What must you know about test execution?

Software testing can be defined as the process, which has its place in the context of the software development life cycle. It assists in confirming whether the software application fully meets the required specifications and pinpointing flaws that could be present in the software prior to its release. This involves the ability to accomplish test execution that leads to a high-quality software as the end product. It is to be noted that there are five important aspects of testing that a tester should know and these are as follows.

Testers require preparing test cases in detail to be run against the software application before the actual test execution takes place. Test cases are documented test data, test conditions, test steps and the expected outcomes of those test steps that are used to test the product. Test cases are important, particularly the proper design of those, as it controls the degree of test coverage. 

  • Understanding The Testing Scope

It is also helpful to have a clear understanding of what testing is being defined as, in order to maximize the return on the effort. There are certain considerations such as the timelines of the testing, the testing goals to be released, whether the functionality is being added or modified, the parts of the code that is affected, et cetera which determines the testing sphere. For instance, if it is a maintenance release, then only the modified functionality that may require intricate testing could be tested deep versus a major release where more comprehensive testing could be warranted.

  • Using The Right Tools

Various tools such as automation testing tools, test management tools, defect tracking tools and other tools used in testing can go a long way in enhancing the efficiency of the test execution as well. It is used to manage versions of tests, use tests in different test cycles, measure test coverage, testing reports, defect tracking and interfacing with other systems like build and release management. For instance, automation tools perform test cases that have been programmed to run, thus saving time that could have been used to perform repetitive tasks. 

  • Analysing Test Coverage

In testing, there are several measures one can use to evaluate the progress of the testing process and one of them is the level of coverage. Code coverage tools identify the portion of the code tested by testcase while requirement traceability matrix identifies the percentage of the test coverage for the specified requirement. Short test scope means low code or test case coverage and as such, it may show that a test needs to be expanded. It just shows that high coverage is not equivalent to high test, but it can be helpful when showing what more tests are needed.

  • Logging Defects Accurately

A post-test activity result is the ability to detect that there are certain defects in the software and which can be rectified. As simple as it may sound, recording every single defect that comes across during a test, ideally with attributes like observed/expected outcome, test data, how to reproduce etc. is crucial for the developer to efficiently isolate and solve problems. Lack of proper documentation in defect reports causes time consumption in the testing phase and delays the overall test execution time involved in consulting the developers for further information. 

Conclusion

The key factors for the success to execute the test script are as follows; proper planning and selection of tools, systematic approach in coverage of the defined scope, monitoring the progress and accuracy in reporting of the defects. The former involves considerable effort as compared to the latter, but the price of poor test execution after go-live is even higher. 

pramod kumar

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