Hey guys,
On the eve of launching our QA specialist course (which is released in 10 days), we’d like to talk about new approaches to software testing. If you want to stay up-to-date on this important topic, this article is just what you need!
With Agile and DevOps growing increasingly popular, the software development industry is facing major challenges. This leads to the emergence of new approaches to testing. To stay competitive, QA specialists have to quickly adapt to the changes. We’re bringing you 10 software testing trends that will rule in 2019. Let’s get started!
1. Agile: Digital transformation
Since data have become a valuable asset, enterprises have been going through major digital transformations. Adopting the Agile technique is an important part of that process. The best thing aboutAgileis that it brings together digital transformation innovations and company needs.
An Agile team determines business tasks, goals, and use cases. New functions are introduced step-by-step, with each new sprint bringing new challenges. Because digital transformation is a continuous process, the new flexible system delivers valuable results faster and more frequently.
2. Machine learning
It’s no secret that machine learning triggers breakthrough changes in business processes. When it comes to testing, machine learning can be used for:
Test set optimizationto identify excessive and unique test cases.
Predictive analytics to predict the key parameters of software testing processes based on historical data.
Log analytics to identify test cases to be implemented automatically.
Tracking to extract the keywords from the requirement tracking matrix (RTM) to ensure test coverage.
Defect analytics to identify high-risk application areas to rank regression tests by priority.
3. DevOps
In DevOps, testing starts early in the development cycle. An approach like that facilitates continuous integration and delivery. This allows testers to perform continuous testing and monitoring to make sure developers have done a good job. App functionality and performance are tested as the development is progressing.
A test team combines test design, test automation, and test case development with DevOps. This allows to not only check code changes but also make sure that those changes won’t affect the product in a negative way.
4. Big Data testing
Big Data is a big amount of data generated at high speed. When testing big data, testers must make sure that terabytes of data have been successfully processed using a product cluster and other auxiliary components. This type of testing involves performance and functionality testing.
When it comes to big data testing, data quality is of paramount importance. Data quality is checked before testing. Some of the criteria include compatibility, accuracy, validity, duplication, consistency, completeness, etc.
5. IoT testing
Thanks to IoT (Internet of Things) technology, the number of connected devices is now bigger than ever. Check out the types of testing performed for IoT systems:
Usability testing to test IoT system usability.
Compatibility testing to test the compatibility of devices in IoT system.
Reliability and scalability testing to model sensors using virtualization tools.
Data integrity testing to test data integrity.
Safety testing to test user authentication process and control data confidentiality.
Performance testing to test the performance of connected devices in IoT system.
6. Performance
It’s predicted that performance engineering will replace performance testing in 2019. Instead of executing performance test cases, the main focus will shift to analyzing how the system elements are working together. The monitored aspects include performance, safety, usability, hardware, software, configuration, and value for business and clients. Performance engineering involves teamwork, iterative approach to development, and fast delivery. In 2019, performance engineering will enable companies to surpass user expectations.
7. Testing automation
As testing is becoming increasingly automated, test teams can focus their time and efforts on creating test cases, instead of managing testing needs. Testing automation allows to track and manage a full range of testing needs, testing types, and testing coverage. Also, it ensures the production of top-of-the-range software.
Specialized tools are used in test execution control to compare actual and planned values. Regression tests, which require recurring actions, tend to be fully automated. Automation tools are used for both functional and non-functional testing.
8. Manual and automated testing
An increasing number of QA specialists are benefiting from a combination of manual and automated testing. This allows to take the best of the two approaches and avoid the shortcomings of each method. Although automated testing is highly effective, there are still certain areas (usability, design, etc.) that require manual efforts.
9. Shortened delivery cycle
With technologies, platforms, and devices advancing at supersonic speed, software developers are facing the compelling task of delivering finished products faster. Integration of testing and development is meant to help developers with that. Software development companies are willing to invest more money in improving their development and delivery processes using smart and effective tools. As a result, we’re looking at a growing need for testing management tools.
10. Integration
As the delivery cycle is getting shorter, integrating different development elements seems like the next logical step. To simplify intellectual testing and analytics, data are collected from different sources, such as requirement management systems, task management systems, and test environments. This calls for integrated tools for managing requirements and tasks, tracking errors, and managing tests. An integrated tool can serve as a repository for data from different modules that can be used both separately and combined.
Bottom line
To be a step ahead of the competition, QA experts must stay current on the latest testing trends. Looking into the future is the only way to overcome the challenges of the ever-changing software development industry. We hope that the trends covered in this post will encourage testers to acquire new skills, master cutting-edge techniques, and enhance their expertise in 2019.