In today&#8217;s digital era, e-commerce websites have become an integral part of the retail industry. With the increasing number of online shoppers, it has become crucial for businesses to ensure that their e-commerce platforms are functioning seamlessly.&nbsp;



One of the key aspects of ensuring the quality and reliability of an e-commerce website is thorough testing.&nbsp;



In this article, we will explore the importance of testing e-commerce websites, provide a step-by-step guide on how to test them, discuss various test cases, and delve into the process of automating test cases for e-commerce websites.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Why_Test_E-commerce_Websites">1 Why Test E-commerce Websites?</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Test_an_E-commerce_Website">2 How to Test an E-commerce Website?</a></li><li><a href="#Test_Cases_for_E-commerce_Website">3 Test Cases for E-commerce Website</a></li><li><a href="#When_to_Automate_Your_E-commerce_Website_Test_Cases">4 When to Automate Your E-commerce Website Test Cases?</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Automate_Your_E-commerce_Website_Test_Cases">5 How to Automate Your E-commerce Website Test Cases:</a></li><li><a href="#Tools_for_Automating_E-commerce_Tests">6 Tools for Automating E-commerce Tests</a></li><li><a href="#Benefits_of_E-commerce_Testing">7 Benefits of E-commerce Testing:</a></li><li><a href="#Challenges_of_E-commerce_Testing">8 Challenges of E-commerce Testing:</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="#Q_What_should_I_test_on_an_e-commerce_website">10.1 Q: What should I test on an e-commerce website?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-why-test-e-commerce-websites">Why Test E-commerce Websites?</h2>



By thoroughly testing an e-commerce website, businesses can enhance customer satisfaction, build trust, and increase conversion rates. Moreover, testing enables businesses to validate the functionality, usability, security, and performance of their platforms.



<h2 id="how-to-test-an-e-commerce-website">How to Test an E-commerce Website?</h2>



Testing an e-commerce website involves a systematic approach to cover all essential aspects. Here are the general steps to follow:



1. Identify Test Scenarios: Begin by understanding the different user actions and interactions that can occur on the website. This includes scenarios like user registration, product search, adding items to the cart, payment processing, and order placement.



2. Define Test Cases: Once the test scenarios are identified, create specific test cases for each scenario. Test cases should include inputs, expected outputs, and any preconditions or dependencies.



3. Prioritize Test Cases: Prioritize the test cases based on the criticality of the functionality being tested, user impact, and business requirements.



4. Execute Test Cases: Execute the defined test cases on the e-commerce website, following the test scripts and documenting the results.



5. Log and Track Defects: If any defects are found during the testing process, log them in a defect tracking system and track their resolution until they are fixed.



6. Retest Fixed Defects: After the identified defects are resolved, retest the affected areas to ensure the fixes are effective and have not introduced any new issues.



In addition to the above, please find below a diagram that showcases a few important things to test in an E-Commerce website.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/5ckTO6MeRu8xgBNQuBxUZqsTq219Qb0BlvGM12bTTNoz-IXRnpbuCFOgMjOktyBBXuKnETZ-0F7e6vLxKcP_bRfdqlg2eAKIaofaFX20P7QsAojHSyIb1bIOwKtcKA1a4AZVOyU3Dk-A3ZfRCVDtYXI" alt="Testsigma - Test automation platform" /></figure>



 <h2 id="h-test-cases-for-e-commerce-website">Test Cases for E-commerce Website</h2>



<p id="test-cases-for-e-commerce-websitein-this-section-we-will-explore-various-test-cases-that-cover-different-areas-of-an-e-commerce-website-including-the-general-functionality-home-page-search-feature-payments-shopping-cart-address-book-and-registration-page-let-s-dive-into-each-of-these-categories-and-understand-the-key-test-cases-to-consider"> In this section, we will explore various test cases that cover different areas of an e-commerce website, including the general functionality, home page, search feature, payments, shopping cart, address book, and registration page. Let&#8217;s dive into each of these categories and understand the key test cases to consider: 



1. General Test Cases: 



&#8211; Verify that the website loads properly on different browsers and devices.



&#8211; Validate the responsiveness of the website design for mobile and tablet devices.



&#8211; Check if the website has a clear and consistent navigation menu for easy user browsing.



2. Home Page Test Cases: 



&#8211; Ensure that the homepage displays relevant and updated information.



&#8211; Verify that featured products, promotions, and banners are visible and functioning correctly.



&#8211; Test the search functionality on the homepage to ensure accurate results.



3. Search Test Cases: 



&#8211; Validate the search functionality by testing different search queries and ensuring relevant products are displayed.



&#8211; Check if the search filters and sorting options work as expected.



&#8211; Test the search autocomplete feature for efficiency and accuracy.



4. Payments Test Cases: 



&#8211; Test the different payment methods available on the website, such as credit cards, PayPal, or any other payment gateway.



&#8211; Validate that payment transactions are processed securely and without any errors.



&#8211; Verify that order confirmation emails are sent to customers after successful payment.



5. Shopping Cart Page Test Cases: 



&#8211; Verify that products are added and removed from the cart correctly.



&#8211; Test the quantity update feature in the cart.



&#8211; Validate the subtotal, taxes, and shipping calculations on the cart page.



6. Address Book Test Cases: 



&#8211; Test the address management feature, including adding, editing, and deleting addresses.



&#8211; Ensure that the addresses are correctly associated with the customer account.



&#8211; Validate that the selected shipping address is displayed accurately during the checkout process.



7. Registration Page Test Cases: 



&#8211; Test the user registration process, including form validation and error handling.



&#8211; Validate that user accounts are created successfully and can be logged in to.



&#8211; Verify that the account confirmation email is sent after registration.



In addition to the above test cases, it is equally important to understand the designing and techniques of the test cases. To have a thorough insight in the same, here is a recommended article by our team: <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-case-design-techniques/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test Case Design Techniques in Software Testing</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 id="when-to-automate-your-e-commerce-website-test-cases">When to Automate Your E-commerce Website Test Cases?</h2>



Automating test cases for an e-commerce website can significantly increase efficiency and speed up the testing process. Automation is recommended in the following scenarios:



&#8211; High frequency of test execution: When there are <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/what-is-test-case/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test cases</a> that need to be executed frequently, automating them can help save time and effort.



&#8211; Complex workflows: If the e-commerce website has intricate workflows that involve multiple steps, automation can ensure accurate execution and reduce the chances of human error.



&#8211; Performance and load testing: Automating performance and load testing allows simulating heavy user traffic and identifying potential bottlenecks.



<h2 id="how-to-automate-your-e-commerce-website-test-cases">How to Automate Your E-commerce Website Test Cases: </h2>



To automate test cases for an e-commerce website, consider the following steps:



1. Choose a Test Automation Framework: Select a suitable <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-automation-frameworks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test automation framework</a> that aligns with your project requirements and supports the technologies used in your e-commerce website.



2. Identify Test Cases for Automation: Prioritize test cases that are stable, repetitive, time-consuming to execute manually, and critical for the website&#8217;s functionality.



3. Select an Automation Tool: There are several automation tools available in the market, such as Testsigma, Selenium, Appium or TestComplete. Choose a tool that best fits your requirements and offers a user-friendly interface.



4. Develop Test Scripts: Write test scripts using the chosen automation tool, considering the test cases identified for automation. Ensure the test scripts cover various scenarios and validate the essential functionalities of the e-commerce website.



5. Execute and Maintain Test Scripts: Execute the automated test scripts on a regular basis and maintain them by updating them as the website evolves. Regularly review and enhance the test scripts to improve test coverage and accuracy.



Below is an example of how test cases for an ecommerce website can be automated with a no-code test automation tool, Testsigma.



1. Navigate to the homepage of the e-commerce website: This step involves opening the e-commerce website in a browser. In Testsigma, you can use a simple command like &#8220;Go to URL &#8216;https://www.yourwebsite.com'&#8221;.



2. Search for a specific product: This step involves entering the product name into the search bar and submitting the search. In Testsigma, you can use commands like &#8220;Type &#8216;Product Name&#8217; into &#8216;Search Bar'&#8221; and &#8220;Click on &#8216;Search Button'&#8221;.



3. Click on the product to go to the product details page: This step involves selecting the product from the search results to view its details. In Testsigma, you can use a command like &#8220;Click on &#8216;Product Link'&#8221;.



4. Click on the &#8220;Add to Cart&#8221; button: This step involves adding the product to the shopping cart. In Testsigma, you can use a command like &#8220;Click on &#8216;Add to Cart Button'&#8221;.



In each of these steps, &#8216;Search Bar&#8217;, &#8216;Search Button&#8217;, &#8216;Product Link&#8217;, and &#8216;Add to Cart Button&#8217; are placeholders for the actual identifiers of these elements on your website. You&#8217;ll need to replace them with the actual identifiers, which can be the name, ID, CSS selector, XPath, etc., depending on what&#8217;s available and reliable for your website.



Also, Testsigma allows the use of variables and data-driven testing. For example, you can store the product name in a variable and use it in the test steps. This allows you to easily change the product you&#8217;re testing without modifying the test steps.



Remember to save your test case after defining all the steps. You can then run this test case to verify the &#8220;Add to Cart&#8221; functionality of your e-commerce website.



By following these steps, you can effectively automate your e-commerce website test cases using the Testsigma automation tool.



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For more details refer to Testsigma documentation here: testsigma.com/docs



<h2 id="tools-for-automating-e-commerce-tests">Tools for Automating E-commerce Tests </h2>



When it comes to automating e-commerce tests, several reliable tools are available. Here are a few notable ones:



1. Testsigma: <a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma </a>is a cloud-based test automation tool designed specifically for web and mobile application testing. It offers an intuitive interface, scriptless test automation, and integrations with popular CI/CD tools.&nbsp;



2. Selenium: Selenium is a popular open-source automation framework that supports multiple programming languages and browsers. It provides a wide range of features for automating web application testing.&nbsp;



3. Appium: Appium is an open-source tool for automating mobile applications, both native and hybrid. It supports various platforms, including iOS and Android, making it ideal for e-commerce websites with dedicated mobile apps.



4. TestComplete: TestComplete is a comprehensive commercial automation tool that supports web, mobile, and desktop application testing. It offers a user-friendly interface and extensive features for automating test cases.



<h2 id="benefits-of-e-commerce-testing">Benefits of E-commerce Testing: </h2>



Thorough testing of e-commerce websites offers several benefits, including:



1. Improved User Experience: Thorough testing ensures that the website functions seamlessly, providing users with a smooth and satisfying shopping experience.



2. Enhanced Security: Testing helps identify and fix security vulnerabilities, protecting customer data and preventing unauthorized access.



3. Higher Conversion Rates: A well-tested e-commerce website builds trust with customers, leading to increased conversion rates and higher sales.



4. Better Performance: Testing helps optimize website performance, ensuring fast loading times and smooth navigation.



<h2 id="challenges-of-e-commerce-testing">Challenges of E-commerce Testing:</h2>



Testing e-commerce websites comes with its own set of challenges, including:



1. Wide Range of Devices and Browsers: E-commerce websites need to be tested across multiple devices and browsers to ensure compatibility and a consistent user experience.



Thus, It is recommended to have a set of smoke or <a href="https://www.javatpoint.com/sanity-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sanity tests</a> automated that can be automated and regularly executed on all supported devices.



2. Complex Business Logic: E-commerce platforms often involve intricate workflows and business rules that require thorough testing to ensure accurate functionality.



Thus, a proper focus on testing &#8211; both manual and automated &#8211; is recommended.



3. Data Management: Testing e-commerce websites requires managing large volumes of test data, including products, user accounts, and transaction data.



4. Dynamic Content: E-commerce websites frequently update product catalogs, promotions, and content, which poses a challenge in maintaining accurate and up-to-date test data.



Designing a test strategy that focuses on above points will ensure a high-quality ecommerce website at all times.



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



Testing plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality, reliability, and security of e-commerce websites.&nbsp;



By following a systematic testing approach, identifying and executing relevant test cases, and considering automation where applicable, businesses can deliver exceptional user experiences, increase customer satisfaction, and drive the success of their online platforms.&nbsp;



With the availability of automation tools like Testsigma, the process of automating e-commerce test cases becomes more efficient and effective, allowing businesses to achieve faster time-to-market and maintain a competitive edge in the digital landscape.



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



<h3 id="q-what-should-i-test-on-an-e-commerce-website">Q: What should I test on an e-commerce website? </h3>



Ans. When testing an e-commerce website, it is important to focus on various aspects such as:&nbsp;



<ul><li>Responsiveness</li><li>Navigation</li><li>search functionality</li><li>Payments</li><li>shopping cart</li><li>address management</li><li>user registration</li><li>website accessibility</li></ul>



Additionally, you should consider testing order placement, order tracking, customer reviews, and any other crucial features specific to your e-commerce platform.&nbsp;





Ecommerce Testing
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="EwLDzvdeIQ"><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/ecommerce-testing/">E-Commerce Testing &#8211; What, Why &amp; How You Should Do It?</a></blockquote><iframe class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);" title="&#8220;E-Commerce Testing &#8211; What, Why &amp; How You Should Do It?&#8221; &#8212; Testsigma Blog" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/ecommerce-testing/embed/#?secret=ql05ODHadc#?secret=EwLDzvdeIQ" data-secret="EwLDzvdeIQ" width="500" height="282" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>

How to Write Test Cases for Ecommerce Website

We&#8217;re excited to bring you some amazing new features in this month&#8217;s release. From desktop application recording to on-demand partial test runs and seamless integrations with popular CI/CD tools, we are introducing new features and capabilities to enhance your test automation and streamline your QA processes.&nbsp;



Let&#8217;s dive in:



1. Rapidly automate Windows desktop app testing with our Desktop Recorder: Our new desktop recorder allows you to record and generate test cases for Windows apps and effortlessly add new UI elements to your Windows projects. 



2. Test hotfixes quickly with partial test plan execution: No need to re-run entire test plans after hotfixes. With Testsigma, you can now execute partial runs of test plans or test plan subsets for when you need quick results for that bug fix on release days.



3. Build automation made easy with Jenkins Integration: Integrate Testsigma into your CI/CD pipeline for smooth build automation and continuous testing. Our Jenkins integration allows you to run tests and get results at every merge without leaving your pipeline.&nbsp;



4. Unify your test reporting with Azure DevOps Integration: Report and maintain your tests in a single place with Azure DevOps integration. Access all your test reports and results from your Azure DevOps dashboard. Push bugs, epics, tasks, or stories directly from Testsigma while testing, streamlining your workflow.



Stay tuned for more updates from our Product Team. And if you haven&#8217;t yet, <a href="https://testsigma.com/signup">try Testsigma for free</a> and see the difference it makes to your SDLC and release quality.



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A Test Log is nothing but a document to keep track of all the tests that are executed. It logs test cases, results, and any issues arising during testing. It helps a tester to stay on top of their work and provides a thorough report of the testing process.&nbsp;



In this blog post, we&#8217;ll dive deep into test logs and show you how to use them like a pro.&nbsp;



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_a_Test_Log">1 What is a Test Log?</a></li><li><a href="#Components_of_a_Test_Log">2 Components of a Test Log</a></li><li><a href="#Test_Log_Template">3 Test Log Template</a></li><li><a href="#Advantages">4 Advantages </a></li><li><a href="#Creating_a_Test_Log_Step-by-Step_Guide">5 Creating a Test Log: Step-by-Step Guide</a></li><li><a href="#Importance_of_Test_Log_in_Test_Automation">6 Importance of Test Log in Test Automation</a></li><li><a href="#Test_log_example">7 Test log example</a></li><li><a href="#Summary">8 Summary</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">9 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_are_the_different_types_of_logs_in_testing">9.1 What are the different types of logs in testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_log-in_automation_testing">9.2 What is log-in automation testing?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-a-test-log">What is a Test Log?</h2>



A test log is a detailed record documenting the activities carried out during software development or system testing. It is an essential tool for tracking and managing the testing process. The log contains information such as the names and descriptions of test cases, dates of execution, results, and any defects encountered. It summarizes the testing progress, enabling testers to identify patterns or trends in failures and successes. Moreover, a test log helps troubleshoot by providing valuable insights into the steps taken during testing.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-components-of-a-test-log">Components of a Test Log</h2>



The generation of test logs following each test must consist of entries that precisely record various aspects of the test and furnish comprehensive and relevant information. A test log comprises multiple components, namely:



1. Date and Time: The log must encompass the date and time of the event, failure, or any other significant issue.



2. A concise description of the event being logged must be furnished.&nbsp;



3. Status: The log must indicate the status of distinct events observed by the team.&nbsp;



4. Contextual Details: Additional details and pertinent information must be provided as and when required.&nbsp;



5. Anomalies and Errors: Details concerning any anomalies and errors identified during testing must be documented in the log.



<h2 id="h-test-log-template">Test Log Template</h2>



Generating a test log report is an important aspect of efficient <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-management-process/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test management</a> and documentation. It facilitates monitoring testing activities, detecting anomalies, and presenting a comprehensive view of the testing procedure to the relevant parties. The following are essential elements to take into account when developing a test log report:



1. Test Case Information: Include details about each test case executed, such as the unique identifier, description, preconditions, and expected results. This information helps in understanding the purpose and scope of each test case.



2. Test Execution Details: Record the date and time each test case was executed. This allows for easy tracking of when tests were performed and helps identify any patterns or trends in the testing process.



3. Test Environment: Document the specific environment in which the tests were conducted. This includes hardware configurations, software versions, operating systems, and browsers This information is essential for reproducing issues and ensuring consistency across testing environments.



4. Test Results:&nbsp; It is important to record any deviations or anomalies observed during the testing process to provide a comprehensive overview of the test results.



<h2 id="h-advantages">Advantages </h2>



Let us discuss some of the advantages of using a Test Log:



<ol><li>&nbsp;Provides a record of all tests conducted, allowing for easy reference and progress tracking.&nbsp;</li><li>Helps identify patterns or trends in test results, enabling the identification of recurring issues or areas for improvement.&nbsp;</li><li>Facilitates collaboration among team members by providing a centralized location for sharing test information and findings.&nbsp;</li><li>Allows for better organization and categorization of tests, making locating specific tests or groups of tests easier.</li><li>Enables traceability by documenting the steps taken during testing, making reproducing and debugging issues easier.</li><li>Enhances stakeholder communication by providing a clear overview of the testing process and outcomes.</li><li>Supports <a href="https://www.ibm.com/topics/risk-management" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">risk management</a> by highlighting potential areas of concern or high-risk tests that require additional attention.</li><li>Assists in compliance with regulatory standards or industry best practices by ensuring that all necessary tests have been conducted and documented.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-creating-a-test-log-step-by-step-guide">Creating a Test Log: Step-by-Step Guide</h2>



Step 1: Define the Purpose and Scope



&#8211; Identify the purpose of creating a test log, such as tracking test progress, documenting test results, or identifying defects.



&#8211; Determine the scope of the test log, including which tests or test cycles it will cover.



Step 2: Identify Required Information



&#8211; Determine what information needs to be included in the test log. This may include details like test case ID, description, expected result, actual result, status (pass/fail), date/time executed, tester name, and other relevant fields.



Step 3: Choose a Format



&#8211; Decide on the format for your test log. It can be a spreadsheet (e.g., Excel), a document (e.g., Word), or even a specialized testing tool with built-in logging capabilities.



Step 4: Create Columns and Headers



&#8211; Set up columns in your chosen format to accommodate all the required information identified in Step 2. 



For example, if you are using Excel, you can create columns such as &#8220;Test Case ID,&#8221; &#8220;Description,&#8221; &#8220;Expected Result,&#8221; and &#8220;Actual Result&#8221; to organize and track the necessary information.



<h2 id="h-importance-of-test-log-in-test-automation">Importance of Test Log in Test Automation</h2>



Here are some major reasons why the test log is crucial in test automation:



1. Provides detailed information about the test execution process, including the test case status, test environment, and test data.&nbsp;



2. Enables testers to trace back to the source of an issue, facilitating faster debugging and fixing.&nbsp;



3. Helps testers generate accurate and comprehensive reports, improving stakeholder communication.&nbsp;



4. Allows for better collaboration among team members, as everyone can access the same information.



5. Enhances the reliability and consistency of the testing process, leading to better-quality software products. In conclusion, the test log is a critical component of test automation tools that facilitates efficient and effective testing.



<h2 id="h-test-log-example">Test log example</h2>



Here we are considering a test log generated by an automated test case in test automation tool <a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma</a>.&nbsp;



Step-1



To begin, access the Testsigma platform and register a new account. Once successfully registered, create a new project and a New Test case. Proceed to write Test steps for execution in the test case. Below is an image depicting the test steps formulated for verifying invalid credentials on a travel site login page.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/J_c5ejuEfO619APfEpKz0pdpQQjXkXCqRKUiSj-mW8ym967zAxlfSP51d_QNg-DqLCuF8tG8BlcrYsqKZubGUDsS5g0Em06G54F8iL_KBbh_PQLarsCvKkXDPHq-_DfxtofXZMuCEmya-GWzJTDo6MU" alt="Test log example 1" /></figure>



Step-2



Upon successful execution of the test cases, the test results reveal a state of &#8220;Passed.&#8221; One must navigate to the Logs bar by clicking on it to access the test logs. Referencing the given image below, the details can be observed. Clicking on the Logs icon provides access to the Test logs.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/yANBjkrTnf01J7BhektHpap0oNF6JU9J87shQjZYc6nRGYXgtITHxZucSzRq5my2F7mVt2cNa6RTMTN0Bv85qRIqfgOzQyKJeIjT78oGPaWhXFYxjxt05X4-OEb2o9mDUE7Z7lvvCIb2_89DmtOXRJc" alt="Test log example 2" /></figure>



Step-3:



In the final stage, a log list is presented to provide a detailed overview of all the processes that have occurred in the backend. Testsigma facilitates recording step-by-step processes, enabling the display of a complete list.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/v7JdAiqshJzrlIB2EkCqNwTogOMn01P6h-hIgZ-1HcJl8RgkrDPjGLbmaC_QSu9k4uMHnYmWelooCv8aaZtueesz5VpqItwCnlDP3IrsjlaC9XBcl622Fvacl5Kwq-OmB9x4lXGR1GxzYj8j_JHSTWc" alt="Test log example 3" /></figure>



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



Maintaining a Test log is essential for documenting and monitoring testing procedures. Testsigma, an automation platform, simplifies this process. Testsigma operates at 5x speed and is a fully-managed, Cloud-based test automation platform.&nbsp;



Automate your tests for web, mobile, desktops, and APIs, 10x faster with Testsigma, with easy-to-traverse test logs



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



<h3 id="h-what-are-the-different-types-of-logs-in-testing">What are the different types of logs in testing?</h3>



The different types of logs in testing include system logs, application logs, and test execution logs. System logs capture information about the operating system and hardware, application logs record events within the software, and test execution logs document the details of test runs, such as pass/fail status and error messages.



<h3 id="h-what-is-log-in-automation-testing">What is log-in automation testing?</h3>



Log-in automation testing refers to automating the testing of log-in functionality in software applications. It involves creating scripts or using tools to simulate user log-ins and validate their success. This type of testing helps ensure that log-in processes work correctly and efficiently.

What is a Test log? A Complete Guide

What Are the Ultimate Goals of Software Testing

What Are the Ultimate Goals of Software Testing?

As software development becomes more complex, it is increasingly important to have effective testing strategies. One key part of that is using Test Artifacts. Developers and testers should be aware of various types of test artifacts to test software effectively.&nbsp;



This blog post will explore these different test artifacts and explain their significance in testing. You can be a software developer, tester, or project manager, and understanding the role of test artifacts in testing will undoubtedly improve the quality of your software.&nbsp;



So, let&#8217;s dive in and explore the world of test artifacts!



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_are_Test_Artifacts">1 What are Test Artifacts?</a></li><li><a href="#Reasons_for_Having_and_Not_Having_Test_Artifacts">2 Reasons for Having and Not Having Test Artifacts</a></li><li><a href="#Test_Artifacts_in_Test_Automation">3 Test Artifacts in Test Automation</a></li><li><a href="#Summary">4 Summary</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">5 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_an_example_of_a_test_artifact">5.1 What is an example of a test artifact?</a></li><li><a href="#What_are_the_different_types_of_artifacts_in_DevOps">5.2 What are the different types of artifacts in DevOps?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-are-test-artifacts">What are Test Artifacts?</h2>



Test artifacts(test deliverables) are documents and scripts created during software testing to ensure that the tested application meets the desired quality standards. These artifacts provide evidence of the testing process and valuable insights into the overall testing efforts.



There are various types of test artifacts, each serving a specific purpose. Test plans, test cases, and test scripts are some of the most common test artifacts used in software testing. Understanding the different types of test artifacts and their purpose is essential for effective software testing.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/1L9lAxDjQD83IvUz3C0QrTKUcZWmL1U97jxO6O369eUsJsE3jnApB4WDCBNUtjarbxNzX6edJ3-7jWkCpo8Mya0xz1cHQR7m-G3sIQlo0uWG8knWIKu7flvC9PCji0A_y8tZhpT4OK_Pv4whUrvBBts" alt="Testsigma - Test automation platform" /></figure></div>



 <h2 id="h-reasons-for-having-and-not-having-test-artifacts">Reasons for Having and Not Having Test Artifacts</h2>



&nbsp;Several factors may influence the need for test artifacts:&nbsp;



1. Company rules: Some industries, like aerospace, nuclear power, or healthcare, are strict about testing and paperwork. They might need us to produce detailed reports.&nbsp;



2. Project needs: If we&#8217;re working on something that needs to be super good and reliable, we might need to make more test stuff than usual to ensure everything is covered.



3. What stakeholders want: Testers, Developers, Project managers, and Customers may all have different ideas about what they need from testing results. Developers might need detailed reports to understand and deal with issues, while the customers may want a summary of how good and reliable the product is.



4. What we&#8217;re trying to do: The <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-goals-software-testing-panorama-software-solutions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">testing goals</a> also play a part in deciding how much we need from the testing results. We need more detailed and extensive testing results to find and fix as many problems as possible before the release. But if our goal is just to meet a basic level of quality, more detailed testing results might not be needed.



There are a few reasons why an organization might only need some test stuff for a project. Here are some factors that could affect this decision:&nbsp;



1. How complicated the project is: If it&#8217;s a pretty simple project with only a few features and not a lot of stuff going on, making all the test things you&#8217;d need for a bigger project might not be necessary.&nbsp;



2. What resources are available: If the organization has few resources, making all the test stuff you&#8217;d need for a super comprehensive testing effort might not make sense.



3. How risky the project is: If it is a high-risk project, it may be necessary to produce more test artifacts to thoroughly test the system and ensure it meets all required specifications.&nbsp;



When figuring out what test efforts are needed, it is also important to think about what you&#8217;re trying to accomplish. Don&#8217;t waste time on stuff that is not helping you reach your goals. Stick to the most important things.



<h2 id="h-test-artifacts-in-test-automation">Test Artifacts in Test Automation</h2>



Here we refer to using automated tools and technologies to streamline and enhance the creation, execution, and management of various test artifacts. As we discussed earlier about Test artifacts, now you know these are the essential elements in the software testing lifecycle that document different aspects of the testing process.&nbsp;



Let&#8217;s delve into each type of test artifact and explore how automation can benefit them:



1. Test Strategy: The <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/software-testing-strategy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test strategy</a> outlines the overall approach and objectives for testing a software product or system. This test strategy can detail the process of test automation which can then be put to action.



2. Test Plan: A test plan provides a detailed roadmap for executing tests, including scope, resources, timelines, and entry/exit criteria. Automation tools can aid in generating test plans by automatically populating relevant information based on project parameters.



3. Test Scenario: A test scenario defines a specific situation or event that needs to be tested within an application or system. In certain conditions, it is recommended that these test scenarios be authored and executed using test automation tools. That is when automating these tests could help generate ROI in the long run.



4. Test Cases: <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/what-is-test-case/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test cases</a> are detailed instructions specifying inputs, expected outputs, preconditions, and post-conditions for executing tests on specific functionalities or components of an application. Similar to test scenarios, there are certain conditions, when it is recommended that these test cases be automated using test automation tools.&nbsp;



5. Test Data: Test data encompasses all inputs required to execute tests effectively. This test data is useful when test cases and test scenarios are automated too.&nbsp;



6. Documentation: Automated documentation generation tools simplify creating comprehensive reports on testing activities such as requirements traceability matrices (RTMs), progress reports, and defect metrics.



7. Defect/Bug Report: There are test automation tools that integrate with various bug/<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/defect-tracking-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">defect tracking tools</a>. These tools create a bug report automatically when a bug is caught via automated test cases and test scenarios.



8. Summary Report: Summary reports overview the overall testing progress and key metrics such as test coverage, pass/fail rates, and defect trends. There are test automation tools that generate these summary reports automatically for the tests executed and their reports.



Here, we discussed some test artifacts that can also be created via <a href="https://testsigma.com/">automation tools</a> and technologies.



Testsigma is a no-code <a href="https://testsigma.com/qa-automation-tools" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test automation tool</a> that makes creation of test cases very easy by letting you create them in simple English.&nbsp;



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



In conclusion, to ensure product quality, it is sometimes essential to create all test artifacts.



These test artifacts are required to have a thorough testing process, but it is also important to prioritize and concentrate on the most significant and relevant artifacts.



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



<h3 id="h-what-is-an-example-of-a-test-artifact">What is an example of a test artifact?</h3>



An example of a test artifact could be a test plan document. A test plan outlines the overall approach, objectives, and scope of testing for a specific project or software application. It includes details about the testing strategy, resources required, test environment setup, and the specific tests to be executed.



<h3 id="h-what-are-the-different-types-of-artifacts-in-devops">What are the different types of artifacts in DevOps?</h3>



DevOps has different types of artifacts, including source code, binaries, configuration files, and deployment scripts.





Test Evidence
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="pWtN0N2ZOy"><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-evidence/">Test Evidence &#8211; What it is, Why &#038; How to Capture?</a></blockquote><iframe class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);" title="&#8220;Test Evidence &#8211; What it is, Why &#038; How to Capture?&#8221; &#8212; Testsigma Blog" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-evidence/embed/#?secret=yOpI52Dx6w#?secret=pWtN0N2ZOy" data-secret="pWtN0N2ZOy" width="500" height="282" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>


Automated Testing
https://testsigma.com/automated-testing


Test Documentation
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="6l4oMzyOZH"><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-documentation/">Documentation for Testing: Benefits, Examples, and Best Practices</a></blockquote><iframe class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);" title="&#8220;Documentation for Testing: Benefits, Examples, and Best Practices&#8221; &#8212; Testsigma Blog" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-documentation/embed/#?secret=bipx5RXVOe#?secret=6l4oMzyOZH" data-secret="6l4oMzyOZH" width="500" height="282" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>

Test Artifacts Explained With Types

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.



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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.

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