communication: As a tester, we are often the bearer of bad news. Conveying such news is socially difficult. Being able to articulate such thoughts in verbal as well as written forms, report bugs with advocacy, collaborate with developers, and interact with stakeholders are all vital aspects of a tester&#8217;s role. If you are looking for a long-term career in tech, communication is one skill that you should master early in your career.</li></ol>



 Here are a few resources to learn the art of persuasive and influential communication:



<ul><li><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/top-ways-communicate-software-testing-insights-better/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Top 7 Ways t</a><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/top-ways-communicate-software-testing-insights-better/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">o Communicate Software Testing Insights Better (testsigma.com)</a></li><li><a href="https://manassaloi.com/2020/05/19/master-communication-writing.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">How to communicate better | Manas J. Saloi (manassaloi.com)</a></li><li><a href="http://testertested.blogspot.com/2013/05/emailing-skills-and-its-power-to.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Tester Tested !: Emailing skills and its power to influence for software testers (no, just me)</a></li></ul> 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/2KJ0vYoXRKTYVfQ5ZhTzQMlSNPZuVObXkP4NX9txfe4qIXENhtkR-hUEwh43poGlIavxJbkkoUUXG5TyZ2PJZfFMZ6ZGQZaIHUK_70Zl2jxeupWqSQUYjQqxOI4aNbfiSaTh4lQgo3MOQ9DjIEfZZg" alt="influential communication" /></figure></div>



 <ol start="3"><li>Bug Advocacy: Bug Reports are high-visibility items for project stakeholders. As a tester, simply reporting bugs is not enough. Bugs that are not acted upon do not translate into actual value. Testers should learn the art of advocating for the bugs they discover. This skill involves presenting clear evidence, explaining the impact of the bug, and conveying its risk and importance to the stakeholders. Here are few resources to learn the art of bug advocacy &amp; beyond:</li></ol>



<ul><li><a href="https://www.thetesttribe.com/courses/bug-advocacy-course/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Bug Advocacy: Report Bugs that Get Fixed, Like a Pro (thetesttribe.com)</a></li><li><a href="https://leanpub.com/bugadvocacy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Bug Advocacy by Rahul Parwal et al. [Leanpub PDF/iPad/Kindle]</a></li><li><a href="https://issuu.com/santhoshtuppad/docs/crash-course-on-reporting-bugs-in-software-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Crash Course on Reporting Bugs in Software Testing by Santhosh Tuppad &#8211; Issuu</a></li></ul>



<ol start="4"><li>Exploring Requirements: Requirements are often unclear, ambiguous, and inconsistent in most software projects. Also, not all requirements will be in written form. Just like development, requirements need to be tested as well as explored too. Testers need to be skilled at diving deep into the project context, understanding the scope, and exploring the missing parts of the requirements. This key skill will determine your ability to cover and target the right areas.</li></ol> 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/BolEhu8S7KgroC6_HSxOAkDluyfO_v8mrHBdGl0rXWmtliwT3aQcxPzllyaKxwu916p9viODM0WoCaujCh2TUeLQoPJdF8J-qFfgc5DRLeVBY0vJNiJ9FaXjxIbV8nhTvm2JDF0eeuDw5ZzA2BxTyQ" alt="A picture containing text, screenshot, font, line
" /></figure></div>



 Here are a few resources to be good at exploring requirements:



<ul><li><a href="https://www.thetesttribe.com/blog/exploring-requirements/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Exploring Requirements: Part 3 of Requirement Gathering Blog Series (thetesttribe.com)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wh4-p_02coc&amp;t=583s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Perform Systematic Exploration and Understand Testing Requirement | Rahul Parwal #requirements #test &#8211; YouTube</a></li><li><a href="https://leanpub.com/exploringrequirementsone" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Exploring Requirements… by Gerald M. Weinberg [PDF/iPad/Kindle] (leanpub.com)</a></li></ul>



<ol start="5"><li>Test Strategy: Creating and discussing about your <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/software-testing-strategy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test strategy</a> is an important aspect of professional systematic software testing. Crafting a solid test strategy is a vital skill for testers. It involves devising a plan that outlines the testing approach, techniques, quality criteria’s, project environment, and coverage areas to ensure thorough testing.</li></ol>



 Here are a few resources and reference examples to learn the art of creating a holistic test strategy:



<ul><li><a href="https://www.huibschoots.nl/wordpress/?p=2726" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Creating a Test Strategy – Magnifiant: exploring software testing (huibschoots.nl)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.satisfice.com/download/heuristic-test-strategy-model" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Heuristic Test Strategy Model &#8211; Satisfice, Inc.</a></li><li><a href="http://thetesteye.com/posters/TestStrategyChecklist.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Test Strategy Checklist (thetesteye.com)</a></li></ul>



<ol start="6"><li>Product Modeling: The ability to model the product mentally or as an abstract model helps testers gain a deeper understanding of its behavior, interactions, and potential risk areas. By creating a visual model or representation of the product, testers can target effective test scenarios as well as structure their tests better. It also helps in achieving a higher test coverage.&nbsp;</li></ol>



 Here are a few resources to learn about systematic product modeling:



<ul><li><a href="http://thetesteye.com/blog/2012/02/many-models-better-test-ideas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Many Models – Better Test Ideas</a></li><li><a href="https://www.annemariecharrett.com/how-i-use-modelling-in-software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Model a system is critical in software testing (here&#8217;s how) (annemariecharrett.com)</a></li><li><a href="http://testerstories.com/2017/12/modeling-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Modeling Testing – Stories from a Software Tester (testerstories.com)</a></li></ul>



<ol start="7"><li>Biases: Like in any other field, biases, and prejudices can be very risky in software development. As a tester, it’s good to know about them in advance and develop a questioning / investigative attitude whenever you feel you are getting biased. Biases can affect your testing judgments and overall decision-making processes. Often, you will have to consciously de-bias yourself from the diverse set of information and emotions around you.&nbsp;</li></ol>



 Here are few resources to learn about biases and how to not let them affect your testing:



<ul><li><a href="https://originality.ai/blog/are-gpt-detectors-biased-against-non-native-english-speakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Are ChatGPT Detectors Biased Against Non Native English Speakers</a></li><li><a href="https://testingtitbits.com/does-psychology-influence-your-test-experiments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Are Biases Influencing your Test Results? &#8211; Rahul&#8217;s Testing Titbits</a></li><li><a href="https://www.sog.unc.edu/sites/www.sog.unc.edu/files/course_materials/Cognitive%20Biases%20Codex.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Cognitive Biases Codex.pdf (unc.edu)</a></li><li><a href="https://betterhumans.pub/cognitive-bias-cheat-sheet-55a472476b18?gi=224e4f259984#.5q3u387fg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Cognitive bias cheat sheet. An organized list of cognitive biases because thinking is hard. | by Buster Benson | Better Humans</a></li></ul>



<ol start="8"><li>Negotiation: Testers often find themselves in situations where negotiation skills come in handy. Estimations and negotiations go hand in hand. Your ability to negotiate and buy time will play a key role in quality delivery. Collaborating with stakeholders under pressure to address conflicting priorities is an art that will save you a lot of hassle in the long run.</li></ol>



 Here are a few resources to learn the art of negotiation as a software tester or consultant:



<ul><li><a href="https://secretsofconsulting.blogspot.com/2006/05/yielding-to-pressure-vs-negotiating.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Gerald Weinberg&#8217;s Secrets of Writing and Consulting: Yielding to Pressure vs. Negotiating (secretsofconsulting.blogspot.com)</a></li><li><a href="https://developsense.com/blog/2009/08/test-estimation-is-really-negotiation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Test Estimation Is Really Negotiation – DevelopSense</a></li></ul>



<ol start="9"><li>Persuasion: Testing is not just about finding information about the product. It also involves helping the team make well-informed and beneficial decisions for the product and team. Often these things are not directly under your control as a tester. Convincing others about the importance of testing, the value of certain approaches, or the severity of a bug requires persuasive skills. Testers who can effectively present their case influence decision-makers positively.</li></ol>



 Here is a crisp mindmap to help you understand and implement the art of persuasion as a tester:



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/TUG3XgOs4H-dfigxv2SmhNzPC3Kzhe6WdzBlRVlkfAD7W1Pm9tqSpnMFbnUeryftLCOnwj1LP7YC2ytcc_2_f6O-k6ebSGhYngGjFDJltWsdFHXisZS2CDM0YCdMVwLyWxoKEYoxJXWYqN1YtkqXgw" alt="" /></figure>



 <ol start="10"><li>Note-Taking: Just like testing, everyone can do note-taking to some degree. However, professional note-taking requires conscious practice and consistent efforts. Effective note-taking is a skill that often goes underrated but plays a significant role in your testing as well as your credibility as a professional. Taking comprehensive and organized notes helps testers track their progress, document important findings, and maintain a clear record of their work.</li></ol>



 Here is a crisp summary of the paper on Exploratory Tester’s Notebook by Michael Bolton that would give you the need and benefits of good note-taking in exploration:



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/mZ7sOcHSzPIZ0Ur3Lali31QjRc8oBCVQ9nSVx3Hz1xM2cwNYBbcdiCOb9jUh7M0PmjyxxJtgcNUwxfuEYNB4N75TFMH9_uyTQqCIO4UfQ1RMEycQ1WAL5Grk2SxvuXdhcXZJYIvi3HvH-o4woSelcg" alt="" /></figure>



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



In this article, we covered 10 essential skills that testers should now focus on honing to stay relevant and excel in their testing career. With testers upskilling themselves on these skills, we can soon envision a future where skilled testers collaborate seamlessly with AI models like ChatGPT, combining their human expertise and critical thinking skills with the model&#8217;s computational and processing capabilities. This synergy would result in more comprehensive and intelligent testing.



Interested to explore a powerful open-source testing tool that aims to assist you well with your human expertise?&nbsp; 



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



 In conclusion, ChatGPT&#8217;s disruption of the long-standing myth that coding is the primary &#8220;super&#8221; skill for success in testing has pushed everyone to look around for a new era of possibilities. By recognizing, nurturing and embracing the diverse skill set required for testing, we empower ourselves to tackle complex challenges, advocate for quality, and drive innovation in the ever-evolving world of software testing.



Happy testing, and may your bug hunts be fruitful and fulfilling!

With ChatGPT here, what's next for the Testing Industry

With ChatGPT here, what’s next for the Testing Industry?

Power of DevOps Quality Metrics A Comprehensive Guide

Power of Quality DevOps Metrics: A Comprehensive Guide

Every tester spends excessive time understanding the application and its specifications to test it. But imagine the wastage of time and cost for testers when the software build, which developers pass for testing, keeps failing every test. All of this is possible to avoid by using Build Verification Testing or BVT.



The process consists of individually checking the software builds to ensure they are going for testing only after the build is stable and ready.



Let’s learn about BVT and its process.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_Is_Build_Verification_Testing">1 What Is Build Verification Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_Build_Verification_Testing">2 Why Build Verification Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Principles_of_BVT">3 Principles of BVT</a></li><li><a href="#The_Process_of_BVT_Testing">4 The Process of BVT Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Why_Automation_Is_Essential_For_Build_Verification_Testing">5 Why Automation Is Essential For Build Verification Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Some_Benefits_Of_BVT_Testing">6 Some Benefits Of BVT Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Tips_For_Selecting_Build_Verification_Tests">7 Tips For Selecting Build Verification Tests</a></li><li><a href="#Build_Verification_Testing_Checklist">8 Build Verification Testing Checklist</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="#Who_performs_BVT">10.1 Who performs BVT?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_the_difference_between_build_verification_testing_and_build_acceptance_testing">10.2 What is the difference between build verification testing and build acceptance testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_an_example_of_BVT_testing">10.3 What is an example of BVT testing?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-build-verification-testing">What Is Build Verification Testing?</h2>



Build verification testing, or BVT, is a set of tests run on every new build to check if the build is stable and ready for further testing. It consists of test cases that validate the core features of the software build. Any build that fails BVT is rejected and goes back to the developers for resolution. Later, it comes back after a fix, and<a href="https://testsigma.com/regression-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> regression testing</a> happens on it with the same set of test cases.



The idea is to save time and resources by eliminating the back-and-forth between the build and testing phases. And this testing proves highly useful when there are multiple inter-dependent builds. It is also called<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/smoke-testing/"> Smoke testing</a> and mainly checks for build verification and acceptance.



An example of BVT is verifying the basic functions of a registration form, such as page rendering and successful registration upon providing the correct credentials. Any build that functions according to its expected behavior passes the BVT testing and moves ahead for further testing.



<h2 id="h-why-build-verification-testing">Why Build Verification Testing?</h2>



BVT aims to ensure that the system or the build exhibits the expected behavior as defined in specifications documents. Some of the reasons why you should perform build verification testing are as follows:



<ul><li>Early detection of issues: BVT is conducted in the early stages of development or after making significant changes to a system. By verifying the expected behavior, you identify bugs and resolve them early on, reducing the likelihood of more severe problems later in the development cycle.</li><li>Risk mitigation: BVT helps mitigate risks associated with the system&#8217;s behavior. It identifies potential risks such as security vulnerabilities, data loss, or incorrect functionality by validating and addressing the expected behavior before the system gets deployed to production.</li><li>Verification of requirements: BVT ensures that the system meets the specified requirements or specifications. It helps validate that the system performs the intended functions and behaves correctly.</li><li>Confidence in system functionality: Performing BVT assures that the system is functioning properly and helps build confidence among stakeholders, including developers, testers, project managers, and end-users, about its quality.</li><li>Efficiency and time savings: By conducting BVT, any deviations from the expected behavior can be identified promptly. This allows developers to make the necessary corrections early on, reducing the overall time and effort required for testing and debugging.</li><li>Customer satisfaction: BVT ensures that the system meets the expected behavior, which in turn increases the likelihood of customer satisfaction as they receive a reliable and functional product.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-principles-of-bvt">Principles of BVT</h2>



Primarily, the principles of BVT are developing a stable build, verifying the build&#8217;s health, and moving toward automation. These three points basically cover multiple aspects of BVT, such as:



<ul><li>Early Testing: BVT should be performed as early as possible in the development cycle to catch issues and bugs at an early stage. It helps identify and rectify problems before they become complex and costly to fix.</li><li>Focus on Critical Functionality: BVT prioritizes testing the critical functionalities of the system or software component that significantly impact the overall build performance or user experience.</li><li>Test End-to-End Scenarios: BVT should include test scenarios that cover the end-to-end functionality of the system. Such an approach is useful in verifying the interaction between different components of the system.</li><li>Clear and Measurable Criteria: The testing should have clear and measurable criteria for determining each test case&#8217;s expected behavior and success measure.</li><li>Reproducibility: BVT should be reproducible, with the tests being the ability to execute multiple times with the same inputs and produce the same results. Reproducibility is important for debugging and investigating issues that arise during testing.</li><li>Documentation: You must be able to well-document the BVT process, including <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Test_plan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test plans</a>, test cases, and test results. This helps in maintaining a record of the testing process, facilitates collaboration among team members, and provides a reference for future testing and maintenance activities.</li><li>Automation: Whenever feasible, leverage automation tools and frameworks to streamline the testing process. Automation helps increase efficiency, reduce human errors, and enable repeated execution of tests, allowing for faster feedback on the system&#8217;s behavior.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-the-process-of-bvt-testing">The Process of BVT Testing</h2>



You know that BVT consists of certain core functionality tests to check if the software build is ready for testing. Now, let’s see how the BVT process happens and what steps are involved in it.



Performing BVT is quite straightforward: run pre-defined, repetitive tests to see if the build is functioning as it is supposed to. And because the tests are redundant, automating your BVT process using automation tools is logical. Follow these steps to run BVT:



<ul><li>Select the right BVT tests from the already defined test cases.</li><li>Execute the test cases as part of your CI/CD pipeline.</li><li>Analyze and report the test results upon every run.</li><li>In case a BVT test fails, send it back to the developer, log the results, and reject the build.</li><li>Now, developers will work on the issue resolution based on your report and feedback.</li><li>They will send back a new build after fixing the problem, which will again go through BVT with the same set of tests.</li><li>If the build passes BVT, move it forward for testing; otherwise, reject it and send it back for further resolution.</li></ul>



These steps are general guidelines, and the actual implementation of BVT may vary based on the project&#8217;s specific needs, complexity, and context.



<h2 id="h-why-automation-is-essential-for-build-verification-testing">Why Automation Is Essential For Build Verification Testing?</h2>



BVT tests must be automated because automation makes testing extremely accessible and easy. And since these tests are run repeatedly to ensure the build is ready for the testing phase, automation also saves time and cost. The best way to approach BVT automation is to automate everything from start to end, including the build release process and the BVT results.



Automation tools assist in running the tests. And because BVT focuses only on core functionalities, you can go for tools that offer simple yet effective ways to write and execute tests. Testsigma is one such automation tool that provides testers the ability to save and re-run test cases, which is an important part of the BVT process. Another advantage of using Testsigma for BVT is the tool’s feature allowing testers to create test cases in plain English and save them whenever. It further helps that the tool supports web, mobile, desktop and API testing broadening your testing horizons.



 <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 BVT tests, for web, mobile, desktop, and APIs, from the same place, with Testsigma</a></button> 



<h2 id="h-some-benefits-of-bvt-testing">Some Benefits Of BVT Testing</h2>



Behavioral Verification Testing (BVT) offers several benefits in the software development process. Some of the key benefits of BVT include:



<ul><li>Checks all major core functionalities before executing in-detail tests, thereby saving time and money</li><li>Detects potential bugs even before the testing phase starts</li><li>Helps mitigate risks associated with the behavior of the system</li><li>Ensures that the system adheres to the specified requirements or specifications</li><li>Instills confidence in the development team, testers, project managers, and stakeholders by thoroughly verifying the behavior of the system</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-tips-for-selecting-build-verification-tests">Tips For Selecting Build Verification Tests</h2>



Some tips you should keep in mind while selecting build verification tests are:



<ul><li>Choose all the test cases that cover the core and major functionalities of the software.</li><li>Select test cases that cover end-to-end scenarios of user interactions or system processes.</li><li>Include test cases that cover various input combinations, boundary values, error conditions, and exceptional scenarios.</li><li>Ensure to mention the right version details about the build in the tests.</li><li>Go for test cases that can be automated and executed within 30 minutes.</li><li>Add BVT tests as a part of your CI process.</li><li>Allocate more test cases to high-risk areas to verify and mitigate potential risks thoroughly.</li><li>Select the scalable tests that can be re-used with new additions and modifications of build functionalities.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-build-verification-testing-checklist">Build Verification Testing Checklist</h2>



By now, you have a clear idea about BVT and its scope. And while you can start performing the tests, it is good to have a checklist ready to make sure no critical step goes missing. Follow the below list for running your BVT process.



<ul><li>Develop a BVT test plan outlining the objectives, scope, and test coverage.</li><li>Verify that all the test cases within BVT cover the major functionalities of the build.</li><li>Check if all the tests included in the final testing process are sufficient for build verification.</li><li>Define the entry and exit criteria and follow them strictly.</li><li>Identify and prioritize the test cases.</li><li>If feasible, try to automate all tests.</li><li>Provide detailed reporting of the bugs and rejected builds.</li><li>Follow a standard guideline when the build fails BVT and goes back to developers for a fix.</li><li>Ensure to properly follow the build pass criteria, i.e., do not even overlook any minute issue when it comes to qualifying the build as pass or fail.</li><li>Maintain the automation script with the right input values to re-run them for testing rejected builds after resolution.</li></ul>



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



BVT is a test that is conducted before the detailed testing phase on every new software build. The goal of BVT is to check the core features of the build to see if it is stable and ready for testing. BVT prevents the failing of test cases when the testing on the build actually starts. Build owners work on incoming builds to identify the issues and reject or pass them based on the outcome. With BVT, we only aim to validate the basic functionality of the software rather than verifying all the possible edge cases.



Most of the BVT test cases are automated as they need to be re-run to test new or existing builds that keep coming for testing. You can automate BVT test cases using tools that support writing and executing small, basic tests in record time with lesser resources. Testsigma is equipped with AI to assist testers in creating tests that can be saved, re-run, and written in plain English to perform the BVT process easily. The tool is popular for its accessible testing methods, including NLP-based scripting, data-driven testing, and reusable test groups, which are all required for BVT.



We encourage you to explore Testsigma for all your testing requirements. Register for a<a href="https://testsigma.com/request-demo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> free demo</a> to learn more about the tool and how it will help you to create end-to-end tests 10x faster for web, mobile apps, &amp; APIs.



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



<h3 id="h-who-performs-bvt">Who performs BVT?</h3>



Developers or testers can both perform BVT. Often, the person who executes and maintains BVT results is called the BVT owner and takes care of the testing process before rejecting or passing the build as per the outcome.



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



Build verification testing is also called build acceptance testing, which focuses on accepting the build for the detailed testing phase. Both terms are interchangeable in meaning.



<h3 id="h-what-is-an-example-of-bvt-testing">What is an example of BVT testing?</h3>



An example of BVT can be verifying the core functionality of an e-commerce application by signing in and adding products to a cart to buy. For a video/audio sharing app, it can be checking if the videos/audios are displaying and playing as intended. By definition, BVT does not include every edge case but only focuses on validating the primary feature of the build.

Build Verification Testing (BVT Testing) - A Quick Guide