Monday, 1 September 2014

QuickTest Pro and its frameworks - An Insight

custom QTP testing company, quicktest pro testing services, certified QTP testersQuickTest Pro (QTP) can be defined as Unified Functional Test or UFT software that is specifically designed as well as developed to deliver various automatic testing for different software applications or domains.

Alternatively, it can also be said that QTP is a framework for test automation, which sets a series of guidelines for the developers to follow while scripting, with a view to achieving the intended results.

The guidelines that QuickTest Pro sets for its users include the following:

1:|| Setting coding standards.
2:|| Structuring the data sheets along with determining the way the workbooks along with each and every sheet under them can be grouped.
3:|| The structure of the folder that needs to be followed for storing the test scripts, the reusable libraries, the results of the test runs and so on.
4:|| The way the results of the test need to be stored as well as displayed and whether there is any need to save the test runs in a separate way. If so, how.
5:|| THE QTR also shows the way the team members need to access shared libraries, not the mention the ways they need to be updated.

The Salient Features

Let us now discuss the salient features of QTP and its framework.

The framework needs to be designed in a specific way, to ensure that it comes to the aide of the developers, while achieving maximum possible re-use. For instance, in case any code is to be reused more than once, a separate function needs to be created for that particular code so that the function can be called up whenever there is a need to do so subsequently.

The codes need to be easily understandable and user-friendly so that they can be maintained without any hassle whatsoever. This is very important as whenever a framework is used for a fairly long period of time, it is natural that different people will take part in the ongoing project from time to time. Hence, it is important that the framework is structured in such a way that people who just join do not find it difficult to ascertain the flow of work or what has been going on.

A good framework should also contain a good data parametrization, which makes sure that the test data should be separated from the codes. This also ensures that the same code can be used multiple times for different data sets.

It is also imperative that the results of the tests make sense. At the same time, it is important for them to be easily understandable. This helps in providing results that are detailed as well as high end. Another advantage of this is that in case the client is not interested in detailed results, it becomes possible to provide just the scripts that which contain information about the cases have passed the test along with the ones that have not.

It is also important to employ appropriate mechanisms for error handling. One option can be to provide screenshot for the cases that have failed the evaluation.

In cases when the evaluation scripts are running in batch mode, the framework needs to provide a choice by the virtue of which, in case a script fails to pass an assessment, the framework will roll out of the script automatically instead of getting stuck there, with a view to execute the subsequent assessments.

There should also be the provision of automatically sending emails and SMS, once the execution of the test scripts is done with. This feature needs to be configured in a way so that the as soon as the execution is over, the framework will by default send a message to the stakeholders about the completion. However, the mail can also include the test results so that there is no need to send the results in a separate email. To get maximum benefits of testing, you may consider hiring services of a custom QTP testing company.

We provide Quicktest pro testing services. If you would like to get your application tested by our certified QTP testers, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

Why the Rise in Use of Selenium?

selenium automated testing, selenium web application testing, selenium testerA number of recent reports have highlighted the rise in the use of Selenium as a software testing framework for internet applications. Despite being a portable framework, Selenium enables QA engineers to write test scripts in a wide range of programming languages including C#, Java, PHP, Perl, Ruby, Python and Groovy. The testing professionals can further use the record/playback tool provided by Selenium to write test scripts without learning any new programming language. The open source framework further makes it easier for testers to evaluate the performance of a web application by running tests on some of the widely used web browsers.

Major Advantages of Using Selenium for Web Application Testing

Supports Multiple Languages and Test Frameworks

While using Selenium, QA engineers have option to choose their preferred programming language and test framework. At present, Selenium supports several widely used programming languages including C#, Java, JavaScript, Objective-C, PHP, Perl, Ruby, Python and Groovy. The programmer can further import Selenium client libraries into popular language IDEs like Eclipse, Visual Studio.Net and Net beans. Selenium also supports several software testing frameworks including NUnit, JUnit, TestNG, RSpec, Test::Unit, pyunit and unittest. Thus, it becomes easier for QA engineers to write test scripts without acquiring any new skills.

Facilitates Cross Platform Browser Testing

To deliver flawless user experience, QA engineers have to assess the performance of the web application across multiple browsers and operating systems. The testers have option to install Selenium as a custom Firefox extension. Selenium further supports widely used web browsers like Internet Explorer, Chrome, Safari and Opera. At the same time, the framework also supports major platforms like Microsoft Windows, Linux and Apple OS X. So the developers can write the test scripts once, and execute those on several operating systems and web browsers.

Can be Used for Comprehensive Testing

Selenium can be seamlessly integrated with other test suites including QMetry, Hudson, Saucelabs and Selenium Grid. So it becomes easier for QA engineers to integrate it with their testing ecosystems. Despite being a portable testing framework, Selenium can be used to perform comprehensive testing including functional, regression, UI and UAT. The testing professional can further enhance Selenium and use the enhanced framework to carry out load testing, production monitoring and similar complex tests required to make the web application flawless.

Supports AJAX and TDD

A constant increase is being noted in the number web applications delivering richer user experience by using AJAX technologies. So the QA engineers are required to test the application by using a framework that strongly supports AJAX technologies. As Selenium supports AJAX technologies strongly, it can be used to assess the complex internet applications. Selenium can also be used to test the applications developed by using Agile and extreme programming (XP) methodologies. That is why; an enterprise can use the web application testing framework to adopt Test Driven Development (TDD).

Option to Access Selenium Ecosystem

The QA engineers also have option to access a large Selenium ecosystem that consist both open source tools and commercial services. For instance, they can access functional test services like BrowserStack, Sauce Labs and TestingBot to carry out Selenium cloud testing without putting any extra time and effort. Likewise, they can use Neustar to avail load testing and website monitoring services based on Selenium. The availability of open source tools and commercial services also contribute towards the rise in use of Selenium.

Reduces Testing Cost

Many enterprises, nowadays, opt for open source software development and testing frameworks to curtail overall project cost. Despite being a powerful and dynamic web application development framework, Selenium is still open source and free. Like Sahi and Watir, Selenium also allows users to avail the test automation framework and tools without paying any licensing fees. The low cost and open source nature of Selenium also makes it effective in bringing down the web application testing cost.

The QA engineers also have option to choose Selenium IDE or Selenium WebDriver. Selenium IDE is designed as a Firefox add-on to record-and-playback the interactions with the web browser. On the other hand, Selenium WebDriver can be used to create browser-based regression automation, while reusing the test scripts in multiple environments. To get maximum benefits of testing, you may consider hiring services of a selenium automated testing company.

We provide selenium web application testing services. If you would like to discuss with a certified selenium tester from our team, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

Thursday, 28 August 2014

Software Testing and Its Different Kinds

application software testing, QA and testing services, hire software testing engineerAs an integral part of software development process, software testing is done to assess the quality of the product. Also, software testing makes it easier for developers to identify the differences between given input and expected output. Based on its objectives, an enterprise can conduct a wide variety of software testing. However, software testing can be divided into two basic types, i.e., black box testing and white box testing.

Back box of functional testing focuses on output based on requirements and functionality. The testing normally ignores the internal mechanism of the system. On the other hand, white box or structural testing considers the internal system design, and determines the working of internal software and code. Thus, both white box and black box testing can be of different kinds.

Different Kinds of Software Testing

Unit Testing: Unit testing is considered as a white box testing. The testing is conducted to evaluate an individual unit or a group of related units. The testing aims to evaluate the output produced by the implemented unit against the given input.

Integration Testing: Integration testing can be categorized as both white box and black box testing type. The testing is conducted when several components are grouped or combined to produce expected output. If the software and hardware components are related, integration testing evaluates the interaction between these components.

Functional Testing: As a black box testing, functional testing is done to check if the application meets the specifications, and performs all the required functions correctly. The QA engineers have to perform a series of tests to validate the application’s feature by feature behavior.

System Testing: System testing is considered as a type of black box testing. The testing is conducted to check the performance of the software in different environments. A software application needs to be tested in different environments to check its compatibility with different operating systems. Therefore, full system implementation and environment is essential for conducting system testing effectively.

Stress Testing: As a type of black box testing, stress testing is conducted to evaluate the performance of the system, component or software under unfavorable conditions. So stress testing is always conducted beyond the limits of specified requirements. Normally, same process is used for both stress and performance testing. But stress testing applies a much higher level of simulated load.

Performance Testing: As a black box testing type, performance testing is done to assess the software’s speed and effectiveness. The testing further ensures that the software is generating the expected results within a specific period of time, while adhering to the performance requirements.

Usability Testing: The testing is conducted to determine the user-friendliness of the software application. So application flow testing is also done from the perspective on end users. The testing aims to determine if the software can be used by the by new users without any hassle. It also helps developers in deciding if additional documentation is required to make the software more user-friendly.

Regression Testing: During the development process, the any module, functionality or the software as whole needs modification. Regression testing is done after a component, system or group of related units is modified. The testing ensures that the modifications are working properly, without affecting the expected results.

Acceptance Testing: The software application is also required to meet the specifications required by the customer. So acceptance testing is conducted to check if the software meets the requirements specified by the customer. Normally, acceptance testing is performed by the customer or user before accepting the application.

Beta Testing: The final testing is conducted before the commercial release of the software. Normally, beta testing is done by end-users or external teams. The black box testing aims to cover unexpected errors before the commercial release of the software.

Nowadays, each enterprise has to conduct many kinds of software testing to deliver flawless user experience. It can further automate some of the testing efforts to optimize the software by identifying and fixing all errors, bugs and flaws within a stipulated timeframe. To get maximum benefits of testing, you may consider hiring services of a application software testing company.

We provide QA and testing services. To hire software testing engineer from us, please reach out to Mindfire Solutions.

Thursday, 21 August 2014

Ruby on Rails and Its Various Frameworks

Ruby on Rails development, Rails CMS development services, hire Ruby on Rails developersAs an open source, full stack, cross platform framework, Ruby on Rails (RoR) is used widely by developers to create complex web applications on time and budget. RoR is divided into several standard packages including ActiveRecord, ActiveResource, ActiveSupport, ActionPack and ActionMailer. Further, web developers have options to extend these existing packages by creating plug-ins. At the same time, the Ruby developers can use several web development frameworks to curtail both development time and efforts.

7 Widely Used Web Frameworks for Ruby Developers

1) Sinatra: Sinatra is defined by the developers as a domain-specific language (DSL) that enables Ruby programmers to create rich internet applications quickly. The micro framework for Ruby is often described as a library that can perform a set of specific functions. However, Sinatra is used widely by Ruby developers to structure the internet application according to the project goals. Despite being simple, Sinatra has inspired the design of several Ruby frameworks.

2) Padrino: Despite being built upon Sinatra, Padrino is a full-stack Ruby frameworks. It comes with the features required for creating real time web frameworks. Padrino also supports several templating, testing, mocking and database libraries. The programmers also have option to create Padrino applications by using tag helpers, asset helpers, form helpers and tag helpers. They can further access a built-in admin interface, along with a fast and simple option to send emails.

3) Ramaze: Ramaze is designed as a simple and straight-forward web application development framework. Along with supporting the MVC pattern, Ramaze also allows Ruby programmers to accomplish complex tasks without putting extra time and effort. The developers can avail the support and assistance of a large community to deploy all aspects of the internet app within a single script.

4) NYNY: As a Ruby framework, New York, New York (NYNY) comes with the core features required to get a project running. But it also requires the internet application to acts as the framework. The developers, however, have option to use its extension interface to extend NYNY. As a Rack middleware, the NYNY apps can be used inside other Rack-based frameworks like Sinatra and Rails. However, NYNY does not support all Sinatra extensions. The programmers have to create custom extensions by targeting the NYNY apps.

5) Grape: Grape is designed specifically as a Generalized Rapid API Erector to facilitate the development and working of APIs. The REST-like API micro-framework can further complement the requirements of existing internet applications by providing a simple domain-specific language (DSL). The programmers can use the DSL to replace the functionality of Rails, Sinatra and similar bigger frameworks.

6) Cuba: Cuba is hugely popular among Ruby developers as a micro framework for creating internet applications. The design of Cuba is inspired by Rum, a micro but powerful mapper for Rack applications. So Cuba aims to enable programmers to create web applications by using minimum amount of files, while keeping all these files global. Along with being an elegant Ruby framework, Cuba also enables developers to run tests by supporting clean coding. Cuba can be used for developing ecommerce applications, landing pages and other real-time applications.

7) Nancy: The Ruby community refers to Nancy as “Sinatra’s Little Daughter”. Despite being based on Sinatra and Cuba, Nancy is incredibly fast. It also allows programmers to use route functionality of Sinatra. At the same time, Ruby programmers can also use the framework enable mounting rack applications through map.

Despite being a powerful and dynamic programming language, Ruby is not designed exclusively for web development. So it lacks some of the features required to complement the most recent trends in web application development. But the web programmers have to use the right Ruby framework to avoid writing lengthy and complex code. To get maximum benefits of ROR development, you may consider hiring services of a Ruby on Rails development company.

We provide Rails CMS Development services. To hire Ruby on Rails developers from us, please reach out to Mindfire Solutions.

Understanding the benefits of Selenium testing

selenium web testing, selenium web application testing, selenium testerSelenium is actually a tool for testing that helps automate web applications as well as browsers. This open source technology provides testers with a software testing framework that is easily portable. It has now become a really important as well as leading tool for carrying out of tests for free. Since it is open source, the code is improved continuously by programmers all across the globe. It works on all major browsers as well as platforms. Basically for testing purposes IDE and WebDriver are used. While IDE is used for browser-based interactions, the WebDriver is for native purposes. When you adopt Selenium you can reap plenty of advantages both performance-wise as well as career-wise. Here are some points that will help you better understand the technology.

Supports several test frameworks- The tool is often known as a kind of GUI driving library, apart from being a simple testing tool. Several frameworks are supported by it such as TestNG, JUnit, PHPUnit, etc. Users can use it for wrapping of test scripts in frameworks of their choice. This makes it easy for them to reap the benefits of the selected framework.

Open source- Adopting this open source tool means that the overall cost of testing will be quite low. In fact, it not only means that money is saved but developers will add or edit things in its library which will make it easy for you to work. Even if you are stuck somewhere you will get their support that will help solve your problem much better.

Selecting any language- This is a huge advantage since you can reap multiple benefits from several sources. You can choose the language in which you are most comfortable and combine that with Selenium testing to get the maximum results out of the entire process.

Single script, multiple browsers- A huge benefit with this testing is that you need one time scripting and then that script can be used on several browsers. While the features as well as benefits may not be same but you can save a huge amount of trouble. If various browser versions are used for application testing then there are certainly a lot of advantages associated with this factor.

Great community support- There are many tools at disposal for users of Selenium. Your tests can be run as well as recorded with the help of Firefox plugins. There are other tools as well for example one which helps take tests to carry deployment in clustered environment; this helps in optimization of resource usage. In fact the web community as well as document support is extremely good in quality which makes the jobs of the testers far easier that they can imagine.

Expandability- This multi-talented framework can be expanded and enhanced so that other high level kinds of evaluation can be carried on. Complicated evaluation such as production monitoring, load testing, etc can be carried on with some slight tinkering.

AJAX support- AJAX technologies are strongly supported by Selenium. While working on a browser the application under tests and the test case are driven by technologies that function side by side. This inherent feature ensures that AJAX application evaluation is controlled immensely by the tool.

Easy to handle- Saving the best for last, this is a major reason that many testers choose this tool. It is extremely easy for working on and simple and easy to install. Anything can be done in a straightforward manner, including integration with other frameworks or languages. Editing existing commands, deleting or inserting commands can be done very easily as well.

Learning Selenium has several advantages including more accomplishments in lesser amounts of time. In fact, learning about it is very easy since online tutorials are easily available. All of the factors have contributed to the high learning curve of the tool. To get maximum benefits of testing, you may consider hiring services of a selenium web testing company.

We provide selenium web application testing services. If you would like to discuss with a certified selenium tester from our team, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

Thursday, 7 August 2014

Ruby Watir Testing - An Introduction

Watir automated testing, Ruby Watir testing, Ruby on Watir expertsWeb Automated Testing In Ruby or Watir has been reckoned as a powerful web testing tool used for writing of automated tests. Pronounced as water, it is open source as well as easy to use. The large community makes finding help very easy. It consists of Ruby libraries that help in automation of web browsers. The tests written in this language can be easily read as well as maintained. The flexibility as well as simplicity has resulted in its increasing popularity.

Regular updates make Watir a competent platform. In fact, no matter what your needs, it can customize accordingly. Browsers are driven by it in the same manner that users do. Links are clicked, buttons pressed and forms filled. Results are also checked, for example whether the page displays the expected text or not. Despite belonging from the Ruby library family, all apps, regardless of the developed technology are supported by it. On Windows, only Internet Explorer is supported by Watir, but Firefox, Opera, Chrome and Internet Explorer are supported by Watir-WebDriver; it also runs in headless mode.

Since it is based on Ruby, it incorporates all the advantages of the language. By virtue of this liaison, databases can be connected, spreadsheets and data files read, code structured as reusable libraries and XML exported.

Benefits

:: Instead of some proprietary vendorscript the modern full-featured scripting language, Ruby is used which lends all its associated benefits.
:: Businesses do not have to invest anything to use it since it is open source as well as free.
:: The growing as well as active community of it provides full support to those who are new to it.
:: It is not only easy to use and powerful but extremely lightweight as well.
:: Multiple browsers are supported by it on various platforms.
:: No matter what the platform of development, all web apps are supported by it.
:: Customization can be carried on so that all needs are suited.
:: Updates are carried on regularly.

The excellent modern browser driver works really great with several testing frameworks like Test/Unit, Cucumber and RSpec. Test/Unit is used for unit testing; it helps in designing, evaluating as well as debugging of your code since it can be written easily. Major ruby installations are already bundled in it which makes less of a headache in case of installation. In case of Cucumber, software development teams are allowed to describe the behaviour of the software in plain text. The text which is written in domain-specific business-readable language also acts as automated tests, development-aid as well as documentation. The development tool RSpec is Behaviour driven and combines Domain Driven design, Acceptance Test-Driven Planning and Test-Driven Development for a perfect software development approach.

Installation tips

:: The packaging of Watir drivers are done as gems or Ruby libraries which may be installed over internet. While installing behind authenticating proxy, HTTP_PROXY environment variable must be set first.
:: For installing or updating of Ruby, the relevant package manager must be used at terminal window.
:: For effective usage of Watir, there should be provision of browsing through the application HTML pages’ structure. For that Firebug can be used on Firefox and IE Developer Toolbar should be used on Internet Explorer.
:: The latest 1.3.7 version or above of rubygems should be installed. The latest version should be installed by using the relevant package manager.
:: During updating of RubyGems, some additional flags like –no-rdoc and –no-ri should be used.

Watir has become a really remarkable tool of web testing. Not only is it functional but the information needed to work this is very basic. Since it is based on Ruby, those who are well versed with the language find working in it a piece of cake. Even those who are not familiar can easily do that since Ruby is a relevantly easy to learn language. Thus developers as well as testers are offered the best of both worlds when they use this tool. To get maximum benefits of testing, you may consider hiring services of a certified Watir automated testing company.

We provide Ruby Watir testing services. Companies hire Ruby on Watir experts from us at Mindfire Solutions. If you are interested, please contact us today.

Tuesday, 5 August 2014

Selenium Works Well For Almost Any Browser

selenium automation testing, selenium web application testing, selenium testerSelenium Testing is considered as the most widely used automated testing tool at this time within the software world. It is extremely necessary to know the way the selenium testing could accommodate with company testing system. You must understand each and every aspect. This is a type of integration testing. Integration testing is usually performed after coding phase once all of the modules are finished. Then again, in agile software life cycle model, this type of testing could be formulated as every module will be completed. Test when every module is completed and start on testing. Usually it begins with the very first phase as soon as the requirement analysis is completed. The quality assurance plan is something that is created with the requirement analysis report. In the meantime the tester will be provided by the quality assurance plan and also the requirement analysis report. The tester will be requested to get ready all the test cases. The selenium testing could not match here. The test cases developed at that time of requirement analysis will be given to the manual tester and they will continue on testing regularly.

Although, the stage is reached after it is being thought that the software is okay and will also be working perfectly in the live conditions. Whereas still that is being believed that the testing may not stop and then there needs to be frequent testing continuously. The company is going to be paid out towards maintaining and therefore testing will never end. Then again, it could be very expensive and possibly this could increase the maintenance cost which the client may not be happy to pay. In such cases, one might possibly struggle with over budget.

Then again, by using automation the cost could very well be cut down. These days we now have a good number of tools for automation testing. We certainly have the tools for automation testing tools such as Selenium and several others. Then again, Selenium certainly is the one automation tool which is ranked even greater than Jmeter. There are a variety of automation testing tools which are getting used nowadays. Each one of these automation tools deal with browsers. Selenium in the beginning was successfully just for Firefox. But, nowadays Selenium gives solution for any browsers. Nowadays every browser functions well with Selenium. All of your browser movements is now being noticed with the Selenium. Eventually each of the step make the shape of the test case. Every test case put together in order to create the test suite.

By and large, the selenium testing begins with coding step therefore it carries on at each and every further phases of the software development. Coding & integration stages were being noted with intensive automation testing and you may discover that as soon as the coding is completed and all the errors are taken out then you can certainly go for automated software testing. Selenium discovered as the most well known tool for automation testing at this time in the software testing market these days. Nowadays we possess the versions for every type of browser and not simply for Firefox. After that during the maintenance, all of these test cases are carried out over and over straight from the browser to make sure that your website or perhaps the web application is performing well. To get maximum benefits of testing, you may consider hiring services of a selenium automation testing company.

We provide selenium web application testing services. If you would like to discuss with a certified selenium tester from our team, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.