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What is Volume Testing | How to Perform & Best Practices

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Backend Testing | What it is, Types, and How to Perform?

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What are software development life cycle (SDLC) models

Software Development Life Cycle Models (SDLC)

Defect Tracking in Software Testing What it is and Why

Defect Tracking in Software Testing: What it is and Why?

Test coverage metrics ensure that every part of the software is tested, ensuring reliability and quality. These metrics also help identify areas that need more attention and improve software performance and user experience.



In this blog, we will discuss test coverage metrics from different perspectives.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Test_Coverage_Metrics_in_Software_Testing">1 Test Coverage Metrics in Software Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Test_Coverage_Metrics_in_Agile_Testing_Approach">2 Test Coverage Metrics in Agile Testing Approach</a></li><li><a href="#Test_Coverage_Metrics_from_a_Practical_Perspective">3 Test Coverage Metrics from a Practical Perspective</a></li><li><a href="#Continuous_Improvement_Through_Test_Metrics">4 Continuous Improvement Through Test Metrics</a></li><li><a href="#Summary">5 Summary</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">6 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_are_the_three_metrics_in_testing">6.1 What are the three metrics in testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_are_the_most_essential_test_metrics">6.2 What are the most essential test metrics?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-test-coverage-metrics-in-software-testing">Test Coverage Metrics in Software Testing</h2>



1. Functional Coverage:



Functional coverage measures the extent to which all functional requirements of a software application have been tested. It ensures that all features and functionalities specified in the requirements are tested. This metric helps identify gaps or missing functionalities that must be addressed before releasing the software.&nbsp;



For example,



Software application: Online banking website



To ensure functional coverage of an online banking website, the following features and functionalities should be tested:



<ul><li>Login and logout: Users should be able to log in and out of their accounts using their username and password.</li><li>Account management: Users should be able to view their account balances, transaction history, and other account information. They should also be able to update their personal information and security settings.</li><li>Funds transfer: Users should be able to transfer money between their accounts and to other accounts within the same bank or at other banks.</li><li>Bill pay: Users should be able to schedule and pay bills electronically.</li><li>Check deposit: Users can deposit checks remotely using their smartphone or computer.</li><li>Customer support: Users should have access to customer support through various channels, such as phone, email, and live chat.</li></ul>



2. Product Coverage:



Product coverage focuses on testing different aspects of the software product. It includes various dimensions such as user interfaces, hardware configurations, operating systems, browsers, and databases. By covering different combinations of these dimensions, testers can ensure the software works across various environments.&nbsp;



For example,



Software application: Web application



Product coverage dimensions:



<ul><li>User interfaces: Desktop and mobile versions</li><li>Operating systems: Windows, Mac, and Linux</li><li>Browsers: Chrome, Safari, and Firefox</li><li>Databases: MySQL and PostgreSQL</li></ul>



By executing test cases covering the above dimensions, testers can ensure that the web application works on many devices, operating systems, browsers, and database connections.



3. Test Execution Coverage:



<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-execution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test execution</a> coverage is an essential aspect of software testing. It examines different combinations of user interfaces, hardware configurations, operating systems, browsers, and databases. By conducting tests across various environments, testers can identify potential issues or bugs.&nbsp;



Later, they can ensure that the software functions for all users. This whole approach to testing helps enhance the software&#8217;s quality and reliability.&nbsp;



By executing all test cases on all supported environments, testers can be confident that the mobile app will work for all users.



4. Requirements Coverage:



By thoroughly testing the software in different scenarios and environments, testers can ensure that all the required functionalities and features work as intended, providing a seamless user experience.&nbsp;



For example,



Here is how testers can ensure requirements coverage for an online banking website:



Requirement: Users must be able to transfer money between their accounts.



<ul><li>Users must be able to view their account balance and transaction history.</li><li>Users must be able to pay bills online.</li><li>Users must be able to deposit checks online.</li><li>Users must be able to set up recurring transfers and payments.</li><li>Users must be able to receive alerts for account activity.</li><li>Users must be able to dispute charges.</li><li>Users must be able to contact customer support for assistance.</li></ul>



Testers should execute test cases that cover all of the requirements(functional and non-functional.) for the online banking website, such as performance, security, and usability.&nbsp;



This will ensure sufficient requirement coverage for the online banking website.



5. Risk coverage:&nbsp;



By conducting thorough testing, testers can identify and mitigate potential risks associated with this software. This includes identifying vulnerabilities, security loopholes, and potential system failures that could threaten the software&#8217;s performance and user data.&nbsp;



By addressing these risks, testers can enhance their software&#8217;s reliability and security, ensuring a safe and trustworthy user experience.&nbsp;



For example,



Software application: Online banking website



Risks:



<ul><li>Security vulnerabilities</li><li>Fraudulent transactions</li><li>System outages</li></ul>



By executing <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/what-is-test-case/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test cases</a> related to these risks, testers can ensure risk coverage.



<h2 id="h-test-coverage-metrics-in-agile-testing-approach"><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-coverage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test Coverage</a> Metrics in Agile Testing Approach</h2>



In Agile testing, measuring how thorough the testing process has been for every iteration is essential. By using test coverage metrics in Agile, teams can ensure that all of the code and functionality are tested and that the software is ready for release for every iteration/sprint.



<h2 id="h-test-coverage-metrics-from-a-practical-perspective">Test Coverage Metrics from a Practical Perspective</h2>



So far, we have seen how vital these metrics are in testing. They enable testers to evaluate the effectiveness of test cases by determining the extent to which the application&#8217;s code or functionality has been tested. By providing insights into the thoroughness and completeness of testing efforts, these metrics are invaluable for making informed decisions.&nbsp;



They help identify areas that require additional testing, reduce the risk of undetected defects, and prioritize testing by focusing on critical areas with low test coverage metrics.&nbsp;



Tracking these metrics over time enables teams to monitor progress and ensure enough coverage is achieved before software release. These metrics serve as a guidepost for evaluating the quality of software testing processes and instilling confidence in the software product.



<h2 id="h-continuous-improvement-through-test-metrics">Continuous Improvement Through Test Metrics</h2>



Improving software development and test metrics is essential. Test metrics provide helpful feedback and insight into the quality of software products, allowing teams to identify areas that need improvement.&nbsp;



By measuring and analyzing test metrics, teams can get a clear picture of the effectiveness of their testing efforts. They can also identify trends and make data-driven decisions to improve the quality of their products.&nbsp;



Test metrics include data points such as test coverage metrics, defect density, and test execution time. By analyzing these metrics, teams can identify areas of the applications more prone to defects and find ways to increase testing efforts.&nbsp;



Continuous improvement through test metrics helps teams simplify training processes, optimize resources, and deliver higher-quality software products to customers.&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">Automate your test cases for web, mobile, desktops, and APIs to improve your test coverage metrics with Testsigma.</a></button> 



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



To ensure software quality, use test coverage metrics to identify areas that need more testing and establish achievable objectives. Continuously monitor and adjust these metrics to meet rigorous standards for dependability.&nbsp;



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



<h3 id="h-what-are-the-three-metrics-in-testing">What are the three metrics in testing?</h3>



There are three categories of metrics used for software testing:



1. Process Metrics: These are quantitative measures used to assess the efficiency of a process based on factors such as speed, time, and resource utilization. Managers can analyze these metrics and establish new guidelines for the given phase.



2. Product Metrics: These measures evaluate the quality, size, performance, and efficiency of the tested product.



3. Project Metrics: Metrics used to assess the quality and productivity of the project, as well as the utilization of resources, cost, and time, fall under project metrics.



<h3 id="h-what-are-the-most-essential-test-metrics">What are the most essential test metrics?</h3>



Test metrics are essential for evaluating software testing. By monitoring metrics like test coverage metrics, defect density, and execution time, teams can identify areas for improvement and maintain high quality.&nbsp;



However, not all metrics are equally important, so choosing the right ones is crucial for informed decision-making and better testing.

Test Coverage Metrics - A Complete Overview

Test Coverage Metrics – A Complete Overview

Internationalization testing, a crucial aspect of software testing, is a critical stage in software development that guarantees an application or website can run properly across multiple language and cultural situations.&nbsp;



Understanding what internationalization testing in software testing and how to do it is critical in an increasingly linked world where digital goods have a worldwide reach. Beyond language translation, this testing procedure dives into numerous areas of user experience, such as date formats, currency symbols, and text encoding. This enables a smooth and culturally sensitive interaction for users globally.&nbsp;



In this post, we will look at the importance of internationalization testing in software testing as well as recommended practices and approaches.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Internationalization_Testing">1 What is Internationalization Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#nbspWhy_do_we_do_the_internationalization_testing">2 &nbsp;Why do we do the internationalization testing?</a></li><li><a href="#nbspInternationalization_Testing_Scenario_Example">3 &nbsp;Internationalization Testing Scenario Example</a></li><li><a href="#Internationalization_Testing_Scope_for_Test_Automation">4 Internationalization Testing: Scope for Test Automation</a></li><li><a href="#nbspChallenges_of_Internationalization_Testing">5 &nbsp;Challenges of Internationalization Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Best_Practices_for_Internationalization_Testing">6 Best Practices for Internationalization Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Internationalization_Testing_Checklists">7 Internationalization Testing Checklists:</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">8 Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">9 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_are_the_major_activities_in_internationalization_testingnbsp">9.1 What are the major activities in internationalization testing?&nbsp;</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-internationalization-testing">What is Internationalization Testing?</h2>



Internationalization Testing, also known as &#8220;I18n Testing,&#8221; is an important stage in software development that focuses on ensuring that an application or software product is designed and developed in such a way that it can function effectively and seamlessly across diverse international markets and cultural contexts.&nbsp;



This sort of testing seeks to make software adaptive and accommodating to different languages, geographies, and cultural preferences without modifying the code. It goes beyond simple text translation to ensure that the program appropriately handles changes in date formats, currency symbols, character encodings, and other locale-specific features.&nbsp;



Internationalization Testing essentially provides the groundwork for localization, allowing the program to be readily adjusted for certain areas and languages in the future.



<h2 id="h-why-do-we-do-the-internationalization-testing">&nbsp;Why do we do the internationalization testing?</h2>



Commencing with internationalization testing is imperative as it ensures that a software application transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries, ensuring accessibility and user-friendliness for a global audience.&nbsp;



This meticulous testing process allows organizations to proactively detect and rectify potential issues related to language support, date and time formats, currency handling, and other locale-specific elements.&nbsp;



This proactive approach not only enhances the user experience but also streamlines the subsequent localization efforts, conserving valuable resources and expanding the software&#8217;s reach to a more diverse user base.



<h2 id="h-internationalization-testing-scenario-example">&nbsp;Internationalization Testing Scenario Example</h2>



Imagine a scenario where a multinational e-commerce platform wants to expand its services into diverse international markets. In the process of internationalization testing, they discover that their software supports only English language and US date formats. Through <a href="https://www.google.com/intl/en_in/search/howsearchworks/how-search-works/rigorous-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rigorous testing</a>, they identify and rectify issues, ensuring that the platform seamlessly adapts to various languages, currencies, date formats, and cultural nuances. As a result, users from different regions can now browse and make purchases comfortably, increasing the platform&#8217;s global appeal and revenue potential.



<h2 id="h-internationalization-testing-scope-for-test-automation">Internationalization Testing: Scope for Test Automation</h2>



Because of its vast scope&nbsp;incorporating different languages, cultures, and regions, internationalization testing gives an ideal opportunity for test automation. The substantial test cases necessary to check <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/globalization-testing-vs-localization-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">internationalization capabilities</a> such as language support, date and time formats, currency management, and character encoding across several locales may be handled quickly using test automation tools.&nbsp;



Automation not only speeds up testing, but it also provides consistency and accuracy in determining how effectively software adapts to various global situations. However, it is critical to find a balance by combining automated and manual testing to account for subjective factors such as cultural sensitivity and provide full internationalization testing.



<h2 id="h-challenges-of-internationalization-testing">&nbsp;Challenges of Internationalization Testing</h2>



Challenges in Internationalization Testing include:



<ul><li>Multilingual Content Handling: Testing with multiple languages can be complex, as different languages have varying text lengths, character sets, and writing directions. Ensuring proper rendering and functionality across languages is a significant challenge.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Locale-Specific Formats: Handling date, time, and numeric formats specific to each locale can be challenging. Testers need to verify that the application displays these formats correctly based on the user&#8217;s location.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Cultural Sensitivity: It is crucial to ensure that the application is culturally sensitive and does not unintentionally offend or misrepresent cultural norms in different regions. This requires thorough testing of content and imagery.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Right-to-Left (RTL) Languages: RTL languages like Arabic and Hebrew pose unique challenges in terms of layout and alignment. Testing to ensure correct text display and UI alignment is essential.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Content Expansion: When transitioning from a single language to multiple languages, text expansion or contraction can affect the layout. Ensuring that the user interface remains visually appealing and functional can be a significant challenge, particularly for responsive designs.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-best-practices-for-internationalization-testing">Best Practices for Internationalization Testing</h2>



Here are some best practices for Internationalization Testing:



<ul><li>Early Planning: Start internationalization testing as early as possible in the development process to address issues before they become entrenched in the codebase.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Locale Coverage: Test across a wide range of locales to ensure comprehensive coverage. Focus on high-priority markets and regions where your software will be used most.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Content Separation: Keep content separate from code by using resource files or content management systems. This makes it easier to swap out content for different languages and locales.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Unicode Support: Ensure full Unicode support in your application to handle characters from various scripts and languages.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Date and Time Handling: Test how your application handles date and time formats, including time zones, and ensure consistency across locales.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Currency and Numeric Formats: Verify that the software correctly displays currency symbols, decimal separators, and thousands separators according to each locale&#8217;s conventions.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Right-to-Left (RTL) Languages: Test for RTL languages by checking text alignment, layout, and UI elements to ensure proper rendering.</li></ul>



<ul><li><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/localization-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Localization Testing:</a> After internationalization testing, conduct localization testing to validate translations, cultural sensitivity, and usability in specific regions.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-internationalization-testing-checklists">Internationalization Testing Checklists:</h2>



Here is an internationalization testing checklist:



<ol><li>Language Support:</li></ol>



<ul><li>Confirm support for multiple languages and scripts.</li><li>Verify that text is displayed accurately without truncation or overlapping.</li></ul>



<ol start="2"><li>Date and Time Handling:</li></ol>



<ul><li>Check date and time formats for different locales.</li><li>Validate correct time zone adjustments.</li></ul>



<ol start="3"><li>Currency and Numeric Formats:</li></ol>



<ul><li>Ensure proper display of currency symbols, decimal points, and thousands of separators.</li><li>Verify alignment of numeric values.</li></ul>



<ol start="4"><li>Character Encoding:</li></ol>



<ul><li>Test for handling diverse character encodings, especially in input fields and data storage.</li></ul>



<ol start="5"><li>Layout and UI Consistency:</li></ol>



<ul><li>Confirm consistent layout and user interface elements across languages and locales.</li><li>Check for any text expansion/contraction issues.</li></ul>



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



In conclusion, internationalization testing plays a pivotal role in the global software landscape by ensuring that applications and websites can seamlessly adapt to diverse languages, cultures, and regions. By rigorously assessing language support, date and time formats, currency handling, character encoding, and cultural sensitivity, organizations can not only expand their reach to a worldwide audience but also enhance user satisfaction and comply with regional regulations. Embracing the best practices and checklists outlined in this process empowers software developers to create products that are truly inclusive, respectful of cultural nuances, and capable of thriving in an increasingly interconnected global marketplace.



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



<h3 id="h-what-are-the-major-activities-in-internationalization-testing">What are the major activities in internationalization testing?&nbsp;</h3>



Major activities during Internationalization testing include:&nbsp;



<ul><li>Testing for supported languages in display</li><li>Testing for date and time handling for different locales</li><li>Testing for currency and numeric formats for different regions</li><li>Testing for handling of diverse character encodings in input fields and data storge</li><li>Testing for layout and UI consistency in all supported languages and locales</li></ul>

Internationalization Testing What it is & how to perform

Internationalization Testing | What it is & how to perform?

Modern software includes a large amount of software components, and it makes the software system complex. As the system gets complicated, it is difficult to understand the product over a period of time, and it introduces a lot of risks. Software Architecture streamlines the process by arranging all components in way that they are easy to understand and execute.



Unlike development, the software testing teams might lack test architects, which will result in poor test planning, design, and strategies. Furthermore, it can increase the chances of the system failing when it is released.&nbsp;



The software testing industry is learning from its mistakes and slowly the testing team has started to appoint software test architects to design powerful test architecture in terms of security, performance, functionality usage, etc.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Test_Architecture">1 What is Test Architecture?</a></li><li><a href="#What_does_Test_Architecture_take">2 What does Test Architecture take?</a></li><li><a href="#History_of_Test_Architecture">3 History of Test Architecture</a></li><li><a href="#Why_create_test_architecturenbsp">4 Why create test architecture?&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_the_role_of_the_test_architect">5 What is the role of the test architect?</a></li><li><a href="#Test_architecture_explained_with_an_example">6 Test architecture explained with an example</a><ul><li><a href="#Test_Pyramid">6.1 Test Pyramid</a></li><li><a href="#Responsibilities">6.2 Responsibilities</a></li><li><a href="#Tools_and_Infrastructure">6.3 Tools and Infrastructure</a></li><li><a href="#Testing_process">6.4 Testing process</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Test_Architecture_and_Test_Automation">7 Test Architecture and Test Automation</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">8 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_the_project_architecture_for_testing">8.1 What is the project architecture for testing?</a></li><li><a href="#nbspIsn8217t_Test_Architecture_similar_to_Test_Planningnbsp">8.2 &nbsp;Isn&#8217;t Test Architecture similar to Test Planning?&nbsp;</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-test-architecture">What is Test Architecture?</h2>



Test architecture is the concrete level of guidelines and recommendations to how and when to test based on the system, complexity, environment, and testing tools focused on the delivery to achieve the best possible outcome.&nbsp;



Test architecture might not be required for all the projects. For example, if a project is very small and doesn’t include many components, you can directly jump into the test strategy document. The small project may last only for a few months, so it makes sense not to have test architecture. However, if you are dealing with a complex project or life-critical project then the test architecture is much required.



<h2 id="h-what-does-test-architecture-take">What does Test Architecture take?</h2>



The test architecture requires in-depth knowledge of your project, domain, organization standards, governance, compliance, technology stacks that the organization is using, and delivery practices followed.



The test architect should have good expertise in testing using both automation and manual. He should clearly understand the requirements and roadmaps. The test architecture should be designed for the future so he should make valid assumptions and risks before the start. Depending on the project the test architecture may be a one-time activity or it may evolve as the project evolves, so the architecture should be flexible and robust.



<h2 id="h-history-of-test-architecture">History of Test Architecture</h2>



The concept of testing was introduced soon after the first software was evolved. It takes back to 1950 when Tom Kilburn wrote the first piece of software. Around 1958 the first team was formed specifically for testing. Thereafter the software testing started evolving it took various directions to streamline the process.&nbsp;



From 1980 to 2000 a lot of evolution happened. It took testing to a new level. During this era, the testing practices and approaches were defined, and new tools arrived specifically for testing purposes.&nbsp; A separate branch was started and called Software Quality Engineering. Later the test architecture, test strategy, and test plan recommendations started to evolve.&nbsp;



Today, Most companies have a dedicated Quality assurance team which will contain test architects, manual testers, and automation testers. Organizations have learned the importance of testing so significant investment is made in software testing resources, tools, and infrastructure.



<h2 id="h-why-create-test-architecture">Why create test architecture?&nbsp;</h2>



The test architecture is important, especially when you are dealing with a complex project or expecting the project to grow in the near future. The test architecture helps to reduce the risks and eliminate the assumptions before delivery.&nbsp;



As you are aware, anything you do randomly may not help in a better outcome. The test architecture streamlines the entire process of testing. Unlike other testing activities, it&#8217;s not focused on a single testing activity rather it is focused on the entire testing and the testing team aims to deliver a high-quality product. Some of the reasons why test architecture is important are listed below.



<ul><li>Helps streamline the testing process</li><li>Helps to reduce the risks associated with delivery</li><li>It helps to define the testing ecosystem, such as the testing environment, infrastructure tools for test automation, manual testing, and anything that is part of the system.</li><li>Helps in documenting the gaps in testing and aligning accordingly</li><li>Brings the testing team, testing process, and tools under a single umbrella, irrespective of manual, automation, or <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/non-functional-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">non-functional testing</a>.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-what-is-the-role-of-the-test-architect">What is the role of the test architect?</h2>



The test architect&#8217;s role is as important as development. As companies start adopting automation into their organization, the test architect role becomes more critical. Having said that, not everyone can become a test architect as it requires passion to explore and a deep level of understanding in testing and product; some roles may also demand knowledge of DevOps.



&nbsp;Let’s look at the test architect role at a glanceo



<ul><li>One should have the passion to explore the current technologies in testing and should explore the possibilities of adopting them to the current project</li><li>He/She should be senior enough to make the right decisions with a deep-level understanding of organizational practices and strategies.</li><li>One should understand the product and work with the product managers and stakeholders.</li><li>The architect will be the key person in the testing team; he should guide and mentor the team by defining the strategy, clear goals, and milestones.</li><li>Architects should build, monitor, and adapt the new technologies throughout the product life cycle</li><li>Identify the testing gaps and provide a timely plan to fill them</li><li>He should also concentrate on the documentation</li><li>Though the role doesn’t involve people management, he should ensure the team members are updated with all technical aspects and understand the process correctly</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-test-architecture-explained-with-an-example">Test architecture explained with an example</h2>



The test architecture differs from project to project. The test architecture depends on a lot of factors as explained above. Let’s look at the example of test architecture at a glance.



Consider an example of any simple product. Let&#8217;s look at the general way of test architecture.



<h3 id="h-test-pyramid">Test Pyramid</h3>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/k7EMIwS8rcVpRVEK8hKG_Rj9VMZ_8VpPF9XkSS7shVM8AegnGBvnVJgI4KI1U9bhOy9w-T2WxqbZS4sLUpUIWFws2wAnMbUkz50HkWQRJ92oygDO5t4KPSSPIAfhaNBSZtKZm2pjSUY_mNS_l2C3hQ" alt="Test Pyramid"/></figure></div>



The <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/testing-pyramid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test pyramid</a> design is the first step while building the test architecture. The test pyramid is about different types of tests, such as unit tests, API and Integration tests, and end-to-end tests, and their percentage. Additionally, you can also add manual tests or acceptance tests into the test pyramid.



<h3 id="h-responsibilities">Responsibilities</h3>



Once you choose the testing types that you are going to adopt for the project, you need to decide who is responsible for what, for example, developers need to write the unit tests, and the QA team is responsible for the end-to-end tests, etc.



<h3 id="h-tools-and-infrastructure">Tools and Infrastructure</h3>



The test architecture should clearly define the tools that they are going to use. For example for automation tests, the tool will be Testsigma; for manual test repository it will be in the Testlink, etc. Further you need to decide on the DevOps integration, execution frequency, etc.



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<h3 id="h-testing-process">Testing process</h3>



The testing process defines when testing is carried out on different environments such as QA, Staging, Production, etc. Additionally, you can also define when the automation scripting will be done &#8211; is it the same sprint or n-1 sprint?



The above are initial tasks, once you complete the initial tasks, the test architecture should further move on to in-depth. 



The in-depth scenarios are listed below:



<ul><li>Define a clear roadmap for automation, manual testing, and non-functional testing</li><li>Design the robust automation framework</li><li>Write the automation test cases</li><li>Document the manual test cases</li><li>Define the standards for automation</li><li>Set the target for automation</li><li>Define the non-functional testing requirement (NFR)</li><li>Choose the tools and environment for NFR</li><li>Define test strategy document</li><li>Define the test plan</li></ul>



As mentioned earlier, there may be additional activities based on the project and product complexity. Remember that anything which is part of testing is also part of test architecture.



<h2 id="h-test-architecture-and-test-automation">Test Architecture and Test Automation</h2>



The test architect role has gained importance because of automation. Automation is the key area in modern testing. The test architecture of automation depends on the framework type you choose.&nbsp;



<ul><li>Evaluate the requirements against the automation tools, and choose the best tool for the project.</li><li>Create the automation framework based on the industry standard principles and practices.</li></ul>



The framework can be keyword-driven, page object model, hybrid, modular framework, or codeless automation framework



<ul><li>Document the checklist and standards that are necessary to maintain while writing the codes.</li><li>Define the automation execution strategy.</li></ul>



The automation execution strategy is the broader term, it includes a lot of activities such as:



<ul><li>Browser types and browser versions</li><li>Platform or operating system and its version</li><li>Frequency of Sanity, Smoke, and regression tests</li><li>Suite level execution</li><li>Executing different types of tests such as Integration, API, and End to end tests</li><li>Integration with DevOps such as Continuous Integration(CI)/Continuous Delivery (CD) pipelines </li><li>Test reporting and analysis</li></ul>



Based on the scheduled frequency, the reports will be generated. &#8211; If you find the test case failure, how to analyze and who will do that? &#8211; Before logging the failure as a defect, what are the necessary steps required? &#8211; When and what to share with the stakeholders



<ul><li>Documentation</li></ul>



Documentation is much more important but most of the team lacks. The automation test architecture document should be accurate and simple. For example, if a new joiner comes into your team, he should be able to set up and follow the process without asking anyone. The documentation reduces the knowledge transfer efforts, and it makes onboarding quicker.



<ul><li>Manual vs Automation</li></ul>



The target for automation is set at the beginning however, it is also a known fact that 100% automation is impossible. How to deal with non-automated test cases. How <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/manual-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">manual testing </a>is carried out etc. should be defined in the test architecture.



<ul><li>Communication</li></ul>



The test architect works with multiple teams such as development, DevOps, testing, and business/product team. So the test architect is responsible for communication with stakeholders. If there are any challenges from the development team he should be able to work with them and get them resolved.



The complexity of the test architecture for automation depends on the tool you choose. Because some tools require creating the framework, some come with a framework ready. Not all the tools require coding, so the activities that are involved in defining the coding standards and setup will be reduced. For example, if you choose selenium you need to build the framework from scratch. You need to put a lot of effort into setting up the framework such as building the POM model, writing the base class utilities, configuring the reports, etc. On the other hand, if you choose the <a href="https://testsigma.com/codeless-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">codeless automation framework</a> like Testsigma everything comes as ready to use. No need to write a single line of code. Reporting will be ready, environment configuration also will be ready, no need to write the coding and checklists.



Test architecture is a broader term that includes a lot of activity. The test architecture takes care of the whole testing activity from start to end. This includes designing, implementing, documenting learning, etc.&nbsp;



Test architecture is required to deliver the quality product on time, especially if it is a complex project. Not anyone can become a test architect as it requires passion to learn and adopt the technologies every day. Furthermore, it is a technical role that requires in-depth technical knowledge of the product, infrastructure, testing tools, and testing process.&nbsp;&nbsp;



As the demand for automation is increasing the demand for test architects is also increasing. The complexity of the automation test architecture depends on the automation tools you choose. The codeless automation tool requires less effort to design and maintain.&nbsp;



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



<h3 id="h-what-is-the-project-architecture-for-testing">What is the project architecture for testing?</h3>



Test architecture is the standard term used in the testing industry. The project architecture for testing is the same as test architecture; these words can be used interchangeably.



<h3 id="h-isn-t-test-architecture-similar-to-test-planning">&nbsp;Isn&#8217;t Test Architecture similar to Test Planning?&nbsp;</h3>



The test planning and test architecture are not the same. Test planning is part of the test architecture. It focuses more on the planning by focusing on a certain set of activities however, the test architecture focuses on the entire testing life cycle irrespective of the testing types.&nbsp;



Unlike test planning, the test architecture can be one time, or it might evolve as the project evolves. The <a href="https://www.javatpoint.com/test-plan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test planning</a> doesn’t require many technical details however, test architecture requires hands-on experience in different testing areas.

Test Architecture Creating an Architecture for Automated Tests

Test Architecture: Creating an Architecture for Automated Tests

Cookie Testing What it is, Why & How to Test

Cookie Testing: What it is, Why & How to Test?

Agile Testing Quadrants are a practical tool for sorting testing types into four categories. They help testers decide what to test and how to do it, considering exhaustive testing is impossible.



These quadrants are adaptable, letting you choose the right testing approach for each unique situation. In this article, we&#8217;ll break down Agile Testing Quadrants and show you how to use them with real-world examples. It&#8217;s your guide to effective testing strategies.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#The_origins_of_the_8216Marick_Test_Matrix8217">1 The origins of the &#8216;Marick Test Matrix&#8217;</a></li><li><a href="#What_are_the_Agile_Testing_Quadrants">2 What are the Agile Testing Quadrants?</a><ul><li><a href="#Quadrant_1">2.1 Quadrant 1</a></li><li><a href="#Quadrant_2">2.2 Quadrant 2</a></li><li><a href="#Quadrant_3">2.3 Quadrant 3</a></li><li><a href="#Quadrant_4">2.4 Quadrant 4</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#How_to_Use_the_Agile_Testing_Quadrants">3 How to Use the Agile Testing Quadrants?</a><ul><li><a href="#Example_1nbsp">3.1 Example 1:&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#Example_2nbsp">3.2 Example 2:&nbsp;</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Benefits_of_Using_Agile_Testing_Quadrants_Model">4 Benefits of Using Agile Testing Quadrants Model</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_the_4_C8217s_of_agile">6.1 What are the 4 C&#8217;s of agile?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-the-origins-of-the-marick-test-matrix">The origins of the &#8216;Marick Test Matrix&#8217;</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/0VaBLDwUfm-uZpNDAxulv7z-aXu-3lhfXkwZLQVMcKmJ1xhrzvzeWLxe3lii28bYK3FK_3CaIgJUDoTpBek8ktavW-QDYw41OgOI84c3ljoOdoOaNFsaH2ND2tvZF2n2-2vn4RmWbzHLVA8adDOOLhY" alt="Agile testing quadrants"/></figure></div>



In 2003, software consultant Brian Marick made a significant contribution to<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/understanding-agile-testing-framework/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Agile Testing</a>. In response to feedback that he wasn&#8217;t doing enough to foster Agile testing as a well-defined discipline, he embarked on a mission to rectify this. His initial step was the creation of Agile Testing Quadrants, initially referred to as the &#8216;Marick Test Matrix&#8217;. This matrix consists of a straightforward grid.



Within this grid, Marick proposed specific positions for various testing types in each of the four quadrants. He delved into the rationale behind these placements, setting the foundation for a more comprehensive understanding of Agile testing.



<h2 id="h-what-are-the-agile-testing-quadrants">What are the Agile Testing Quadrants?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="2400" height="1960" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/67997939.png" alt="Agile Testing Quadrants" class="wp-image-35333"/></figure>



The Agile Testing Quadrants, an evolution of Brian Marick&#8217;s Agile Testing Matrix, serve as a compass for tailoring your testing approach based on the specific business context. There are four quadrants, each emphasizing a different aspect:



<h3 id="quadrant-1">Quadrant 1</h3>



Quadrant 1 or Q1 as referred to popularly is the quadrant that focuses on ‘technology-facing tests that support the team’. The meaning of “technology facing test that supports the team” is that while working (according to this quadrant), the team has two approaches:



<ol><li>Tests are conducted using technology (technical elements) which essentially means automated tests should be used.</li></ol>



<ol start="2"><li>The tests should help in enhancing the code and team’s skills. This is particularly done using feedback provided at the end of test executions.</li></ol>



Since frequent feedback is the core of this quadrant and automated tests make it a quick play, such tests should be run frequently within one agile sprint. Hence, the most suitable tests that fall into this category are unit tests and component tests that are often subject to scrutiny before each code push or even pipeline execution. Also, since unit tests and component tests are the first to run, the team must keep Q1 as the starting point of their agile cycle. This will help enhance the subsequent tests and eliminate the problems at the start when they are small and manageable. Although there is no such guideline officially.



<h3 id="quadrant-2">Quadrant 2</h3>



Quadrant 2 or Q2 focuses on “business facing tests that support the team”. This statement is a combination of two important things a tester must remember while conducting the tests:



<ul><li>The tests executed here should serve business needs as well. For instance, satisfying client requirements is part of business needs and should be included here.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Supporting the team means the tests should be constructive and work in a positive direction helping the testers grow and refining the quality of the application as well along the way.</li></ul>



Since this quadrant focuses on business needs, <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/functional-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">functional testing</a>, story testing, and prototype testing are an integral part here. These testing types fulfill the business requirements including those mentioned by the client and scenarios listed by the team. However, since elements such as simulation and prototype testing are involved, it cannot be completely automated, and therefore, the testers will have to include manual testing for a portion of testing scenarios during test execution.



<h3 id="quadrant-3">Quadrant 3</h3>



Quadrant 3 or Q3 holds test cases that are essential in targeting the product with a mindset of breaking its functionalities. This quadrant is called “business facing critique product” as it focuses on two things:



<ul><li>The tests should work around the business requirements i.e. testing and finding errors in business-related functionalities.</li></ul>



<ul><li>The tests work in a negative direction i.e. they work to ensure the product breaks.</li></ul>



Both of these requirements can be fulfilled by manual testing only because automated testing generally focuses on verifying the functionality rather than working its way to break it. Manual testing techniques such as exploratory testing, UAT, Beta testing, etc. fit perfectly well here.



<h3 id="quadrant-4">Quadrant 4</h3>



Quadrant 4 or Q4 is a “technology facing critique product” quadrant. This means:



<ul><li>The tests should involve technological elements such as advanced software.</li><li>The tests should be in the direction of breaking the product not verifying the functionality.</li></ul>



This is similar to quadrant 3 but involves technology and non-functional aspects of the application. Performance testing, security testing, and load testing are part of this quadrant as they aim to find non-functional issues with expert software.



<h2 id="h-how-to-use-the-agile-testing-quadrants">How to Use the Agile Testing Quadrants?</h2>



Agile Testing Quadrants offer a structured approach to tailor your testing strategy based on your project&#8217;s context. Let&#8217;s delve into an example to illustrate their application.



<h3 id="h-example-1">Example 1:&nbsp;</h3>



Imagine you&#8217;re working on a <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-web-application-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">web-application</a> e-commerce platform. You realize that in your current context, you need to ensure the user interface (UI) functions flawlessly across various devices and browsers. To do this, you turn to Quadrant 4, which focuses on critiquing the product from a technological perspective. Here, you opt for automated UI testing using a tool like Testsigma. By doing so, you efficiently assess the application&#8217;s compatibility, ensuring it performs seamlessly on all target environments. This automation saves time and ensures consistent testing across different scenarios.



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<h3 id="h-example-2">Example 2:&nbsp;</h3>



Now, consider a scenario where you need to validate the critical business logic governing product discounts and promotions. In this case, you shift your focus to Quadrant 2, which centers on business-facing tests. Here, you might employ tests to verify that the business rules are correctly applied. This automation guarantees that your application adheres to the core business requirements, reducing the risk of costly errors in the live system.



In both instances, the Agile Testing Quadrants help you select the most appropriate testing approach for your specific needs, whether it&#8217;s ensuring technological robustness or validating critical business functionality, while tools like Testsigma enhance efficiency through test automation.



<h2 id="h-benefits-of-using-agile-testing-quadrants-model">Benefits of Using Agile Testing Quadrants Model</h2>



Focused Testing: Agile Testing Quadrants provide a structured framework to categorize testing types, ensuring that your testing efforts align with your project&#8217;s specific needs. This focus leads to more efficient testing.



Improved Communication: These quadrants serve as a common language for project teams, making discussing and prioritizing testing activities easier. This enhanced communication fosters collaboration and understanding.



Tailored Approach: The model promotes a tailored testing approach by guiding you to choose the right quadrant based on your context. You&#8217;re not confined to one set of techniques but can select the most appropriate ones for your project.



Enhanced Test Coverage: The quadrants help identify gaps in your testing strategy. This ensures that business and technological aspects are thoroughly addressed, reducing the risk of overlooking critical areas.



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



In conclusion, Agile Testing Quadrants offer a valuable toolset for agile teams to strategize and execute testing effectively. By categorizing testing types and guiding their application based on context, these quadrants enhance focus, communication, and test coverage, ultimately contributing to the success of agile projects.



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



<h3 id="h-what-are-the-4-c-s-of-agile">What are the 4 C&#8217;s of agile?</h3>



The 4 C&#8217;s of agile are Collaboration, Communication, Confidence, and Courage. These principles emphasize the importance of teamwork, open and effective communication, trust in the team&#8217;s abilities, and the willingness to take risks and adapt in agile development processes. These C&#8217;s are foundational in creating a successful agile environment.

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