
<p>Before designing a holistic testing strategy for an application, the first question that comes to mind is which testing strategy to use. The two most important and widely used testing strategies are Unit testing and end-to-end testing. To decide which one to use, it’s important to understand their key differences.</p>



<p>Unit testing is a testing strategy where we test individual units of the application code. In end-to-end testing, the tester tests the entire application from the user’s point of view. We can do this by simulating the common tasks performed by the user.</p>



<p>There are different types of bugs that users can encounter. Some might render some errors, they might return incorrect data, and others might incur functionality issues or browser issues. Depending on the type of bug, we should decide whether to use unit testing or end-to-end testing for your application.</p>



<p>In this article, let’s look at the unit testing VS end to end testing differences and when to use them.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Unit_Testing_vs_End_to_End_Testing_8211_Overview"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> Unit Testing vs End to End Testing &#8211; Overview</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_Unit_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.1</span> What is Unit Testing?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Unit_Testing_vs_End_to_End_Testing_8211_Differences"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Unit Testing vs End to End Testing &#8211; Differences </a><ul><li><a href="#Scope_of_test"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.1</span> Scope of test</a></li><li><a href="#Type_of_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.2</span> Type of testing</a></li><li><a href="#Testing_methodology"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.3</span> Testing methodology</a></li><li><a href="#Testing_environment"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.4</span> Testing environment</a></li><li><a href="#Performers"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.5</span> Performers</a></li><li><a href="#Parallel_Run"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.6</span> Parallel Run</a></li><li><a href="#Access_to_database_and_other_resources"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.7</span> Access to database and other resources </a></li><li><a href="#Effort"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.8</span> Effort </a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Unit_Testing_vs_End_to_End_Testing_8211_Which_is_Better"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Unit Testing vs End to End Testing? &#8211; Which is Better?</a></li><li><a href="#Summary"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Summary</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#How_do_you_write_a_test_case_in_unit_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.1</span> How do you write a test case in unit testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Is_End-to-End_testing_the_same_as_UAT"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.2</span> Is End-to-End testing the same as UAT?</a></li><li><a href="#Who_writes_unit_tests"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.3</span> Who writes unit tests?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="unit-testing-vs-end-to-end-testing-overview"><span id="Unit_Testing_vs_End_to_End_Testing_8211_Overview"><strong>Unit Testing vs End to End Testing &#8211; Overview</strong></span></h2>



<h3 id="15vfi"><span id="What_is_Unit_Testing">What is Unit Testing?</span></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://images.storychief.com/account_36412/image_364574946b0a6977cf6b68319795ad40_800.png" alt="Unit Testing" /><figcaption><a href="https://u-tor.com/topic/unit-testing-importance" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Unit Test Lifecycle</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>We write unit tests during the development phase of the code. It is a classic example of white-box testing. This is because to carry out any white-box testing, we need to know the internal mechanism of the code. However, the scope of a unit test case is limited. It can only test one code unit. It cannot test the interactions between different units of code. </p>



<p>Read here detailed guide on <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/unit-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Unit Testing</a></p>



<h3 id="7iudk">What is End-to-End Testing?</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://images.storychief.com/account_36412/image_8516379bf56690565ff2db7b13c449d8_800.png" alt="End to end testing" /><figcaption><a href="https://www.guru99.com/end-to-end-testing.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">End-to-end testing</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>End-to-end testing is the process of testing the functionality of the entire application from start to finish. It involves emulating the most commonly performed user actions and tests whether the output is desired. We perform end-to-end (E2E) testing after the unit and <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/integration-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">integration tests</a> are over.</p>



<p>An E2E test involves testing all aspects of the application ranging from technical functionalities to the user interface. We can do automated as well as manual E2E tests. It involves finding out bugs and errors in the applications against the intended requirements.</p>



<p>E2E tests are <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/black-box-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black box tests</a>, meaning that the tester does not know how the functionalities are programmed. If an end-to-end test is successful, it means that the user has validated the business requirements. </p>



<p>Read here detailed guide on &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/end-to-end-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">End to End Testing</a></p>



<h2 id="amc80"><span id="Unit_Testing_vs_End_to_End_Testing_8211_Differences"><strong>Unit Testing vs End to End Testing &#8211; Differences </strong></span></h2>



<p>The Difference between Unit Testing and End-to-End Testing is that Unit testing ensures that the functions or calculations that generate data, a numerical value, a text string, are working as required. End-to-end testing ensures that buttons, forms, updates, links, and the complete workflows work properly.</p>



<p>Both unit tests and end-to-end tests serve their own purposes and have their own usage. However, let’s look at the key differences between them.</p>



<h3 id="1psh1"><span id="Scope_of_test"><strong>Scope of test</strong></span></h3>



<p>As discussed, unit tests focus mainly on individual code units, whereas end-to-end testing tests the application as a whole from a user’s perspective. It’s easy to run unit tests, and we can execute them in each build. Whereas, running a complete end-to-end test on an application takes time.</p>



<h3 id="c7fbf"><span id="Type_of_testing"><strong><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/the-different-software-testing-types-explained/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Type of testing</a></strong></span></h3>



<p>Unit tests are white-box tests. This is so because if you want to write a unit test to cover a specific function, you need to know the internal implementation of that function. On the other hand, end-to-end tests are black-box tests. These tests intend to simulate user actions on the application and test the functionality, which does not require any knowledge of the implementation.</p>



<h3 id="6uqs8"><span id="Testing_methodology"><strong><a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing-methodologies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testing methodology</a></strong></span></h3>



<p>Unit tests are mostly automated tests that we can integrate with the CI/CD pipeline. As soon as we push a new code commit, the entire code is built, and the test cases are run to check for any bug because of the new change. Whereas end-to-end tests can be manual as well as automated. We can use several frameworks to make such tests automated or test them manually by simulating user actions.</p>



<h3 id="4n402"><span id="Testing_environment"><strong><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testing environment</a></strong></span></h3>



<p>The developers mostly create unit tests; hence, they run them on the developer machines. On the other hand, we do end-to-end tests in a dedicated testing environment after the subsystems are built.</p>



<h3 id="18gbe"><span id="Performers"><strong>Performers</strong></span></h3>



<p>Unit tests are performed by the developers who write them. Whereas, a team of testers or QAs execute end-to-end tests in a dedicated environment.</p>



<h3 id="djdt9"><span id="Parallel_Run"><strong>Parallel Run</strong></span></h3>



<p>We can run unit test cases in parallel because they focus on individual code units and are not dependent on each other. In comparison, end-to-end tests have to be performed sequentially.</p>



<h3 id="43mo0"><span id="Access_to_database_and_other_resources"><strong>Access to database and other resources </strong></span></h3>



<p>We usually mock the dependencies in unit tests; hence, they do not require access to any resources. End-to-end tests typically require more resources because the whole purpose of this test is to check whether the entire system works as intended.</p>



<h3 id="6u1b9"><span id="Effort"><strong>Effort </strong></span></h3>



<p>We need less time and cost to create unit test cases as compared to end-to-end tests. Performance tests are complicated, and a lot of subsystems are involved.</p>



<h2 id="ae02a"><span id="Unit_Testing_vs_End_to_End_Testing_8211_Which_is_Better"><strong>Unit Testing vs End to End Testing? &#8211; Which is Better?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Unit tests and end-to-end tests complement each other. They are different testing strategies with different use cases. Based on the requirement, the correct testing strategy for your application can be determined. But it’s always better to keep both strategies in your bag.</p>



<p>We use unit test cases to find bugs during the early development phase and check whether the individual code units work as expected. We run these test suites every time a build is triggered in the CI pipeline. However, it does not mean you have to write unit tests for all your subsystems. For example, if your API lacks logic, it&#8217;s better to go with integration tests rather than writing unnecessary unit tests.</p>



<p>On the other hand, we use end-to-end tests to verify the business requirement of the application. We check whether the functionalities of the application are as expected before going into production. We use E2E testing for large and complicated applications which has multiple subsystems.</p>



<p>Therefore, to decide the best suitable approach for your project, you need to analyze your requirements, compare these strategies, and choose the best one.</p>



<h2 id="3l14m"><span id="Summary"><strong>Summary</strong></span></h2>



<p>To summarize, both unit and end-to-end tests serve their unique purposes. It’s always better to have them both in your testing strategies.</p>



<p>Writing, maintaining, and understanding unit test cases are very easy. But since it is a white-box testing technique, you must understand the code to properly create unit test cases. Also, we cannot cover all the functionalities of the software by unit test cases.</p>



<p>Hence, to verify whether each and every part of the application works as intended and well together, an end-to-end test just before the release is a must. Although they are very time-consuming to perform, they can help you find issues and performance impacts before a production release.</p>



<p>Also Know: <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/unit-test-vs-integration-test/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Unit Testing Vs Integration Testing</a></p>



<h2 id="1lgel"><span id="Frequently_Asked_Questions"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></span></h2>



<h3 id="aer0v"><span id="How_do_you_write_a_test_case_in_unit_testing">How do you write a test case in unit testing?</span></h3>



<p>We usually write unit tests using a library of the same language as the codebase. There are two ways to write unit test cases. You can develop the code for the specific requirement first and then write test cases to validate the logic. Or you can write the test cases first by mocking the dependencies and then work on the code. We call this test-driven development. There are several libraries that allow you to create assertions to compare the actual vs. expected output.</p>



<h3 id="do04n"><span id="Is_End-to-End_testing_the_same_as_UAT">Is End-to-End testing the same as UAT?</span></h3>



<p>In a way, End-to-End testing is quite similar to user acceptance testing (UAT). This is so because in both cases, the testers replicate the user actions. Examples of user actions include making a transaction, filling out a form, clicking a button, etc. However, one major difference is that business users execute UAT. But an end-to-end test is generally performed by a team of testers or QAs.</p>



<h3 id="6k0ps"><span id="Who_writes_unit_tests">Who writes unit tests?</span></h3>



<p>Unit test cases are <a href="https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/software-engineering-white-box-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white-box tests</a> that require an understanding of the code implementation. Hence, these tests are generally written by the developers themselves. Unit tests can be written either before starting the development of the feature or after developing the feature.</p>





Unit Testing vs Acceptance Testing
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Best End to End Testing Tools
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Integration Testing vs End to End Testing
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="2DngjNmK3F"><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/integration-testing-vs-end-to-end-testing/">Integration Testing vs. End-to-End Testing: The Core Differences</a></blockquote><iframe class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);" title="&#8220;Integration Testing vs. End-to-End Testing: The Core Differences&#8221; &#8212; Testsigma Blog" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/integration-testing-vs-end-to-end-testing/embed/#?secret=kTB3w84MdZ#?secret=2DngjNmK3F" data-secret="2DngjNmK3F" width="500" height="282" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>


Test Automation Tools
https://testsigma.com/qa-automation-tools




Unit Testing vs End-To-End Testing - Key Differences cover

Unit Testing vs End To End Testing – Key Differences

<p>Designing software is no easy feat, so it&#8217;s disheartening when the final product is full of bugs. This means that you must redo all the previous work, and everyone on the development and testing teams has to start from scratch. Every piece of software now necessitates updates and enhancements depending on user feedback. However, for optimum functionality, each version should be thoroughly tested.</p>
<p>One of the areas where a lack of software quality can have negative business consequences is deployment. You might have a software product that is doing well in the market and generating good revenue. Still, a software deployment failure can hurt the organization in many ways. You must first be aware that deployment is not &#8220;just a build&#8221; and involves many moving parts across the organization.</p>
<p>To avoid this stressful and costly scenario, software developers and testers should ask the right questions before releasing their products. This blog provides a list of questions you should ask, as well as an explanation of why each question is essential. Following this checklist before pushing any code to production will help ensure a high-quality final product.</p>
<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#The_Purpose_of_the_Software_Release_Checklist"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> The Purpose of the Software Release Checklist</a></li><li><a href="#Pre-Release_Checklist_Template"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Pre-Release Checklist Template:</a></li><li><a href="#Releasing_Checklist_Template"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Releasing Checklist Template:</a></li><li><a href="#Questions_to_consider_before_creating_a_software_release_checklist"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Questions to consider before creating a software release checklist</a><ul><li><a href="#Is_the_product_viable"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.1</span> Is the product viable?</a></li><li><a href="#Is_there_a_rollback_plan"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.2</span> Is there a rollback plan?</a></li><li><a href="#Is_there_enough_documentation_in_place"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.3</span> Is there enough documentation in place?</a></li><li><a href="#Has_the_designer_seen_the_final_designsrelease"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.4</span> Has the designer seen the final designs/release?</a></li><li><a href="#Is_the_support_team_well-educated_on_the_software_being_released"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.5</span> Is the support team well-educated on the software being released?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Summary"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Summary</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="cl6kh"><span id="The_Purpose_of_the_Software_Release_Checklist">The Purpose of the Software Release Checklist</span></h2>
<p>The purpose of software release checklist is to provide a clear guide on &#8220;what you need to make sure of&#8221; and &#8220;how to do it&#8221; while releasing software. A release management checklist is a great way to ensure you hit all the critical points during software development. The checklist should include items for every stage of development, from product management to development to testing and final deployment.</p>
<figure class="image strchf-type-image regular strchf-size-regular strchf-align-center"><a href="https://media.giphy.com/media/l4KihljLh97qrS9EI/giphy.gif" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"><picture><source srcset="https://d37oebn0w9ir6a.cloudfront.net/account_36412/giphy_cf081d75de5fb46a6dd60665d37a91fa.gif 1x" media="(max-width: 768px)"><source srcset="https://d37oebn0w9ir6a.cloudfront.net/account_36412/giphy_cf081d75de5fb46a6dd60665d37a91fa.gif 1x" media="(min-width: 769px)"><img src="https://d37oebn0w9ir6a.cloudfront.net/account_36412/giphy_cf081d75de5fb46a6dd60665d37a91fa.gif" alt="The Purpose of the Software Release Checklist"></picture></a></figure>
<p>Remember that this checklist is not entirely exhaustive. Every team and every project is different, so not every item will apply to every situation. The release management checklist is a starting point for more detailed conversations with your team.</p>
<p>The following checklist is for creating a software deployment plan that organizations can use to ensure they are doing the right things.</p>
<h2 id="f5dd"><span id="Pre-Release_Checklist_Template">Pre-Release Checklist Template:</span></h2>
<figure class="image strchf-type-image regular strchf-size-regular strchf-align-center"><picture><source srcset="https://images.storychief.com/account_36412/notebook-with-list-desk-with-cup-coffee-beside_33f0c25daacdd0c3346616f6026b05f1_800.jpg 1x, https://images.storychief.com/account_36412/notebook-with-list-desk-with-cup-coffee-beside_33f0c25daacdd0c3346616f6026b05f1_1600.jpg 2x" media="(max-width: 768px)"><source srcset="https://images.storychief.com/account_36412/notebook-with-list-desk-with-cup-coffee-beside_33f0c25daacdd0c3346616f6026b05f1_800.jpg 1x, https://images.storychief.com/account_36412/notebook-with-list-desk-with-cup-coffee-beside_33f0c25daacdd0c3346616f6026b05f1_1600.jpg 2x" media="(min-width: 769px)"><img src="https://images.storychief.com/account_36412/notebook-with-list-desk-with-cup-coffee-beside_33f0c25daacdd0c3346616f6026b05f1_800.jpg" alt="Pre-Release Checklist Template"></picture></figure>
<p>A product launch is the most critical event of the year for most businesses. And usually, product launches are hinged on several moving parts. From external factors like having a first-mover advantage and fending off competition to internal factors like having the right product components, there are a lot of elements to consider. In many cases, the key to a successful product launch is having a pre-plan that factors all these elements. But the company does little to prepare a Pre-Release Checklist Template for the plan.</p>
<p>This checklist will help limit any potential risks that could come up. Here&#8217;s what to remember:</p>
<p>&#8211; Only release a limited number of items at a time so you can keep track of everything more easily.</p>
<p>&#8211; Plan to release frequently, so your customers always have something new and exciting to look forward to.</p>
<p>&#8211; Make sure every feature is &#8220;done&#8221; before releasing, which means:</p>
<ul>
<li>All unit tests are written with proper code coverage.</li>
<li>All automated functional tests are executed to validate new features and make sure old features don&#8217;t regress.</li>
<li>All usability/accessibility testing is completed.</li>
<li>Performance testing is carried out (this is especially important).</li>
<li>The code is scanned for security vulnerabilities.</li>
<li>Any technical debt is documented.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="8fvh2"><span id="Releasing_Checklist_Template">Releasing Checklist Template:</span></h2>
<p>When considering a new release, we must ask ourselves a few key questions to ensure everything goes smoothly. This checklist provides a structured framework for streamlining the release planning process.</p>
<p>Before we deploy our code, we must ensure it&#8217;s checked into version control and tagged appropriately. We must also update our production configuration and ensure our code dependencies are deployed in production.</p>
<p>We also need to test our application&#8217;s scalability under heavy load. This will help us identify any potential issues that could arise during deployment.</p>
<p>Also, check the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>Do we have any feature toggles configured for Canary or A/B testing?</li>
<li>Have we considered access control for any applications that need it?</li>
<li>Have we confirmed the availability of the observability information required to debug in production?</li>
<li>Can we capture and analyze metrics, traces, and logs?<br />
(Note: numerous commercial and <a href="https://testsigma.com/">open-source solutions</a> are available to assist you in this space)</li>
<li>Is there a contingency plan in place?</li>
<li>If necessary, can the feature be turned off?</li>
<li>If necessary, can we go back to the earlier code version?</li>
<li>If the release goes wrong, can users work around issues?</li>
</ul>
<p>By ensuring we&#8217;ve covered all of our bases before deployment, we can avoid any potential headaches with this Software Releasing Checklist Template.</p>
<h2 id="f0tt2"><span id="Questions_to_consider_before_creating_a_software_release_checklist">Questions to consider before creating a software release checklist</span></h2>
<figure class="image strchf-type-image regular strchf-size-regular strchf-align-center"><a href="https://www.netflix.com/in/"><picture><source srcset="https://d37oebn0w9ir6a.cloudfront.net/account_36412/Stranger_Things_Steve_GIF_by_NETFLIX_-_62d788e94c7cfcf9121d0669c4e6ee74.gif 1x" media="(max-width: 768px)"><source srcset="https://d37oebn0w9ir6a.cloudfront.net/account_36412/Stranger_Things_Steve_GIF_by_NETFLIX_-_62d788e94c7cfcf9121d0669c4e6ee74.gif 1x" media="(min-width: 769px)"><img src="https://d37oebn0w9ir6a.cloudfront.net/account_36412/Stranger_Things_Steve_GIF_by_NETFLIX_-_62d788e94c7cfcf9121d0669c4e6ee74.gif" alt="Releasing Checklist Template"></picture></a><figcaption>Source</figcaption></figure>
<h3 id="1a3d"><span id="Is_the_product_viable">Is the product viable?</span></h3>
<p>Making perfect software that never has to be updated or changed is impossible. The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and every digital product must keep up with new user preferences, expectations, and competitive impacts.</p>
<p>The goal is to produce and release a viable product &#8211; helpful, something that can be released within the specified time frame and meets end-user needs significantly. End users are fully aware that software will invariably require changes over time.</p>
<p>The initial release will never be complete, but it must be functional. It must perform well enough to provide consumers with the primary functions they seek.</p>
<p>Make a Strategy.</p>
<p>Creating a deployment plan allows you to gather feedback from all parties. Once in place, the plan provides vital information and directions for the deployment.</p>
<p>At each level of deployment, plans may include both manual and automated testing. Risk assessments, checklists, roles, and contact information for each stakeholder play a part. All stakeholders should examine and endorse the proposal.</p>
<h3 id="bgc9o"><span id="Is_there_a_rollback_plan">Is there a rollback plan?</span></h3>
<p>How can a feature be fixed if it causes problems in production? Is it possible to turn off the feature? Will this necessitate another round of deployment? How long will it take if so? What will the feature&#8217;s downtime be as a result?</p>
<p>It is reasonable to anticipate that some problems will arise once end-users access the software. Have a system in place to handle points of failure swiftly and effectively. Without it, issue resolution becomes a time-consuming, labor-intensive procedure that wastes developers&#8217; time and leads to an unpleasant user experience.</p>
<p>Include a rollback strategy in your testing plan to account for the possibility of failed deployments. Having a plan in place ahead of time will help you revert to the previous version of the program more quickly and reduce downtime.</p>
<p>Determine who is in charge of the rollback strategy and make sure they are available during the deployment. Create a method that can be quickly adapted to reduce downtime. Consider using feature flags to obtain more granular control over how each feature is deployed.</p>
<h3 id="3hkii"><span id="Is_there_enough_documentation_in_place">Is there enough documentation in place?</span></h3>
<p>This question must be posed at the start of any software development project. However, it must also be included in the software release checklist.</p>
<p>Every project involves a diverse group of developers, testers, designers, and other stakeholders. All team members can&#8217;t be on the same page unless documentation is on all fronts. This applies to both manual and <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing">automated testing</a>. Because the agile technique relies mainly on cooperation, accurate and adequate documentation is a make-or-break factor in each project.</p>
<p>However, the requirement for documentation does not end with the launching of a product. User feedback must be gathered for effect to be enhanced.</p>
<p>It turns out that documenting people is also essential:</p>
<ul>
<li>Do we have a list of critical technical contacts we can contact promptly if our release does not go as planned?</li>
<li>Do we know which users will be impacted by our changes?</li>
<li>Have we verified that our activated feature toggles include and exclude the correct people?</li>
<li>Have we confirmed that access control includes and excludes the appropriate people?</li>
<li>Have we arranged for somebody to help us demonstrate our release?</li>
<li>Do we have engineers who assist throughout the process?</li>
<li>Do we have enough people who should notice our modifications?</li>
<li>Have we finished any other release preparations that could help our deployment?</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="502v9"><span id="Has_the_designer_seen_the_final_designsrelease">Has the designer seen the final designs/release?</span></h3>
<p>The UI/UX team should ensure the product design is complete, reviewed, and well-documented. The product design is one of the most critical aspects of the release. Suppose a feature has a high potential impact on end users. In that case, it should be thoroughly tested to ensure it is usable and meets performance expectations. Once completed, the UE team should review this new version in conjunction with the design document to determine whether or not any changes are needed before being released to production. Moreover, if there are bugs that were not detected during this process, they should be addressed before releasing the product.</p>
<p>What has been updated/changed in this release? To collect the information, the designer should carefully review the release notes. If there are new or revised features or any bugs that have been fixed that may impact users, the designer should log them onto a list. Finally, is the UE team satisfied with this release? The answer to this question would be determined after meeting with the team to discuss the release and how it&#8217;s impacting their current workflow/project-at-hand [maybe use a User Story].</p>
<h3 id="ffstn"><span id="Is_the_support_team_well-educated_on_the_software_being_released">Is the support team well-educated on the software being released?</span></h3>
<p>In reality, a poorly equipped support crew may do a lot of damage to a brand&#8217;s and a product&#8217;s credibility.</p>
<p>To ensure everything is in line with the plan, follow up with these questions:</p>
<ul>
<li>Is the support team familiar with the program being released?</li>
<li>Do they know what issues users are most likely to encounter?</li>
<li>Are they aware of the software&#8217;s capabilities so they can manage user expectations?</li>
<li>Can they provide the consumer with help documentation?</li>
</ul>
<p>To ensure a successful release cycle, check if the support team is aware of any features that may confuse them. A skilled support team is essential for any software rollout. Customer-facing difficulties can be significantly decreased if the support team is adequately trained and understands how an application operates. Customers are rarely satisfied by generic responses.</p>
<p>Give them as much relevant information as possible to set them up for success. This will ensure a successful release cycle and save engineers and product managers from later dealing with repetitive questions.</p>
<p>To streamline the process and ensure that development teams and customers receive what they need with less effort, determine the nature of the software release cycle.</p>
<p>A software release checklist speeds up product delivery by ensuring that each release is tested for maximum viability via a dependable pipeline. Include the above questions in every release checklist to ensure that each release provides the most significant possible user experience.</p>
<h2 id="cbh3n"><span id="Summary">Summary</span></h2>
<p>As you can see, there&#8217;s a lot to consider (and remember!) when releasing a new software application. The key takeaway from this should be that the questions you should ask and the criteria you should use to judge each release are subjective. And, since every environment is unique, you will need to create your list of questions to ask.</p>
<p>But remember that any list of final criteria needs to encompass every aspect of a release—performance, security, and usability, foremost among them. Remember that it&#8217;s better to cover all the bases than to miss one. And before shipping out your software, ensure it meets your checklist&#8217;s requirements. Your users will thank you for it!</p>
<p>You don&#8217;t want to get through the entire project only to realize that you forgot to ask one of these questions. Which question do you think is the most important? Have you ever forgotten to ask one of these questions before releasing software? Let us know in the comments!</p>
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Software Release Checklist For Applications: Things to include cover

Software Release Checklist For Applications: Things to include

API Testing Checklist and Best Practices


<p>Browser compatibility testing checklist? Website testing checklist? Or website QA testing checklist? Although the names vary, what stays common is that the need and importance of this checklist will define your site&#8217;s veritable success.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#All_About_Cross_Browser_Testing_Checklist_You_Need_to_Know"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> All About Cross Browser Testing Checklist You Need to Know:</a></li><li><a href="#Cross_Browser_Testing_Checklist_for_General_Browser_Compatibility"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Cross Browser Testing Checklist for General Browser Compatibility </a></li><li><a href="#Cross_Browser_Testing_Checklist_for_Layout_and_Design"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Cross Browser Testing Checklist for Layout and Design:</a></li><li><a href="#Cross_Browser_Testing_Checklist_of_Functional_Compatibility"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Cross Browser Testing Checklist of Functional Compatibility:</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Decide_Which_Browsers_to_Test_on"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> How to Decide Which Browsers to Test on?</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Find_the_Right_Balance_While_Choosing_Browsers"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> How to Find the Right Balance While Choosing Browsers</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="9q7r"><span id="All_About_Cross_Browser_Testing_Checklist_You_Need_to_Know"><strong>All About Cross Browser Testing Checklist You Need to Know:</strong></span></h2>



<p>There are some prerequisites for Cross Browser testing that you should review before beginning cross-browser testing.</p>



<ul><li>Define the scope of testing—how much testing will be done, when it will be done, and how much functionality will be covered?</li><li>Create a plan for cross-browser testing &#8211; Which browsers (and versions thereof) will be used, as well as which operating systems and devices? What combinations will be tested?</li><li>Select the appropriate tool- Choose the best automation cross-browser testing tool from the options offered. During the selection process, we may ask questions such as. Read here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/cross-browser-testing-tools" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cross browser Testing Tools</a></li></ul>



<p>Consider the cross-browser testing checklist into parts, which will help you execute testing in the best way forward:</p>



<ul><li>By Testing General Browser Compatibility</li><li>Validating Layout and Design</li><li>Ensuring the Functional Compatibility</li></ul>



<p>Read more &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/compatibility-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Compatibility Testing</a></p>



<h2 id="1qf6e"><span id="Cross_Browser_Testing_Checklist_for_General_Browser_Compatibility"><strong>Cross Browser Testing Checklist for General Browser Compatibility </strong></span></h2>



<p>This <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/web-app-testing-checklist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website Testing checklist</a> tests the critical features for the website to work correctly. Some of the most important ones are listed below:</p>



<ul><li>Validate the CSS, HTML and XHTML. This will ensure that all code meets relevant standards and that there are no open tags.</li><li>Validate the SSL certificate. Some SSL certificates are not compatible with all browser versions, so checking this before proceeding is essential. You also need to know who owns the website domain you&#8217;re using.</li><li>Take care of visual elements; validate the fonts, fields, and design.</li><li>To ensure that web pages are displayed correctly on various screens with different size ratios and resolutions, it is crucial to verify that they work effectively on multiple screens. Browsers may apply their default styles to your website by default. Chrome, for example, will add a default margin to your website – a minor but perceptible difference if you pick a darker background color.</li></ul>



<p>To resolve this, you can use some code to reset the defaults, removing the mystery of why some styles differ in different browsers.</p>



<ul><li>It is also essential to verify the DOCTYPE instructions on every webpage. Define the language in which the code is written at the start of your HTML file(s) so that browsers can appropriately read it. This ensures that all browsers will parse the web pages similarly.</li><li>Since <a href="https://blog.hubspot.com/website/api-calls" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">API calls</a> can differ between browsers, you must be cautious if your application uses APIs. It would be best to ensure that the APIs used are compatible across various browsers to avoid compatibility issues.</li><li>Another essential thing to do is verify the HTML&#8217;s X-UA-Compatibility meta tag. This helps to overturn a user&#8217;s compatibility view setting in Internet Explorer for your website.</li><li>Both points are crucial for ensuring that your website is accessible and secure for all users.</li></ul>



<p>Read here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/website-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Website Testing</a></p>



<h2 id="1r4b2"><span id="Cross_Browser_Testing_Checklist_for_Layout_and_Design"><strong>Cross Browser Testing Checklist for Layout and Design:</strong></span></h2>



<p>The Layout and Design checklist is essential for ensuring that your webpage is visually pleasing and consistent across all browsers.</p>



<ul><li>Check that the layout, style, and design are consistent in all browsers used for Cross Browser Compatibility Testing.</li><li>All images present should be in standard resolution.</li><li>Check the correctness of Basic alignment settings on all browsers and operating systems used for Cross Browser Compatibility Testing.</li><li>Make sure all fonts and designs are incorporated correctly and consistent in size, colors, etc., on all browsers used.</li><li>Ensure that everything looks and functions correctly across all different browsers. This includes ensuring that all boxes and forms are aligned perfectly, that colors are uniform, and that headers and footers are consistent.</li><li>Check the site&#8217;s responsiveness on different browsers and ensure that data is aligned correctly.</li><li>Check browser compatibility for any audio or video formats you&#8217;re using.</li><li>Ensure the source code doesn&#8217;t contain typos or other errors.</li><li>Check that the zoom-in and zoom-out functions work correctly.</li><li>Hover over elements with the mouse to ensure they can be selected correctly.</li><li>Check that all drop-down menus show all the available options.</li><li>Test the navigation between web pages to ensure it&#8217;s fast and accurate.</li><li>Check that pop-up appear correctly and consistently on all browsers.</li><li>Make sure that any tables or grids on the website are aligned correctly.</li></ul>



<p>Taking these steps can help ensure that your website looks great and works well no matter what browser someone uses.</p>



<h2 id="24bjb"><span id="Cross_Browser_Testing_Checklist_of_Functional_Compatibility"><strong>Cross Browser Testing</strong> <strong>Checklist of Functional Compatibility:</strong></span></h2>



<p>Use the functional checklist below to ensure that all website functions work as expected in all browsers used for Cross Browser Compatibility Testing:</p>



<ul><li>Verify that all plugins integrated into the website are compatible with all browsers.</li><li>When downloading and uploading, verify that the formats of files (text, images, videos, etc.) are compatible.</li><li>Verify jQuery and AJAX functionalities.</li><li>Ensure that search results are accurate, navigation links work correctly, and an error page appears when the website does not respond.</li><li>Ensure all functions (e.g., saving data, importing and exporting, submission) are working correctly.</li><li>Check that flash is working properly and that any animations function correctly across browsers.</li><li>Ensure device interaction (keyboard, mouse) is uniform across different browsers.</li><li>Ensure script validation across different browsers.</li><li>Test the ability to handle different loads on different browsers.</li></ul>



<h2 id="how-to-decide-which-browsers-to-test-on"><span id="How_to_Decide_Which_Browsers_to_Test_on"><strong>How to Decide Which Browsers to Test on?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Making a decision on which browsers to test boils down primarily to two ideas: your user demographics and your testing capacity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Here is a simplified breakdown:</p>



<p><strong>1. Who are your users?</strong></p>



<p>Identify the browsers that your website visitors are already using.&nbsp;</p>



<p>You need to identify your target audience: consider the people you want to reach. For a business audience, it is likely that they mostly use Chrome or Firefox. If your target users are iPhone owners, then testing on Safari is essential.</p>



<p><strong>2.</strong> <strong>So how many browsers should you be testing?</strong></p>



<p>Test on the popular browsers first such as Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge— these are among the most popular browsers used by people all over the world.</p>



<p>If you cannot test on all browsers: prioritize those most frequently used by the people you are targeting.</p>



<p>Do not forget about older browsers because some users might still use them. Although in general cases this number is quite small, decide if it is important to test on them based on your audience and available resources.</p>



<p><strong>Here are a few examples:</strong></p>



<p>For a news website with a worldwide audience, consider testing on Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge as these browsers collectively reach a significant user base.</p>



<p>When it comes to a business-oriented application, you may want to consider prioritizing Chrome and Firefox as they are widely recognized for their compatibility with office tasks.</p>



<h2 id="how-to-find-the-right-balance-while-choosing-browsers"><span id="How_to_Find_the_Right_Balance_While_Choosing_Browsers"><strong>How to Find the Right Balance While Choosing Browsers</strong></span></h2>



<p>Picking the right combination of browsers, devices, and operating systems to test on is vital to businesses. Hence, finding the right balance depends heavily on the financial resources the business can spare and its specific needs. Finding the right balance of testing minimum combinations is essential to ensure maximum usage and a positive user experience.</p>



<p>After deciding which browsers to test, selecting an appropriate automation tool is the next step. Testsigma can assist in this regard. To learn more, sign up for a free trial of Testsigma now.</p>



<div class="cta-banner-v2">
<div class="title-with-description ">
<p class="title">Testsigma is such a tool that provides AI-enabled cross-browser testing</p>
</div>
<a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" class="cta-btn-v1" rel="noopener">Try for free</a>
</div>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://images.storychief.com/account_36412/image_effdcf1733087b9799f101cb6b089e00_800.png" alt="Testsigma Cross Browser Compatibility -2" /></figure>



<p>With the above Cross-browser testing checklist, you can ensure that your website is at its best in the market and beyond. Testsigma is your go-to tool for performing cross-browser testing. Testsigma provides a platform to run manual and automated tests using different frameworks and languages. It is designed to be user-friendly so that everyone, including SMEs &amp; QAs, can write automated tests using simple English. The platform provides access to 2000+ real desktops, and iOS &amp; Android browsers for cross-browser tests online. In addition, it is highly scalable, so tests can be run in parallel on the cloud-based test lab.</p>



<p>Moreover, it can generate screen types for a wide range of devices, creating multiple possibilities to try different combinations to ensure the highest quality of your page. With the help of this platform, a tester can find bugs quickly and communicate with the team to address them. It also has a dashboard that displays the test status and progress. Hence, it is a good option for organizations looking for a simplified testing platform that supports <a href="https://testsigma.com/cross-browser-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cross-browser testing.</a></p>



<div class="cta-banner-v2">
<div class="title-with-description ">
<p class="title">Access to 2000+ real desktops, and iOS &amp; Android browsers for cross-browser tests online</p>
</div>
<a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-cross-browser-testing-tool" target="_blank" class="cta-btn-v1" rel="noopener">Explore Testsigma</a>
</div>



<h2 id="5p49o"><span id="Conclusion"><strong>Conclusion</strong></span></h2>



<p><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/9-tips-to-avoid-cross-browser-compatibility-issues-from-the-start/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cross Browser compatibility testing</a> is essential to ensure your website functions correctly across different browsers, operating systems, and devices. The browser compatibility testing checklist can be used to ensure you don&#8217;t miss any critical details that could cause problems later on. By following this checklist, you can be sure that your website will work correctly for everyone.</p>





Multi-Channel Testing
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Cross Browser Compatibility Testing
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Compatibility Testing
https://testsigma.com/guides/compatibility-testing/


Avoid Cross Browser Compatibility Issues
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Test Website on Different Browsers
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How to Check Responsive Website in Chrome?
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Cross Browser Compatibility Testing Checklist: The Do's and Dont's cover

Cross Browser Testing Checklist: The Do’s and Dont’s

<p>Many tests are carried out throughout a software’s life cycle, each serving a unique purpose. These tests ensure the delivery of high-quality, bug-free releases. Among them are alpha and beta testing, which helps build confidence in product launch and market success. Both are user acceptance testing carried out towards the end of a product life cycle.</p>



<p>While alpha testing helps you validate the quality of your software, beta testing allows you to obtain real-world feedback, ensuring your product is ready for the consumer market.</p>



<p>Both <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/the-different-software-testing-types-explained/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">testing types</a> are important and crucial to the product’s success. However, there is a difference in the way both tests are executed. This post will explore their essential differences, strategies, criteria, and goals.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Alpha_and_Beta_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is Alpha and Beta Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Alpha_Testing_and_Beta_Testing_8211_Key_Similarities"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Alpha Testing and Beta Testing &#8211; Key Similarities</a></li><li><a href="#Difference_Between_Alpha_and_Beta_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Difference Between Alpha and Beta Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Alpha_Testing_vs_Beta_Testing_8211_Key_Differences"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Alpha Testing vs Beta Testing &#8211; Key Differences</a></li><li><a href="#Which_One_to_Choose_Alpha_or_Beta_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Which One to Choose: Alpha or Beta Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#Why_is_alpha_testing_used"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">6.1</span> Why is alpha testing used?</a></li><li><a href="#How_long_does_Alpha_and_Beta_testing_take"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">6.2</span> How long does Alpha and Beta testing take?</a></li><li><a href="#What_comes_first_alpha_or_beta_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">6.3</span> What comes first, alpha or beta testing?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="what-is-alpha-and-beta-testing"><span id="What_is_Alpha_and_Beta_Testing"><strong>What is Alpha and Beta Testing?</strong></span></h2>



<p id="40kph"><strong>Alpha testing:</strong> It is performed before the product releases to identify errors or bugs. It is carried out in a controlled or lab environment by an internal QA team. The aim is to ensure <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/software-quality-planning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software quality</a> before it goes into production. Once the alpha testing is completed, the application moves on to beta testing.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Read more on <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/alpha-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alpha testing</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<p><strong>Beta Testing:</strong> Here comes the final testing stage &#8211; Beta Testing, where a select group of users tries out the application. The goal is to gauge customer satisfaction, ensuring the app is ready for the end user.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Read more on <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/beta-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beta testing</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 id="alpha-testing-and-beta-testing-key-similarities"><span id="Alpha_Testing_and_Beta_Testing_8211_Key_Similarities"><strong>Alpha Testing and Beta Testing &#8211; Key Similarities</strong></span></h2>



<p>Alpha and Beta testing, while serving different purposes, share some key similarities:</p>



<p><strong>1. Both are forms of <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/uat-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">User Acceptance Testing</a> (UAT):</strong></p>



<p>They focus on ensuring the final product meets the needs and expectations of its intended users. Both go beyond technical functionality and delve into real-world usability, user experience, and overall value proposition.</p>



<p><strong>2. Both aim to improve product quality:</strong></p>



<p>Identifying bugs, usability issues, and performance problems, both stages help developers refine the product before its public release. They contribute to a smoother user experience and a higher quality product overall.</p>



<p><strong>3. Both rely on feedback:</strong></p>



<p>Testers in both stages provide valuable feedback on their experience with the product. This feedback helps developers pinpoint areas for improvement and tailor the product to its target audience.</p>



<p><strong>4. Both contribute to a successful launch:</strong></p>



<p>By identifying and addressing potential issues before launch, alpha and beta testing contribute to a smoother and more successful release. They help minimize post-launch issues and negative user experiences.</p>



<p><strong>5. Both are iterative processes:</strong></p>



<p>Testing doesn&#8217;t stop after completing an alpha or beta phase. Based on the gathered feedback, developers typically iterate on the product and conduct further rounds of testing before the final release.</p>



<p>While these are some key similarities, it&#8217;s important to remember that alpha and beta testing have distinct differences in terms of testers, <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">testing environment</a>, focus, and duration.</p>



<h2 id="difference-between-alpha-and-beta-testing"><span id="Difference_Between_Alpha_and_Beta_Testing"><strong>Difference Between Alpha and Beta Testing</strong></span></h2>



<p id="let-s-have-a-look-at-the-comparison-table-to-see-how-they-differ">Let&#8217;s have a look at the alpha testing vs beta testing comparison table to see how they differ:</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table">
<table style="border: 1px solid black;border-collapse: collapse">
<tbody>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse"><strong>Criterion</strong></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse"><strong>Alpha Testing</strong></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse"><strong>Beta Testing</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Testers</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Internal employees of the organization</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">A sample group of end-users who aren’t part of organization</td>
</tr>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Environment</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Takes place in a controlled or lab environment</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Doesn’t require any specific lab environment</td>
</tr>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Performed</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Within the organization or at the developer’s site</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">At the client’s location or with end users</td>
</tr>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Time of testing</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Before launching the product for release</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">At the time of product marketing</td>
</tr>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Validation</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Checks for functionality, internal design, and system requirements&nbsp;</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Checks for reliability and security in detail</td>
</tr>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Goals</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Ensures product quality and design, making it ready for beta testing</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Evaluate customer satisfaction for full release&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Testing Type</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Covers black-box and white-box testing</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Covers black-box testing</td>
</tr>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Duration</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Includes multiple test cycles, each for 1-2 weeks, varying with the number of issues</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">A few test cycles are required, depending on user’s feedback</td>
</tr>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">After testing</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Developers immediately work on any identified issues or bugs</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Feedback received is usually implemented as future versions of product</td>
</tr>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Who performs the testing:</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Typically done by internal testers within the development team or company.
</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Done by external users, including potential customers, early adopters, or the general public (depending on the product)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>



<p></p>



<h2 id="7u3ik"><span id="Alpha_Testing_vs_Beta_Testing_8211_Key_Differences"><strong>Alpha Testing vs Beta Testing &#8211; Key Differences</strong></span></h2>



<ul><li>Alpha testing primarily takes place within the organization, whereas Beta testing takes place in the user&#8217;s environment.</li><li>Only functionality and usability are checked during Alpha Testing, whereas usability, functionality, security, and dependability are all thoroughly tested during Beta Testing.</li><li>Long execution cycles may be required for Alpha Testing, but Beta Testing can be completed in a matter of weeks.</li><li>Internal organization employees perform Alpha Testing, whereas users perform Beta Testing.</li></ul>



<p><strong>Who performs the testing:</strong></p>



<ul><li><strong>Alpha Testing:</strong> Typically done by <strong>internal testers</strong> within the development team or company.</li><li><strong>Beta Testing:</strong> Done by <strong>external users</strong>, including potential customers, early adopters, or the general public <em>(depending on the product).</em></li></ul>



<p><strong>Testing Environment:</strong></p>



<ul><li><strong>Alpha Testing:</strong> Often conducted in a <strong>controlled environment</strong> within the developer&#8217;s premises or under their supervision.</li><li><strong>Beta Testing:</strong> Performed in the <strong>real world</strong> by users in their environments, simulating actual usage conditions.</li></ul>



<p><strong>Focus of Testing:</strong></p>



<ul><li><strong>Alpha Testing:</strong> Primarily focuses on <strong>identifying major bugs, system stability, and core functionalities</strong>.</li><li><strong>Beta Testing:</strong> Evaluates broader aspects like <strong>usability, user experience, performance, compatibility, and overall appeal</strong> to the target audience.</li></ul>



<p><strong>Depth of Testing:</strong></p>



<ul><li><strong>Alpha Testing:</strong> More <strong>in-depth</strong>, involving techniques like white-box testing (understanding internal structures) and <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/black-box-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black-box testing</a> (user perspective).</li><li><strong>Beta Testing:</strong> Primarily uses <strong>black-box testing</strong>, focusing on how the product functions from a user&#8217;s standpoint.</li></ul>



<p><strong>Duration:</strong></p>



<ul><li><strong>Alpha Testing:</strong> Usually takes <strong>longer</strong> (weeks or months) due to its iterative nature and focus on fixing critical issues.</li><li><strong>Beta Testing:</strong> Shorter duration (a few weeks) as it primarily gathers feedback and identifies broad concerns.</li></ul>



<p><strong>Impact on Product:</strong></p>



<ul><li><strong>Alpha Testing:</strong> Helps <strong>shape the core functionalities</strong> and resolve major issues before wider exposure.</li><li><strong>Beta Testing:</strong> Provides insights for <strong>refining the user experience and ensuring market fit</strong> before official release.</li></ul>



<p><strong>Overall:</strong></p>



<ul><li><strong>Alpha Testing:</strong> Early-stage internal validation to catch major problems and stabilize the product.</li><li><strong>Beta Testing:</strong> Real-world user feedback to refine the product for launch and ensure market acceptance.</li></ul>



<p>Both stages are crucial for a successful product release but serve distinct purposes and involve different stakeholders. The choice between alpha and beta testing depends on the product&#8217;s needs and development phase.</p>



<h2 id="e7cak"><span id="Which_One_to_Choose_Alpha_or_Beta_Testing"><strong>Which One to Choose: Alpha or Beta Testing?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Looking at the differences, beta testing may seem to be more essential! And why not? After all, it helps collect genuine feedback from real users. Does that mean you can ignore alpha testing? Well, not really.</p>



<p>Although alpha and beta testing depend on real users and different team inputs, distinct processes and goals drive them. Combined, both testing types enhance a product’s performance and lifespan.</p>



<p>So, instead of focusing only on alpha or beta testing, we recommend you include both testing stages in your <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/sdlc-model/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software development lifecycle</a>. You may start with alpha testing after the <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/system-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">system testing</a> phase, fix and resolve all the critical issues, and proceed to the beta testing stage to get actionable insights from end users.</p>



<p>Automate your tests for web, mobile, desktop applications and APIs, 10x faster and from the same place with Testsigma</p>



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



<h2 id="dht2h"><span id="Frequently_Asked_Questions"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></span></h2>



<h3 id="5ckld"><span id="Why_is_alpha_testing_used">Why is alpha testing used?</span></h3>



<p>Alpha testing is used to identify and resolve all bugs or issues before the app is released to public. The aim is to ensure the app’s quality.</p>



<h3 id="ffjf8"><span id="How_long_does_Alpha_and_Beta_testing_take">How long does Alpha and Beta testing take?</span></h3>



<p>Alpha testing typically takes 1-2 weeks per <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-cycles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test cycle</a>, depending on how many issues are discovered and how many new features are released. It is not uncommon for the total Alpha phase to be 3-5 times the length of the following Beta phase.</p>



<p>The duration of beta testing depends on test objectives. Usually, the testers spend 1-3 weeks, which again varies with the size of the app.</p>



<h3 id="18sg"><span id="What_comes_first_alpha_or_beta_testing">What comes first, alpha or beta testing?</span></h3>



<p>Alpha testing comes first! The internal members of the organization perform this testing. Once the alpha testing is done, the application proceeds to the beta testing phase.</p>



<p>Beta testing releases a beta version of an application to a small group of real users. They try out the app for a specific period; based on their usage and experience and provide feedback to the organization.</p>

Alpha Testing vs Beta Testing: Everything you need to know cover

Alpha Testing vs Beta Testing: Everything you need to know

Software Testing Strategy - Prepare your Software for Launch

Software Testing Strategy – Prepare your Software for Launch


<p>The software testing landscape constantly evolves, and staying ahead of the curve is crucial for quality assurance (QA) specialists. Fortunately, 2024 offers exciting conferences to expand your knowledge and connect with fellow testers. This blog post provides a detailed overview of some of the top conferences happening throughout the year, categorized by date:</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Top_16_QA_Conferences_List"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> Top 16 QA Conferences List</a></li><li><a href="#Software_Testing_Conferences_8211_January_and_February_2025"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Software Testing Conferences &#8211; January and February 2025</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="top-16-qa-conferences-list"><span id="Top_16_QA_Conferences_List"><strong>Top 16 QA Conferences List</strong></span></h2>



<p><strong>Late Summer/Early Fall</strong></p>



<ul><li><strong>AI Con USA (2024, June 2-7, Las Vegas, Nevada):</strong> While not strictly focused on testing, AI Con USA offers valuable insights into artificial intelligence and its transformative impact on businesses. This event is an excellent opportunity to explore AI&#8217;s potential in the QA domain.<br></li><li><strong>EuroStar (2024, June 11-14, Stockholm, Sweden):</strong> Held in Stockholm, EuroSTAR is Europe&#8217;s leading testing conference. Over four days, highly skilled QA professionals will educate attendees on the latest trends and best practices.<br></li><li><strong>Selenium Conference (2024, June 21, Bangalore, India):</strong> This Bangalore event provides a space for networking and knowledge sharing in web automation, <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test automation</a>, and ecosystem integration.</li></ul>



<p><strong>Mid-Fall</strong></p>



<ul><li><strong>TribeQonf (2024, July 12-13, Bangalore, India):</strong> Don&#8217;t miss! TribeQonf in Bangalore for valuable insights from leading testers from established companies and startups. Expect discussions and presentations on a wide range of testing topics.<br></li><li><strong>Testμ 2024 (2024, August 21-23, Online):</strong> This online conference embodies a &#8220;by the community, for the community&#8221; spirit. Testμ offers interactive workshops, cultural discussions, and opportunities to discover emerging trends in the testing world.</li></ul>



<p><strong>Late Fall</strong></p>



<ul><li><strong>TestBash Brighton 2024 (September 12-13, 2024, Brighton, England):</strong> Held in Brighton, TestBash is a global gathering of testers where you can learn about the evolving role of <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/is-ai-really-important-in-software-test-automation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI in testing</a> and connect with colleagues from around the world.<br></li><li><strong>HUSTEF Conference (2024, October 8-10, Budapest, Hungary):</strong> The biennial Central European Software Testing Forum (HUSTEF) offers a chance to explore cutting-edge testing techniques, tools, and practices. This year, the conference takes place in Budapest, Hungary.<br></li><li><strong>Pacific Northwest Software Quality Conference (PNSQC) (2024, October 14-16, Portland, Oregon):</strong> With a rich 42-year history, PNSQC brings together industry leaders to discuss and share innovative approaches to software quality. Join this event in Portland, Oregon, to learn from the best.<br></li><li><strong>TestCon Europe (2024, October 22-25, Vilnius, Lithuania &amp; Online):</strong> TestCon Europe offers a hybrid format catering to in-person and online attendees. Expect workshops, presentations, and in-depth discussions on various testing topics.</li></ul>



<p><strong>Winter</strong></p>



<ul><li><strong>Testing United (2024, November 7-8, Vienna, Austria):</strong> This Vienna conference delves into the intricate connections between AI and QA. By examining past experiences and present possibilities, Testing United offers a fresh perspective on AI-augmented <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/quality-assurance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quality assurance</a>.<br></li><li><strong>Agile Testing Days</strong> <strong>(2024, November 19-22, Potsdam, Germany):</strong> Attend the world&#8217;s largest agile testing event, featuring over 140 seminars covering various hot topics.</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/jjr_FGVZxTLknJxDg7ecthufjw_u8B3k18_N9WX8ao2yWa6nnJNF9VeC-OJmeCtsULzAit-el5afQ-Nx4Dflar1gV23xcwSdMGznThv5UnaGLaQ6kkjf2U3uQ9zOp2PM21ZgEmbh-TeAvFiPcd6xamU" alt="Software Testing Conferences - January and February 2025"/></figure>



<p><strong>Here is a list of software testing (<em>QA</em>) conferences scheduled for January and February 2025.</strong></p>



<h2 id="software-testing-conferences-january-and-february-2025"><span id="Software_Testing_Conferences_8211_January_and_February_2025"><strong>Software Testing Conferences &#8211; January and February 2025</strong></span></h2>



<p><strong>Winter</strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>



<ul><li><strong>International Conference on Software Engineering and Design (ICSED) &#8211; Tokyo, Japan (Jan 07, 2025):</strong> This conference focuses on software engineering and design research, including software development methods and user experience design.<br></li><li><strong>International Conference on Computer and Software Engineering (ICCSE)—Zurich, Switzerland (Jan 14, 2025):</strong> This conference explores advancements in computer and software engineering. It may cover topics like software development, algorithms, and computer architecture.</li><li><strong>International Conference on Testing Software and Systems (ICTSS)—Mandalay, Myanmar (Jan 21, 2025):</strong> This conference is dedicated to software testing and will discuss methodologies, tools, and best practices for ensuring software quality.<br></li><li><strong>International Conference on Software Engineering Advances (ICSEA)—Mandalay, Myanmar (Jan 21, 2025):</strong> This conference focuses on recent developments and innovations in software engineering. It may include presentations on new programming languages, frameworks, and software development processes.<br></li><li><strong>International Conference on Software Engineering and Technology (ICSET) &#8211; Paris, France (Jan 25, 2025) &amp; Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Jan 28, 2025):</strong> These two locations for ICSET might be separate conferences, though the titles are identical. Both likely cover advancements in software engineering and related technologies.<br></li><li><strong>International Conference on Software Science and Technology (ICSST), Bengaluru, India (Jan 28, 2025):</strong> This conference will explore the science behind software development, potentially including areas like formal methods, software verification, and software reliability.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<p><strong>Winter/Summer</strong></p>



<ul><li><strong>International Conference on Software Engineering and Design (ICSED) &#8211; Melbourne, Australia (Feb 01, 2025):</strong> This conference focuses on research in software engineering and design, potentially including areas like software development methods and user experience design.<br></li><li><strong>International Conference on Software Engineering and Software Development Life Cycle (ICSESDLC)—Bogota, Colombia (Feb 15, 2025): </strong>This conference will explore the entire software development lifecycle, likely covering topics such as software development methodologies, project management, and testing practices.<br></li><li><strong>International Conference on Global Software Development (ICGSD) &#8211; London, United Kingdom (Feb 15, 2025):</strong> This conference examines the challenges and opportunities of software development in a globalized environment, including topics on distributed teams, communication strategies, and cultural considerations.<br></li><li><strong>International Conference on Computer and Software Engineering (ICCSE) &#8211; Rome, Italy (Feb 18, 2025):</strong> This conference explores computer and software engineering advancements. It may cover topics like software development, algorithms, and computer architecture.<br></li><li><strong>International Conference on Software Engineering and Technology (ICSET)—Tokyo, Japan (Feb 25, 2025):</strong> This conference will explore advancements in software engineering and related technologies. It may include presentations on new programming languages, frameworks, and <a href="https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/software-development-process/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software development processes</a>.&nbsp;</li></ul>



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



<p><em>Check out this list of the top QA conferences in 2024.</em>&nbsp;</p>



<p>These events offer excellent opportunities to learn, network, and stay ahead in this field. So, mark your calendars and prepare to experience a year of learning and growth in <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software testing</a>!</p>



<p><strong>Don&#8217;t forget to plan ahead for the events in 2025. Be an early bird!🐦</strong></p>


Top 15 QA conferences in 2023 you must attend

Top 16 QA (Software Testing) Conferences in 2024 & 2025

6 Best iOS Emulators For PC (Windows And Mac) To Run iOS Apps cover

6 Best iOS/iPhone Emulators For PC (Windows And Mac)

<p>JavaScript is the most popular programming language. In recent days, many UI frameworks have been built with JavaScript-based NodeJS platforms such as React, Angular, Vue, etc. TypeScript also internally utilizes JavaScript, as TypeScript is a typed superset of JavaScript. There was a time NUnit, XUnit, and JUnit testing frameworks were ruling the market. As JavaScript gained popularity, many testing frameworks emerged to support JavaScript/TypeScript-based applications. Let’s analyze the top three JavaScript Testing Frameworks: Jest vs Mocha vs Jasmine.</p>



<p>Many browser-based automation testing frameworks, such as Cypress, Puppeteer, and Selenium JavaScript bindings, rely on these frameworks internally. Before that, let’s discuss why unit testing is essential for JavaScript applications.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_JavaScript_Testing_Framework"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is JavaScript Testing Framework?</a></li><li><a href="#Types_of_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Types of Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Why_do_we_need_Unit_Testing_for_JavaScript_applications"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Why do we need Unit Testing for JavaScript applications?</a></li><li><a href="#Jest_vs_Mocha_vs_Jasmine_Why_compare_them"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Jest vs Mocha vs Jasmine: Why compare them?</a><ul><li><a href="#Jest_Mocha_and_Jasmines_initial_release_dates"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.1</span> Jest, Mocha, and Jasmine’s initial release dates</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Jest_JavaScript_Testing_Framework"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Jest JavaScript Testing Framework</a><ul><li><a href="#Jest_Data_on_NPM_and_GitHub"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.1</span> Jest Data on NPM and GitHub</a></li><li><a href="#Advantages_of_Jest_JavaScript_Testing_Framework"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.2</span> Advantages of Jest JavaScript Testing Framework</a></li><li><a href="#Limitations_of_Jest_Framework"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.3</span> Limitations of Jest Framework</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Mocha_JavaScript_Testing_Framework"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Mocha JavaScript Testing Framework</a><ul><li><a href="#Mocha_Trends_on_NPM_and_GitHub"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">6.1</span> Mocha Trends on NPM and GitHub</a></li><li><a href="#Advantages_of_Mocha_Testing_Framework"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">6.2</span> Advantages of Mocha Testing Framework</a></li><li><a href="#Limitations_of_Mocha_Framework"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">6.3</span> Limitations of Mocha Framework</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Jasmine_JavaScript_Testing_Framework"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Jasmine JavaScript Testing Framework</a><ul><li><a href="#Jasmine_Facts_on_NPM_and_GitHub"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">7.1</span> Jasmine Facts on NPM and GitHub </a></li><li><a href="#Advantages_of_Jasmine_JavaScript_Framework"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">7.2</span> Advantages of Jasmine JavaScript Framework</a></li><li><a href="#Limitations_of_Jasmine"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">7.3</span> Limitations of Jasmine</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Jest_vs_Mocha_vs_Jasmine_Which_one_to_choose"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> Jest vs Mocha vs Jasmine: Which one to choose?</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="a45ef"><span id="What_is_JavaScript_Testing_Framework">What is JavaScript Testing Framework?</span></h2>



<p>The JavaScript testing framework is a testing library, which supports testing front-end applications by providing assertions, code coverage, mocking, etc., and ensures the correctness of the developed feature.</p>



<h2 id="db24o"><span id="Types_of_Testing">Types of Testing</span></h2>



<p>Software application testing can be broadly categorized into two levels:</p>



<ul><li><strong>End-to-End Testing:</strong> This is browser-based testing, in a layman&#8217;s term simulation of user-based scenarios. This requires launching the browser, simulating user actions, and validating them. Tools such as Cypress, WebdriverIO, and Puppeteer are examples. Generally, end-to-end testing tools provide the simulation feature to verify the outcome of the use cases; it depends on test libraries such as Mocha, Jest or Jasmine, etc.</li><li><strong>Unit Testing:</strong> This generally doesn’t require browsers to run the test; individual components will be tested against the requirements. The test libraries, such as Jest, Mocha, and Jasmine, are configured to run the unit tests. Whenever there are new features or bug fixes, the developer should ensure that unit testing is in place.</li></ul>



<p>Jest, Mocha, and Jasmine have gained popularity as they are necessary for unit testing, integration testing, and end-to-end testing. Its scope is not limited to JavaScript; it supports TypeScript as well.</p>



<h2 id="8g97t"><span id="Why_do_we_need_Unit_Testing_for_JavaScript_applications">Why do we need Unit Testing for JavaScript applications?</span></h2>



<p>The modern software development architecture recommends TDD (Test Driven Development) or BDD (Behavior Driven Development) as the mandatory practice while application development, as it has many advantages and helps to deliver a quality product. Below are some common benefits of unit testing:</p>



<ul><li><strong>Early detection of bugs: </strong>Unit testing is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to prevent bugs. Unit testing checks the logic at the component level, ensuring that the component is working as expected.</li><li><strong>Early detection of regressions:</strong> When the developer changes the code to fix the bug or add a new feature, the unit test reports the failure, which helps in the early detection of the bugs.</li><li><strong>Saves cost:</strong> Any bug caught later in development is costlier, as it has to go through multiple processes, and a lot of effort is involved. When there is an effort, there is a cost. Since unit testing helps in the early detection of bugs, it saves many expenses in the long run.</li><li><strong>Defect prevention: </strong>Well-written unit tests can prevent the defect, as the test fails instantly, preventing the unintended modification of code.</li><li><strong>Quality gate:</strong> Unit testing serves as a quality gate, as the percentage of code coverage can be measured and set the quality gate as per the requirement. The code merge fails instantly if the coverage is below the required limit.</li></ul>



<p>Let’s compare the three testing JavaScript frameworks: Jest vs Jasmine vs Mocha.</p>



<h2 id="4v96l"><span id="Jest_vs_Mocha_vs_Jasmine_Why_compare_them">Jest vs Mocha vs Jasmine: Why compare them?</span></h2>



<p>These three frameworks have existed for a long time and are quite popular in the market. Whenever the question arises about the best among these three, the answer is always debatable. However, by analyzing their features, limitations, and trends in the market, we should be able to conclude which is the best framework. All three frameworks were released a decade back.</p>



<h3 id="e0de2"><span id="Jest_Mocha_and_Jasmines_initial_release_dates">Jest, Mocha, and Jasmine’s initial release dates</span></h3>



<ul><li>Jasmine&#8217;s Initial release was on September 14, 2010</li><li>Jest was created in 2011, and it was made open-source in 2014</li><li>Mocha&#8217;s initial release was on 22 November 2011</li></ul>



<p>These three frameworks perform well even after a decade, so it&#8217;s worth exploring and comparing them. This article compares them in an unbiased way.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://images.storychief.com/account_36412/image_128385a6a120ee1d172f9b09c10c50e9_800.png" alt="jest rankings"/><figcaption>Source: Testing experience ranking<gwmw style="display:none;"></figcaption></figure>



<p>The above image shows the satisfaction ranking of testing libraries. Jest is in the Top 3, Mocha is in the Top 8, and Jasmine is in the Top 10. This ranking is a comparison of all JavaScript testing frameworks, both unit and end-to-end testing frameworks. As mentioned earlier, some end-to-end testing framework uses one of these libraries, for example, Cypress internally uses Mocha/Chai libraries. The above ranking can be used as a reference but not for a conclusion unless you evaluate the features against your organization&#8217;s requirements.</p>



<h2 id="cf2j3"><span id="Jest_JavaScript_Testing_Framework">Jest JavaScript Testing Framework</span></h2>



<p>Jest is an open-source JavaScript testing framework managed by Facebook, Inc. It supports different types of front-end projects such as Babel, TypeScript, <a href="https://fireart.studio/trusted-node-js-development-company/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Node</a>, React, Angular, Vue, etc. Jest was built for the Facebook chat feature and was created in JavaScript. The framework is enhanced to support many core features and open source. The Meta (formerly Facebook) open-source project was maintaining the Jest framework, but Meta has decided to hand over Jest to the OpenJS foundation.</p>



<h3 id="2bepo"><span id="Jest_Data_on_NPM_and_GitHub">Jest Data on <a href="https://www.npmjs.com/package/jest">NPM </a>and GitHub</span></h3>



<ul><li>Weekly Downloads: 17,153,924</li><li>Used by: 6.4M</li><li>Contributors: 1,387</li><li>Forks: 6K</li><li>Star: 40.1K</li><li>License: MIT</li></ul>



<h3 id="dnlnf"><span id="Advantages_of_Jest_JavaScript_Testing_Framework">Advantages of Jest JavaScript Testing Framework</span></h3>



<ul><li>Zero config setup. Jest is easy to set up. Install the Jest package using npm or Yarn and start writing the test.</li><li>Jest test execution is comparatively faster; parallel testing makes it even faster.</li><li>Jest framework provides an easy mocking feature with rich mock functions; you just need to import and start spying on functions.</li><li>Rich assertions make Jest provide the accurate results.</li><li>Detailed documentation lists every feature with examples, which helps anyone to understand and resolve the problem.</li><li>Snapshot testing or Visual testing is another key feature of the Jest framework. The Snapshot testing helps validate UI bugs, for example, layout, typography, alignment, etc.</li><li>Easy to debug and resolve the failures.</li><li>Some of the critical features of Jest include clear output, powerful developer tools, frequent releases, lightweight, etc.</li></ul>



<p>Learn More: <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/uncaught-typeerror-in-javascript/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Uncaught Type Error in Javascript&nbsp;</a></p>



<h3 id="1pn6v"><span id="Limitations_of_Jest_Framework">Limitations of Jest Framework</span></h3>



<ul><li>People who worked with other testing libraries may find it hard to learn Jest.</li><li>Jest is not supported by all IDE. If you are using the unsupported IDE, you might not get powerful features like IntelliSense, auto import, etc.</li><li>Compared to other similar libraries, Jest lacks the library and tooling support.</li><li>The auto mocking feature makes Jest slower.</li></ul>



<h2 id="3dqch"><span id="Mocha_JavaScript_Testing_Framework">Mocha JavaScript Testing Framework</span></h2>



<p>Mocha is an open-source JavaScript testing framework built by NodeJS. It is part of the OpenJS foundation. Mocha is consistently the first choice of developers for a long time. This framework always concentrates on core features and extensibility. To make the most out of Mocha and ensure effective testing of JavaScript applications, businesses can <a href="https://binary-studio.com/hire-node-js-developers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hire Node js developers</a> with expertise in Mocha.</p>



<h3 id="6fdf8"><span id="Mocha_Trends_on_NPM_and_GitHub">Mocha Trends on <a href="https://www.npmjs.com/package/jest">NPM </a>and <a href="https://github.com/mochajs/mocha">GitHub</a></span></h3>



<ul><li>Weekly Downloads: 6,659,493</li><li>Used by: 1.7M</li><li>Contributors: 480</li><li>Forks: 3K</li><li>Star: 21.6K</li><li>License: MIT</li></ul>



<h3 id="8kbb"><span id="Advantages_of_Mocha_Testing_Framework">Advantages of Mocha Testing Framework</span></h3>



<p>Mocha is a simple and flexible framework; it doesn&#8217;t come with assertion libraries you can use any assertions libraries. The Chai, Sinon, Express.js, and Should.js libraries are the most popular assertion libraries with Mocha. It can be used for both front-end and back-end testing. As it is flexible, Mocha can be configured to work on any project such as React, Angular, etc.</p>



<ul><li>Mocha supports Test Driven Development (TDD) and Behavior Driving Development (BDD).</li><li>Mocha test runs serially, so results are always accurate.</li><li>Mocha tests can be set up to run test cases directly on the web browser.</li><li>It provides various ways to generate the test report; you can even choose to create custom reports.</li><li>It can be configured for synchronous or asynchronous testing.</li><li>Mocha provides a good number of plugins that helps to extend your framework.</li><li>Mocha highlights the slow running tests after the test run.</li><li>Mocha supports the retry failed tests feature, which helps to configure re-running the failed tests if tests are flaky.</li></ul>



<h3 id="40g24"><span id="Limitations_of_Mocha_Framework">Limitations of Mocha Framework</span></h3>



<ul><li>The developer needs to spend time configuring and setting up the Mocha framework.</li><li>Snapshot testing is not supported out of the box; you need to depend on external libraries.</li><li>Though it has good documentation, the search feature is not user-friendly.</li><li>As you have to integrate different frameworks for assertions, the test scripts can sometimes be confusing.</li><li>Mocha is falling behind in releasing new features and supporting developer tools nowadays.</li></ul>



<h2 id="hslu"><span id="Jasmine_JavaScript_Testing_Framework">Jasmine JavaScript Testing Framework</span></h2>



<p>Initially released in September 2010, Jasmine is an open-source JavaScript framework that runs with NodeJS. It supports BDD development. Everything needed for testing is shipped as a single package in Jasmine. It has inbuilt assertions, so there is no need to configure external assertion libraries. Jasmine is an independent testing library. Jest and Mocha share the syntaxes and similarities with Jasmine. Jasmine existed even before Mocha and Jest, making it one of the oldest JavaScript testing frameworks.</p>



<h3 id="d63ra"><span id="Jasmine_Facts_on_NPM_and_GitHub">Jasmine Facts on <a href="https://www.npmjs.com/package/jasmine-core">NPM</a> and <a href="https://github.com/jasmine/jasmine">GitHub </a></span></h3>



<ul><li>Weekly Downloads: 4,278,068</li><li>Used by: 2.4M</li><li>Contributors: 218</li><li>Forks: 2.3K</li><li>Star: 15.4K</li><li>License: MIT</li></ul>



<h3 id="d8ndn"><span id="Advantages_of_Jasmine_JavaScript_Framework">Advantages of Jasmine JavaScript Framework</span></h3>



<p>Jasmine ships all the features out-of-the-box that are required for unit tests; you do not have to download any external libraries.</p>



<ul><li>Jasmine can be used with any popular development framework.</li><li>Jasmine supports asynchronous testing.</li><li>Jasmine&#8217;s syntaxes are clear, and the tests are more readable.</li><li>Good community support is a big plus for Jasmine, as it has existed as a popular framework for a long time.</li><li>Jasmine provides good tool and extension support, which helps to customize and extend the framework.</li><li>Jasmine provides a variety of assertions; it is more readable and easier to use.</li></ul>



<h3 id="epkqs"><span id="Limitations_of_Jasmine">Limitations of Jasmine</span></h3>



<ul><li>Jasmine provides everything out of the box, but the user has to spend time configuring them.</li><li>It has good documentation, but not documented in a user-friendly way.</li><li>Asynchronous testing is complex with Jasmine.</li></ul>



<h2 id="f7lfm"><span id="Jest_vs_Mocha_vs_Jasmine_Which_one_to_choose">Jest vs Mocha vs Jasmine: Which one to choose?</span></h2>



<p>It&#8217;s tough to conclude which is better, as every framework has its pros and cons. The testing framework cannot be chosen based on trends, popularity, or usage. Several criteria need to be evaluated while choosing the testing framework, for example, the front-end development library, type of application, skillsets, etc. After assessing the organization and project requirements, the testing framework needs to be integrated.</p>



<p>If you consider the popularity, Jest is mostly popular with ReactJS and NextJS-based applications, and Jasmine is popular with Angular-based applications. The complex projects choose the Mocha testing framework as it provides a lot of flexibility. Having said that, no framework can be considered the best. However, if the framework fulfills your project and organization requirements, that is the best for you.</p>



<p>We know that unit testing is part of the application testing and resides at the lower level before integrating the components. The actual behavior can be tested only after integrating all the components by performing end-to-end testing. Like Unit testing tools, many tools provide end-to-end testing functionality. The common problem with testing tools is that though they use the same programming languages, their usage and configuration are different. So one needs to invest time and effort in learning them.</p>



<p>Interestingly, <a href="https://testsigma.com/why-choose-testsigma-for-continuous-testing">Testsigma </a>provides scriptless testing, so you don&#8217;t have to install any tool to perform end-to-end testing. Once you sign up, you can start writing your tests in plain English. Writing the tests in simple English feature encourages everyone to contribute to testing and eliminates <a href="https://testsigma.com/docs/getting-started/introduction-cloud/">setup </a>time and learning efforts.<gwmw style="display:none;"></p>



<p><script>if(window.strchfSettings === undefined) window.strchfSettings = {};window.strchfSettings.stats = {url: "https://testsigma-inc.storychief.io/en/jest-vs-mocha-vs-jasmine?id=282734681&type=2",title: "Jest vs Mocha vs Jasmine: Top 3 JavaScript Testing Frameworks in 2022",id: "317deb0e-2dfc-41d7-bd18-f35979707693"};(function(d, s, id) {var js, sjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if (d.getElementById(id)) {window.strchf.update(); return;}js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;js.src = "https://d37oebn0w9ir6a.cloudfront.net/scripts/v0/strchf.js";js.async = true;sjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, sjs);}(document, 'script', 'storychief-jssdk'))</script></p>

Jest vs Mocha vs Jasmine: Top 3 JavaScript Testing Frameworks in 2022 cover

Jest vs Mocha vs Jasmine: Top 3 JavaScript Testing Frameworks


<p>In 2021, an astounding 1.43 billion mobile devices were sold. This indicates the increasing dependence on these mobile devices for the performance of tasks that were traditionally done by desktops. There are 2.65 million apps on Google Play; therefore, it is very essential that your app be found and without any errors. Simulators and emulators can be cost-effective alternatives for testing on real mobile devices, offering unique advantages. Let’s see how these tools can help in developing your app and what unique advantages they provide.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Simulator_vs_Emulator_Overview"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> Simulator vs Emulator: Overview</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_a_Simulator"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.1</span> What is a Simulator?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_an_Emulator"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.2</span> What is an Emulator?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Simulator_vs_Emulator_6_Key_Differences"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Simulator vs Emulator: 6 Key Differences</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_a_Real_Device"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> What is a Real Device?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_Real_Device_is_not_always_used_for_Mobile_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Why Real Device is not always used for Mobile Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Overcoming_Real_Device_Problems_with_Testsigma"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Overcoming Real Device Problems with Testsigma</a></li><li><a href="#Wrap_up"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Wrap up!</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</a><ul><li><a href="#Which_is_better_an_emulator_or_a_real_device"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">7.1</span> Which is better, an emulator or a real device?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_simulator_vs_emulator_in_the_mobile_testing_example"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">7.2</span> What is simulator vs emulator in the mobile testing example?</a></li><li><a href="#How_does_an_emulator_compare_to_a_real_device_for_developing_purposes"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">7.3</span> How does an emulator compare to a real device for developing purposes?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="simulator-vs-emulator-overview"><span id="Simulator_vs_Emulator_Overview"><strong>Simulator vs Emulator: Overview</strong></span></h2>



<h3 id="h-what-is-a-simulator"><span id="What_is_a_Simulator">What is a Simulator?</span></h3>



<p><strong>Simulators</strong> create an abstract model of a system, mimicking its behavior and functionality without replicating its exact underlying architecture. They are often used for training and educational purposes, allowing users to experiment with various scenarios safely and efficiently. Read here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/simulation-test/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Simulation Test</a></p>



<h3 id="h-what-is-an-emulator"><span id="What_is_an_Emulator">What is an Emulator?</span></h3>



<p><strong><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/what-is-an-emulator/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Emulators</a></strong>, on the other hand, strive to reproduce the exact hardware and software environment of a system. This means that applications can run as if they are on the original platform, making emulators essential for testing software compatibility and performance across different environments.</p>



<h2 id="h-simulator-vs-emulator-6-key-differences"><span id="Simulator_vs_Emulator_6_Key_Differences"><strong>Simulator vs Emulator: 6 Key Differences</strong></span></h2>



<p>Here is a table to explain the differences in detail:</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Criteria</strong></td><td><strong>Simulator</strong></td><td><strong>Emulator</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Hardware Replication</strong></td><td>Does not replicate the exact hardware.</td><td>Closely replicates both hardware and software environments.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Accuracy</strong></td><td>May not reflect real-world performance accurately.</td><td>Accurate representation of device behavior.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Resource Requirements</strong></td><td>Generally less resource-intensive.</td><td>Can be resource-intensive.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Configuration</strong></td><td>Often easier to set up.</td><td>May require specific configuration and setup.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Speed</strong></td><td>Typically faster than emulators.</td><td>Slower than simulators due to hardware emulation.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Use Cases</strong></td><td>Ideal for early-stage testing, <a href="https://reloadux.com/blog/ui-ux-design-evaluation-methods-for-usability-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UI/UX evaluation</a>, and quick feedback.</td><td>Suitable for testing hardware-specific features, detailed performance evaluation, and preparing for release.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 id="h-what-is-a-real-device"><span id="What_is_a_Real_Device"><strong>What is a Real Device?</strong></span></h2>



<p>A real device is not a specially crafted device for testing or development.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It is the same device that you, I, and any other end-user use personally. So you just need to buy a device, install your application, and start testing right away.</p>



<p>A real device is the best way to <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/software-application-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test your application</a> because since it is an actual device, all the parameters you would see will be accurate. So, why did we talk about emulators and simulators when a real device looks like the best option?&nbsp;</p>




<div class="cta-banner-v2">
<div class="title-with-description ">
<p class="title">Automate and execute your tests on real devices, 5x faster, with Testsigma</p>
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<a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" class="cta-btn-v1" rel="noopener">Try for free</a>
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<h2 id="h-why-real-device-is-not-always-used-for-mobile-testing"><span id="Why_Real_Device_is_not_always_used_for_Mobile_Testing"><strong>Why Real Device is not always used for Mobile Testing?</strong></span></h2>



<p>This question always pops out: Why Real Devices Aren&#8217;t Always Used for Mobile Testing?</p>



<p>Using just real devices for <a href="https://testsigma.com/mobile-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mobile testing</a> is impractical because of the huge number of mobile devices, high costs, and infrastructure requirements associated with them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Keeping a device fleet alive and ensuring network connectivity and software updates could be expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, organizations are typically forced to look at alternative solutions, such as using simulators or emulators to keep up-to-date without all the overhead.</p>



<p>We can take <a href="https://testsigma.com/"><strong>Testsigma </strong></a>as an example and see how to overcome any problem with real-time devices.</p>



<h2 id="h-overcoming-real-device-problems-with-testsigma"><span id="Overcoming_Real_Device_Problems_with_Testsigma"><strong>Overcoming Real Device Problems with Testsigma</strong></span></h2>



<p>In this section, let me show you how you can tackle device-related issues without the hassle of maintenance or purchasing new devices. With Testsigma, it&#8217;s possible!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdplDEscVf6ykYrrC2lmMS9jzIxOQE1O0K0sWR4rPCUyd1ubUQoJoNPjkDVDd0jyF8QP6LWH0Pl1XPiOp3kfvTdrvf3MlfNzbzjzW4GxD8tqn5_zP7vTbIik2KQ2gMQSdJ5tlXt4780vkLF5USIYr4wl9c?key=-_0Wa5g7Qjsrm7B1SYLSbA" alt="Overcoming Real Device Problems with Testsigma" /></figure>



<p>Testsigma offers access to real devices for testers who want to deliver high-quality apps but are limited by budget or maintenance costs.</p>



<p>Here’s how to test your mobile app on Testsigma:</p>



<ol><li><strong>Sign up </strong>on Testsigma.</li><li><strong>Create a new project</strong> or open an existing one, then click “Record.”</li><li><strong>Select the device and OS version</strong>, and upload your application.</li><li>Once uploaded, click “Record” to start capturing your testing session.</li><li>Click “LOG IN” to fill in the necessary details.</li></ol>



<p>Using Testsigma’s mobile recorder, you can see your app running on a real device, just like a user would. You can interact with the app—tapping buttons, entering text, and more—all of which gets recorded and translated into plain English on the left side.</p>



<p>These recorded steps can be saved and reused for future versions of your app.</p>



<p>Testsigma is an excellent choice for mobile app testing, allowing you to use real devices without high costs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Try our platform and share your feedback in the comments!</p>




<div class="cta-banner-v2">
<div class="title-with-description ">
<p class="title">Automate and execute your tests on real devices, 5x faster, with Testsigma</p>
</div>
<a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" class="cta-btn-v1" rel="noopener">Try for free</a>
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<h2 id="h-wrap-up"><span id="Wrap_up"><strong>Wrap up!</strong></span></h2>



<p>The growth and affordability of mobile phones have made app testing essential. Effective testing often requires real devices, though this can be challenging. We can choose among emulators, simulators (rarely), and real devices based on their strengths. While real devices offer thorough testing, they may not always be cost-effective.</p>



<p>Lastly, we recommend an online platform for testing apps that provide access to real devices without the hassle of procurement or maintenance.</p>



<p>I hope this post helps your mobile app testing efforts.&nbsp;</p>



<p><em>Thank you for your time! Happy Testing.</em></p>



<h2 id="h-frequently-asked-questions-faqs"><span id="Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</strong></span></h2>



<h3 id="h-which-is-better-an-emulator-or-a-real-device"><span id="Which_is_better_an_emulator_or_a_real_device">Which is better, an emulator or a real device?</span></h3>



<p>Among emulators and real devices, the latter is better for performing mobile device testing. It provides the same environment to run the application and gives proper results for performance and <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/functional-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">functional testing</a>.</p>



<h3 id="h-what-is-simulator-vs-emulator-in-the-mobile-testing-example"><span id="What_is_simulator_vs_emulator_in_the_mobile_testing_example">What is simulator vs emulator in the mobile testing example?</span></h3>



<p>In mobile testing, simulator/emulator are the machines designed to mimic the mobile device environment on a desktop. Both serve the same purpose but have different functioning scenarios. While the former only simulates the software on top of the system hardware, the latter recreates both software and hardware similar to a mobile device environment. Get here . <a href="https://testsigma.com/ios-simulator-online" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>IOS Simulator Online</strong></a></p>



<h3 id="h-how-does-an-emulator-compare-to-a-real-device-for-developing-purposes"><span id="How_does_an_emulator_compare_to_a_real_device_for_developing_purposes">How does an emulator compare to a real device for developing purposes?</span></h3>



<p>Emulators emulate (or imitate) another program or device, but real devices show the exact performance and functional environment where the application will be running.</p>





Android Emulator for Linux
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What Is an Emulator?
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Top 10 Android Emulators for PCs
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Everything you need to know about Simulator vs. Emulator vs. Real Device - Mobile Testing cover

Simulator vs Emulator: 6 Top Key Differences


<p>Device farms are used to simulate the testing process of iOS and Android applications on multiple device platforms. Subsequently, you can cut labor costs and time required by using some of the best device farms for testing. Hence, it helps you achieve greater test coverage and eases your DevOps mobile pipeline.</p>



<p>In recent times, there has been a gradual increase in the range of mobile devices. We see devices with different features, OS, screen sizes, etc. Therefore, it&#8217;s natural that we need to put more effort into testing our applications on each of these devices. We want our applications to work flawlessly on every possible device the user might use.</p>



<p>With all these new versions of Android and iOS devices available, manual testing will take a toll on your budget and labor hours. Hence, there was a need for a platform that would allow you to perform simulated manual testing on a broad range of devices all in one place.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_are_device_farms"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What are device farms?</a></li><li><a href="#Benefits_of_mobile_app_testing_on_device_farms"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Benefits of mobile app testing on device farms</a></li><li><a href="#Best_mobile_device_farms_for_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Best mobile device farms for testing</a><ul><li><a href="#Testsigma"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.1</span> Testsigma</a></li><li><a href="#AWS_Device_Farm"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.2</span> AWS Device Farm</a></li><li><a href="#Sauce_Labs"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.3</span> Sauce Labs</a></li><li><a href="#Firebase_Test_Lab"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.4</span> Firebase Test Lab</a></li><li><a href="#Samsung_Remote_Test_Lab"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.5</span> Samsung Remote Test Lab</a></li><li><a href="#Xamarin_Test_Cloud"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.6</span> Xamarin Test Cloud</a></li><li><a href="#Kobiton"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.7</span> Kobiton</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="f6aan"><span id="What_are_device_farms">What are device farms?</span></h2>



<p>When the device fleet rose in earlier times, Nokia started an initiative to make the lives of testers somewhat easier. They would allow them to run their applications on rented devices in a remote-controlled mode. However, we could not scale it to the extent of mobile variations that we have now.</p>



<p>As a further development, now the OS itself could provide tools that would allow testers to simulate user actions on applications. Consequently, they can write scripts that can be executed on mobile phones running in developer modes. These scripts would easily imitate user actions on devices.</p>



<p>Subsequently, they built DevOps tools that automatically build and run these scripts on thousands of mobile devices. These devices would have the target applications on them and run in developer mode.</p>



<p>A fleet of such devices with different variations running on remote cloud labs is called a device farm.</p>



<h2 id="bm1j6"><span id="Benefits_of_mobile_app_testing_on_device_farms">Benefits of mobile app testing on device farms</span></h2>



<p>If you are working at scale, <a href="https://testsigma.com/mobile-testing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">testing your mobile applications</a> on multiple devices becomes really expensive and time-consuming. On device farms, you have access to thousands of devices with different configurations.</p>



<p>You can leverage emulators and simulators to perform your testing. Cloud-based testing also allows you to capture performance issues. Here are some of the most important benefits of using device farms for mobile app testing.</p>



<ul><li>You have lots of devices with different OS platforms, screen orientations, display sizes, memory, network, etc. It reduces the overall maintenance and infrastructure cost.</li><li>You can perform parallel testing which will save you tons of time.</li><li>Cloud-based environments are usually secure and they can be accessed from anywhere.</li><li>You can get detailed reports in the form of graphs, video recordings, screenshots, etc.</li><li>With the help of all the reports, it becomes easier to spot bugs and fix them.</li><li>You can easily integrate them with your CI/CD pipeline, making collaboration easier.</li></ul>



<h2 id="b5a22"><span id="Best_mobile_device_farms_for_testing">Best mobile device farms for testing</span></h2>



<p>On a lower level, all the device farms use some kind of special script. This script is launched by the OS to simulate actions like gestures, button presses, touch, etc.</p>



<p>The main difference is the subsystems used by these device farms for executing these scripts. Some of the popular ones are &#8211; Espresso, Appium, Calabash, UI Automator, Robotium, XCTest, etc.</p>



<p>In this article, let’s discuss a mix of free and professional device farms and test labs.</p>



<h3 id="1e3u3"><span id="Testsigma"><a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Testsigma</a></span></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/static-docs.testsigma.com/new_images/projects/applications/dashboard.png" alt="Testsigma Dashboard showing all the sections"/></figure>



<p>Testsigma is not just a device farm but a cloud-based, no-code test automation platform. It allows you to perform parallel <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-mobile-app-testing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">automated tests on real devices</a> hosted in the cloud. It helps you to create test cases using plain English, and there is no need to set up any infrastructure.</p>



<p>Here are the features of Testsigma that make it sit right on top of the deck.</p>



<ul><li>Testsigma has zero learning curve, enabling everyone to test on the go with its simple English scripting feature</li><li>You can perform <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-mobile-app-testing">automated mobile app test</a> scenarios on 3000+ iOS and Android devices remotely.</li><li>Parallel automated testing is supported, allowing for quick results.</li><li>Creating detailed test cases for UI/UX testing is easy with Testsigma.</li><li>Testsigma provides drill-down test reports with video recordings and screenshots.</li><li>Bug sharing, CI/CD integration, and other features make reporting results faster and easier.</li></ul>



<div class="cta-banner-v2">
<div class="title-with-description ">
<p class="title">Testsigma can help you cut test maintenance by 50% across platforms with live mobile app testing on its device farm.</p>
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<a href="https://testsigma.com/request-demo" target="_blank" class="cta-btn-v1" rel="noopener">Try now for free</a>
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<h3 id="fqfak"><span id="AWS_Device_Farm">AWS Device Farm</span></h3>



<p>This is the most widely used and best mobile device farm for testing currently available. It lets you test concurrently on multiple devices to speed up the execution of your test suites. It also generates logs and videos for extensive debugging.</p>



<p>A large number of devices with options to choose memory, CPU usage, location, carriers, etc.</p>



<p>Videos and logs to reproduce the bugs faster. Fine-tune real-world environments by setting location, network, language, etc. Several plugins and APIs to integrate with your CI/CD, like Jenkins, Android Studio, etc.</p>



<p>Set up private device labs to avoid long waiting queues. For script executors, you can use Appium (iOS + Android), Espresso and Robotium for Android, and UIAutomation and XCTest for iOS.</p>



<h3 id="at6t2"><span id="Sauce_Labs">Sauce Labs</span></h3>



<p>Sauce Labs allow you to expedite live and automated mobile app testing on public and private device clouds. You can use Android emulators and iOS simulators that are highly reliable, cost-effective, scalable, and optimized for your CI/CD pipeline.</p>



<p>You can easily achieve beta, live, automated, and API testing using high volumes of real device tests with minimum error rates.You will have access to features such as unlimited screenshots and videos, single-use VMs, secure local tunneling, REST API access, tons of debugging tools, etc. </p>



<p>Similar to AWS device farms, Sauce Labs also allows you access to the best script executors including Appium, Espresso, and XCUITest.</p>



<h3 id="2hgl3"><span id="Firebase_Test_Lab">Firebase Test Lab</span></h3>



<p>This has been developed by Google and is specifically designed for testing Android applications, but you can also test iOS apps. It uses real production devices for app testing running in Google data centers.</p>



<p>They have customizable locale settings and updated APIs. You can easily road-test your app by configuring the hardware and software configurations. Some of its key capabilities are &#8211;</p>



<p>Firebase Test Lab is integrated with Android Studio, Firebase console, and gCloud CLI. You can even integrate it with your CI pipelines. To execute scripts, you can use Espresso, Robotium, UI Automator 2.0, and Robo tools.</p>



<p>It provides testing and cloud API quotas included in Blaze and Spark testing plans. The spark plan is free and can perform 15 daily test runs. The blaze plan determines the cost based on the time taken for test runs.</p>



<h3 id="avd6v"><span id="Samsung_Remote_Test_Lab">Samsung Remote Test Lab</span></h3>



<p>Needless to say, Samsung owns a big chunk of the world&#8217;s smartphone and Android market. Hence, it’s worth noting the remote testing lab provided by Samsung.</p>



<p>This device farm contains all the flagship Samsung smartphone devices. Additionally, testers will have access to innovations even before they have rolled them out to market. This will allow you to test the operations of your applications on devices that have not yet launched.</p>



<p>Not only this, you can even perform tests on Tizen-based devices like Galaxy smartwatches and Tizen mobiles.</p>



<p>There are more than 30 smartphone and tablet models to perform your tests on. It allows you to manually record all the events and steps you want to test in the same sequence. Besides, it enables you to perform remote debugging.</p>



<p>The Samsung device farms are completely free to use. However, the only constraint is that you can only test your application on Samsung smartphones.</p>



<h3 id="53i5u"><span id="Xamarin_Test_Cloud">Xamarin Test Cloud</span></h3>



<p>The Xamarin device farms are a part of Microsoft’s Visual Studio App Center. It allows you to run your tests on over 2500 mobile devices. You can upload your application and tests on the Xamarin Cloud using Visual Studio. This will automatically install the application on the environment and prepare your test runs.</p>



<p>Xamarin offers frameworks such as Appium, Calabash, Espresso, and Xamarin.UITest to execute your test scripts. When the test runs are completed, it will send out a notification with detailed test reports to all the registered users.</p>



<h3 id="3gj89"><span id="Kobiton">Kobiton</span></h3>



<p>With Kobiton, you can access hundreds of real devices in the cloud. Concerning performance, these devices mimic actual devices in hand. It has a slew of features without any complicated setup procedures.</p>



<p>Whether you run manual or automated tests, it captures detailed, rich test logs in formats like screenshots and videos, along with metrics like memory and battery performance. You can easily replay scenarios to perform root cause analysis.</p>



<p>You can perform parallel execution of all your test scripts. It allows you to integrate it into your CI/CD pipelines quickly. With the help of ADB debugging, you can easily get hold of cloud (or local) devices straight from your developer workstation. You can natively access mobile devices directly from your IDE.</p>



<p>You can <a href="https://www.vpnreactor.com/best-free-vpn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">use VPN</a> from your private Kobiton cloud to ensure flexibility but not at the cost of security. Kobiton supports open standard frameworks, which means that your scripts are protected. Some of these are Appium, Espresso, Selenium, XCUI, etc.</p>



<h2 id="73ec3"><span id="Conclusion">Conclusion</span></h2>



<p>In this article, we have reviewed some of the best device farms you can use to test your iOS and Android mobile applications. There’s no doubt that, when used at scale, the benefits of using cloud-based device farms are immense.</p>



<p>It helps testers get out of the hassles of multi-device UI/UX testing, saves a lot of time, and cuts labor costs. If you are a single developer looking to test your app on a few devices, you can try out a free solution like Firebase Test Lab, Samsung Remote Test Lab, etc.</p>



<p>If you are working on an app with a potentially large target audience, it&#8217;s always better to test the application thoroughly on as many device configurations as possible. In that case, you can try out platforms like AWS Device Farm, Kobiton, etc.</p>



<p>But if you are looking for a completely hassle-free and automated solution, you should definitely give a test-automation platform like <a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Testsigma</a> a shot.</p>



<p>Stay Tuned!</p>


7 Top Device Farms to test your iOS and Android applications


<p>The software development lifecycle consists of many stages to ensure that the final deliverable meets the requirements. Testing software is one such integral part of the development process. The two most popular tests for any software are &#8211; unit testing and integration testing.</p>



<p>On a high level, Unit testing allows us to test a single component of code in isolation which is usually a single method or class. On the other hand, integration testing enables us to test the connection or flow between different components. These components can be several pieces of code, services, APIs, database connections, etc.</p>



<p>In this article, let&#8217;s explore the differences between unit testing and integration testing.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Unit_Test_and_Integration_Test_8211_Overview"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> Unit Test and Integration Test &#8211; Overview</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_Unit_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.1</span> What is Unit Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_Integration_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.2</span> What is Integration Testing?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Differences_Between_Unit_Testing_and_Integration_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Differences Between Unit Testing and Integration Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Similarities_Between_Unit_Testing_and_Integration_Testing_8211_Why_do_People_Mix_them_Up"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Similarities Between Unit Testing and Integration Testing &#8211; Why do People Mix them Up?</a></li><li><a href="#Unit_Test_vs_Integration_Testnbsp_When_to_Use_Which"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Unit Test vs Integration Test:&nbsp; When to Use Which?</a></li><li><a href="#Final_Thoughts"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Final Thoughts</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_the_difference_between_integration_testing_and_system_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">6.1</span> What is the difference between integration testing and system testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_the_difference_between_a_unit_test_and_an_interface_test"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">6.2</span> What is the difference between a unit test and an interface test?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-unit-test-and-integration-test-overview"><span id="Unit_Test_and_Integration_Test_8211_Overview"><strong>Unit Test and Integration Test</strong> <strong>&#8211; Overview</strong></span></h2>



<h3 id="5pavl"><span id="What_is_Unit_Testing"><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/unit-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">What is Unit Testing</a>?</span></h3>



<p>Unit testing is a testing method that focuses on a single piece or unit of code. We use them to test a methodology in isolation. It determines the logical integrity of a method or a class. Simply put, we use them to determine whether a piece of code does what it&#8217;s expected to do.</p>



<p>For example, consider an application that books airline tickets. There might be several services and APIs in the code, each of which might have several methods/functions with their own purpose. There might be a service that allows users to log in, another that allows them to input details such as source and destination, etc. Suppose, in a service, we have a method that filters flights within a specific price range.</p>



<p>In this case, if you want to test this method, you need to ensure that, based on a given price range, the actual output has the same number and description of flights that are expected. This is called unit testing.</p>



<h3 id="b3vtj"><span id="What_is_Integration_Testing">What is <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/integration-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Integration Testing</a>?</span></h3>



<p>We have learned that only testing the isolated pieces of code is not sufficient to determine the software’s integrity. In such a case, it’s better to test how different parts of the application interact and work together. This process is called integration testing.</p>



<p>Unlike unit testing, integration testing considers the side effects of the code from the beginning, which may even be desirable at times. Let’s consider the example that we used before. Suppose there’s a service that fetches the user&#8217;s details from the database and auto-fills it. If we want to test this logic, there’s a dependency on the database here. In these cases, developers need to prepare, query, and mutate the database. They often mock these external dependencies, just like in unit testing.</p>



<p>Integration testing helps us to spot not-so-obvious issues or bugs that might have been caught by examining a specific unit’s implementation. It figures out bugs in the interplay of multiple components, which are often difficult to reproduce or track.</p>



<p>Ideally, developers prepare and execute unit test cases first to validate the logical integrity of specific methods. After that, they prepare integration tests to ensure that several methods or components interact with each other as they are supposed to. In the above example, an integration test here would run the same test cases against a real database as opposed to unit test cases that use mocked data. “Integration testing” is a general term and confines any tests where we involve multiple components.</p>



<p>Check here-<a href="https://testsigma.com/tools/integration-testing-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Integration Testing Tools</a></p>



<h2 id="differences-between-unit-testing-and-integration-testing"><span id="Differences_Between_Unit_Testing_and_Integration_Testing"><strong>Differences Between Unit Testing and Integration Testing</strong></span></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Aspect</strong></td><td><strong>Unit Testing</strong></td><td><strong>Integration Testing</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Definition</strong></td><td>Testing individual components or functions in isolation.</td><td>Testing combined parts of an application to ensure they work together.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Purpose</strong></td><td>Verify that each unit of the software performs as expected.</td><td>Ensure that integrated components function correctly as a group.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Scope</strong></td><td>Narrow focus on a single unit or module.</td><td>Broader focus on the interactions between multiple units.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Level of Testing</strong></td><td>The first level of testing in the software development lifecycle.</td><td>Second level, following unit testing.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Features</strong></td><td>-Fast execution,&nbsp;<br>-High granularity</td><td>&#8211; Tests interactions<br>&#8211; May involve multiple systems<br>&#8211; Can use real data</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Tools</strong></td><td>JUnit, NUnit, Mocha, pytest</td><td>Testsigma, TestNG, Postman, JUnit (for integration), Cypress</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Limitations</strong></td><td>&#8211; Doesn’t test interactions between units<br>&#8211; Misses integration issues</td><td>&#8211; More complex setup<br>&#8211; Can be time-consuming<br>&#8211; May miss individual unit issues</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Benefits</strong></td><td>&#8211; Catches bugs early<br>&#8211; Simplifies debugging<br>&#8211; Facilitates refactoring</td><td>&#8211; Identifies interface defects<br>&#8211; Validates combined functionality<br>&#8211; Ensures data flow between modules</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Types</strong></td><td>&#8211; Manual Unit Testing<br>&#8211; Automated Unit Testing</td><td>&#8211; Top-down Integration Testing<br>&#8211; Bottom-up Integration Testing<br>&#8211; Big Bang Integration Testing<br>&#8211; Sandwich (or Hybrid) Integration Testing</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Execution Time</strong></td><td>Generally quick to run.</td><td>Takes longer due to the complexity of integrated components.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Testers</strong></td><td>Typically performed by developers.</td><td>Often involves testers and developers working together.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 id="codeh"><span id="Similarities_Between_Unit_Testing_and_Integration_Testing_8211_Why_do_People_Mix_them_Up"><strong>Similarities Between Unit Testing and Integration Testing &#8211; Why do People Mix them Up?</strong></span></h2>



<p>There are a lot of similarities between unit testing and integration testing, which may confuse developers and testers. Fundamentally, both these tests are functional tests. We use them to catch issues and bugs during the early development phase. We do both tests to ensure good quality and <a href="https://www.atlassian.com/continuous-delivery/software-testing/code-coverage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">code coverage</a> before release.</p>



<p>Ultimately, this will reduce the time needed for debugging in case of any errors or issues after release. Moreover, these tests help you reduce the time and effort required to maintain the code. Also, if any changes or refactoring are done to a piece of code, you can verify if that piece of code still holds the same functional value. In this way, both tests are correlated to each other. These tests play a vital part in the complete testing process of your project.</p>



<p>Check here- <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/functional-testing-vs-integration-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Functional Testing vs Integration Testing </a></p>



<h2 id="unit-test-vs-integration-test-when-to-use-which"><span id="Unit_Test_vs_Integration_Testnbsp_When_to_Use_Which"><strong>Unit Test vs Integration Test:&nbsp; When to Use Which?</strong></span></h2>



<p><strong>Unit Testing</strong></p>



<p><strong>What It Is</strong>:<br>Tests a single piece of code (like a function) to ensure it works correctly.</p>



<p><strong>When to Use</strong>:</p>



<ul><li><strong>During Development</strong>: Use them while writing code to catch errors early.</li><li><strong>Frequent Changes</strong>: When a piece of code is likely to change often, unit tests help ensure it still works.</li><li><strong>Debugging</strong>: To find and fix issues in specific functions.</li><li><strong>Example</strong>: Testing a function that calculates the total price in a shopping cart to make sure it gives the right result.</li></ul>



<p id="integration-test"><strong>Integration Test</strong></p>



<p><strong>What It Is</strong>:<br>Tests how different pieces of code work together.</p>



<p><strong>When to Use</strong>:</p>



<ul><li><strong>After Unit Testing</strong>: Once individual pieces are tested, check how they interact.</li><li><strong>Multiple Components</strong>: When different parts of the application need to work together (like a front end and a back end).</li><li><strong>Complex Workflows</strong>: When you want to ensure that the flow of data between parts is correct.</li><li><strong>Example</strong>: Testing the entire process of a user making a payment through a website to ensure it connects correctly to the payment processor.</li></ul>



<p>Check here- <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/integration-testing-of-your-android-with-testsigma/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Android Integration Testing</a></p>



<h2 id="final-thoughts"><span id="Final_Thoughts"><strong>Final Thoughts</strong></span></h2>



<p>Unit testing and integration testing are both essential in software development. It&#8217;s important to use both strategies to ensure bug-free software. Understanding their differences is key to deciding which one to use. Happy testing!</p>



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



<h3 id="what-is-the-difference-between-integration-testing-and-system-testing"><span id="What_is_the_difference_between_integration_testing_and_system_testing">What is the difference between integration testing and system testing?</span></h3>



<p id="integration-testing-vs-system-testing"><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/system-testing-vs-integration-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Integration Testing vs System Testing</a></p>



<p><strong>Integration Testing</strong>: Focuses on verifying interactions between multiple components or modules within a system to ensure they work together correctly. It is typically conducted after unit testing and before system testing.</p>



<p><strong>System Testing</strong>: Involves testing the complete and integrated software application as a whole to validate that it meets specified requirements. It checks the end-to-end functionality of the entire system in an environment that mimics production.</p>



<p>Check here- <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/integration-testing-vs-end-to-end-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Integration Testing vs End to End Testing</a></p>



<h3 id="what-is-the-difference-between-a-unit-test-and-an-interface-test"><span id="What_is_the_difference_between_a_unit_test_and_an_interface_test">What is the difference between a unit test and an interface test?</span></h3>



<p id="unit-test-vs-interface-test">Unit Test vs. Interface Test</p>



<p><strong>Unit Test</strong>: Tests individual functions or methods in isolation to ensure they work correctly, focusing on specific pieces of code without dependencies. It is usually written and maintained by developers.</p>



<p><strong>Interface Test</strong>: Validates the interactions between different software modules or systems, ensuring that the interfaces work as intended and data is correctly passed between them. It typically focuses on the boundaries between components.</p>



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Unit Testing Vs Integration Testing - Important Differences cover