As organisations continue to adopt Salesforce to streamline operations, having a robust test automation strategy becomes critical to ensure that frequent updates, configurations, and customizations work seamlessly.



Following industry standards for software testing, this case study explores a structured approach to Salesforce test automation, illustrating how automation can enhance quality, reduce regression testing time, and improve resource allocation.



As a seasoned Salesforce test automation engineer, I&#8217;ve had the privilege of witnessing the transformative power of test automation in action. Today, I&#8217;m excited to share a comprehensive case study that showcases the remarkable benefits we were able to achieve through the strategic implementation of a robust test automation framework.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#The_Challenge_Navigating_Complexity_and_Rapid_Change_in_Salesforce">1 The Challenge: Navigating Complexity and Rapid Change in Salesforce</a></li><li><a href="#The_Solution_Comprehensive_Salesforce_Test_Automation">2 The Solution: Comprehensive Salesforce Test Automation</a></li><li><a href="#The_Results_Transforming_Salesforce_Testing_Efficiency_and_Quality">3 The Results: Transforming Salesforce Testing Efficiency and Quality</a></li><li><a href="#Looking_to_the_Future_How_LLMs_Can_Enhance_Salesforce_Test_Automation">4 Looking to the Future: How LLMs Can Enhance Salesforce Test Automation</a></li><li><a href="#Testsigma_for_Automated_Salesforce_Testing">5 Testsigma for Automated Salesforce Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">6 Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-the-challenge-navigating-complexity-and-rapid-change-in-salesforce">The Challenge: Navigating Complexity and Rapid Change in Salesforce</h2>



Our client, a rapidly growing SaaS company, was facing a set of interconnected challenges within their Salesforce ecosystem. As their Salesforce instance grew in complexity, the problems they encountered became increasingly multifaceted and difficult to manage.



Over time, the client&#8217;s Salesforce platform had become more intricate, with a growing number of custom objects, integrations, and business processes. This complexity made it increasingly challenging to maintain a comprehensive understanding of the entire system and its interdependencies.&nbsp;



Additionally, the client&#8217;s Salesforce development team was working at a fast pace, continuously introducing new features and updates to meet the evolving needs of their customers. While this agility was crucial for the business, it also created a constant state of change that made it difficult to ensure the stability and reliability of the Salesforce platform.



The client&#8217;s existing testing approach was heavily reliant on manual processes, which became increasingly time-consuming and error-prone as the Salesforce instance grew in complexity. The QA team struggled to keep up with the rapid development cycles, and they were unable to thoroughly validate all critical business scenarios before each deployment.&nbsp;



The manual testing approach simply could not scale to meet the demands of the client&#8217;s growing Salesforce ecosystem. As the number of test cases and the frequency of deployments increased, the QA team found it increasingly challenging to maintain the necessary testing coverage and ensure the quality of the Salesforce solutions.



These challenges led to delayed time-to-market, as the inefficient testing process and the inability to quickly identify and resolve defects impacted the client&#8217;s ability to deliver new features and updates to their customers. This had a direct impact on their competitive positioning and customer satisfaction.



The leadership team at the client&#8217;s organisation recognized that these challenges were hindering their ability to fully leverage the power of Salesforce and deliver the best possible experience to their customers. They knew that a more efficient and scalable testing approach was needed to overcome these obstacles and position the company for long-term success.



<h2 id="h-the-solution-comprehensive-salesforce-test-automation">The Solution: Comprehensive Salesforce Test Automation</h2>



After a thorough evaluation of the client&#8217;s requirements and the existing Salesforce ecosystem, we proposed a comprehensive test automation strategy. The key elements of this approach were:



<ol><li>Comprehensive Test Suite Development: We worked closely with the client&#8217;s development and quality assurance teams to identify critical business scenarios, integration points, and user journeys. This enabled us to create a robust and comprehensive test suite that covered the core functionality of the Salesforce platform, as well as edge cases and potential areas of concern. </li><li>Automation Framework and Tool Selection: We carefully selected a Salesforce-compatible test automation framework and tool that would seamlessly integrate with the client&#8217;s existing technology stack. This allowed us to leverage the power of automation while maintaining a cohesive and maintainable solution. In this case, we chose a well-established framework that offered advanced features, such as data-driven testing, parallel execution, and detailed reporting. </li><li>Test Automation Implementation: Our team of experienced Salesforce test automation engineers implemented the selected framework and tool, meticulously automating the identified test cases. This process involved developing reusable code modules, creating data-driven test scenarios, and implementing robust error-handling and reporting mechanisms. We also incorporated best practices, such as modular design, code versioning, and continuous improvement, to ensure the long-term maintainability of the automation suite. </li><li>Continuous Integration and Deployment: We integrated the <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/automated-test-suite/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test automation suite</a> with the client&#8217;s continuous integration and deployment pipelines, enabling seamless and frequent regression testing. This allowed the development team to quickly identify and address any regressions or defects, thereby reducing the time-to-market for new features.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-the-results-transforming-salesforce-testing-efficiency-and-quality">The Results: Transforming Salesforce Testing Efficiency and Quality </h2>



The implementation of the Salesforce test automation strategy yielded remarkable results for our client:



<ol><li>Increased Test Coverage: By automating the critical test cases, we were able to achieve a significant increase in test coverage, ensuring that new features and updates were thoroughly validated before deployment. </li><li>Faster Release Cycles: The automated testing process reduced the time required for regression testing from several days to just a few hours, enabling the client to deliver new features to their customers more quickly and with greater confidence. </li><li>Improved Quality: The consistent and reliable execution of automated tests helped to identify and resolve defects earlier in the development lifecycle, resulting in a higher-quality Salesforce solution for the client&#8217;s customers. </li><li>Cost Savings: The efficiency gains achieved through <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test automation</a> led to a substantial reduction in the resources required for manual testing, allowing the client to reallocate those resources to other high-impact initiatives.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-looking-to-the-future-how-llms-can-enhance-salesforce-test-automation">Looking to the Future: How LLMs Can Enhance Salesforce Test Automation</h2>



As we look to the future, I believe that the integration of large language models (LLMs) can further enhance the capabilities of Salesforce test automation. LLMs, such as GPT-3, have demonstrated remarkable natural language processing and generation abilities, which can be leveraged to:



<ol><li>Automated Test Case Generation: LLMs can analyse Salesforce requirements and user stories to automatically generate relevant test cases, saving time and ensuring comprehensive coverage. </li><li>Test Case Optimization: LLMs can suggest optimizations to existing test cases, identifying opportunities for consolidation, parameterization, and improved maintenance. </li><li>Natural Language-based Reporting: LLMs can generate detailed, human-readable reports on test execution, including insights and recommendations for improvement, making it easier for non-technical stakeholders to understand the testing process. </li><li>Intelligent Automation Assistance: LLMs can provide contextual assistance to test automation engineers, helping with code generation, debugging, and troubleshooting, thereby enhancing the overall productivity and efficiency of the test automation team.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-testsigma-for-automated-salesforce-testing">Testsigma for Automated Salesforce Testing</h2>



Testsigma is a low-code cloud-based GenAI-powered test automation platform that allows testers to<a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-salesforce-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> automate Salesforce tests</a> using plain English statements without requiring much coding expertise.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1440" height="768" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/27160715/Testsigma-Recorder.png" alt="Testsigma-Recorder" class="wp-image-50431" srcset="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/27160715/Testsigma-Recorder.png 1440w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/27160715/Testsigma-Recorder-768x410.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></figure>



Some key reasons why Testsigma can be your perfect Salesforce testing tool,



10x Faster: Create Salesforce tests in plain English using NLP-based testing or the Recorder.



No setup required: Create, run, and maintain Salesforce tests on the cloud.



Salesforce environment: Test across Salesforce Developer Sandbox &#8211; Developer Pro, Partial Copy, and Full Sandbox.&nbsp;



Simple interface: Provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making the platform easy to use for both manual and automation testers.



Parallel testing: Run multiple Salesforce tests across different environments simultaneously to reduce execution time.



GenAI-powered testing: Get automated test case and test scenario suggestions in seconds from Copilot, a GenAI test assistant for QA teams, using prompts.



AI-driven test maintenance: Auto-healing helps prevent false test failures and handles complex maintenance challenges.



Continuous testing: Integrate your automated Salesforce tests into your existing CI/CD and DevOps pipeline to test continuously and ship faster.



Real-time test reports: Get comprehensive and actionable test insights after every test run to identify bugs.



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



In conclusion, this Salesforce test automation case study demonstrates the profound impact that a well-designed and executed test automation strategy can have on the success of a Salesforce-powered business. By harnessing the power of automation, we were able to help our client overcome the challenges of complexity and rapid development, paving the way for greater efficiency, quality, and ultimately, better customer experiences.

Salesforce Automation Case Study: A Data-Driven Approach to Quality and Efficiency

How to Write Test Cases for Trading Application Testing?

As technology and industry become more complex, so does software. Any app or site being developed must now cater to the preferences and needs of people from different regions, demographic segments and life experiences. To make sure that people with such differing requirements get what they want out of an app or website, Quality Assurance engineers need to perform something called Extensive Testing.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Extensive_Testing">1 What is Extensive Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Perform_Extensive_testing">2 How to Perform Extensive testing</a></li><li><a href="#When_should_you_Make_Test_Automation_a_Part_of_Extensive_Testing">3 When should you Make Test Automation a Part of Extensive Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Perform_Automated_Extensive_Testing_with_Testsigma">4 How to Perform Automated Extensive Testing with Testsigma?</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="#When_should_you_perform_extensive_testing">6.1 When should you perform extensive testing?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-extensive-testing">What is Extensive Testing?</h2>



Extensive testing, also known as exhaustive testing, involves verifying a software program’s response to all input combinations. Like the name suggests, it requires QAs to run all input combinations into the system and monitor results.&nbsp;



You test the software exhaustively – every function, every UI element, every UX metric. This technique provides a 360-degree analysis of the app’s functionality and user experience. It is directly responsible for improving software efficiency and usability for end-users.&nbsp;



It’s important to understand that you can never test every possible scenario, simply because that is impossible to predict. There will always be a minor user scenario left untested, but comprehensive testing will ensure that the flaws left behind are not big enough to affect UX.



However, modern extensive testing comes very close to eliminating all bugs but attacking the system with every possible input variable. Needless to say, it’s a time-consuming technique, but it produces bug-free software.



<h2 id="h-how-to-perform-extensive-testing">How to Perform Extensive testing</h2>



The following strategies are commonly deployed as part of an extensive testing approach:



<ul><li>Monitor the application’s recovery rate through self-analysis by the dev team. Functions with high recovery require less testing than the ones with low recovery. </li><li>Run <a href="https://testsigma.com/regression-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regression tests</a> after every bug fix to validate that all functions are working as expected after any system changes. </li><li>Run risk assessments on the application to estimate how certain low-recovery functions can impact other <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_component" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software components</a>. These are the functions that require a closer look via extensive testing. </li><li>Look at all previous tests and narrow in on the features that are most likely to fail. The failing modules are the ones that require extensive testing. </li><li>Use ad-hoc testing and break down testing for individual modules to detect minor defects. </li><li>Reach out to stakeholders (analysts, product managers, customer support personnel) – and get reviews on the app’s workings. This will add more perspective to your quality control operations. </li><li>Use focus testing to craft relevant user scenarios for more precise, targeted testing. </li><li>Revise and refresh test cases for every test that requires different variables. Since extensive testing requires pushing all input variables, this is an essential step.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-when-should-you-make-test-automation-a-part-of-extensive-testing">When should you Make Test Automation a Part of Extensive Testing?</h2>



You should incorporate test automation into your extensive testing plans when you come across the following scenarios in your <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SDLC" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">SDLC</a>:



<ul><li>When the project requires QAs to run a large number of repetitive tests, such as regression testing. Some tests require the same user actions, but with different input values each time. These tests can also, for the most part, be automated. <gwmw style="display:none;"></gwmw></li><li>When it’s most cost effective to automate the extensive tests. Manually testing every or most features of an application would require hiring a large number of testers. It would also take these testers more time to finish their tasks, because humans move slower than machines. Without automation, releasing software would take many more weeks or months – leading to a longer time to market and killing the app’s competitive value. </li><li>When you need to scale up your testing capacity by running tests simultaneously or in parallel. Most modern QA teams, even large ones, can only do so much in a few weeks with running <a href="https://testsigma.com/parallel-test-runs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parallel tests</a>. Automation engines like TestSigma are required to empower QAs and get more done in a short measure of time. </li><li>When you cannot afford to be undone by human error from tired and overworked testing. Extensive testing requires extensive work. Manually testers cannot be expected to stay up for days on end, scan through software functions and provide 100% accurate results. However, this is a common expectation from a test automation tool. It does not get tired and it does not make mistakes.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-how-to-perform-automated-extensive-testing-with-testsigma">How to Perform Automated Extensive Testing with Testsigma?<gwmw style="display:none;"></h2>



Testsigma is a cloud-based test automation platform that lets you automate your end-to-end UI tests for web, mobile, desktop applications and APIs from the same place.&nbsp;



Testsigma also lets you automate your tests in simple English, thus you don’t need to worry about coding.&nbsp;



Testsigma is a complete platform where you can easily author, execute and get reports for test execution in very short time.



With all above features and more, Testsigma is a perfect tool to augment your extensive testing.



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



Extensive testing is the last line of defense against major bugs in any software system. It casts a wide net for bugs, anomalies and errors that may tarnish user experience for end-users. It is the final filter in <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/quality-assurance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quality Assurance</a> processes – a time-consuming filter with multiple techniques and strategies to eliminate as many software issues as humanly possible.&nbsp;



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



<h3 id="h-when-should-you-perform-extensive-testing">When should you perform extensive testing?</h3>



Extensive testing should be the final step in the testing cycle. After all other tests have been executed, extensive testing comes in to validate the entire software system. Of course, it is possible to insert elements or techniques of extensive testing at different intervals within the testing pipeline. For example, insert regression tests after every major bug fix, perform risk assessments before testing commences, use focused testing to zero in on sensitive software areas, etc.&nbsp;



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Extensive Testing in Software Testing: What it Is & How to Perform It

In the dynamic landscape of software development, ensuring the quality of a product is paramount. Whether it&#8217;s a mobile application, a web platform, or enterprise software, quality assurance (QA) stands as the bedrock of user satisfaction and trust. Within the realm of QA, independent testing teams play a crucial role, offering a fresh perspective and an unbiased evaluation of the software&#8217;s performance, functionality, and usability. In this blog, we delve into why independent testing team is required in the software development lifecycle. The important question is to what extent being independent is acceptable? And what are the dangers of being independent and not embedded in an engineering team?



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Suppliers_Vs_In-House_Team">1 Suppliers Vs In-House Team</a></li><li><a href="#How_Independent_can_one_be">2 How Independent can one be?</a></li><li><a href="#Independent_Test_Teams_and_Advantagesnbsp">3 Independent Test Teams and Advantages&nbsp;</a><ul><li><a href="#Ensuring_Objectivity_and_Impartiality">3.1 Ensuring Objectivity and Impartiality</a></li><li><a href="#Comprehensive_Test_Coverage">3.2 Comprehensive Test Coverage</a></li><li><a href="#Mitigating_Conflict_of_Interest">3.3 Mitigating Conflict of Interest</a></li><li><a href="#Specialized_Expertise">3.4 Specialized Expertise</a></li><li><a href="#Scalability_and_Flexibility">3.5 Scalability and Flexibility</a></li><li><a href="#Cost-effectiveness">3.6 Cost-effectiveness</a></li><li><a href="#Enhanced_Customer_Satisfaction">3.7 Enhanced Customer Satisfaction</a></li><li><a href="#Regulatory_Compliance_and_Risk_Mitigation">3.8 Regulatory Compliance and Risk Mitigation</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">4 Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-suppliers-vs-in-house-team">Suppliers Vs In-House Team</h2>



I have worked in many companies till now where I have engaged a lot with supplier testing teams as well as teams that are in-house only. The important aspect to understand here is how independent should they be?&nbsp;



Let&#8217;s have a look at the differences between them. When you have in-house testing teams what I have noticed is that there are many times where collaboration is missing with other engineers, knowledge silos and teams not understanding the value of testers has been seen quite a lot.&nbsp;



When it comes to supplier testers and being independent, it can be a bit daunting too as they are new to the team, we have to make sure they are on boarded and expect them to work independently, however this has caused quite a lot of delays and issues such as IT requests needed to be made for them and the entire time waiting on tools to be set up, onboarding that was done may be something that suppliers start forgetting or missing vital points and delaying the overall project tasks.&nbsp;



Check here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/independent-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Independent Testing</a>



I am not saying suppliers are not well equipped but as a company or team we should make sure they are settled well before we can make them independent.&nbsp;



In my opinion, its best to have one engineering team with all our testers in that team to help showcase the value we bring, the information we share and the excellent testing we do. It is easier to collaborate and even pair up with other engineers as well as other stakeholders.&nbsp;



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<h2 id="h-how-independent-can-one-be">How Independent can one be?</h2>



We all know that there are many companies still keeping their <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/anatomy-of-a-high-performing-software-testing-team/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">testing teams</a> as independent, but we need to understand how independent they can be. I personally feel and have seen that it is good to always have someone communication between developers and testers so that vital details can be shared. 



Independent testing teams can get on themselves but we should not forget them in important meetings. The testers can also struggle by having the same old <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/automated-test-suite/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test suite</a> and no new tests or edge cases checked if no one is updating the details to them. 



Therefore, if you are working with independent testers, it is a good practise to keep them in loop too so that important factors get counted in and testers still showcase their value.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-independent-test-teams-and-advantages">Independent Test Teams and Advantages&nbsp;</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="512" height="389" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/26172014/Why-Independent-Testing-Team-is-Required.png" alt="Why Independent Testing Team is Required" class="wp-image-50374" /></figure></div>



<h3 id="h-ensuring-objectivity-and-impartiality">Ensuring Objectivity and Impartiality</h3>



One of the primary advantages of independent testing teams is their objectivity. Unlike developers or in-house QA teams who may be closely involved in the project, independent testers bring an outsider&#8217;s perspective. They approach the software without preconceived notions or biases, evaluating it solely based on predefined criteria and industry standards. This objectivity helps uncover defects and usability issues that may have been overlooked by those deeply involved in the development process.



Check here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/usability-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Usability Testing</a>



<h3 id="h-comprehensive-test-coverage">Comprehensive Test Coverage</h3>



Independent testing teams are equipped to provide comprehensive <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-coverage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test coverage</a> across various dimensions of software quality. From functional testing to performance, security, compatibility, and usability testing, they employ diverse methodologies and testing techniques to ensure that the software meets all requirements and specifications. By conducting thorough assessments, independent testers help mitigate risks and enhance the overall reliability of the software.



<h3 id="h-mitigating-conflict-of-interest">Mitigating Conflict of Interest</h3>



In-house development teams often face conflicting priorities between meeting project deadlines and maintaining quality standards. This conflict of interest can compromise the thoroughness of testing and lead to the release of software with unresolved issues.&nbsp;



Independent testing teams, on the other hand, operate with a singular focus on quality. Their independence from development pressures enables them to prioritize rigorous testing without being influenced by project timelines or resource constraints.



<h3 id="h-specialized-expertise">Specialized Expertise</h3>



Independent testing teams bring specialized expertise and domain knowledge to the table. With experience across a wide range of industries and technologies, they possess insights into best practices, regulatory requirements, and emerging <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/top-software-testing-trends-to-look-out-for-in-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trends in software testing</a>.&nbsp;



The specialized expertise allows them to tailor testing strategies to the unique needs of each project, leveraging industry-specific standards and frameworks to deliver optimal results.&nbsp;



Whether it&#8217;s healthcare, finance, e-commerce, or any other sector, independent testers adapt their approach to ensure compliance and mitigate sector-specific risks.



<h3 id="h-scalability-and-flexibility">Scalability and Flexibility</h3>



Independent testing teams offer scalability and flexibility that may not be feasible with in-house resources alone. As project requirements evolve or deadlines approach, these teams can quickly scale up or down to accommodate changing needs.&nbsp;



Whether it&#8217;s ramping up testing efforts during peak development phases or providing <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/adhoc-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ad-hoc testing</a> support for ongoing maintenance, independent testers offer the agility required to keep pace with the dynamic nature of software development projects.



<h3 id="h-cost-effectiveness">Cost-effectiveness</h3>



While some may perceive independent testing as an additional expense, it often proves to be cost-effective in the long run. By identifying and addressing defects early in the development cycle, independent testers help prevent costly rework and post-release issues. Moreover, outsourcing testing to specialized teams eliminates the need for investing in infrastructure, tools, and ongoing training, resulting in significant cost savings for organizations. When weighed against the potential losses due to software failures or customer dissatisfaction, the investment in <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/independent-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">independent testing </a>proves to be a prudent choice.



<h3 id="h-enhanced-customer-satisfaction">Enhanced Customer Satisfaction</h3>



At the end of the day, the ultimate goal of software development is to deliver value to the end-users. Independent testing plays a crucial role in achieving this goal by ensuring that the software meets or exceeds user expectations.&nbsp;



By uncovering bugs, <a href="https://www.nomensa.com/blog/10-common-usability-problems-with-websites/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">usability issues</a>, and performance bottlenecks, independent testers contribute to a smoother user experience and higher customer satisfaction. This, in turn, fosters loyalty and positive word-of-mouth, driving user adoption and market success for the software product.



<h3 id="h-regulatory-compliance-and-risk-mitigation">Regulatory Compliance and Risk Mitigation</h3>



In many industries, regulatory compliance is non-negotiable. Independent testing teams help organizations navigate complex regulatory landscapes by ensuring that the software adheres to industry standards and legal requirements. Whether it&#8217;s data privacy regulations like GDPR, security standards like ISO 27001, or industry-specific mandates such as HIPAA in healthcare, independent testers verify that the software meets all relevant compliance criteria. By mitigating legal and regulatory risks, independent testing provides organizations with peace of mind and protects their reputation in the market.



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



In conclusion, independent testing teams play a pivotal role in the software development lifecycle, offering objectivity, comprehensive test coverage, specialized expertise, scalability, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory compliance.&nbsp;



By partnering with independent testers, organizations can enhance the quality, reliability, and usability of their software products, driving customer satisfaction and mitigating risks.&nbsp;

Why Independent Testing Team is Required ?

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



This is just a sample example



Here&#8217;s how it will look:



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Happy Testing!



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



We believe in the possibility of risks.&nbsp;



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



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



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



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



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



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



Humans are biased.&nbsp;



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



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



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



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



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



The tech industry is deeply affected by such biases.



To break free from biases, testers use strategies like:



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



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



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



Biases can make testing socially challenging.&nbsp;



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



or&nbsp;



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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