9 Steps to Rich Testing

 “To trap a lion, you need to think like a lion” goes an old adage. With the world moving at a fast pace, everyone is looking expectantly at the latest technologies and on the new facets of advancements. To see light at the end of a tunnel, we need to ensure that the tunnel we travel through is strong enough.

Similarly, when involved in delivering a product with quality assurance, we, as Software Quality Testing engineer have a wide range of responsibilities. However, in terms of logical assurance of a deliverable, a software tester, in most cases, outperforms the application. Quality is assured if more emphasis is laid on simpler methodologies in testing the deliverables. Key methodologies one should look into are as under:

9 Steps to Rich Testing:

1. Find Defects with Solutions:  ‘PASS’ and ‘FAIL’ are two faces of a coin for a Software Quality Testing engineer. Actual skill of a tester comes into picture when he/she reports an issue along with its root cause. Testers will have their respect established when they log issues providing smart solutions
2. Maximizing Test Coverage by Modular Approach:  We may not attain 100% test coverage, but we can surely reach nearer the magic figure by few modifications to our testing strategies. Breaking our deliverable under test into smaller functional modules will help testers concentrate on smaller modules to cover most functionalities and trace them back to the requirements
3. Strategize Test Cases: Test cases depict the validity of functionalities from the requirements. They stand as hallmark for expected conditions. But if we write test cases even for unexpected conditions, they would help testers catch the flow of exploring the application quite fast. Alongside, if test cases are managed for issues related to regression, testing can be effectively done in the limited amount of time
4. Stress the Critical Sections: Any application of diversified domain is sure to have sections of critical importance. Work with the performance team (if there is one such separate team) to identify such application flows and define your test scenarios
5. Think beyond Requirements: Testing the application for what it is meant to do rather than for what it is not will yield appropriate results. However thinking beyond defined requirements in the scope of what a user can potentially do goes a long way in adding value to the test efforts and enhancing product quality. And hence, thinking beyond the requirements should be made a practice
6. Statistical Testing: Plotting a graph for the defects against modules of the application is sure to yield amazing results. The defect graph can make testers aware of the vulnerable areas, stable areas etc. to help focus efforts on the right areas, from time to time. This practice will be conducive in estimating the effectiveness of the application with time
7. Effective Observations: Exposure to new terms and concepts while testing is quite obvious. All observations, testing progress and new complexities help in making an effective test report. Any ambiguity in the test cycle can be completely eliminated with this practice
8. Prioritize Tasks: At times, testers end up doing most important tasks at the last minute of the hour. This often happens due to improper prioritization of the tasks. Completing tasks from high to low priority would not only ensure a smooth transition in testing, but also save a lot of time
9. Communicate with Developers on Regular Basis: There has always been a saying that testers and developers fight over defects. If testers communicate with developers to understand the requirements and implementations, the myth can be changed. This can be achieved when a tester not only emphasizes on defect, but also on the effects, symptoms and possible solutions in test reports.
 

 Software Quality Assuranceis a crucial aspect and requires domain expertise. Expertise comes through experience; therefore, as software testers, if we follow these 9 steps, we would not only be RICH in terms of profit, but also in terms of understanding, communication, perfection and the respect our profession deserves.