Manual Vs Automated Testing - Which of Them Is in Demand

Why Testing? Testing is the integral part of software development life cycle. It is often said that testing is the fate line for any software application or product. This indicates the importance of testing in the industry. The top IT giants of the industry give maximum priority to their testers than even developers; because they understand that tester determines the quality of the end product. Hence they don’t hesitate to hire testers at much more wages for the industry. They often believe that in order to sustain in the market with prestige, they need to provide better products and for the same the importance of testers is unique and unmatched. Anyway, today we will discuss about the two basic types of testing methodologies and their importance in the industry.

Manual testing: From the name itself, we can assume the meaning and procedure of the testing methodology. Manual testing is the process in which a software application or product is being tested by a person or a group of testers without any machinery or software help. In other words we can say here the testers test the application using their experience and expertise. It is the primitive way of testing any application. Though the testers give their maximum effort to make the application bug free; but, it can’t be achieved in practical; because, there must be some loopholes in the application due to the human error. Moreover, the process is damn tedious and frustrating when we have a large application on board. It becomes even more time consuming and inefficient for complicated large scale applications.

Automation testing: The automated testing is the new era testing approach for efficient and quick testing. It eliminates all the drawbacks of that of a manual tester. This testing is done by a software application i.e. automation testing tools. Hence we can expect quick process. Moreover, the tester has the option to run a testcase repeatedly to avoid irritating iterative modules; because, once the automation tester writes a testcase, he can run it any time as per the requirement of the application. This is extremely beneficial when we deal with a huge application having several common modules embedded throughout the application. Moreover, we can avoid the human error through these testing tools. Automation testing tools can save both time and money through an efficient software tool for the testing process.

Industry demands for: This is the biggest question here, isn’t? Well, the answer is simple yet little descriptive. From outside, you can say that Automation testing is best; but it is not hundred percent correct. Because automation testing tools needs some initial investment to purchase the licence for commercial use. Hence for small applications like some static applications, or some small websites, it is recommended to use manual testing, because there we have less resource and the application can be easily handled by any tester. On the other hand, for complex or large scale applications, we have to rely on Automation testers, because here we need efficient testing that will be done in less time and hence increase the productivity to large extend. Mindfire provides web based software Testing services through out testing experts who can help you build projects within allocated budgets and time schedules.

If you are thinking of outsourcing software Testing projects to India and would like to hire software Testing engineer, please get in touch with us. We would be glad to assist.

Few Tips to Effectively Plan Your Test Case

As a key part of software testing, test cases are used by the testers, developers and management executives. Normally, test cases are used as conditions to evaluate if the software application meets predefined specifications, and is ready to go live. The test cases further provide conditions through which the testers can verify and validate the application’s particular features or functionality. As test cases organize the entire software testing process, it becomes essential for QA professional to plan and write test cases effectively.

Tips to Plan and Write Test Cases More Effectively

Understand the Exact Requirements: To write effective test cases, you must understand specific requirements. Also, you must remember that you must not assume any requirements while writing test cases. If you do not understand any requirement clearly, ask questions to the business analyst or client without involving the developers. Likewise, you must clearly understand the incomplete or ambiguous requirements before writing test cases.

Plan Test Cases to Cover All Requirements: Along the requirements, you also need to understand the features and functionality of the software application clearly. You need to ensure that the planned test cases cover all features and functionality mentioned in the requirement document. It is also a good idea to ensure that no requirement is left untested by using traceability matrix.

Write Independent Test Cases: When you write a test case to track multiple conditions, it becomes difficult to track the testing results and errors. So you need to ensure that each test case assesses only a single condition. Likewise, you must write independent test cases that can be executed without depending on other test cases. The independent test cases will make it easier for testers to easily assess different aspects of the application.

Create Test Suites: You can always accomplish exact scope of testing by avoiding repetition of test cases. Likewise, you must collect and combine generic test cases into test suites. The test suites will help you in saving the time and efforts required for writing standard common test cases. Further, the test suites can also be used throughout the project life cycle.

Decide Testing Priority: The significance of individual test cases will vary according to product, component or feature. So you must determine and assign testing priority while each test case. Once you assign the testing priority, the high priority test cases will be picked first during the execution followed by the medium and low priority test cases.

Break Complex Test Cases into Smaller Parts: When a test case has too many steps, it becomes difficult for testers to identify and fix the bug. There are chances that the tester may have to repeat all test steps to ensure that the bug is fixed. So while planning, you must break the large and complex test cases into several smaller ones.

Focus on Preparing Proper Data: While writing test cases, you will need a variety of input data. During testing, the application can pick the required input data from various predefined data locations. Also, the testers can provide input data while executing test cases. To effectuate test case writing, you must focus on the input data formats, and use the predefined data values to decide software and hardware requirements.

Decide the Test Case Format: The test case formats or templates vary from one organization to another. So you must decide the test case template by concentrating on several key elements. Along with the id, title and summary of the test case, the template can also include required prerequisites, test steps, expected results, actual results, test case status and comments. However, your choice of test case template must be simple and easy to understand.

Often reviewers reject test cases written by software testers because of bad quality. That is why; each tester must understand the important characteristics of a good test case. At the same time, he must plan the test cases by keeping in mind the goals of the software testing project. Test your applications by hiring testing services of an independent software testing company that fits your budget and time.

We provide web based software testing services. To hire software test engineer from us, please reach out to us at Mindfire Solutions.

Ways to Estimate Testing Method and Cost

One inevitable question that the client will ask is, “By when can you complete the project?” In such a situation it is important that a valid and realistic completion time is provided. There are several dynamic factors to be considered while working on a project which includes time, resources, funding, etc. Deciding upon an exact time of delivery and cost is always not possible. These factors often work as limitations for a project. Hence, there are certain estimation techniques that are required to plan, judge the scope and constrain the status of the project. These techniques can drastically improve the estimating practices; thus, reducing the risks. These ensure that the success rates for the projects are increased. Whether you are developing and launching a new website, developing a new product or updating an existing one, the involvement of skilled people, funds, testing, implementation, revision, etc are required. Thus, it is vital that you know the right ways to estimate the testing methods and cost before you begin working on the product.

Estimation techniques prove helpful

Estimating is an indispensable tool as far as managing and anticipating projects are concerned. You know this, right? This is the tool that will help to manage the uncertainties involved in developing products. These techniques aid in identifying the cost as well as time that are relatively accurate. This way the risk associated with the projects are reduced as there are lesser chances of going beyond the budget in a big way, running out of time and resources.

Identify the factors that can challenge the estimation

Before you set anything straight you need to point out the basic problems. The same rule applies while estimating the testing methods. Inspite of creating relatively correct effort and time predictions, it might seem difficult to turn them into reality. Thus, the need is to identify the factors that obstruct the progress. There are 3 basic problems including the presence of unknown variables that might make anticipating difficult or, even, impossible. Secondly, sometimes there are miscalculations that lead a company to believe it can manage a project within an available time. But in reality, it does not turn out to be that way as it is not possible to achieve more than is feasible within a stipulated duration. Thirdly, mostly, out of enthusiasm and a desire to please the client, a miscalculated estimation is projected. Once, these issues are taken into account, it becomes easy to provide a more believable and acceptable estimation for testing and cost.

Bug cycle should be considered

While estimating testing method, it should be kept in mind that the bug cycle is also a part of it. Therefore, a test cycle might take more days than what was estimated at the beginning of the project. In order to avoid such a situation, it is vital that the build is a stable one. In case the build has uncertainties, the developers will require more time to fix it. Hence, the test cycle gets extended.

Revise the estimations

Software development is an elaborate process. Once you reach the testing stage, several factors have arisen and more issues could arise during the process. Hence, it is imperative that the estimation is revised often. This should be done in the early stages so that there are no discrepancies once you freeze the estimation. It is always advisable not to extend the estimation for testing method unless major changes are required.

Take care of the inadequacies beforehand

If it is felt that a proposed duration or budget is inadequate, it is always better to suggest adjustments at the initial stages. These adjustments can be carried out by balancing the four criteria, like, quality, cost, features and schedule. The project rollout should be a planned one from the very beginning so that there is no need to scramble with the schedule at the later stages. You can also include some buffer time as that would help to deal with the delays, if any. However, this buffer time should be realistic.

Learn from your pas

To ensure that your ways are sure to spell success, the best way is to learn from your past. Your experiences with the previous projects will help immensely if you refer to them. Analyze your previous estimates and decide on the new ones accordingly.

These are just some of the basic ways in which you can estimate the testing method and cost – both are two major factors in developing a project. With accurate methods for estimation working on the project becomes smoother. As a result, the product development will be successful. To get maximum benefits of testing, you may consider hiring services of a offshore software testing company.

We provide QA and testing services. If you would like to hire software testers from us, we would be glad to assist you at Mindfire Solutions.