It is 2023, and technology continues to advance at a rapid pace; the field of software testing is constantly evolving. From automation to artificial intelligence, the future of software testing looks very different from what it has been in the past. Software testing is critical for any development of high-quality, reliable software. However, testing has become increasingly challenging as software becomes more complex and user expectations rise.&nbsp;



In this blog, we will explore the various trends and developments shaping the future of software testing and how these changes will impact how we approach quality assurance in the software industry.



To meet these challenges, the future of software testing must be focused on these critical areas:&nbsp;



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Rise_of_AI_and_ML_in_Testing">1 Rise of AI and ML in Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Improving_Web_Accessibilitynbsp">2 Improving Web Accessibility&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#Supporting_Mobile_Devicesnbsp">3 Supporting Mobile Devices&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#Expanding_Test_Coverage">4 Expanding Test Coverage</a></li><li><a href="#Increased_Focus_on_Security_Testing">5 Increased Focus on Security Testing</a></li><li><a href="#More_Agile_Testing_Practices">6 More Agile Testing Practices</a></li><li><a href="#Improved_Collaboration_Between_Testers_and_Developers">7 Improved Collaboration Between Testers and Developers</a></li><li><a href="#Increased_Use_of_Cloud-Based_Solutions">8 Increased Use of Cloud-Based Solutions</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">9 Conclusion:</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-rise-of-ai-and-ml-in-testing">Rise of AI and ML in Testing</h2>



The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is having a significant impact on the software testing industry. One of the most significant impacts of AI and ML on testing is test automation. These technologies are providing new ways to automate tests that were not previously possible.



AI and ML can also help to improve the accuracy of test automation by reducing false positives. False positives are a significant problem in test automation because they can cause tests to fail unnecessarily. By using AI and ML, it is possible to reduce the number of false positives and improve the overall accuracy of test automation.



Another area where AI and ML have an impact is the area of regression testing. Regression testing is retesting software after changes have been made to ensure that the changes did not introduce new bugs.



Traditionally, <a href="https://testsigma.com/regression-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regression testing</a> has been a time-consuming and expensive process. However, AI and ML are providing new ways to automate regression tests so that they can be run more frequently and at a lower cost.



The rise of AI and ML is also having an impact on the way testers interact with software. Testers can now use these technologies to interact with software in new ways. For example, AI and ML can be used to test the software by providing input in the form of natural language. This allows testers to give input to the software more naturally, which can help improve the accuracy of tests.



AI and ML can also be used to generate reports on the results of tests. These reports can help testers identify areas where the software needs further improvement.



<h2 id="h-improving-web-accessibility">Improving Web Accessibility&nbsp;</h2>



Software Testing is about finding bugs and ensuring that the software is accessible to all users. This includes users with disabilities, who may use assistive technologies such as screen readers to interact with web applications. To accommodate these users, testers must pay close attention to accessibility issues during the testing process.&nbsp;



Web accessibility refers to making websites usable by people with disabilities. This includes people who are blind or have low vision, those who are deaf or hard of hearing, and those with physical or cognitive impairments. &#8220;Making websites accessible is important for ethical and business reasons,&#8221; says Dan Trichter, founder of <a href="https://www.accessibilitychecker.org/guides/ada-compliance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Accessibility Checker</a>.



In <a href="https://webaim.org/projects/million/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">WebAIM&#8216;s </a>report on digital accessibility, it was found that 96.8% of the top 1 million websites had detectable accessibility errors. Although this number is slightly improved from the 97.4% found in the 2021 report, it still leaves many websites with potential barriers for users with disabilities.



The WCAG (or Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) provides a set of standards that can be used to make websites more accessible. Some guidelines include providing text alternatives for non-text content, ensuring that content is readable and understandable, and ensuring that web pages are navigable using keyboard-only input.&nbsp;



Several steps can be taken to make a website more accessible.



One crucial step is to ensure that all content is available in multiple formats so that users can choose the format that best suits their needs. For example, the text should be both HTML and PDF; images should be available in standard and high-contrast formats; video should be captioned or transcribed.



Another critical step is checking colour contrast ratios to ensure that text is legible for low-vision users. The WCAG recommends a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for standard text and 3:1 for large text.



Finally, it is important to test websites using a variety of assistive technologies, such as screen readers, to ensure that users with disabilities can access all content.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-supporting-mobile-devices">Supporting Mobile Devices&nbsp;</h2>



The proliferation of mobile devices has created new challenges for software testers. In the past, testing was primarily done on desktop computers. Testing on a wide range of mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets, and wearables, is necessary today. This is because mobile devices have different screen sizes, resolutions, and input methods (like touchscreens) than desktop computers. As a result, testers must adapt their workflows to accommodate these differences.&nbsp;



There are several ways to test on mobile devices.&nbsp;



One popular method is to use <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/responsive-design-testing-checklist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">responsive design</a> to create websites that can be accessed on any device. This approach allows websites to automatically adjust their layout and content to fit the screen size of the device being used. 



Another popular method is to use separate URLs for mobile and desktop versions of a website. This allows developers to create different versions of a website customized for each type of device.



Mobile devices also present new challenges in terms of web accessibility. For example, it can be difficult for users with disabilities to interact with content on a small screen. Again, testers must pay close attention to accessibility issues when testing on mobile devices.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-expanding-test-coverage">Expanding Test Coverage</h2>



As software applications become more complex, testing all potential inputs and outputs is increasingly difficult. Testers must prioritize their work to focus on the most critical test cases. One popular approach is risk-based testing, which involves prioritizing tests based on the risks associated with a particular feature or functionality.



Another popular approach is exploratory testing, which allows testers to quickly gather data about the application under test without following a set of predetermined test cases. This approach can be beneficial when testing new features or unfamiliar applications.



It is also important to note that not all tests need to be executed manually. In some cases, it may be possible to use automated tests to expand test coverage. Computerized tests are especially well-suited for tasks that are repetitive or require a large number of test cases.&nbsp;



However, it is essential to remember that automated tests can only partially replace manual testing. This is because computerized tests can only check for the specific conditions they are programmed for.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-increased-focus-on-security-testing">Increased Focus on Security Testing</h2>



As the number of cyberattacks continues to increase, it is becoming increasingly important for software testers to focus on security testing. Security testing is a process of assessing the security of a software application and identifying potential vulnerabilities. Several different approaches can be used for security testing, and it is often necessary to use multiple techniques to assess the security of an application comprehensively.



One approach is penetration testing, which involves using various tools and techniques to attempt to break into an application. Penetration testing is used to identify both technical and non-technical vulnerabilities.&nbsp;



Another popular approach is code review, which involves manually reviewing source code to identify potential security issues. Code review can be beneficial for identifying vulnerabilities that may be obscure when testing the application itself.



In addition to these specific approaches, keeping security in mind throughout the software development process is essential. This includes ensuring that secure coding practices are used and that all team members are aware of potential security risks.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-more-agile-testing-practices">More Agile Testing Practices</h2>



As the software development industry continues to move towards agile methodology, it is becoming increasingly important for testers to adopt agile testing practices. Agile testing is a process of testing software in short, iterative cycles. This type of testing is well-suited for projects using an agile development methodology.



One of the benefits of agile testing is that it allows testers to adapt to changes in the software quickly. This is because agile testing is typically done in short cycles, so new features can be tested as soon as they are implemented. In addition, agile testing also allows for more frequent feedback from testers.



This is because agile testing cycles are typically shorter than traditional waterfall cycles. As a result, testers can provide immediate feedback to developers, which can help improve the final product&#8217;s quality.



Another benefit of agile testing is that it can reduce the overall cost of testing. This is because agile testing cycles are typically shorter than traditional waterfall cycles. In addition, agile testing also allows for more efficient use of resources. Agile testing typically involves smaller teams of testers who work closely together. Agile testing can help reduce the overall testing cost while still providing high-quality results.



<h2 id="h-improved-collaboration-between-testers-and-developers">Improved Collaboration Between Testers and Developers</h2>



One of the challenges that testers have traditionally faced is communication with developers. This is because developers often have a different perspective on the software than testers do. In addition, developers may only sometimes be aware of the potential impact of their changes on the software. Thus, it can be difficult for testers to communicate effectively with developers.



To improve communication between testers and developers, it is important to ensure a good understanding between the two groups. One way to do this is to ensure everyone is on the same page from the beginning of the project. This can be done by having a clear definition of what the project entails and what the goals are.&nbsp;



In addition to communication, collaboration is also vital for practical testing. Testers and developers must work together to ensure that the software is effective and meets all requirements. One way to improve collaboration is to use a tool that allows for real-time collaboration between testers and developers. This tool can improve communication and allow for more effective cooperation between the two groups.



<h2 id="h-increased-use-of-cloud-based-solutions">Increased Use of Cloud-Based Solutions</h2>



Cloud-based solutions is becoming increasingly popular in the software testing industry. Cloud-based solutions offer several benefits over traditional on-premise solutions. For example, cloud-based solutions are typically more scalable and offer pay-as-you-go pricing models.



One of the most significant benefits of cloud-based solutions is that they offer a more scalable solution than traditional on-premise solutions. On-premise solutions typically require a considerable upfront investment in hardware and software. They are also often challenging to scale up or down as needed. Cloud-based solutions, on the other hand, can be easily scaled up or down as needed. This makes them a more flexible solution for businesses that have fluctuating needs.



Another benefit of cloud-based solutions is that they offer a pay-as-you-go pricing model. With on-premise solutions, businesses typically pay for the hardware and software upfront. They also have to pay for ongoing maintenance and support costs. With cloud-based solutions, businesses only have to pay for their resources. This can save companies a significant amount of money over time.



“Cloud-based solutions can also be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. This allows businesses to work from anywhere in the world. On-premise solutions are often tied to a specific location. This can make it difficult for businesses to work from multiple locations,” adds Imran Ali, co-founder of <a href="https://www.glasseshut.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Glasses Hut</a>.



Cloud-based solutions offer many benefits over traditional on-premise solutions. These benefits include increased scalability, pay-as-you-go pricing, and the ability to work from anywhere in the world.



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



In conclusion, the future of software testing is bright, with many exciting developments on the horizon. From automation and artificial intelligence to the increasing importance of security and accessibility, the way we approach software testing is constantly evolving. As the field continues to grow and change, it is essential for professionals in the industry to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments and to adapt their testing strategies accordingly. By embracing the future of software testing, we can ensure that our software is of the highest quality and meets users&#8217; needs worldwide. New challenges and opportunities are emerging all the time. Being aware of the latest trends in the industry will help you stay ahead of the curve.



&#8220;While you can automate some of your tests, there are many instances where it will make sense. You should set up automatic testing if it works for a certain aspect of your software. That will give you quicker feedback on the software and allow you to make changes as needed,&#8221; says Oliver Adams, a tech writer at <a href="https://academicbrits.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Academicbrits</a> and <a href="https://phdkingdom.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">PhDKingdom</a>.

The Future of Software Testing

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The testing industry is blooming exponentially with new trends, tools, and patterns popping up constantly. Many of these new patterns claim to increase the productivity of testers and testing. Nevertheless, not all patterns increase productivity. Often, testers unconsciously fall into such anti-patterns. This article covers some common anti-patterns during <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/understanding-agile-testing-framework/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agile testing</a>, along with some tips and ideas on countering them.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Y7rO41D_EpXrKw0I-yabuctY-jJkwtvYPTm2LIFpKe44nOHGl4BJmxEPeOw2Dh2fR2llNNMOX5yi5U9__PD3Vi3XmhZE2Fj6TLjkWroY_Qbc4gydkQsRTp5c54qXW0gwmPnAW8BsqGG23K5Ew5-1As4W6UmaCydZkjLjVns7xsyLmrmADa41UU86QY8E7uNrKvFle1oQ1g" alt="A picture containing glass

Description automatically generated" width="600" height="400" /></figure></div>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Anti-Pattern">1 Anti-Pattern</a></li><li><a href="#Not_Documenting_Things">2 Not Documenting Things</a></li><li><a href="#Over_Emphasis_on_GUI_Tools">3 Over Emphasis on GUI Tools</a></li><li><a href="#Restricting_Efficiency_to_Test_Automation">4 Restricting Efficiency to Test Automation</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-anti-pattern">Anti-Pattern</h2>



In your everyday life, you would have observed, read, and heard about common patterns for approaching and solving problems efficiently. The term anti-pattern, however, is often unfamiliar to many. An antipattern is a pattern that is often thought of as a standard solution to a problem, but often has negative consequences or is counter-productive in the long run.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/gUnjJbfwXSKnfg0J_Uwv_B-h2J3Xawu4H5ZsMhZl3IybRX4sOi8fEGtsk0RRbKtefY1eUdpMMJdgK_rR3nrDdsgB3jG1Ty0lOIKLptODkX8K4al9PwZxS6t9jB8NSSEbZp_uJrpoj3G8VaO9q6dgmEQaam7lfmuel7UU50K5HK9vTAP0bUJf2u6HQ7OlGlpuKgK_Zeb4EQ" alt="" width="600" height="400" /></figure></div>



In order to help you better understand this concept, here are a few examples of common anti-pattern during agile testing:



1. Measuring with surrogate or proxy measures.i. For example, measuring the number of tests added by a tester to measure their productivity.ii. The use of proxy measures to measure progress is often founded on incorrect assumptions and biases.iii. Such measures are only used because they are easy to count.2. Using tools or practices in the wrong context.i. An example would be using email communication, where using chat would have been more convenient and efficient.ii. Any tool or practice is merely a heuristic for solving a particular problem.iii. A sapient use (the use of skill and care) and understanding of the context/purpose are essential.iv. If all you have is a hammer, everything will look like a nail.



Now that we understand what an anti-pattern is. We&#8217;ll discuss three common anti-patterns that most testers encounter:



<ul><li>Not Documenting Things</li><li>Over Emphasis on GUI Tools</li><li>Restricting Efficiency to Test Automation</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-not-documenting-things">Not Documenting Things</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jt_PlqxxRT0-x2UWRkFm64KUPqsEhjKyKU3ZX9Gol1ajQrt00p00mLiW6HSU7_xztZPNaFzLVoZhwh5CnT9EgN-b8rGq1U07CGXi-9h5O1-SluAcRjoCrn1ZLBsCvMVSJJ8NAEgHfcCwzgFlJD542vi-4_SvABrxlFJKk6KAnYNiTrwFNEelkLy0iyVPaH4taRNpeXy5Q" alt="desc" width="400" height="400" /></figure></div>



In the industry, it is a common misconception that Agile means no documentation. It&#8217;s true that Agile emphasizes building working software over &#8220;comprehensive documentation&#8221;. Nevertheless, not documenting things, at all, is one of the biggest productivity traps. It is true that we do not need overly comprehensive documentation of the entire software. Nonetheless, documenting creates a local cache about yourself that ultimately helps you be more productive, and these caches are easily retrievable from your <a href="https://www.workstreams.ai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">workflow management platform</a> for team use.



If you have ever worked in a distributed team, you are familiar with the common practice of members asking for information via chat messages or emails. These formats are often short-lived and flow down the system instantly. People often have to repeat the same or similar information when someone else asks for it. Furthermore, this creates reliance on people for project information and degrades the rollout/transition experience when someone leaves the team.



When documentation is done, it can be used as a local cache to share information that people would have otherwise gathered from you. Every time a document is read by someone, you instantly save the time you had originally invested in creating it. The returns on this investment will also compound over time, just like any other investment.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/luA8HQ7am8-lORKLaDvqd_4PbHuIuWaDaIjAs0dsIL23BQNfpFKjLj2T1X--8mmlhb5qtmXY8_yWOKTGS9JC_jjEjjerck9vFLtlPjOJP2EMk2lwqYyM3afsg7vY1AsMR5a5ezJgZ5b4ElyEW-QxToGoy5GDWk1vhB_2Hxttw6wWu3O7VOD-C8rZlRmj-WFGGU0jvlj1dA" alt="" width="600" height="400" /></figure></div>



In other words, whenever you share information that isn&#8217;t documented, make sure it is documented. I consider documenting my work to be one of my most important productivity secrets. Depending on the context, I try to move important and persistent information to either of these:



<ul><li>Wiki</li><li>Readme</li><li>Test Notes</li><li>FAQ Doc</li><li>Flow Chart Documents</li><li>JIRA, etc.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-over-emphasis-on-gui-tools">Over Emphasis on GUI Tools</h2>



It is easy to visualize information when using GUI tools because they simplify complexity. Testers typically use GUI tools to generate data, filter data, run tests, and so on. There are, however, some limitations associated with GUI tools, such as:



<ul><li>Platform dependent</li><li>Distracting</li><li>Less Verbose</li><li>Requires more space &amp; memory</li><li>Slow</li></ul>



It can be a productivity anti-pattern to place too much emphasis on GUI tools. Often, command-line interfaces are more effective for quick, basic, and quirky tasks. Having fluency with the command line improves your flexibility and productivity as an engineer in both obvious and subtle ways. CLI tools have their own benefits in the long run. Often, operating system commands, shell scripts, keyboard shortcuts, etc., are capable of doing heavy-lifting GUI tasks quickly. It is usually more convenient to work with CLI terminals when you have constrained devices that do not have enough space or are restricted from using GUI tools.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/9Sdq2YLxRhfeurbV3UoUNiu_q6xHNkqwKByBT9wgkx8Bh_KiOWmak8EMJ7buS1Dhv_AgAavl5mjRrObmO5jKZzuoEVy7nUqEwfZm4sKHIzfiGmKMf4YlheJGW8lK-00iqV6EY8EpOFBc1YUM8UaphvIRDcnvcK3zK2nmZG8DlBvKrdO-AUhj_rWWmCv2WCRrOIIJ1R__gg" alt="" width="600" height="400" /></figure></div>



Want to learn about more about CLI &amp; CLI Utils? Here are some references:



<ul><li><a href="https://github.com/jlevy/the-art-of-command-line" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Art of Command Line: Master the command line, in one page (github.com)</a></li><li><a href="https://github.com/learn-anything/command-line-tools" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Awesome Command Line Utilities (github.com)</a></li></ul>



<h2 id="h-restricting-efficiency-to-test-automation">Restricting Efficiency to Test Automation</h2>



Testing efficiency is often associated with the automation of test procedures or the execution of tests via automated test scripts. However, the use of tools can improve efficiency in all aspects/phases of testing. The use of tools can greatly enhance testing efficiency if they are used intelligently. There is a wide range of possibilities for automation in various test activities, such as:



<ul><li>Test Environment Setup</li><li>Mocking Component Behavior</li><li>Test Data Preparation</li><li>Test Build Generation</li><li>Micro Utilities / Scripts</li><li>Text Fillers</li><li>Monitoring</li><li>Test Environment Cleanup</li></ul>



Automating your day-to-day tasks is possible in a variety of ways, and the examples above are only a few. Any task that&#8217;s repetitive or lacks creativity should be considered for automation whenever possible. Most of the time, you will find already available tools or similar ideas to build your own tool to enhance your testing efficiency.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/V_O2ZcrfAadTDQaSAL8frI1l3HHmZKAyRtJ11zjK_dbPC4OfkrDES9cydmci1Ec7WsOEj4Lu4ySwmUh7ywHmaSvkygJCH1W8Ey6gdpYAAQ-1L0TtS2bDtrgP1dbbDX5Fd9Q6vW2n2J7XpAoceeDthbQYV6vjMNpnX38FKPHs-PbrY3fAz1qqBQ6X1k5w6JDfIo6jO97P1A" alt="" width="600" height="400" /></figure></div>



Moreover, small utilities, macros, micro tools, and extensions can enhance your testing efficiency as well. A few examples of such small tools and extensions are listed below:



<ul><li><a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/session-manager/mghenlmbmjcpehccoangkdpagbcbkdpc?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Session Management</a>&nbsp;– Save Tabs with Project / Purpose. One Click Opener.</li><li><a href="https://bugmagnet.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Bug Magnet</a>&nbsp;– Exploratory Testing Assistant</li><li><a href="https://gofullpage.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Go Full Page</a>&nbsp;– Save your Pages (Full)</li><li><a href="https://fakefiller.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Fake Filler</a>&nbsp;– Free, Fake, Random Form Filler</li><li><a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/exploratory-testing-chrom/khigmghadjljgjpamimgjjmpmlbgmekj" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Exploratory Testing Extension</a>&nbsp;– Note Taker</li><li><a href="http://www.uxcheck.co/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">UX Check</a>&nbsp;– UX Guidewords / Heuristics</li></ul>



Testsigma too supports a lot of such add-ons supporting various <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automation</a> actions and data generators powered by the Testsigma Team and the Community. Checkout the Testsigma add-on marketplace here: <a href="https://testsigma.com/addons" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma Addons Marketplace</a>



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



For all our visual readers, I have summarized this entire article in the form of this <a href="https://www.xmind.net/m/hZYNxi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mind map</a>.

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<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/bHK1CjuWgWlPZkdi5rvDSq4gzzkED-gGn3JiDKtTUzWhMNGqRcZSoxXX5oOUNeYYPiqa9YgfnOQXVJwN2BGE-Zi68eNiQoSJU_IGB6YGuBdltUWDNqiRV1hCNBlesmpCXLkVQtg0hoKrbkjazwiFPHQJZICUcQkdvLO7IypYV3DBLMyf4ii6Ytlfo-NJ6w" alt="Testsigma" width="600" height="400"/></figure></div>



 <blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Stress is the trash of modern life—we all generate it, but if you don’t dispose of it properly, it will pile up and overtake your life.” <cite>— Danzae Pace</cite></blockquote>



Hey there, everyone. How are you all doing? I noticed the reply. Hmm. As a result, you claim that your situation is good. Do you actually feel good? Are you getting adequate rest? Having a healthy diet? Do you maintain a clear boundary between your personal and professional lives? When was the last time a production flaw occurred? When did you last snooze like a baby? When did you last take a trip? When did you last speak with your childhood friend? I apologize for asking so many questions. Now, let me know how you are feeling. 



Do we still know the solution? If so, I&#8217;m pleased to hear that you&#8217;re doing well. If not, we need to make some adjustments to our job life, which will subsequently improve our personal life. It&#8217;s time to pause and consider your mental well-being.



As a result, in this post, we&#8217;ll discuss the hustling culture, the things that stress testers out, and how to deal with that stress.



Read more on the blog: <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/is-software-testing-a-stressful-job/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Is Software Testing a Stressful Job</a>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_hustle_culture">1 What is hustle culture?</a></li><li><a href="#What_causes_stress_in_this_current_environment">2 What causes stress in this current environment?</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_deal_with_itnbsp">3 How to deal with it?&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">4 Conclusion:</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-hustle-culture">What is hustle culture?</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/wt88H54AlFSVGoGuewqZjauaGE0hF7tRrcZTQoVVjzzeC3sRhbK3mt_AQ99ot5I4r9cXURt5euACQtbpZzoiJ2wYn4ye4Uypx3-I6LYYpF8osVg_wcLWwWVrQphJ3TVbv7yyvZoggC_RwLKYIG0352JFMO33jnpeBViiVLOZWvYV358I3tR6LC3jmsgqzg" alt="Testsigma - What is hustle culture" width="600" height="400"/></figure></div>



Work takes precedence over everything in the burnout culture known as &#8220;hustle,&#8221; and working long hours is regarded as incredibly productive. Because of this attitude, people are obliged to struggle and work, which hinders us from taking in the sights and sounds around us. We work hard to attain one objective, then sprint to the next, and so on. When will this cycle of pursuing the next high-end come to an end?



What matters is that we miss experiencing life right now and are always looking for something that causes restlessness and other risks. I believe that our objectives are crucial, but they shouldn&#8217;t consume your thoughts or interfere with your privacy or mental health. We must make a distinction between our personal and professional lives. We miss caring for ourselves and our loved ones as a result of our remote employment and conflicting schedules. Therefore, this epidemic made it significantly worse.



Do you believe this will ultimately be beneficial to you? Definitely not. Sometimes, we even fail to see that we are entrenched in the hustler culture. The first stage is to become aware.



<h2 id="h-what-causes-stress-in-this-current-environment">What causes stress in this current environment?</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“The truth is that stress doesn’t come from your boss, your kids, your spouse, traffic jams, health challenges, or other circumstances. It comes from your thoughts about your circumstances. &#8221; <cite>&#8211; Andrew Bernstein</cite></blockquote> 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/FE7a5Dt7xtLHlfKhmpVQQDToQuZ9TU3nL9AqUkDYW1NorjFL6_dQ8q1MDNPCQe1ShFlGZJSinq28QWXTAF3Yi7L_ybey-IYxJFq6cUCMvElHCCvwpeDGteItx6Fo5twdQZXEvRdI0QRsNxhxFo1MVJTs662wYK8gvWsXqkQIxzEu1qr7COJt-V6_yHj-NA" alt="Testsigma " width="600" height="400"/></figure></div>



In today&#8217;s era of rapid digitalization, everything must be completed right away. The oil is added to the fire by the strict deadlines, toxic leadership, ineffective team members/other stakeholders, and inadequate details/budget.



<p id="h-back-then-the-majority-of-the-projects-were-built-around-waterfalls-today-though-we-require-speedier-delivery-so-we-ve-implemented-an-agile-methodology-more-minor-releases-with-focused-features-are-produced-frequently-and-this-has-undoubtedly-increased-the-stress-on-software-engineers-developers-testers-and-other-stakeholders">Back then, the majority of the projects were built around waterfalls. Today, though, we require speedier delivery, so we&#8217;ve implemented an agile methodology. More minor releases with focused features are produced frequently, and this has undoubtedly increased the stress on software engineers &#8211; developers, testers &#8211; and other stakeholders.



Let’s discuss a few facts which are causing stress in a software test engineer’s life:&nbsp;



1. Insufficient requirements/documentation



We are supposed to test everything for a few projects that need adequate details. It&#8217;s difficult to test without understanding the desired behavior. We can make decisions while driving based on our prior knowledge and experience, but this is only a workaround. It might be annoying and frustrating.



2. Rigorous timelines



These days, we are frequently required to work quickly and give results. We may not have enough time to test beyond the essential functionality because of this. So we might miss the out-of-box scenarios here.



3. Lack of communication



We frequently don&#8217;t receive information about modifications, deployments, and timetables. The majority of conversations don&#8217;t involve testers since it is assumed that they are not necessary. Software testing involves several different steps.



4. Constantly getting blamed



Insufficient testing is held responsible for everything that goes wrong in production. They anticipate a thorough examination in the absence of adequate details. This finger-pointing will cause us great harm. Make an effort not to personalize things.



5. Underpaid



However, many businesses still operate under the assumption that testers must work for nothing. Software testers are paid far less than other developers. Salary is a motivating aspect, and the disparity in salaries in this industry is demotivating for many.&nbsp;



6. Constant upgrading of skills



As a result of technological development, we must continually learn about new trends to stay ahead of the competition. In the workplace, we must continue to hone our abilities. This is exhausting and stressful. We may also feel intimidated due to a lack of skills.



7. Less importance to testing and software test engineers



Few businesses are unaware of the value of software testers and testing. They continue to believe that software testing is optional, and in other circumstances, they believe that testing is not necessary for some applications.



8. The fantasy of Automation:



Management at higher levels likes elaborate presentations and figures. Automating as many test cases as is practical is a wonderful idea, but complete automation is a fallacy. Based on the tools, you are compelled to study programming languages. Based on the tech stack and the needs of the project, you may make a good tool choice here.



Read more on how to choose the test automation tool right for you <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/10-points-to-help-you-choose-the-right-test-automation-tool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



<h2 id="h-how-to-deal-with-it">How to deal with it?&nbsp;</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“My key to dealing with stress is simple: just stay cool and stay focused.”<cite>― Ashton Eaton</cite></blockquote> 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/YFd-5o7MkSoAZlJwkC5CygdN-fHYmAGY9ohBQMKkm2ntnxV4xL6C87qO1Xd8Yd1UPPEZp4lKvcD0k_PRwD2CrB1VoZ6j05Gl6hBGE-Np52yFxNP_c-jWkf5FpHl9eq43yUdn74KLEKr6ajuSZhzyrtIdDGvyyECgsEHINGA3ok_W0Efa7k4-6q9fePwlIw" alt="Testsigma - How to deal with it" width="300" height="300"/></figure></div>



You are not by yourself. These difficulties are being experienced by many software testers worldwide. I&#8217;ve also been there. I occasionally experienced anxiety and a lot of insomnia. It took some time for me to realize that I was struggling. I used to spend hours working in front of the laptop.



Working is essential since it provides for your family&#8217;s food. Your health is presently suffering from stress, so you need to focus on some practical issues. Don&#8217;t imagine that we would require action to carry out a revolution.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/1C8YM7g6bfAElHfGikPiEbwlkBRXkD-afJZCi6bGvm0ejFN7VouOtu-LZVZrn9aKzmR1di02M9okc48KOhzKvY1334pz8lu9-T2pgBm1WpH899NOnjx-73bkEm02KW41LzV3h1LYCCbKwrskd9CuSVYTGUBNQgF1G6tdzFuULqruOayQKYovu_-jlMu4FQ" alt="Testsigma" width="600" height="400"/></figure></div>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” <cite>―Martin Luther King</cite></blockquote>



So let’s see some simple and effective stress management techniques in detail:



1. Plan your day ahead



When everybody else is sleeping, you work. The excellent book 5 AM Club by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Sharma">Robin Sharma</a> may offer more explanations of the benefits of an early morning routine. This one behavior will significantly improve your life.<gwmw style="display:none;">



2. Block your calendar for “After office hours”



Always show up for the required meetings, and if you are the test lead or manager, encourage the team to do the same. You can ask the meeting&#8217;s participants to record it so you can listen to it the next day during regular business hours. So, even if you work from home, attempt to schedule and reserve time on your calendar in advance.



3. Automate whatever, wherever, and whenever possible



Try to automate and establish a procedure for any repeated project management or team management duties. You can free up your mind by doing this. In my mind, there are numerous threads active. By automating my daily duties and setting reminders, I can avoid thinking about undesirable things and train my brain to focus exclusively on the desirable. I used to do it to train my brain.



4. Eat healthily and get enough sleep



Ah, I know that sounds simple. However, I believe we can establish this habit by avoiding a few bad items. When it comes to sleeping, you ought to be egotistical. Anything would be worth it to me, but not sleep. Your body works on auto-healing while you&#8217;re sleeping. Getting enough sleep enables more effective and productive work. In the end, we might not be able to debug anything because the scripting errors couldn&#8217;t be found. 



The identical script can be quickly fixed the next day after a restful night&#8217;s sleep. Could this speak to you? I hope this has persuaded you of the value of getting enough sleep. Although 8 hours of sleep every night is recommended by science, it can vary. Personally, I am good with 6 hours of sound sleep.&nbsp;



5. Reduce your screen time



We spend hours using other smart devices after spending the entire day in front of a laptop screen. The eyes, neck, and brain are all put under stress by this. So make an effort to cut down on your screen time and do something that doesn&#8217;t involve any of them.



6. Read, read a lot



When we were kids, we consumed a ton of morality-based literature. You today are a product of those ideals and values. Pick from some recommended readings and try to read them. There are numerous recommendations from dedicated readers available.



7. Pick a hobby or learn something new



Although it may sound silly, this greatly aids in calming your senses. Any straightforward activity, such as learning to sew or picking up a new greeting word in a foreign tongue, qualifies. Discovering and practicing a new card or board game, preparing your food, starting a blog, creating videos if you&#8217;re passionate about it, learning to meditate and practice yoga, baking, etc.



8. Self-appreciation/Self Care



We all need to practice self-care the most. Have weekly &#8220;me&#8221; time scheduled. You could use this money for some form of activity, or you could just sit around and sip coffee. To treat yourself, you can schedule a massage or a pedicure. Selfcare isn’t selfish.&nbsp;



9. Practice Gratitude



Until you count your blessings, you will not realize the extent of your talents. Make it a routine to write in your notebook and to list all the things for which you are grateful. This may appear silly, but it has a significant positive impact on your mental health.



10. Talk to a friend/mentor



Yes, express yourself clearly and passionately. You can talk to a person who will listen to you, such as your partner, a friend, or a mentor. Engage in genuine conversation and ask for assistance when necessary.



11. Workout/Exercise



<a href="https://totalshape.com/fitness/how-to-get-in-shape-fast/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exercise</a> causes our bodies to release happy hormones. So go for a jog or a walk. Just move, whatever it is.



12. Idle Time:



Doesn&#8217;t that sound intriguing? Yes, clear your thoughts and spend some time not thinking about anything. This isn&#8217;t about falling asleep. You must be awake and should not be doing anything productive.



13. Laugh out Loud



Last but not least, we no longer laugh as often as we once did. So please, watch your favorite comedy show and get a good chuckle with your loved ones. This might sound simple, but it is effective.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/jEepuBcXN3fUHMRtD18gJKRfXyuaFKV6o8_ALj_4Z7qz4W6UXKNOy0X2zmj0ql5HiOF47S74wTIgcrIIUKtD-JV-b3DqLOADt7ucmTSfoA5LZmebO14-1K7AMTISvzuE-KbSrNt3VYmx0gpi3Dzq3RoBofS5TH9iqFfnq-SkUSTKeNw0gMvLa9fFUkZhHA" alt="Testsigma" height="300"/></figure></div>



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



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“It’s not stress that kills us, it’s our reaction to it.” <cite>― Hans Selye</cite></blockquote>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/5TK_g8_5IW1dFe95ypElE-r8UdUIe8NNF4Ao_QG4t4nvl-LvKm_jMnLMcRatxOo50Q4pUCbkj-Wi-1w-NIpvjK2WYsicXmbq2pkVRtEkYcZ_SwE_wK8aMmFiK5D9DMgZdJp3o0xTSxmDg0YzkPkEe0VTC6njEaetiKmyxX5IbJKeI4J99L7gfqP1Ib1SbQ" alt="Testsigma" width="600" height="400"/></figure></div>



The world is under stress. Some of us are adept at handling it, regardless of how important or straightforward the endeavor is. Few of us attempt to fit into this hustle culture and struggle. This is harmful, and we need to dispel the stereotype by normalizing some things.



You cannot alter everything in the world on your own. However, internal alterations are possible. Once your mental fortitude increases, you won&#8217;t be affected by or influenced by those toxic outside forces.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/lVGeuSegqsTYC-cswxr9TungqtPL0Y3cLwxjK9jYxzqgYQmbriEbZkQ5CfEfeSfxqjoKguSaXxcfpMpCzRbyKEIVKBflT3T8QZwDhHxAWSwv98i6cAaSZa-pB_LaDS1_RZrPxdzYCwYPvKD06-eMnQ06RNfuF_ekMObALKQBcEIn2v4zHoxgsoupob20gg" alt="Testsigma" width="300" height="300"/></figure></div>



 <blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“When you find yourself stressed, ask yourself one question: Will this matter in 5 years from now? If yes, then do something about the situation. If no, then let it go. &#8221; <cite>― Catherine Pulsifer</cite></blockquote>



Your work is crucial, crucially crucial. But resist pursuing anything at the expense of your own well-being. Be more careful. Take better care of yourself. You&#8217;ve earned it.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/fK1_aqjRjswMRDI3FfE-e_Pcp87eTJBwFmxWOOAj7YHlpQq0GWxBhHHTsMfYcalmyBPH5VXVZ8PbqR9jyd7c1A5ptv29cSrenTnaV-Zv6GPfoeAZpPrQdifx2E8UwRI3Nin8kyRfCSr6vuRCoUY5DBAfa-gB2p2jXhrxr4JxxLCvq9e6Juikd4SzasGgIg" alt="Testsigma" width="300" height="300"/></figure></div>



I wish you better days ahead!



More related reads: A blog written by the software testing expert Mukta Sharma: <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/how-to-become-an-automation-tester/">How to become an automation tester with no stress?</a>&nbsp;

Is there a way for software test engineers to manage stress in this culture of hustle?