Software testing is an important part of the software development process. It helps identify defects in the software that could lead to various errors and inefficiencies, and it can be used to validate any fixes implemented to address these defects.
Quality Assurance (QA) provides an important function in this area by verifying that the software product is designed according to specifications, so that it functions as intended. And yet, how do you know when your QA testing is complete? These are some fundamental principles of QA testing you should know before you get started.
The Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
Before you begin to use tools, QA testing, or writing tests, you should have an overall understanding of the software development lifecycle.
It’s also important to make sure you have the right tools for the job. While a lot of software QA testing solutions exist it’s a good idea to check out this comparison of Selenium alternatives to make sure that the right tool for the job will work for you.
1. Identify Your Requirements
Before you can identify the software requirements and the major functional features, you must get clear on the business requirements, since QA testing is largely based on the business requirements.
In the areas of complexity, your time-to-market, and the total costs for the project, these are the key factors that should determine your requirements.
2. Define the Process
Each software development cycle involves many phases of work. This means that any developer will need to move from one phase to another depending on how the project progresses.
To ensure that there is a smooth transition between phases, there needs to be a clear process that defines the steps that the development and QA team must follow. If not, there will be confusion and, consequently, delays in the project.
One of the important phases in software development is project planning. It helps the team identify a roadmap that details the timelines, key milestones, and the overall scope of the project.
3. Plan the Requirements for Each Stage
The next step in a development cycle is to create an accurate set of requirements for each phase. At the beginning of each phase, the team will work out the requirements for the current phase.
This is done to ensure that the team stays on track with the development plan and meets the milestones. The team can then define additional requirements as the project progresses.
Once all of the requirements are determined, the developers can focus on developing the required features of the system.
4. Establish and Communicate the Requirements
As you develop the software, there will be various stakeholders involved, such as the CTO, CIO, marketing, and legal. It is important that you establish and communicate the requirements, so that they are up to date with each other.
It is best to involve all stakeholders from the beginning, so that they are on the same page with respect to the requirements. The stakeholders can also help improve your organization’s overall efficiency and product value.
5. Implement Development Processes
The next step is to establish and maintain a development process that maintains consistency in all areas of the development cycle.
It is not only important that the process keeps with the timeline, but it is also vital that it is compliant with international standards.
It is important to work with the right development process and not only in one part of the development cycle. Such inconsistencies can lead to serious problems.
The Importance of Software QA Testing
Software QA testing is one of the important phases of the software development cycle. It identifies and resolves problems before they affect the user experience. It’s one of the most crucial development phases before launching to market, as a rushed and buggy product can lead to loss of revenue and brand value.
While a lot of software companies have a “release now, patch later” approach, especially in the gaming industry, that’s a recipe for disaster for smaller boutique software companies.
You need to prioritize testing and focus on the following areas:
- Writing, polishing and testing the user interface
- Updating, changing and refactoring the software and the data models
- Code and architecture reviews
- Testing the workflow and related components
- Testing the performance and customer response
- Data model testing and related components
Ultimately, the results of your testing phase will determine the product’s release, and market viability to a degree of certainty.
As you approach the phases of the software development cycle, remember that there is always a lot to do and a lot to improve.
