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Software Testing Knowledge

Application Consultant working as a Tech Writer


[https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominikdurejko/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominikdurejko/)

Dominik Szahidewicz

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"What Does QA Testing Do?" in Software Development

Top 15 Codeless Automation Testing Tools for QA

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[TABLE_OF_CONTENTS]

Whether you are a QA professional or a developer looking to enhance your testing skills, practicing on real-world, bug-ridden websites can provide invaluable experience for app testing. 

In this article, we will explore the significance of website testing, testing challenges, the role of bug testing in website development, and provide a curated **list of websites with bugs for testing** across various domains.

![bug-bounty-bugs-meme](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/bug_bounty_bugs_meme_171b6523f9.jpeg)

## The Importance of Website Testing

**Website testing** is not just a technical formality; it's a critical process that directly impacts your website's functionality, UX, security, and overall success. By investing in thorough testing, you can ensure that your website operates flawlessly, delights users, and helps your business achieve its online goals. 


Whether you're launching a new website or maintaining an existing one, website testing should be an integral part of your web development process. It's a proactive step that can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run, while also ensuring that your online presence remains competitive and reliable in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. 


In the following steps, we will explain which sites will be perfect for practicing automation testing and **finding bugs in software**.

->[Automate your tests for free](https://app.bugbug.io/sign-up/){.markdown-cta}<-


### 1. Quality Assurance and User Experience

[Software testing](https://bugbug.io/blog/software-testing/why-is-software-testing-important/) plays a pivotal role in **Quality Assurance**, serving as the cornerstone for ensuring that websites and applications not only meet but also exceed the expected standards of usability and functionality. 


By meticulously identifying and rectifying bugs and glitches before a product's deployment, you pave the way for the creation of a seamless user experience that not only meets but also often exceeds user expectations. 


This dedication to QA is not merely a technical endeavor but a commitment to customer satisfaction, as it directly influences the end user's perception of your brand, reliability, and competence. It can transform casual users into loyal customers, reinforcing your reputation for delivering excellence.

### 2. Accessibility and Compatibility

In today's diverse digital landscape, where a multitude of browsers, operating systems, and mobile devices coexist, websites must undergo rigorous compatibility and accessibility testing. 


This comprehensive testing regimen ensures that your site is readily accessible to all users, regardless of their chosen platform, screen size, or assistive technology. By embracing the principles of universal design, you open the digital doors to a wider and more inclusive audience.

### 3. Security Vulnerabilities

In an era marked by increasing cyber threats and data breaches, website testing emerges as a paramount line of defense. Regular and meticulous testing serves as an essential element in identifying potential security vulnerabilities that could compromise sensitive user data. 


By actively seeking out weaknesses and vulnerabilities in your digital infrastructure, you engage in proactive risk management, guarding against the devastating consequences of data breaches. In doing so, you protect not only your organization's reputation but, more critically, the trust and privacy of your users. 


Effective security testing ensures that your users' information remains confidential, fostering an environment of trust and reliability that is essential for success in today's data-driven landscape.

## The Role of Bug Testing in Website Development

### 1. Types of Bugs

Bugs and errors in software can manifest in various ways, including syntax errors, functional defects, button errors, and other user-interface issues. Automation testing helps identify and categorize these bugs, allowing developers to prioritize and address them effectively.

### 2. Test Scenarios

Creating comprehensive test scenarios and test cases is crucial to uncovering bugs in your website or application. These scenarios simulate real-world usage and interactions, helping you identify issues that may not be apparent in isolated testing.

### 3. Bug Reporting

Effective bug reporting is an integral part of the testing process. Detailed bug reports, including steps to reproduce, expected outcomes, and actual results, assist developers in quickly resolving issues.

->[Automate your tests for free](https://app.bugbug.io/sign-up/){.markdown-cta}<-

## List of Websites with Bugs for Testing

To practice manual and automated testing, here is a curated list of test websites, that can be used to practice manual testing, cross-browser testing, UI testing, API testing, and usability testing:

### 1. Guru99

![guru99.com](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Screenshot_2023_10_06_at_15_17_32_198f112721.png)

**Website:** [guru99.com](https://guru99.com)

**Guru99** is one of the testing services that serves as an invaluable resource for developers seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge. Whether you are a novice looking to learn the fundamentals of software testing or an experienced professional seeking to expand your expertise, Guru99 offers a vast array of tutorials, guides, and educational materials to cater to all levels of proficiency.

One of the unique features that sets Guru99 apart is its deliberate inclusion of intentionally created bugs on websites. This hands-on approach allows users to search for bugs and gain practical experience in identifying, diagnosing, and rectifying common software issues, effectively turning them into adept problem solvers.

Guru99's extensive library of resources covers various aspects of software testing, quality assurance, and development, making it a one-stop destination for individuals and teams aiming to improve their skills and stay updated with industry best practices. With a commitment to excellence and a user-friendly interface, Guru99 empowers learners to excel in the field of software testing and development.

### 2. UTest

![utest.com](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Screenshot_2023_10_06_at_15_18_30_e8b92e711a.png)

**Website:** [utest.com](https://utest.com)

Through **UTest,** QA professionals can access a diverse range of applications to search and report bugs. This provides a practical environment to apply their skills, identify defects, and report their findings. By actively participating in these projects, you can not only enhance your testing skills but also contribute to the enhancement of software quality for a wide range of industries and applications.

UTest fosters a vibrant and collaborative community of testers, providing a platform for networking, learning, and career growth. It connects testers with organizations looking for their expertise, creating a win-win situation where testers gain valuable experience, and businesses benefit from improved software quality. 

With its focus on real-world testing opportunities and a commitment to excellence, UTest is a vital resource for testers eager to advance their careers and make a tangible impact on the software industry.

### 3. GitHub - Bug Bounty Programs

![https://bounty.github.com/](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Screenshot_2023_10_06_at_15_19_58_daa44b0864.png)

**Website:** [bounty.github.com/](https://bounty.github.com/)

**GitHub**, one of the largest platforms for open-source software development, hosts bug bounty programs for numerous open-source projects. These programs offer individuals the opportunity to actively engage in identifying and reporting security vulnerabilities in open-source software. Participants can receive rewards for their contributions, making it a rewarding way to help improve the security of widely-used software.

### 4. Microsoft Bug Bounty

![microsoft.com/en-us/msrc/bounty](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Screenshot_2023_10_06_at_15_20_48_18a0030532.png)

**Website:** [microsoft.com/en-us/msrc/bounty](https://microsoft.com/en-us/msrc/bounty)

**Microsoft Bug Bounty** program invites security researchers and ethical hackers to discover and report security vulnerabilities, and error messages within Microsoft's products and services. These include popular applications like Office and Windows. Participants in the Bug Bounty program can earn rewards for responsibly disclosing security flaws, ultimately helping Microsoft enhance the security of its software.

### 5. Stack Exchange

![stackexchange.com](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Screenshot_2023_10_06_at_15_21_35_b1f31ccfdb.png)

**Website:** [stackexchange.com](https://stackexchange.com)

**Stack Exchange** is a network of community-driven question-and-answer websites on various topics, including programming, technology, and software development. These platforms often have minor bugs and usability issues that can serve as excellent practice grounds for bug hunters. 

Engaging in these platforms not only helps individuals improve their bug-finding skills but also assists in maintaining the quality and usability of the websites within the Stack Exchange network.

### 6. Healthcare Websites

**Healthcare websites** frequently deal with sensitive information and complex functionalities. Exploring different healthcare websites can help you identify bugs related to data security.

### 7. E-commerce Sites

**Online shops** often have a complex structure, including shopping carts, authentication processes, and payment gateways. It's especially helpful if you are in the e-commerce business and you want to learn how tofind bugs on your website. 

Buggy websites are all over the internet, so you can easily start to find bugs related to login functionalities, user-interface issues, etc. It's worth to also check them in popular browsers like Google Chrome, Safari, and Mozilla Firefox. 

->[Automate your tests for free](https://app.bugbug.io/sign-up/){.markdown-cta}<-

## How to Find Bugs on Your Website?

Effective website and mobile app testing is a crucial step in ensuring the quality and security of your applications. Bugs you find thanks to those websites can help you better prepare for the challenges of real-world testing scenarios. 


Whether you are a manual tester or an automation engineer, honing your skills on these websites will make you a more proficient and valuable member of any development team. So, log in, start testing, and become a bug-hunting guru in the world of [software quality assurance](https://bugbug.io/blog/software-testing/quality-engineering-vs-quality-assurance/).

If you want to start with codeless test automation, check out [BugBug.io](BugBug.io) documentation and the best alternatives to popular tools like Selenium, Rainforest QA, and Cypress.


**Happy (automated) testing!**



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Best Websites with Bugs for Testing

[TABLE_OF_CONTENTS]

Test maintenance is not merely a task to be performed occasionally but a continuous process that must be integrated into the automation framework infrastructure. 


In this article, we will explore how **test maintenance** guarantees accuracy and relevance of test cases, particularly in the context of code changes. Join us as we uncover the best practices that can help you save costs and time.


## Definition of Test Maintenance

Test maintenance is the process of managing and updating test cases in software testing to ensure their continued relevance and effectiveness. It involves regularly reviewing and modifying test cases to align them with the evolving codebase. 

This process is crucial for preserving the integrity of the testing effort and ensuring that code quality remains high. Automation frameworks often play a central role in efficient and less time-consuming testing.

In essence, test maintenance is an essential practice supporting the overall goal of delivering reliable and high-quality products. It's a continuous and integral part of the testing lifecycle.

## The Lifecycle of Test Maintenance in Software Testing

**Lifecycle** refers to a sequence of stages through which various entities, such as individuals, cultures, or manufactured products, progress over their lifetimes. In the context of application testing, it signifies the orderly progression of activities undertaken by the testing team to optimize the process.

### 1. Preparing for Test Automation

**A. Understanding the Existing Test Suite**

The journey begins by comprehensively understanding the existing test suite. This involves evaluating the current test cases, both manual and automated, and their coverage. By gaining insights into the scope and depth of the suite, you can make informed decisions about which tests should be automated.

**B. Identifying Maintenance Needs**

It's time to identify potential maintenance needs. This step involves anticipating how your application may evolve and change over time. By forecasting these changes, you can proactively plan for test maintenance, reducing the risk of test case obsolescence and ensuring long-term relevance. 

Stay up to date with the latest tools and no-code solutions. They can help with desktop and browser UI tests without extensive coding skills.

### 2. Executing Test Maintenance

With your preparation in place, you're now ready to execute the actual test maintenance tasks.

**A. Test Script Updates**

As your application undergoes code changes and updates, your test scripts must evolve accordingly. This involves reviewing and modifying automated test scripts to align them with the latest codebase. Ensuring that your test scripts accurately reflect the application's functionality is vital to maintaining test suite reliability.

**B. Test Data Maintenance**

It's essential to keep test data up to date and relevant to reflect changes in the application's features and functionalities. Failure to maintain test data can lead to false positives or negatives during testing, compromising the quality of your testing effort.

->[Automate your tests for free](https://app.bugbug.io/sign-up/){.markdown-cta}<-

### 3. Post-Maintenance Evaluation

Once you've executed test maintenance activities, it's crucial to evaluate the results and ensure that your testing process remains effective.

**A. Regression Testing**

This step involves re-running all relevant tests to confirm that the application's core functionality remains intact after the changes. This approach helps identify any unintended side effects of code modifications.

**B. Documentation Updates**

Documentation is the backbone of any successful testing effort. Post-maintenance evaluation includes updating test documentation to reflect the changes made during test maintenance. This ensures that your testing team has access to accurate and up-to-date information, enhancing collaboration and knowledge sharing.

## Challenges in Test Maintenance

Being effective is crucial for sustaining a robust process, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. Understanding and addressing these challenges is essential for maintaining the reliability and relevance of your testing efforts. Here's the list of typical challenges you may encounter:

### 1. Flakiness in Test Scripts

Flakiness refers to the inconsistency in test results, where a test may pass one time and fail another, without any changes to the application code. This can be caused by various factors, including synchronization issues, timing problems, or environmental fluctuations. Resolving script flakiness requires meticulous debugging and optimization.

### 2. Evolving Application Interfaces

When the user interface or underlying functionality of an application undergoes changes, it necessitates the updating of test cases and scripts that interact with these interfaces. Failure to adapt to evolving GUI can lead to test failures, bugs, and reduced test coverage, posing a significant challenge in test maintenance.

### 3. Changes in Test Environments

Alterations in the test environment, such as database schema changes, server configurations, or network setups, can impact the execution of test cases. Maintaining compatibility between test environments and test scripts is vital to make sure that tests accurately reflect the production environment.

### 4. Resource Constraints

Resource constraints, including limited time, budget, and personnel, can impede effective test maintenance. As software projects progress, new features are developed, and existing ones are modified, increasing the workload for test maintenance. 

Limited resources may hinder the ability to keep up with the pace of change, potentially leading to deferred maintenance and a growing backlog of updates.

## Best Practices for Automated Test Maintenance

Automated test maintenance is a crucial aspect of the software testing process. To streamline this essential task, consider these best practices:

### 1. Implement Version Control for Test Scripts

By tracking changes and maintaining different versions of your test scripts, you can easily revert to a stable state if issues arise during maintenance. This guarantees that every test script is managed systematically and can be updated with confidence.

### 2. Use Codeless Tools for Test Automation

[No-code test automation tools](https://bugbug.io/blog/software-testing/record-and-play-vs-coded-automation-testing/), such as **BugBug**, are designed to be user-friendly and require little to no coding knowledge. This accessibility enables testers, business analysts, and subject-matter experts (SMEs) to create and maintain automated tests without relying heavily on specialized automation engineers. 

Coding culture and naming can differ from one QA Engineer to the other. It's better to keep it visual, so there is no confusion and test quality is maintained.

->[Automate your tests for free](https://app.bugbug.io/sign-up/){.markdown-cta}<-

### 3. Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) Integration

Integrate your automated tests into your CI/CD pipeline. This practice helps check that tests run automatically with every code change, providing rapid feedback to engineers and reducing the likelihood of regressions. Automation within the CI/CD pipeline helps keep tests aligned with code changes.

Read more about the benefits of [CI/CD Pipeline implementation](https://bugbug.io/blog/software-testing/benefits-of-ci-cd-pipeline/).

### 4. Develop Test Data Management Strategies

Test data is a critical component of automated testing, and maintaining it is essential. Consider using techniques such as data generation, data masking, or data virtualization to guarantee that your tests have access to the necessary data without compromising data security or privacy.

### 5. Set Up Automated Monitoring and Alerts

Implementing tools that continuously monitor test executions can quickly detect failures or issues, allowing you to address them promptly. Automated alerts help with a proactive approach, rather than reactive.

### 6. Collaborate!

Promote collaboration between development and testing teams. Effective communication and collaboration are key to identifying and addressing issues related to test maintenance. Regular meetings and discussions between teams can help align testing efforts with code changes and prevent misalignments.


## Test Maintenance Metrics

**Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)**

KPIs are essential for setting targets, monitoring progress, and making data-driven decisions to improve performance and achieve strategic objectives. They provide a clear and quantifiable way to assess whether an organization is on track to meet its goals and, if not, what actions need to be taken to course-correct. 

Tracking KPIs allows you to gauge the effectiveness of your test maintenance efforts. These can include metrics like test case pass rates, test execution times, defect detection rates, and test coverage. KPIs provide quantitative insights into the quality and efficiency of your testing process.

**Continuous Improvement Initiatives**

Implementing continuous improvement initiatives is essential to enhance your test maintenance practices continually. These initiatives involve regular retrospectives, feedback loops, and process refinements to address identified issues and optimize the test maintenance process over time.

## Test Maintenance in Agile and DevOps Environments

In Agile and DevOps methodologies, test maintenance plays a crucial role in ensuring that testing processes remain aligned with the fast-paced development cycles. Here are three key aspects of test maintenance in Agile and DevOps environments:

### 1. Incorporating Test Maintenance into Agile Cycles

**Sprint Alignment**

In Agile, test maintenance should be seamlessly integrated into sprint cycles. As new features are developed and existing code is modified, corresponding test cases must be updated in parallel to guarantee accurate testing.

**Continuous Feedback**

Agile promotes frequent feedback loops. Testers should work closely with developers to identify changes and understand how they impact existing tests. This collaboration allows for timely adjustments and reduces the risk of testing bottlenecks.

**Regression Testing**

Regression testing is a cornerstone of Agile. Automated regression tests should be part of the sprint's Definition of Done (DoD). This way, new features do not introduce unintended issues. This requires continuous maintenance of regression test suites.

### 2. CI/CD Pipeline Integration

**Automated Test Execution**

Incorporate automated tests into the Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) pipeline. Automated tests should be triggered automatically whenever code changes are committed.


**Immediate Feedback**

CI/CD integration provides immediate feedback to developers. If a test fails due to changes in the codebase, developers can address the issue promptly, reducing the time and effort required for test maintenance.

**Test Environment Consistency**

Make sure that the test environment in the [CI/CD pipeline](https://bugbug.io/blog/software-testing/benefits-of-ci-cd-pipeline/) closely mirrors the production environment. This consistency helps identify issues early and minimizes discrepancies that could lead to test failures.

### 3. Test Automation and Continuous Testing

**Automation-First Approach**

In DevOps, automation is key. Prioritize test automation from the outset of development projects. This not only reduces manual testing efforts but also eases the burden of maintaining automated tests, as they can be updated more efficiently.

**Continuous Testing**

Embrace continuous testing practices, where tests run continuously as code is developed. Continuous testing detects defects early and provides tests synchronized with code changes, reducing the need for extensive test maintenance.

**Feedback Loops**

Establish feedback loops between automated test results and development teams. When tests fail, integrate mechanisms for developers to receive notifications and detailed information about the failures to expedite issue resolution.

->[Automate your tests for free](https://app.bugbug.io/sign-up/){.markdown-cta}<-

## Test Management Tools

There are many testing tools available for maintenance, but some of the best ones are:

### 1. Zephyr Enterprise

![Zephyr Enterprise](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Screenshot_2023_10_04_at_11_19_50_16edf489e2.png)

This is a test management solution that helps you plan, execute, track, and report on your testing activities from a single tool. It integrates with popular tools like Jira, Jenkins, Selenium, and more. It also supports test automation, test case reuse, traceability, and defect management.

### 2. PractiTest

![PractiTest](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Screenshot_2023_10_04_at_11_21_00_215cb88a25.png)

This is an end-to-end test management platform that allows you to manage your QA efforts in one place. It supports requirements management, test design, test execution, defect tracking, reporting, and integrations with various tools. It also offers a cloud-based or on-premise deployment option.

### 3. Jira Software

![jira software](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Screenshot_2023_10_04_at_11_22_12_cb72220e8d.png)

This is a project management tool that can also be used for test management. It allows you to create, assign, prioritize, and track your tasks and issues. It also integrates with many test automation and test management tools like TestRail, Zephyr, Xray, and more. It also offers a customizable workflow and dashboard.

### 4. TestCollab

![testcollab](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Screenshot_2023_10_04_at_11_23_11_eda1c55d85.png)

This is a simple and intuitive test management tool that helps you manage your test cases, test plans, test runs, and defects. It integrates with popular bug tracking tools like Jira, Redmine, Mantis, and more. It also supports test automation with tools like Selenium, TestNG, PHPUnit, and more.

### 5. QACoverage

![qacoverage](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Screenshot_2023_10_04_at_11_24_09_b9c77249a4.png)

This is a comprehensive test management tool that helps you manage your requirements, test cases, test execution, defects, and reports. It supports traceability matrix, risk-based testing, test automation integration, and real-time collaboration. It also offers a cloud-based or on-premise deployment option.


## Conclusion

In conclusion, effective test maintenance is the cornerstone of a robust and efficient testing process. It helps your team, both developers and testers, work quickly and efficiently. 

Implementing the best practices, tools, and methodologies described above will ensure that your automated tests remain reliable, up-to-date, and aligned with the ever-evolving software landscape. 

Addressing small errors that can slip into the code and keeping tests up-to-date with code changes prevents the accumulation of technical debt and minimizes the risk of false positives. Ensure the continuity of these practices for a resilient, dynamic, and effective testing environment.


**Happy (automated) testing!**

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Best Practices of Test Maintenance in Software Testing

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Smoke Testing vs Sanity Testing: All You Need To Know

[TABLE_OF_CONTENTS]

In today's fast-paced digital world, application performance plays a pivotal role in our daily lives. From mobile apps to web-based services, software applications are ubiquitous. However, what distinguishes a great application from a mediocre one often boils down to one critical aspect: system performance. 

This is where **performance testing** comes into play. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of performance testing, exploring its importance, various types, the testing process, common challenges, best practices, and the essential tools that every software tester should be aware of.

## What is Performance Testing?

![what is performance testing](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/E0_Dl6_AFXIA_Ar_Yeo_f54e06b3f0.jpeg)

**Performance testing** is a crucial subset of software testing that focuses on evaluating the speed, responsiveness, and overall stability of an application under specific conditions. 

Its primary objective is to ensure that the application can handle the expected load and perform optimally, even under stress or peak usage. 

Performance engineering aims to uncover performance bottlenecks, identify scalability issues, and provide insights into an application's behavior under different scenarios.

[Functional testing](https://bugbug.io/blog/software-testing/what-is-functional-testing-types-and-examples/), volume testing, and endurance testing are integral parts of a comprehensive performance testing strategy. While functional testing ensures that the application meets its core functional requirements, volume testing and endurance testing focus on scalability, data handling, and long-term stability. 

Together, these testing types help organizations deliver high-performing, reliable software applications to their users, ultimately enhancing user satisfaction and trust in the software.

## Why is Performance Testing Important?

Let's explore the goals of Performance Testing:

### 1. Ensure Seamless User Experience

In today's highly competitive market, users have little patience for slow or unresponsive applications. Performance testing helps ensure that your software provides a seamless and enjoyable user experience, which is vital for user retention and satisfaction.

### 2. Identify Performance Issues Early

Performance problems, if left unaddressed, can lead to widespread dissatisfaction among users and, in some cases, can even result in financial losses. By identifying and addressing these issues early in the development process, you can save both time and money.

### 3. Maintain Reputation

A poor-performing application can tarnish an organization's reputation. Users often share their experiences, and negative feedback can quickly spread through social media and online reviews. Performance testing helps safeguard your brand's reputation by delivering a consistently high-quality user experience.

### 4. Reduce Operational Costs

Well-executed performance testing can uncover inefficiencies in an application's resource utilization. By optimizing resource usage and addressing performance bottlenecks, you can reduce operational costs, such as server expenses and energy consumption.

### 5. Meet Business Objectives

Meeting specific performance goals and ensuring that your software can handle the expected load is essential for achieving your business objectives. Performance testing provides the data and insights needed to make informed decisions regarding system capacity and scalability.

## Types of Performance Testing

Performance testing encompasses several different types, each serving a specific purpose. Let's explore some of the most common ones:

### 1. Load Testing

![load testing](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/0_q_Adaok9_Le_CL_Xoc_SZ_e81ec478ce.jpeg)


Load testing is a subset of performance engineering that involves simulating a realistic number of concurrent users or transactions to evaluate an application's response time, throughput, and resource utilization under normal load conditions. It helps determine if the system can handle its expected workload efficiently.

### 2. Stress Testing

Stress testing is a form of performance testing that evaluates how a system behaves under extreme conditions that exceed its specified operational limits. The main goal is to identify the system's breaking point or failure point. Stress testing involves applying a continuous and increasing load to the system, often significantly exceeding its expected operational capacity. It primarily focuses on identifying the point at which the system starts to degrade significantly or fails, as well as monitoring resource utilization and error handling under extreme stress.

### 3. Scalability Testing

Scalability testing is to determine an application's ability to scale horizontally or vertically in response to increased load. It helps ensure that the system can handle growing user demands by adding more resources or distributing the load across multiple servers. The primary objective of scalability testing is to determine how well a system can accommodate growing demands by adding resources and whether it can continue to meet performance and throughput requirements as the load increases. Here are the key characteristics and details of scalability testing:

### 4. Spike Testing

It's a testing technique that determines how a system behaves when there is a sudden surge in user traffic, transactions, or user load. It aims to identify whether the system can effectively handle the increased load, maintain acceptable response times, and avoid critical performance problems during the spike.

### 5. Capacity Testing

Capacity testing is a type of performance testing that focuses on evaluating how a system performs under expected, peak, or stress loads to determine its capacity limits and scalability. It's focused on determining the system's maximum capacity or the point at which it reaches its breaking point. It assesses how the system performs under various levels of load, including the maximum load it can handle before failing or degrading significantly.

### 6. Soak Testing

The primary objective of soak testing is to evaluate the system's stability and reliability over an extended period under a sustained, continuous load. It aims to identify issues related to long-term performance, resource leaks, and gradual degradation of system performance over time. Soak tests are conducted over a long duration to assess the system's performance and stability over an extended period, making them ideal for identifying issues that manifest after hours or days of continuous operation.

->[Automate your tests for free](https://app.bugbug.io/sign-up/){.markdown-cta}<-


## The Performance Testing Process

Effective performance testing follows a structured process that consists of several phases:

### Test Planning

In the planning phase, testers define the scope of the performance test, set clear objectives and goals, and identify key performance metrics to measure. This phase also involves creating test scenarios and selecting appropriate tools.

### Test Design

During the design phase, testers create detailed test scripts and scenarios based on the defined objectives. Test data, user profiles, and environmental parameters are carefully configured to simulate real-world conditions accurately. It's also time to identify the testing environment and explore different types of performance test types. 

### Test Execution

In this phase, it's time to run performance tests. Testers apply load, stress, or other conditions as per the test scenarios, closely monitoring the application's behavior and collecting performance metrics.

### Analysis and Reporting

After test execution, the collected data is analyzed to identify performance bottlenecks, issues, and areas for improvement. Comprehensive reports are generated, providing insights and recommendations for optimizing the application's performance.

## Common Challenges

Despite its importance, performance testing may be challenging. Here are some common hurdles testers may encounter:

### Dependencies

Applications often rely on external services, databases, or APIs. Testing the performance of these dependencies can be complex, as they may not be directly under the tester's control.

### Prepare the Test Environment

Identify the test environment that accurately mirrors the production environment. Any discrepancies between the test and production environments can affect the test results.

### Realistic Test Data

Using synthetic or incomplete data can lead to inaccurate results. Data must accurately represent the actual data that the application will process in production.

### Simulating User Behavior

Emulating real user behavior and interactions can be challenging. Testers must carefully design test scenarios to mimic how users will interact with the application, including clicks, navigation, and data input.

### Identifying Bottlenecks

Determining the root cause of performance issues can be complex. Bottlenecks may occur in various layers of the application stack, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact source of the problem.

->[Automate your tests for free](https://app.bugbug.io/sign-up/){.markdown-cta}<-

## Best Practices for Performance Testing

To overcome these challenges and ensure effective performance testing, consider the following best practices:

### A. Set Realistic Goals

Set clear and realistic performance goals based on user expectations and business requirements. Define acceptable response times and resource utilization thresholds.

### B. User Scenario Emulation

Create test scenarios that closely resemble real-world usage patterns. Consider different user profiles and behaviors to capture a wide range of designs.

### C. Continuous Monitoring

Implement continuous performance monitoring in both pre-production and production environments. This allows you to proactively detect and address performance issues as they arise.

### D. Collaboration with Teams

Effective communication and collaboration among development, testing, and operations teams are crucial. Cross-functional teams can work together to identify and address performance problems.

## Tools for Performance Testing

To conduct performance testing effectively, testers rely on a variety of tools and software. These popularly used testing tools help automate test execution, collect performance metrics, and analyze test results:

### A. Open-source and Commercial Options

1. **JMeter**

**Type:** Open-Source

**Features:** Apache JMeter is one of the most popular open-source performance testing platforms. It supports various protocols, including HTTP, FTP, JDBC, and more. JMeter provides a user-friendly GUI and allows for scripting test scenarios. It is highly extensible and has a large community for support.

2. **LoadRunner**

**Type:** Commercial

**Features:**  LoadRunner is a comprehensive performance testing platform known for its versatility. It supports a wide range of applications, protocols, and technologies. LoadRunner offers features for stress testing and performance monitoring. It provides extensive reporting and analysis capabilities.

3. **NeoLoad**

**Type:** Commercial

**Features:** NeoLoad is a user-friendly performance testing tool designed for web and mobile applications. It focuses on simplicity and collaboration, making it accessible for both technical and non-technical team members. NeoLoad offers features like load tests, cloud tests, and real-time analytics.

4. **Gatling**

**Type:** Open-Source

**Features:** Gatling is an open-source testing tool written in Scala. It is known for its high-performance capabilities and the ability to script tests using a user-friendly DSL (Domain-Specific Language). Gatling supports various protocols and provides real-time metrics and reports.

5. **Apache Benchmark**

**Type:** Open-Source

**Features:** Apache Benchmark, commonly referred to as ab, is a simple command-line tool that comes with the Apache HTTP Server. While it is not as feature-rich as other tools, it is straightforward to use for basic load test cases of web applications.

6. **Locust**

**Type**: Open-Source

 **Features**: Locust is an open-source, Python-based application It is designed for ease of use and scalability. With Locust, you can write test scenarios as Python code, and it supports distributed testing, making it suitable for large-scale tests.

7. **BlazeMeter**

**Type**: Open-Source and Commercial

**Features**: BlazeMeter, acquired by CA Technologies (now Broadcom), offers both open-source and commercial solutions. Taurus, their open-source component, allows you to create and run performance tests using various testing apps, including JMeter, Gatling, and others.

8. **WebLOAD**

**Type**: Commercial

**Features**: WebLOAD is a testing tool that focuses on web and mobile applications. It offers a wide range of testing capabilities, including performance testing, stress testing, and scalability testing. WebLOAD provides advanced reporting and integration options.

9. **Rational Performance Tester (IBM)**

**Type**: Commercial

**Features**: IBM's Rational Performance Tester is a robust tool for performance testing of various applications, including web, mobile, and enterprise applications. It integrates well with other IBM tools and offers scripting capabilities.

10. **LoadUI (SmartBear LoadUI)**

**Type**: Commercial

**Features**: LoadUI, part of the SmartBear suite of testing tools, is a load-testing tool designed for REST and SOAP web services. It provides features for creating and executing tests on API endpoints and offers real-time monitoring and reporting.

->[Automate your tests for free](https://app.bugbug.io/sign-up/){.markdown-cta}<-


### B. Cloud-Based Testing Tools and Services

Cloud-based performance testing services, such as AWS Load Testing and Azure DevTest Labs, offer scalability and flexibility by providing access to a wide range of virtualized resources and testing environments.

**AWS Load Testing:**

1. **AWS Elastic Beanstalk:**

**Service Type**: Platform as a Service (PaaS)

**Features**:
     - AWS Elastic Beanstalk allows you to deploy and manage web applications and services easily.
     - You can create and configure environments with different configurations and capacity settings.
     - It provides autoscaling capabilities to automatically adjust resources based on demand.
     - You can perform load testing by simulating traffic to your Elastic Beanstalk environment to assess its performance and scalability.
     - Integration with AWS CloudWatch allows for real-time monitoring and performance metrics collection.

2. **AWS CodeBuild:**

**Service Type**: Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD)

**Features**:
     - AWS CodeBuild is a fully managed build service that compiles source code, runs tests, and produces artifacts.
     - It can be used to automate the build and deployment of applications.
     - CodeBuild can be integrated with load testing tools like JMeter or Gatling to automate load tests as part of your CI/CD pipeline.
     - You can trigger load tests as part of your deployment process to ensure that new code changes do not introduce performance regressions.

3. **AWS Load Testing Tools:**

   - AWS offers a range of tools for load testing, including third-party integrations like Apache JMeter and Gatling.
   - You can leverage AWS services like Amazon EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud) to provision virtual machines for running your load tests at scale.
   - AWS also provides Amazon CloudWatch for monitoring, and you can use AWS Lambda to automate load-testing tasks.

**Azure DevTest Labs:**

1. **Azure DevTest Labs:**

**Service Type**: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

**Features**:
     - Azure DevTest Labs is a service designed for creating and managing environments in Azure for development and testing purposes.
     - You can easily create VMs, configure them, and provide them to your development and test teams.
     - DevTest Labs can be used for setting up performance testing environments, including virtual machines and networking configurations.
     - You can create custom VM images with your desired tools and configurations.

2. **Azure Test Plans (formerly Visual Studio Team Services - VSTS):**

**Service Type**: Application Lifecycle Management (ALM)

**Features**:
     - Azure Test Plans is a comprehensive solution for test management, including test case management and execution.
     - It supports manual and automated testing scenarios.
     - You can integrate it with Azure DevTest Labs to manage and schedule performance tests.
     - Azure Test Plans provides test execution and reporting capabilities, making it suitable for tracking performance test results.

**Third-Party Load Testing Services:**

- Azure DevTest Labs allows you to install and configure third-party load-testing applications of your choice on the VMs within your testing environment.


- You can use tools like Apache JMeter, LoadRunner, Gatling, or others to conduct performance tests.


- DevTest Labs provides the flexibility to scale up or down by adding or removing VM instances as needed for your testing scenarios.

Both AWS and Azure offer powerful solutions for performance testing, with AWS emphasizing automation and integration with its cloud services, and Azure providing a platform for creating customized testing environments. The choice between them often depends on your organization's existing cloud platform preference and specific project requirements.

->[Automate your tests for free](https://app.bugbug.io/sign-up/){.markdown-cta}<-

## Performance Testing Tutorial - Conclusion

In the realm of software development, the performance of an application and its testing stands out as a critical practice for ensuring the quality and reliability of applications. By systematically evaluating an application's response to various conditions and loads, performance testing helps organizations deliver a superior user experience, maintain their reputation, and meet business objectives. 

**As software continues to evolve, the role of performance testing remains indispensable in the pursuit of excellence in the digital age.**

It's not just about assessing how an application performs; it's about delivering on the promise of a fast, responsive, and reliable user experience. It's a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating performance issues before they impact users, businesses, and brands. 

Embracing the principles, types, and best practices of performance testing is a crucial step toward building robust, high-performing software applications in today's competitive landscape. Remember to choose the right tools and to be aware of performance testing metrics to ensure the best quality product.


**Happy (automated) testing!**


What is Performance Testing in Software Testing?

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Reliable, modern end-to-end test automation tool that improves testers’ and developers’ work.


Before you release your product into the market, it is extremely important to properly test whether it’s functioning as intended. To do that, software developers utilize a variety of testing techniques that verify the software’s integrity. To thoroughly check their software from start to finish, developers implement **End-to-End testing**, often simply called **E2E** testing – an elaborate technique that mimics end user experience. 

There are many layers to End to End testing, as it is one of the most complex testing methods. This type of testing involves testing every part of your software that the end-user interacts with in any imaginable way.

With this guide, we want to show you the importance of E2E tests, as well as tell you precisely what they are, including a few specific examples.

**Also see:** if you're new to software automation, take a look at this [beginner's guide to automation with step-by-step screenshots](https://docs.bugbug.io/in-depth-guides/beginners-tutorial-to-automation-testing).

[TABLE_OF_CONTENTS]

## What exactly is End-to-End testing?

**End-to-End testing** is one of the most useful and informative techniques for software testing, providing valuable data about the inner workings of the program from the end-user perspective. With E2E testing, developers can thoroughly verify the behaviour of their software. During the test, you will be trying to replicate key user behaviour scenarios when using your software. The actual list of things to do varies, depending on the type of software you’re testing – but in all cases, it is rather extensive.

When performing a software testing method, like an End-to-End test on a web application, you would start with opening your browser and navigating to the proper URL, and then proceeding to use the software as intended for the end-user.

Similarly, in the case of a regular desktop application or mobile application, you would open the app just like a user would, checking out every bit of functionality that is intended for the users to work with. Keep in mind that during E2E testing you won’t need to check developer-specific aspects of the software, only the end-user perspective if it is important to you.

## End-to-End test goals

During an E2E test, your goal is to verify all of the dependencies and data integrity that directly or indirectly influence the reception of the software by the end-user. This usually includes any external services, as well as databases used by the software and metrics, as well as any other system dependencies. 

E2E tests will ideally be performed in the production environment, but this isn’t always possible. The tests can, of course, be performed in an independent End-to-End testing environment, but you should make sure it is as close to the production environment as possible.

Within the SDLC process, E2E tests are performed in the Testing phase, which is situated after Coding and before Deployment. 
->[Automate your tests for free](https://app.bugbug.io/sign-up/){.markdown-cta}<-


## Why is End-to-End testing important?

Is End-to-End testing necessary? It is true that more and more developers make sure to implement an E2E testing phase before the final deployment of their software. There are many benefits to E2E tests, but the most crucial ones are:

- The ability to verify software performance from the end-user perspective
- Testing verifies not only the software itself but also any interrelated sub systems, increasing test coverage
- Validation of back-end systems
- Immediate end-user-like feedback on test failing

While tests such as unit testing or integration testing are very useful (functional testing), allowing you to verify the working of each component and providing quick results, they don’t give you the whole picture. By not performing E2E tests, you won’t know how the experience of using your software will look like from the end-user perspective.

For example, individual component testing (integration tests) might show promising results and full functionality. However, when combined, something goes wrong and produces a bug. By only checking individual components, you wouldn’t be able to find out about the bug. 

With a proper End-to-End test, you can verify whether everything works correctly together as it should. Even integration testing doesn’t cover all of the system components of your software, and you might never know whether every aspect of your app clicks together.

E2E testing doesn’t necessarily have to discover bugs – it can also give you useful insight into the user scenario of your product. Overall, all types of tests play their respective roles in the whole vertical end-to-end testing process (differently to horizontal end-to-end tests). Just because E2E tests give you a more complex understanding of your software as a whole doesn’t mean that other test types are less valuable. 

Before releasing your app, always make sure to proceed with a thought-through testing strategy. However, while they’re certainly extremely useful, keep in mind that E2E tests occupy the top of the testing pyramid, making them the most expensive and most difficult to perform.

End-to-End testing is also one of the few functional types of tests that can be performed manually, as well as automated - which is done especially often in Continuous Integration. In such a scenario, a chosen set of tests can be run automatically each time a new iteration is uploaded to the testing server.

->[Automate your tests for free](https://app.bugbug.io/sign-up/){.markdown-cta}<-

## Benefits of end-to-end testing

One of the goals of this software testing technique is to simulate the end-user's perspective. This means that this type of testing helps to verify not only the security or performance, but the business aspect as well. It will check whether the software collects and processes data as it was designed to do. End-to-end testing is essential for a comprehensive validation of your product. This testing ensures that all integrated parts of the application work together as expected.

Another purpose of E2E testing is to mitigate risks. E2E testing verifies if the software is ready for deployment. The confidence in stability is a crucial factor which the stakeholders consider while approving the next release. 

There are obviously much more obvious benefits of this form of testing (like bug fixing or testing across different user scenarios), but we described them already in this article.

## End-to-End Testing Framework

Alright, so now you know what End-to-End testing is – but how to exactly implement it? There is a wide variety of checks and individual tests that must be covered by your end-to-end testing plan, some of which include:

- Establishing test requirements in the preparation phase (including software and hardware requirements)
- Creating proper documentation
- Deciding what type of test environment will be used (production environment or independent test environment)
- Preparation of test cases and general E2E design
- Tracking of data input and output
- Test execution and evaluation

When executing E2E testing methods, developers usually follow an established E2E testing framework that guides you throughout the process, enumerating various tasks and responsibilities. The framework is relatively simple and consists of only three elements:

### Establish user functions

The User Functions relates to listing the features of your software, as well as all of its interconnected software systems. To properly measure and test software functionality, you need to first think about what you’re going to test. After you’re finished with listing user functions, remember to record everything relevant to each of them, including both the input and output data. Since E2E testing can be considered holistic, you also need to pay attention to all of the relations between every individual function – how they work together and whether there are any clashes.

### Come up with specific conditions

Now that you have established the user functions you’re going to test, you need to think about the testing conditions. Try to come up with as many quantifiable indicators that can be measured for each of the functions. These can range from response time to consistency of data flow, to simple convenience of use. Remember – you’re trying to imagine yourself as an end-user, so try to keep track of anything that might be an issue for a non-developer.

### Create individual test cases

Finally, before the E2E testing can commence, you need to prepare specific test cases for each of the conditions. At this point, you have prepared a list of user functions to test, as well as data conditions that will be measured during the test. Now, you need to create at least one test case for each of the conditions. By test cases, we mean user scenarios during which specific indicators will be able to be measured.

And by test case preparation status, we mean the precise location of the test instances being developed, as compared to intended test cases.

->[Automate your tests for free](https://app.bugbug.io/sign-up/){.markdown-cta}<-

## End-to-end test cases for your testing process

Congratulations, you’ve almost reached the end! At this point, you should pretty much be a walking fountain of knowledge about End-to-End tests. However, the raw theory is one thing, and implementing those types of tests for system testing in reality is another. To make the process a bit more digestible, consider this End-to-End testing example for a website with shopping functionality:

- Go to the specified URL
- Open a list of products
- Check whether the information on the list correlates with specific product pages
- Try to add the product to the cart and look for visible confirmation
- Navigate to the cart and check whether the product has been successfully added
- Double-check all of the relevant information (price, product info, etc.)
- Proceed with the check-out and verify payment options integration

See how simple it is in the end? Now you can implement E2E testing methodology in your software to ensure better end-user reception, increase your product quality, and build a positive brand image.

This is just a high level example. If you would like to learn how to create a proper test case from start to end, please check out our article on [test case creation](https://bugbug.io/blog/software-testing/how-to-write-automation-test-cases/). You will have a better understanding on how to design test cases for manual and automatic testing. Also check out our other topics in our testing guide. 

## End to End testing tools

Proper tools may play a crucial role in reducing your effort by automating your end-to-end tests. These tools provide a range of features and capabilities to support horizontal testing and vertical testing of the entire system. They allow testers to perform comprehensive testing processes. Choosing a proper tool for testing is typically a long-term investment. If you research and choose a tool that will enable you to execute and record complex user scenarios and allow testing across multiple technologies, your job will be way easier. 

One of the tools that meet such requirements is BugBug. This automated testing tool proved its efficiency for many clients. On the picture below you might see how many steps might an end-to-end scenario actually have.

![n example of a passed test with a proper output statement.](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/88bc1d9e_16f8_4e1a_b33d_15e2a8d17cdf_cdfc84abfc.webp)

## Summary

End-to-end testing is a type of testing that focuses on validating the whole system from start to finish rather then testing individual functionalities. It is often seen as a software testing methodology, but it is not the case. It may be a part of a methodology (i.e. Agile testing) but it is by definition a type of software testing. 

Performing end-to-end testing covers an important task of checking data flows and focuses on testing if any functional gaps occur. This type of testing is necessary to verify if the software is ready for the next release cycle.

## Frequently Asked Questions

1. **What is automated testing?** \
Automated testing in software development is a form of software testing that uses the execution of predefined sets of operations to probe and validate the software system. The fundamental purpose of automation testing in software development is to generate objective feedback about the quality of the product. One such testing tool is Selenium. It can run UI tests. The ideal situation is to run E2E tests with both manual testing and automated testing approaches. If your application has a lot of complicated user interfaces, you'll need more end-to-end testing.

2. **What is software development lifecycle?** \
Software development lifecycle (SDLC) is the process used by developers to create, deploy and maintain software. This process includes several steps that are all closely connected with one another. These steps include requirements gathering, analysis and design, coding and testing.

3. **What is a testing pyramid?** \
In software development projects, we have limited time and resources. This is why it's important to consider our test efforts carefully and find the right balance between different types of testing. Basically, there are 3 layers in the testing pyramid: Unit Tests, Integration Tests, and E2E Tests.

3. **What is a selector?** \
A selector is a small piece of code that describes a specific button in your app. It allows you to clearly define what should be clicked in automated end-to-end tests. You can learn more about selectors using [this interactive XPath learning tool](https://bugbug.io/xpath-selector-builder/?ref=blogarticle)



Happy (automated) testing!


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What is End-to-End (E2E) Testing?

Professional Quality Evangelist, experienced in testing web and mobile applications.  
[linkedin.com/in/kinga-witko-b5bba659/](https://linkedin.com/in/kinga-witko-b5bba659/)

Kinga Witko

[TABLE_OF_CONTENTS]

The term “shift left” expresses movement. It can describe the movement of an entire team or individuals.
What does it do in a project or an entire development lifecycle? Putting it simply,  it reflects the position of testing on a timeline. 

**Shift Left means testing earlier in the development process.** It also means repositioning the engagement, development, and testing efforts towards the customer.


Typically, in a traditional (waterfall) model of software making, testing lands at the end of the pipeline or is one of the last phases of the process. Bringing testing at the very last stage usually causes many problems such as:

- delays in the deployment
- a lot of bugs at the end of the development lifecycle
- bugs discovered just before or after the release to production
- lack of collaboration between developers and testers through the entire process.

Poor software quality is one of the most harmful consequences of all of these pains listed above.

At first, the team members do not communicate with each other and they fail to communicate the problems early. 

It must not necessarily be a bug; sometimes there is some issue with the application setup, there is no testing environment, access to certain resources (such as specific tooling or external software providers), the task description is vague, or the team setup is incorrect. 

If communicated and fixed earlier, the entire process can be smoother and cause less frustration in the team. It also encourages people to focus more on the code quality and to deliver earlier and faster.

Most of those issues can be avoided by changing the style of working and shifting testing efforts at the beginning of the process.
->[Automate your tests for free](https://app.bugbug.io/sign-up/){.markdown-cta}<-


## Agile way of working

If you care about the quality of your product, your mindset has probably shifted left already.

This approach is strongly connected with the agile way of thinking and using agile work methods in software projects.


In this setup, testing is an integrated part of the team and accelerates software development at higher quality. As a result, testers can identify bugs sooner, saving time and effort. Notably, the earlier you test, the less expensive bugs are to fix.


[T The Seven Testing Principles (ISTQB)](https://www.istqb.org/downloads/syllabi/foundation-level-syllabus.html) tell that testing everything is not possible unless a system or functionality is very simple. In practice, however,  the testing efforts should be targeted appropriately at the risk analysis, techniques, and bugs prioritization rather than be attempted thorough testing. 


One of the good methods of approaching testing strategy for a specific application can be the guideline from [Agile Testing Quadrants](https://bugbug.io/blog/software-testing/agile-testing-quadrants/). The quadrants are a taxonomy to help teams plan the testing process and testing activities and make sure they have all the resources they need to accomplish it.


## Shift Left approach and DevOps and agile background

With the rise of the DevOps movement, there is an increased focus on delivering automated, continuous improvement. It holds true for development and testing alike.

What is more, Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Delivery (CD) are core software development disciplines integrated into the agile software development cycle. The point is to release fully-tested and stable builds early and as often as possible. Development, delivery, and test automation are crucial components of this process. 

## What it means to “Shift Left”

As mentioned at the beginning, Shift Left testing pushes testing to the “left”, to the earlier stages in the pipeline. This improves software quality and reduces time spent on resolving issues later in the pipeline.

Introducing testing early on the “left-side” of the development process, starting with unit tests and complementing with functional and integration tests is fundamental to making CI/CD happen. But that may not be enough.

The team can go even further: to eliminate unclear and contradicting requirements and improve the end-user experience, it is best to involve test engineers in the clarifying and prioritising application requirements. Test engineers can check the available or newly created requirements or user stories for clarity, consistency, testability, and traceability.

This also improves the shift towards client happiness. An early review of the requirements and spotting the flaws marks an early start of the communication with the end-user. 

The Shift Left approach introduces more care and thought exchange concerning the client. The team can be perceived as more proactive and more dedicated to the best quality standards of a project.
->[Automate your tests for free](https://app.bugbug.io/sign-up/){.markdown-cta}<-


## Benefits of Shift Left Testing for Agile and Devops teams

Agile teams benefit most from Shift Left Testing in terms of clearer specifications, smoother implementations, earlier testing, and reduced costs. However, Shift Right Testing has more benefits like the ability to incorporate user and system feedback based on real usage scenarios. 

In opposition to testing early, Shift Right can provide an additional context to the testing scenarios. Shifting right means testing at the end of the process, typically when the software is deployed to production (the post-production environment). 

It is performed by a group of experts or selected end-users. It can utilize testing methods such as API Monitoring, using Feature Toggles, or measuring the performance of a live application. 

This helps to understand the application better and discover some other flaws that could have been omitted earlier.

Nevertheless, when quality comes first:

- developers spend more time on coding because they discuss potentially good solutions - they do not investigate who pushes the code first into production without testing

- there are Unit Tests beside the application code, available and maintainable

- there is an infrastructure that allows testing before pushing to production, usually the entire team is responsible for the process health

- there is room for improvement and mistakes

- developers pair up to catch obvious errors on the fly and learn from one another

- teams estimate tasks together, taking quality and risks into account

- potential risks in the systems are spotted and minimized rather than left alone

And finally - the application is tested - not only by one automated or manual test  but by a set of different functional and non-functional scenarios. 

The tests are regularly reviewed, adjusted, and observed. This approach introduces a new way of working and highlights the value of testing.


## Benefits of the Shift-Left Testing approach

The idea of shift left testing is simple to understand but hard to implement in the development cycle. It is worth the effort though, especially when the team and the entire organization understands the main benefits of this approach, such as:

- Lower costs - as explained above, bugs detected earlier are less expensive to fix.

- Increased efficiency in the software development process.

- Improved product quality and reliability because more bugs are detected at earlier stages.

- Reduced time to market since the QA process covers the entire development cycle, not only its’ last phase.

- A competitive advantage gained by letting development teams move fast, build and defend their credibility by innovating in iterations.
->[Automate your tests for free](https://app.bugbug.io/sign-up/){.markdown-cta}<-


## Get started with “Shift Left” Testing in Agile

How to approach the change and switch to early software testing? Here is the basic list: 


1. **Plan**

Shape development in a way that is friendly to Shift Left testing. Once the requirements have been established, developers and testers should ideate how to shape the coding and software testing as early as possible. 


Depending on the product expectations as well as the limitations of the team, specific strategies, such as involving testers in the project since the planning phase or using the TDD approach, might have to be crafted to accommodate the Shift Left way of working.


2.** Review the requirements**

It is best to verify not only the existing code but also all the requirements necessary for the code to be written. Early verification can spot obvious mistakes.


3. **Use Static Code Analysis**

Static code analysis is the practice of checking the code without executing it. It runs through the basic code structure and ensures that the code is aligned with many standards and guidelines. By following the approach the team can early detect:

- Programming errors

- Violations of commonly followed coding standards

- Syntax anomalies

- Security issues

A static code analysis is best done via automation. The software should scan all untested codes in a project before it moves to the test phase.

4. **Collaborate**

As in any other [agile testing](https://bugbug.io/blog/software-testing/agile-testing-organized-chaos-or-a-planned-way-of-improving-your-software/) technique - early software testing requires a lot of collaboration with the team: Developers, Product Managers, Business Analysts, and other stakeholders responsible for the overall product. 

Everybody needs to understand the value of the Shift Left approach and spot the difference after some time of the new process introduction because as a result, the client benefits from better software quality and receives a lovable product.

## Conclusion for Left Shift Testing in test automation

There are a number of benefits to left shift testing in test automation. One of the primary benefits is that it helps to identify defects earlier in the development cycle. This means that defects can be caught and addressed before they become more complex and costly to fix. In addition, left shift testing can help to reduce the overall time and effort required for testing by identifying and addressing issues earlier in the process.

Another benefit of left shift testing in test automation is that it can help to improve the quality of the software being developed. By identifying and addressing defects earlier in the process, developers can ensure that the software they are creating is of higher quality and meets the requirements of the end-users.
->[Automate your tests for free](https://app.bugbug.io/sign-up/){.markdown-cta}<-


One of the keys to successful left shift testing in test automation is to incorporate testing into the development process **from the very beginning**. This means that testing is not an afterthought or an additional step at the end of the development process, but rather an integral part of the development process itself. Test automation tools and frameworks can be used to automate testing activities and make it easier to incorporate testing into the development process.

It is also important to involve testers in the development process as early as possible. This allows them to provide feedback and identify potential issues before they become more complex and difficult to fix. Testers can also work with developers to ensure that the code being developed is testable, and that the testing process is efficient and effective.

Overall, **left shift testing is an important approach in test automation that can help to improve the quality of software, reduce testing time and effort, and identify defects earlier in the development process**. By incorporating testing into the development process from the very beginning, developers and testers can work together to create software that is of higher quality and meets the needs of the end-users.

Happy (automated) testing!

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Shift Left Testing Explained

Guides to Test Automation

Software developer currently working as a tech writer and PM.  
[linkedin.com/in/marcin-%C5%82ojewski-a4191518/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcin-%C5%82ojewski-a4191518/)

Marcin Łojewski

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Testing Tools for Web Application - The Ultimate Guide 2023

Testing is an ever-present part of a software developer’s job, performed at every stage of the production process. There is a wide range of test types used for software testing, some performed at various points during production, and some performed after production to confirm that the software functions as intended.

Regression testing is performed on a product that has already been finished and released. How exactly is it performed? What are the objectives and how does the procedure look? If you’re keen to find out, keep on reading as we explain everything you should know about regression testing.

[TABLE_OF_CONTENTS]

## The definition of Regression Testing

**Regression testing** is a software testing method that aims to investigate and locate any possible flaws or bugs in software that has already been fully developed. Regression Testing is performed to find out whether your software has regressed (surprise, surprise) as you continue introducing new updates and bug fixes. Whenever a piece of software is changed in any way, new bugs might emerge and some of the older ones re-emerge.

Most often, regression testing is performed immediately after introducing a new update, but it isn’t the only factor that might call for the test. If any software or hardware-related factor has changed, regression testing should be committed to find out whether everything performs as it has before the change. 

This can include any sort of bug fixes and software changes, but regression might also be caused by hardware configuration changes and electronic component degradation over time. Regression testing isn’t easy – it requires cooperation and diligence out of all of the team members, which makes it perfect for agile software development practices.

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## Regression Testing process

As with most testing efforts regression testing is an art rather than science. Let us describe the regression testing process that our development team uses. You may then use and adapt it to your existing test strategy. As regression testing is a type of testing that occurs whenever any change in your software occurs, the smartest way to start is to..

### Identify code changes

This will allow you to asses the number of test cases for regression testing that will need to be created. The testing team will need information on the impact that the current changes may have on the whole application. This is done also during this step.

### Prioritize changes

You finished step one with a list. Now you need to create a queue out of it. By proper prioritizing the changes in your software application you reduce the amount of time you will use on 

### Select for re-run

This is the part where the selection of test cases is performed. After the first test is done, test cases are categorized into reusable and obsolete ones. The reusable ones create a regression test suite. The others are will not be used for regression. 

### Categorize manual and automated regression test cases

Here is where the test automation actually begins. Test cases that occur more often within one process are perfect candidates to for the automation tool to do the work for you. If you want to automate tests in a fast and efficient way, try BugBug as your tool for regression testing. You will soon find out that it is great to reduce regression testing costs.

### Prioritize test cases

Here is where regression testing becomes a tad tricky. One would think, that the most often occurring test cases should have the biggest priority, right? Well the theory on that one is a tad different. The need for regression testing, therefor the priority, is the highest for those cases, that cover all essential features. The lowest on the other hand are stated as "technical complexities". 

### Plan and execute

This one is rather obvious, but we have to put it here. After doing all the analysis, you have to plan when regression testing is done and "push the execute button". 

## Regression Testing techniques

Regression testing can include various functional and non-functional tests in its process to thoroughly investigate the software in search of flaws. There are also many techniques with which developers and QA specialists perform regression testing, including:

- Retest All
- Regression Test Selection
- Test Case Prioritization
- Hybrid approach

### Retest All – an accurate yet expensive solution

**The Retest All ** technique is the most accurate and all-around method of regression testing, but it is also the most expensive one. In Retest All, every test case is checked again on the software to confirm if all of its parts are working as intended. That’s all there is to Retest All – it might be simple in definition, but it is definitely the hardest and most costly technique to actually perform.

### Regression Test Selection – when you realize you might not have enough for a Retest All

**Regression Test Selection** has been designed as a solution to the expensive nature of the Retest All technique. In RTS we don’t run all of the tests in our test suite, but instead we divide all of the tests into three categories – reusable test cases, retestable test cases, and obsolete test cases. In addition, RTS might actually create new test cases that haven’t been in the suite before, but might be relevant for regression tests.

If you’re interested in finding out more about regression testing examples, we recommend taking a look at Understanding Regression Testing Techniques by Gaurav Duggal and Bharti Suri. The authors further divide RTS techniques, naming two most important categories – coverage techniques and minimization techniques, and explain what are safe techniques.

**Coverage techniques** feature specific coverage criteria, often provided by the client who wants their software regression tested. These techniques sift through all test cases, selecting only the ones that are relevant for the covered parts of your software. **Minimization techniques** work in a way similar to coverage techniques, but instead of selecting cases based on set criteria, you select a minimum set of cases that you think will do the job.

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### Test Case Prioritization – a rational approach

**Test Case Prioritization** aims to maximize the rate of fault detection, creating the most thorough regression test for the lowest cost. First you prioritize the test cases one by one. Then all of them are performed in order, starting from the most important one and finishing on the least important one. Thanks to that, even if your resources aren’t enough to perform all of the tests in your suite, you will still perform the ones that should detect the most flaws.

**TSP** might be performed in two ways – the first one, called **General Prioritization**, selects test cases that should be effective (on average) on all versions of the software you’re working with. The other way, called Version Specific **Prioritization**, only takes into account a specific version of the software, without considering other existing or potential future versions.

### Hybrid approach – the best of both worlds

When choosing one technique of regression testing is impossible – why not combine the best features of Regression Test Selection and Test Case Prioritization? 

The hybrid approach is still being developed, and every researcher gives a personal spin on the idea. Since there isn’t an exact definition of what a hybrid approach actually is, there are tons of versions available – each one with its own upsides and downsides.

## Regression Testing tools

Regression testing ensures that each version of your software runs smoothly. We have described various regression testing techniques, but our article would not be complete without a few hints of what tool to use for proper test execution. 

Regression testing is used on an incremented basis. Each release of your software means building another layer of an already high pile of multiple regression test cases. A good tool will allow you to perform regression tests without writing a single line of code. 

If you want a specific list of tools, please redirect to our article [HERE](https://bugbug.io/blog/guides/testing-tools-for-web-application/).

->[Automate your tests for free](https://app.bugbug.io/sign-up/){.markdown-cta}<-

## Disadvantages of regression testing

Well now that's a shocker isn't it? We have many articles on testing in the BugBug blog, and never have I ever wrote anything negative about testing. Until now. We found four "buts" on regression testing and we tried to tackle them immediately.

- "but regression testing is time consuming" - yes, but only if you only perform a manual test, this is why selecting a good testing tool is essential
- "but you have to do it after even the smallest patch" - yes, but this is why you build a good regression cycle. You store all the recurring tests and only build a few on top of them for that given patch. It is like CI/CD for your testing process
- "but that process might interfere with the sprint planning" - only if you do regression tests without automation. Think of it from a business perspective - would you have a task that goes cross-sprint or a large bug in the production environment?
- "but it is difficult, to write those test cases" - ah, an oldie but a goodie. There are great no-code regression testing tools. Those might be used not only by QA or other technical personnel but by a PM. Such a person would be even able to automate the test or record and recreate it. 

Regression testing is one of the key ways to have your code thoroughly checked and ready to start earning you money!

## Conclusion – is Regression Testing necessary?

As you have already learned, regression testing plays a key role in keeping the quality of your software as high as possible for as long as possible. Updates and changes to your software might introduce new problems, which is exactly why regression testing is so important – to keep user experience high throughout all iterations of your program.

Not all projects require regression testing, of course. In projects that are already finished and won’t be further updated, regression testing is mostly irrelevant. However, if you are planning to continue development further – never forget to properly regression test your software before releasing an update.


Happy (automated) testing!

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