Salesforce QA Testing – What, Why, and How to Perform?

Despite the surge in automated testing and AI tools out there, testing manually is still super important for making sure software works right.&nbsp;



As a Manual tester, cultivating a mindset of critical thinking is key to verifying product functionality and aligning actual outcomes with expected results. Proficiency in <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/manual-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">manual testing</a> requires a diverse skill set, encompassing the evaluation of usability, performance, security, and accessibility aspects.



Here are some unique skills that can elevate a manual tester&#8217;s effectiveness in ensuring exceptional software quality:



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#1_Strong_Analytical_Skills">1 1. Strong Analytical Skills</a></li><li><a href="#2_Proficiency_in_API_Testing">2 2. Proficiency in API Testing:</a></li><li><a href="#3_Understanding_of_Databases">3 3. Understanding of Databases:</a></li><li><a href="#4_Solid_Testing_Concepts">4 4. Solid Testing Concepts:</a></li><li><a href="#5_Familiarity_with_HTTP_Status_Codes">5 5. Familiarity with HTTP Status Codes:</a></li><li><a href="#6_Knowledge_of_Version_Control_Systems_like_GIT">6 6. Knowledge of Version Control Systems like GIT:</a></li><li><a href="#7_Effective_Communication_Skills">7 7. Effective Communication Skills:</a></li><li><a href="#8_Familiarity_with_Agile_Methodology">8 8. Familiarity with Agile Methodology:</a></li><li><a href="#9_Cross-Browser_Testing_Proficiency">9 9. Cross-Browser Testing Proficiency:</a></li><li><a href="#10_Understanding_of_Software_Development_Life_Cycle_SDLC">10 10. Understanding of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC):</a></li><li><a href="#11_Accessibility_Testing_Skills">11 11. Accessibility Testing Skills:</a></li><li><a href="#12_Performance_Testing_Proficiency">12 12. Performance Testing Proficiency:</a></li><li><a href="#13_Security_Testing_Awareness">13 13. Security Testing Awareness:</a></li><li><a href="#16_JIRA">14 16. JIRA:</a></li><li><a href="#17_Mobile_Testing">15 17. Mobile Testing:</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">16 Conclusion:</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-1-strong-analytical-skills">1. Strong Analytical Skills</h2>



Analytical skills are vital for thinking outside the box and generating edge cases for thorough product testing. Simply verifying requirements and following the happy path is not sufficient. Additionally,&nbsp; skilled manual testers must also possess strong analytical capabilities to troubleshoot unexpected issues encountered during testing sessions.



<h2 id="h-2-proficiency-in-api-testing">2. Proficiency in API Testing:</h2>



Understanding Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) is becoming increasingly crucial for manual testers, especially in the age of interconnected systems. Testers should be familiar with the basics of <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/api-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">API testing</a>, including how to interact with APIs and validate their responses.&nbsp;



Proficiency in tools like POSTMAN enables testers to send requests, inspect responses, and verify the functionality of API endpoints. Moreover, knowledge of RESTful and SOAP APIs helps testers thoroughly check the behind-the-scenes part of the software, making sure data is kept safe and the system works reliably.



Check here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/tools/manual-testing-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manual Testing Tools</a>



<h2 id="h-3-understanding-of-databases">3. Understanding of Databases:</h2>



Since data is the backbone of many software applications, testers must have a solid understanding of databases. This includes knowledge of database management systems (DBMS) such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB.&nbsp;



Testers should be comfortable writing and executing SQL queries to validate data, perform CRUD operations, and verify data transformations. Furthermore, familiarity with database schema enables testers to design test scenarios that cover various data scenarios and edge cases.



<h2 id="h-4-solid-testing-concepts">4. Solid Testing Concepts:</h2>



A strong foundation in testing concepts is fundamental for manual testers. They should understand the principles of test design, including creating test cases, test scenarios, and test plans.&nbsp;



Moreover, testers should be proficient in identifying, documenting, and prioritizing defects using <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/defect-tracking-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">defect-tracking tools</a> like JIRA or Bugzilla. Understanding different types of testing, such as functional testing, regression testing, and user acceptance testing, gives testers the ability to tailor their approach based on project requirements and constraints.



Check here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/test-cases-for-manual-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test Cases for Manual Testing</a>



<h2 id="h-5-familiarity-with-http-status-codes">5. Familiarity with HTTP Status Codes:</h2>



Manual testers should be familiar with Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) status codes and their meanings. This knowledge is particularly valuable when testing web applications and APIs. HTTP status codes provide valuable insights into the server&#8217;s response and help testers diagnose issues more effectively.&nbsp;



For example, a 404 status code indicates that the requested resource was not found, while a 500 status code signifies a server error. By understanding these codes, testers can communicate more precisely with developers which can further help them to fix the problems faster.



<h2 id="h-6-knowledge-of-version-control-systems-like-git">6. Knowledge of Version Control Systems like GIT:</h2>



Version control systems like GIT play a pivotal role in software development and testing. Manual testers often collaborate with developers and need to understand how version control works to access the latest code changes.&nbsp;



Basic GIT knowledge, including tagging, merging, and reverting changes facilitates seamless collaboration and ensures that testers are always working with the most up-to-date codebase. In many product companies, it&#8217;s often QA&#8217;s responsibility to merge developers&#8217; code or pull requests into the main codebase. Therefore, having a grasp of GIT basics is crucial for manual QA testers.



<h2 id="h-7-effective-communication-skills">7. Effective Communication Skills:</h2>



Effective communication is essential for manual testers to convey their findings accurately in the form of defects and collaborate with cross-functional teams. Testers should be able to articulate test results, raise defects, and suggest improvements clearly and concisely.&nbsp;



Additionally, active listening skills are crucial for understanding project requirements, gathering feedback, and resolving conflicts efficiently. By creating open communication channels, testers can foster a collaborative testing environment and contribute positively to the overall project&#8217;s success.



<h2 id="h-8-familiarity-with-agile-methodology">8. Familiarity with Agile Methodology:</h2>



In agile development environments, testers need to adapt quickly to changing requirements and priorities. They should have a solid understanding of agile methodologies such as Scrum or Kanban and actively participate in agile ceremonies like sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives.&nbsp;



Testers should embrace the iterative nature of agile development and focus on delivering value to end-users in short development cycles. Additionally, being responsive to feedback and continuously improving testing processes are key aspects of being a manual tester.



<h2 id="h-9-cross-browser-testing-proficiency">9. Cross-Browser Testing Proficiency:</h2>



As web applications become more widespread, manual testers need to make sure they work well on different browsers and devices. Testers should conduct cross-browser testing to identify potential UI inconsistencies or functional discrepancies.&nbsp;



This involves testing web applications on popular browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari across different operating systems and versions. Moreover, testers should leverage browser developer tools to inspect page elements, debug JavaScript code, and analyze network requests for performance optimization.



<h2 id="h-10-understanding-of-software-development-life-cycle-sdlc">10. Understanding of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC):</h2>



Understanding the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is essential for manual testers to align their testing activities with the development process. Testers should be familiar with SDLC phases such as requirements gathering, design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance.&nbsp;



This enables testers to identify the appropriate testing activities for each phase and ensure that quality is maintained throughout the software development process. Additionally, knowledge of different testing methodologies and frameworks empowers testers to select the most suitable approach based on project constraints and objectives.



<h2 id="h-11-accessibility-testing-skills">11. Accessibility Testing Skills:</h2>



Making sure web apps are easy to use for people with disabilities is super important. Testers need to know about rules like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and how to check if apps meet these rules.&nbsp;



This means looking at things like if you can navigate with just a keyboard, if screen readers work if colors are clear, and if the HTML is set up right. When testers do good accessibility tests, they help make sure everyone can use the app easily.



Check here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/is-manual-testing-a-good-career/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Is testing manually a good career?</a>



<h2 id="h-12-performance-testing-proficiency">12. Performance Testing Proficiency:</h2>



Manual testers should be able to assess the performance of web applications by conducting load testing, <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/software-stress-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress testing</a>, and other performance testing techniques. Understanding how to identify and measure key performance indicators (KPIs) such as response time, throughput, and resource utilization is essential for ensuring optimal application performance under varying conditions.



<h2 id="h-13-security-testing-awareness">13. Security Testing Awareness:</h2>



Manual testers should have a basic understanding of common security vulnerabilities and how to test for them. This includes conducting security testing techniques such as penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and authentication testing to identify potential security risks in web applications. Awareness of security best practices and compliance standards can help testers identify and mitigate security threats effectively.



<h2 id="h-16-jira">16. JIRA:</h2>



JIRA is an agile project management tool widely utilized across various companies today. It serves as a central platform for referencing stories, creating Epics, and setting up boards such as Kanban or Scrum. Familiarity with JIRA is invaluable for testers as it enhances their adaptability across different organizations. Essential skills include creating tasks, raising defects, and effectively utilizing filters and dashboards.



In today&#8217;s workplace, showcasing work is just as crucial as completing it. Therefore, knowing how to create dashboards, filter issues, and share insights with the team are expected skills from manual testers in most companies today.



Check here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/is-manual-testing-becoming-a-bottleneck-in-continuous-delivery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Challenges in testing manually </a>



<h2 id="h-17-mobile-testing">17. Mobile Testing:</h2>



The percentage of Internet traffic for mobile devices has seen a massive increase over the last decade. According to a recent <a href="https://explodingtopics.com/blog/mobile-internet-traffic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survey</a>, over 60% of website traffic now comes from mobile devices, with 92.3% of internet users accessing the internet via mobile phones. With approximately 4.32 billion active mobile internet users, it&#8217;s crucial to understand how to conduct <a href="http://5What is Mobile App Testing: Definition, Types and Process Testsigma https://testsigma.com › mobile-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mobile testing</a>.



Ensuring that your website functions well across various devices is essential. It&#8217;s one of the most important aspects to consider during testing. Testing on different mobile devices is necessary to ensure that all functionalities work seamlessly and that there are no issues or broken features.



Check here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/manual-testing-interview-questions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manual Testing Interview Questions</a>



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



In conclusion, while automation undoubtedly plays a crucial role in streamlining the testing process, the human element remains indispensable in ensuring software quality. By developing innovative skills such as user-centric testing, exploratory testing expertise, cross-functional collaboration, adaptability to emerging technologies, and critical thinking, manual testers can elevate their role from mere validators to invaluable contributors in the pursuit of software excellence.



Check here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/manual-testing-vs-automation-testing-which-one-should-you-choose/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manual Testing vs Automation Testing</a>



Testsigma is a test automation tool, especially made for the manual team, that helps you automate your regression tests for web, mobile, desktop applications and APIs, 10x faster, while authoring tests in simple English. This increases the availability of manual testers for user-centric and exploratory testing.



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Skills for Manual Testing

At Testsigma, we believe that accessibility isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a fundamental principle of modern digital products. That’s why I’m incredibly excited to announce the addition of Accessibility testing to our low-code test automation platform.&nbsp;



In a world where accessibility compliance is becoming a legal requirement, we want to help quality engineering teams stay ahead. Our new Accessibility Testing feature automates compliance with global standards like WCAG 2.2 and ensures inclusivity for users of all abilities.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Why_Accessibility_Matters">1 Why Accessibility Matters</a></li><li><a href="#Why_You_Should_Act_Now">2 Why You Should Act Now</a></li><li><a href="#How_Testsigma8217s_Accessibility_Testing_Can_Help_You">3 How Testsigma&#8217;s Accessibility Testing Can Help You</a></li><li><a href="#Moving_Toward_a_More_Inclusive_Digital_World">4 Moving Toward a More Inclusive Digital World</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-why-accessibility-matters">Why Accessibility Matters</h2>



Accessibility goes beyond meeting legal requirements; it’s about providing equal opportunity in the digital age. As more businesses realize the importance of inclusive design, we’re here to empower software engineering teams to ship compliant and inclusive web applications more easily than ever. Testsigma’s codeless test automation platform makes it easier than ever to ship compliant software since it lets anyone write and execute automated tests using plain English.



<h2 id="h-why-you-should-act-now">Why You Should Act Now</h2>



The European Accessibility Act (EAA) mandates that all digital platforms be fully compliant by June 2025. This means businesses worldwide must act fast to avoid penalties and ensure their products meet legal standards, especially in the banking, healthcare, and government sectors.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-how-testsigma-s-accessibility-testing-can-help-you">How Testsigma&#8217;s Accessibility Testing Can Help You</h2>



<ul><li>Automated WCAG 2.1 Compliance Testsigma handles the heavy lifting, automatically checking your applications against Level A, AA, and AAA standards. From color contrast issues to focus order, it identifies the gaps so you can fix them faster.</li><li>Seamless Integration No setup, no separate tools needed. Accessibility testing fits directly into your existing workflows, alongside your functional, API, and visual tests.</li><li>Codeless Test Creation You don’t need to be an accessibility expert or a code-heavy developer. Our low-code platform makes it easy for anyone on your team to contribute to testing.</li><li>Real-Time Insights Receive detailed reports on accessibility issues during the development cycle, enabling proactive fixes before your product reaches users.</li></ul>



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<h2 id="h-moving-toward-a-more-inclusive-digital-world">Moving Toward a More Inclusive Digital World</h2>



At Testsigma, we’re committed to helping businesses deliver products everyone can use, regardless of their abilities. This new capability is just one of many steps to ensure that the digital world is inclusive, compliant, and accessible for all.&nbsp;



<a href="https://meet.testsigma.com/campaign/intro?name=there&amp;email=your%20email" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Talk to us</a> today and experience how Testsigma can help your team build accessible digital products that comply with global standards.



If you&#8217;re an existing user interested in enhancing your accessibility features, <a href="https://meet.testsigma.com/campaign/intro?name=there&amp;email=your%20email" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reach out to us</a> &#8211; we can help you set everything up from the start.&nbsp;



Thank you for joining us on this journey. We look forward to helping you build the future of accessible, inclusive digital products.

Testsigma's Codeless Accessibility Testing

Introducing Testsigma’s Codeless Accessibility Testing

Defect density is crucial when testing software and ensuring its high quality, because it measures the number of defects in the software compared to how big the software is in terms of lines of code or function points.&nbsp;



When doing test automation, defect density becomes even more important because it helps you determine which software parts are more likely to have issues and need more testing.&nbsp;



Monitoring defect density over time also tells you if your improvements are making a difference, so it&#8217;s a great tool for keeping your software improving.



Lets discuss more in detail about Defect Density in this blog.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Defect_Density">1 What is Defect Density?</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_calculate_Defect_Density">2 How to calculate Defect Density?</a></li><li><a href="#Defect_Density_Example">3 Defect Density Example</a></li><li><a href="#Uses_of_Defect_Density">4 Uses of Defect Density</a></li><li><a href="#Factors_Affecting_Defect_Density_Metrics">5 Factors Affecting Defect Density Metrics</a></li><li><a href="#Advantages_of_Defect_Density">6 Advantages of Defect Density</a></li><li><a href="#Calculate_Defect_Density_For_Test_Automation">7 Calculate Defect Density For Test Automation</a></li><li><a href="#Summary">8 Summary</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">9 Frequently Asked Questions</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_a_good_defect_density">10 What is a good defect density?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_a_normal_defect_rate">11 What is a normal defect rate?</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-defect-density">What is Defect Density?</h2>



Defect Density is a measure used in <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software testing</a> to quantify the number of defects found in a piece of software or a component relative to its size. It is typically expressed as the number of defects per thousand lines of code (KLOC).&nbsp;



This metric helps assess the software&#8217;s quality and reliability, guiding project teams in identifying areas that need more focused testing and improvement.



<h2 id="h-how-to-calculate-defect-density">How to calculate Defect Density?</h2>



We can calculate it using the following formula:



Defect Density = (Number of Defects) / (Size of the Software Entity)



The size is typically measured in<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Source_lines_of_code" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow"> Lines of Code</a> (LOC), Function Points (FP), or modules/components. The chosen unit depends on the project context and industry standards.



For example, if a software application has 50 confirmed defects and the size is 10,000 lines of code, then the Defect Density would be 0.005 defects per line of code.



<h2 id="h-defect-density-example">Defect Density Example</h2>



Let us look at two different examples to understand better about this:



<ol><li>Defect Density Example: E-commerce Website</li></ol>



Imagine we&#8217;re developing a new e-commerce website. Here&#8217;s how defect density can be applied:



Scenario:



<ul><li>The website has 200 confirmed defects after testing.</li><li>The size is measured in Function Points (FP), estimated to be 100 FP.</li></ul>



Calculation:



Defect Density = (Number of Defects) / (Size of the Software Entity)



Defect Density = 200 defects / 100 FP



Defect Density = 2 defects per FP



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1280" height="720" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/18074922/91479cc8-2f80-4c9a-a2fc-89f2421d877e.jpg" alt="defect density calculation" class="wp-image-50921" srcset="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/18074922/91479cc8-2f80-4c9a-a2fc-89f2421d877e.jpg 1280w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/18074922/91479cc8-2f80-4c9a-a2fc-89f2421d877e-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



Interpretation:



This is a relatively high defect density. While a specific benchmark depends on the e-commerce industry and development approach (Agile might have a slightly higher tolerance), it suggests room for improvement.



Further Analysis:



<ul><li>We should analyze the severity distribution of defects. Are there any critical bugs or mostly minor UI issues?</li><li>We can track defect density over different development phases. Did it decrease after additional testing cycles?</li></ul>



Decision Making:



Based on the analysis, we can decide on:



<ul><li>Additional testing: More testing might be needed if critical defects are prevalent.</li><li>Process improvement: Are there recurring defect types? This might indicate a need for improved coding practices or code reviews.</li><li>Release prioritization: If resources are limited, fixing high-impact defects might take priority before addressing minor ones.</li></ul>



This example highlights how defect density provides a starting point for software quality assessment, leading to further analysis and informed decisions regarding testing and development processes.



<ol start="2"><li>Defect Density Example: Mobile App with Severity Levels</li></ol>



Let&#8217;s consider a mobile app with two functionalities: login and news feed. We&#8217;ll track the defects found during testing and categorize them by severity (critical, major, minor).



Scenario:



<ul><li>Login functionality: 10,000 lines of code (LOC) <ul><li>Critical defects: 2 (e.g., app crashes on login)</li><li>Major defects: 3 (e.g., login fails with incorrect error message)</li><li>Minor defects: 5 (e.g., missing visual element on login screen) </li></ul></li><li>News feed functionality: 15,000 LOC <ul><li>Critical defects: 1 (e.g., news feed crashes after loading)</li><li>Major defects: 4 (e.g., news feed displays outdated information)</li><li>Minor defects: 7 (e.g., typos in news articles)</li></ul></li></ul>



Defect Density Calculation (focusing on critical and major defects):



<ol><li>Overall: <ul><li>Total critical defects: 2 (login) + 1 (news feed) = 3</li><li>Total major defects: 3 (login) + 4 (news feed) = 7</li><li>Total critical &amp; major defects: 3 + 7 = 10</li><li>Total LOC: 10,000 (login) + 15,000 (news feed) = 25,000</li><li>Defect Density = 10 defects / 25,000 LOC = 0.0004 defects/LOC </li></ul></li><li>Per Functionality: <ul><li>Login: (2 critical + 3 major) / 10,000 LOC = 0.0005 defects/LOC</li><li>News feed: (1 critical + 4 major) / 15,000 LOC = 0.00033 defects/LOC</li></ul></li></ol>



Analysis:



<ul><li>The overall defect density (0.0004 defects/LOC) is relatively low, indicating good software quality.</li><li>However, the login functionality has a slightly higher defect density than the news feed.</li><li>This might suggest focusing additional testing efforts on the login functionality, especially considering the critical defects found there.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-uses-of-defect-density">Uses of Defect Density</h2>



Here are the major uses:



<ol><li>Assessing Software Quality: Look at defect density to gauge the number of defects relative to the software size. Lower defect density usually signals better quality. </li><li>Prioritizing Testing Efforts: First, focus your testing on areas with higher defect densities. This ensures the critical parts are solid before anything goes live. </li><li>Monitoring Progress: Keep an eye on defect density over time. It&#8217;s a good indicator of whether your testing strategies are effective and how software quality is evolving. </li><li>Making Release Decisions: Use defect density as one of the factors to decide if a product is ready for release. Remember, the severity of any remaining defects matters too. </li><li>Comparing Teams or Projects: Defect density can help compare software quality across different teams or projects. Remember to factor in the project complexity and industry benchmarks for a fair comparison.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-factors-affecting-defect-density-metrics">Factors Affecting Defect Density Metrics</h2>



Here are some of the factors:



<ol><li>Project Complexity: More complex projects tend to have higher defect densities due to the intricate interactions between different software parts. </li><li>Team Experience and Skill Level: Experienced and skilled teams are generally more adept at producing higher-quality code, resulting in lower defect densities. </li><li>Development Methodology: Agile, DevOps, and similar methodologies incorporating continuous testing and feedback can lead to lower defect densities than traditional waterfall approaches. </li><li>Software Size: Larger software projects might show a different defect density simply because of their size. The metric needs to be interpreted carefully to account for this. </li><li>Testing Coverage and Quality: The extent and thoroughness of testing can significantly impact defect density. More comprehensive testing usually uncovers more defects, potentially raising defect density in the short term but improving overall quality. </li><li>Tool Usage: <a href="https://testsigma.com/qa-automation-tools" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Automated testing tools</a>, static code analysis tools, and other quality assurance technologies can influence defect detection rates and, consequently, defect density. </li><li>Project Phase: Software in earlier development stages may exhibit higher defect densities, typically decreasing as the project matures and more defects are resolved. </li><li>Code Reuse: Projects that leverage a significant amount of well-tested, previously used code may exhibit lower defect densities due to the maturity of the reused components. </li><li>Documentation and Specification Clarity: Clear, detailed requirements and documentation can reduce misunderstandings and errors in implementation, which can affect defect density. </li><li>External Factors: Changes in project scope, tight deadlines, and other external pressures can lead to shortcuts in development and testing, potentially increasing defect density.</li></ol>



Understanding these factors can help interpret defect density metrics more accurately and make informed decisions.



<h2 id="h-advantages-of-defect-density">Advantages of Defect Density</h2>



Defect density, while not without limitations, offers several advantages:



<ul><li>Quantifies Software Quality: It calculates defects relative to software size, allowing for objective comparisons and tracking progress over time.</li><li>Prioritizes Testing Efforts: By identifying areas with higher defect density, teams can focus testing resources on those modules or functionalities most susceptible to issues.</li><li>Improves Development and Testing Processes: Monitoring defect density trends helps assess the effectiveness of current practices. A sustained decrease suggests improvements in development and testing approaches.</li><li>Informs Release Decisions: Defect density can be considered when deciding if the software is ready for release. Lower defect density generally indicates a higher likelihood of a stable and reliable product.</li><li>Benchmarks Progress: By comparing defect density against industry standards or historical data for similar projects, teams can gauge their relative performance and identify areas for potential improvement.</li></ul>



To learn about defect-tracking tools, click <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/defect-tracking-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a><gwmw style="display:none;">



<h2 id="h-calculate-defect-density-for-test-automation">Calculate Defect Density For Test Automation</h2>



In test automation, you do calculate defect density, but with a slightly different approach than manual testing, mainly because automation has its own unique features.



Here&#8217;s a step-by-step guide on how to calculate defect density for test automation:



<ol><li>Identify the Scope: Determine the scope of your test automation efforts. This could be a specific module, feature, or the entire application.</li><li>Execute Automated Tests: Run your automated test suites against the identified scope. These tests should cover a variety of scenarios to ensure comprehensive coverage.</li><li>Record Defects: As your automated tests run, record any defects or issues identified by the tests. These could be failures, unexpected behavior, or anything that deviates from the expected outcome.</li><li>Count Lines of Code (LOC): Determine the lines of code covered by your automated tests within the scope. This is essential for calculating defect density. You can use tools or scripts to count the lines of code in the tested modules or features.</li><li>Calculate Defect Density: As we discussed before, once you have the total number of defects found and the lines of code covered by your automated tests, you can calculate defect density using the formula:</li></ol>



&nbsp;Defect Density = (Number of Defects Found / Lines of Code Covered) * 1000 



This formula normalizes the defect count per thousand lines of code, providing a standardized measure that can be compared across different modules or projects.



<ol start="6"><li>Analyze and Interpret: After calculating defect density, analyze the results. A higher defect density indicates a higher likelihood of defects within the tested codebase, suggesting lower quality. Conversely, a lower defect density suggests better code quality and fewer defects.</li><li>Iterate and Improve: Use the insights gained from defect density calculations to refine your automated testing strategy. Identify areas where defects are frequently found and prioritize improvements to your tests or the underlying code.</li></ol>



It&#8217;s important to note that while defect density is needed to provide a complete picture of software quality, it should be used with other metrics and qualitative assessments to make informed decisions about the effectiveness of your test automation efforts and the overall quality of your software.



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<h2 id="h-summary">Summary<gwmw style="display:none;"></h2>



To summarize, defect density is the ratio of defects found to software size (lines of code, modules). It helps assess software quality—lower density indicates better quality. While useful, it doesn&#8217;t tell the whole story; consider defect severity and use it alongside other quality metrics.



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



<h2 id="h-what-is-a-good-defect-density">What is a good defect density?</h2>



First, there&#8217;s no single &#8220;good&#8221; defect density, as it depends on factors like project complexity and development methodology.&nbsp;



Generally, a lower defect density (e.g., less than 1 defect per thousand lines of code) suggests higher quality, but always consider the severity of remaining defects.



<h2 id="h-what-is-a-normal-defect-rate">What is a normal defect rate?</h2>



A normal defect rate varies based on industry and project complexity but typically ranges from 1 to 5 defects per thousand lines of code in software development.

Defect Density: How To Calculate For Test Automation?

Making sure that all the front-end functionalities of your software application work perfectly is not the only aspect that we should take care of as testers. Because the back end of your software product is the base of everything, this is why webhook testing is very important.&nbsp;



Webhook Testing is an important aspect of <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software testing</a> and it helps to ensure effective communication with other applications. Through this article, we are going to discuss what webhook testing is, the types of webhook testing, how to perform a webhook test using Testsigma, and some of the well-known webhook testing tools.<gwmw style="display:none;">



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1600" height="1600" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/06140053/unnamed-1-1-1.jpg" alt="Webhook Testing" class="wp-image-50582" srcset="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/06140053/unnamed-1-1-1.jpg 1600w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/06140053/unnamed-1-1-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/06140053/unnamed-1-1-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/06140053/unnamed-1-1-1-1536x1536.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /></figure>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Webhook_Testing">1 What is Webhook Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Types_of_Webhook_Testing">2 Types of Webhook Testing</a><ul><li><a href="#Unit_Testing_Webhooks_for_Logic_Errors">2.1 Unit Testing Webhooks for Logic Errors</a></li><li><a href="#Functional_Testing_of_Webhook_Workflows">2.2 Functional Testing of Webhook Workflows</a></li><li><a href="#Load_Testing_Webhooks_for_Resilience">2.3 Load Testing Webhooks for Resilience</a></li><li><a href="#Profiling_Webhooks_for_Performance_Improvements">2.4 Profiling Webhooks for Performance Improvements</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#How_to_Test_Webhooks">3 How to Test Webhooks?</a><ul><li><a href="#Testing_Webhook_via_Automated_testing_tools">3.1 Testing Webhook via Automated testing tools</a></li><li><a href="#Testing_Webhook_Code_Locally">3.2 Testing Webhook Code Locally</a></li><li><a href="#Testing_Webhook_Delivery">3.3 Testing Webhook Delivery</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Best_Webhooks_Testing_Tools">4 Best Webhooks Testing Tools</a><ul><li><a href="#Beeceptor">4.1 Beeceptor</a></li><li><a href="#PostBin">4.2 PostBin</a></li><li><a href="#RequestBin">4.3 RequestBin</a></li><li><a href="#Ngrok">4.4 Ngrok</a></li><li><a href="#HTTPie">4.5 HTTPie</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">5 Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">6 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#Can_I_test_webhooks_in_Postman">6.1 Can I test webhooks in Postman?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_the_difference_between_API_and_webhook">6.2 What is the difference between API and webhook?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-webhook-testing">What is Webhook Testing?</h2>



Webhook Testing is the process of verifying the functionality and reliability of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webhook" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">webhooks</a>. In case you are wondering what a webhook is, a webhook is a personalized notification that gets activated or triggered by specific events such as user registrations, changes to database records, security alerts, new messages, IoT device triggers, etc. When those events occur, a message is sent to a web server (which is not the one that is hosted for the original web page) using an HTTP POST request. This message may contain the latest real-time data or updates related to the triggered event.<gwmw style="display:none;">



Under webhook testing, testers ensure that the webhook is configured correctly, whether it sends and receives data as expected, and whether it handles various scenarios smoothly such as errors and timeouts. Webhook testing is important for developers to make sure that the respective integrations are correctly done and that the data flow goes between systems with no issues.



<h2 id="h-types-of-webhook-testing">Types of Webhook Testing</h2>



Webhook testing can be divided into four different types. Let’s get to know what they are and why they are so important when ensuring system integration.



<h3 id="h-unit-testing-webhooks-for-logic-errors">Unit Testing Webhooks for Logic Errors</h3>



In this type of webhook testing, testers mainly focus on verifying the individual components or units of the webhook’s logic. Developers check whether each part of the webhook’s code behaves as expected while catching errors or bugs that may occur within the logic of the webhook. This makes sure that the basic components of the webhook work correctly and identifies the potential issues that can occur at the earliest in the software development lifecycle.



<h3 id="h-functional-testing-of-webhook-workflows">Functional Testing of Webhook Workflows</h3>



In this type of webhook testing, testers verify the entire workflow&#8217;s end-to-end functionality. Usually, testers trigger the webhook by executing the respective events, and then they verify whether all the individual tasks starting from the trigger initiation to the response generation, work as expected with no issues. This type of testing ensures that the webhook not only performs individual tasks correctly but also that it integrates smoothly.



<h3 id="h-load-testing-webhooks-for-resilience">Load Testing Webhooks for Resilience</h3>



This sort of webhook testing deals with how a webhook works under high user traffic. There, the testers create a lot of events to evaluate the webhook&#8217;s ability to handle such massive loads while checking that the webhook remains responsive and doesn&#8217;t produce errors or any other types of issues even during the high-usage periods. This type of testing is very important when it comes to finding the performance bottlenecks in the software systems, scalability concerns, and resource limitations such as memory and disc limitations specifically in the performance of specific webhooks.



<h3 id="h-profiling-webhooks-for-performance-improvements">Profiling Webhooks for Performance Improvements</h3>



Under profiling webhooks for performance improvements, testers evaluate the webhooks&#8217; performance and identify all the areas in which the performance should be improved. In addition to that, the testers check different elements of the webhook such as its response time, resource utilization, etc. Developers can identify performance bottlenecks and optimize the code to improve overall efficiency while designing a more reliable webhook by profiling code.



<h2 id="h-how-to-test-webhooks">How to Test Webhooks?</h2>



For some QA engineers, webhook testing can be quite new thus, they might not know how to test webhooks exactly.&nbsp;



<h3 id="h-testing-webhook-via-automated-testing-tools">Testing Webhook via Automated testing tools</h3>



<a href="https://testsigma.com/qa-automation-tools">Automated testing tools</a> evaluate webhooks by simulating triggering events, verifying valid payload structure, and validating HTTP responses and status codes. These tools test proper header handling, and endpoint accessibility, and test retry mechanisms of webhooks. Security checks, including SSL/TLS validation, are performed, while testing also covers timeout handling, redundancy, and failover mechanisms. Apart from that &#8211;&nbsp; logging, error handling, and concurrency testing help to a comprehensive assessment of the application.



<h3 id="h-testing-webhook-code-locally">Testing Webhook Code Locally</h3>



When testing webhook code locally, developers create a separate test environment on their local machines, and with that, they can simulate webhook events and observe how the code responds. First of all, developers set up a testing server to expose their created local server to the internet temporarily. Then they trigger events and monitor the behavior of the webhook code while debugging the issues if there are any. Testing webhook code locally is very important when it comes to executing efficient and fast iterations during the development phase while ensuring that the webhook works correctly before deploying it to the production environments.



<h3 id="h-testing-webhook-delivery">Testing Webhook Delivery</h3>



When testing webhook delivery, testers validate the end-to-end process of delivering webhook payloads. There, they confirm that the webhook is correctly configured to receive and process data. Also, they ensure that the sender can deliver payloads to the configured endpoint with no issues. While testing webhook delivery, testers inspect webhook payloads, verify the HTTP status codes, and analyze response messages using tools. This type of testing helps identify and address any issues related to the webhook&#8217;s communication and data transfer tasks while ensuring reliable and timely delivery of information between systems.



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<h2 id="h-best-webhooks-testing-tools">Best Webhooks Testing Tools</h2>



Even though the term “webhook testing” is quite new to some people, there are a lot of webhook testing tools in the<a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/"> software quality industry</a> nowadays. Let’s get to know some of the well-known webhook testing tools in the QA field.



<h3 id="h-beeceptor">Beeceptor</h3>



<a href="https://beeceptor.com/?utm_source=testsigma.com&amp;utm_campaign=webhook-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beeceptor</a> is a tool that lets users create custom endpoints to capture, inspect, and debug HTTP requests and webhooks. It is very important for testing various aspects of webhook functionality and it makes sure that the integration works as expected. Other than&nbsp;webhook testing, it also helps to prepare applications to simulate real-world scenarios. It offers features such as request logging, response customization, and the ability to simulate different HTTP status codes. Beeceptor&#8217;s most highlighted feature is it&#8217;s local tunnel feature which enables port forwarding &#8211; allowing webhook payloads to route to local development services (e.g., localhost:8080). This feature saves developers valuable time during testing and development. In addition to above features, Beeceptor also offers collaborative features that help the development teams to share and collaborate on debugging sessions very easily.



<h3 id="h-postbin">PostBin</h3>



PostBin provides users with a publicly accessible endpoint where webhook payloads can be sent to inspect. Developers can observe and analyze the data sent by webhooks, helping to validate the correctness of the payloads and troubleshoot any issues. PostBin is very useful during the development and debugging phases. While supporting multiple data formats, PostBin handles webhook payloads with flexibility.



<h3 id="h-requestbin">RequestBin</h3>



RequestBin is a tool that allows developers to create a public endpoint to inspect HTTP requests and webhook payloads. It provides a visual representation of the data received and makes it easy to identify any errors in the payloads. RequestBin supports both HTTP and HTTPS, and it is a valuable tool for webhook testing and debugging. One of the best benefits of the RequestBin tool is its integration capabilities with third-party tools which helps to work with a lot of development and testing frameworks. Its ability to work with both HTTP and HTTPS protocols makes it easier for developers to work with different development environments.



<h3 id="h-ngrok">Ngrok</h3>



Ngrok is a tool that creates secure tunnels to localhost, making local web servers accessible over the internet. It is very useful for testing webhooks locally by exposing a local server to a public URL. Ngrok allows developers to receive real payloads in their local environment before deploying to production. This tool can handle multiple different connections and provide real-time analytics and it helps in many ways when it comes to monitoring, controlling and optimizing webhook performance.



<h3 id="h-httpie">HTTPie</h3>



&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;is a command-line tool that can be used to test webhooks easily. It can be also used for documentation, debugging purposes and to explore dry runs as well. It gives transparency when it comes to parameters sent and the responses that can be received while supporting basic authentication methods. HTTPie is used not only for automation but also to enhance the development workflow by integrating it into CI/CD pipelines. Additionally, it allows the developers to automate and integrate HTTPie into their testing frameworks and development workflows as well.



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



Knowing how to perform webhook testing is very important when it comes to ensuring reliable communication between web applications. With the support of various webhook testing methods and testing tools, both developers and testers can identify issues in the webhooks and address them accordingly at the earliest. Ultimately, it helps the whole software development team to complete a well-functioning software product.



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



<h3 id="h-can-i-test-webhooks-in-postman">Can I test webhooks in Postman?</h3>



Testing webhooks using Postman is possible. Even though Postman is traditionally used for testing APIs, it provides features for webhook testing as well. Through Postman, you can create and send HTTP requests to simulate webhook events. Also, it helps to inspect the responses and validate the behavior of your webhook. Postman offers a comprehensive environment for developers to evaluate and debug their integrations.



<h3 id="h-what-is-the-difference-between-api-and-webhook">What is the difference between API and webhook?</h3>



The primary difference between an API and a webhook is the way they communicate between software systems. An API is a set of protocols and tools that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. However, a webhook is a user-defined HTTP POST call that should be triggered by specific events. While APIs enable communication instances between systems, webhooks are more about notifications triggered by specific events.<gwmw style="display:none;">

Webhook Testing | What it is, Types & How to Perform?

Banking Application Testing | What it is & How to Perform?

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?

Extensive Testing in Software Testing

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.&nbsp;



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.&nbsp;



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’s data privacy regulations like GDPR, security standards like ISO 27001, or industry-specific mandates such as <a href="https://www.scrut.io/solutions/hipaa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HIPAA compliance</a> 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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