🚀 NEW: Pop-up Windows Recording - [See how to test seamlessly OAuth integrations](https://docs.bugbug.io/recording-tests-steps/record-pop-up-window-actions)

Software Testing Knowledge

Application Consultant working as a Tech Writer


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

Dominik Szahidewicz

[TABLE_OF_CONTENTS]


Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery are both practices in software development that **aim to improve the efficiency and reliability of software development process**. In the realm of test automation, CI entails the regular integration of test automation into the codebase. 

This approach helps catch bugs and issues early in the software delivery process, leading to faster feedback and higher software quality. Let's explore business benefits of adopting CI/CD Pipeline Implementation and how it can improve software testing and deployment. 

## Continuous Integration

Continuous Integration is a software delivery practice where code alterations from multiple developers are frequently integrated into a shared repository. The main goal of CI is to catch and address integration issues early in the development cycle by automating the process of building, testing, and validating the changes. 

CI systems **automatically build and run tests** whenever new code is committed to the repository, ensuring that any issues are detected and fixed promptly.

**The process typically involves the following steps:**

1. Developers write code and commit changes to a shared version control repository.
2. An automated CI system monitors the repository for changes.
3. When changes are detected, the system automatically pulls the latest code, builds the application, and provides continuous testing.
4. If the tests pass, the new features are integrated successfully. If tests fail, developers are notified to fix the bugs.


## Continuous Delivery

Continuous Delivery is an extension of CI that takes the delivery process further by automating the deployment of code alterations to various environments, including production. 

Using Continuous Delivery means is to **make sure that the code is always in a deployable state**, so that they can be released to users at any time with minimal risk. 

**The CD process typically includes:**

- **Continuous Integration**, ensuring that code is consistently tested.
- **Automated deployment scripts** that take the built and tested code and deploy it to different environments (staging, testing, production, etc.).
- **Software testing in each environment** to ensure that the application behaves as expected.
- **Monitoring and feedback** mechanisms to track the application's performance and health.

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

## DevOps and Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery.

DevOps approach is to provide integration between development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops) teams. DevOps promotes the practice of continuous integration, where developers frequently integrate changes into a shared repository. Tests are then executed automatically to quickly identify any integration issues. 

This allows for **less time-consuming and continuous deployment of changes** to various environments, making the software always ready for release.

## Key Differences between CI and CD

**1. Scope:**

- CI focuses on automating the integration and testing.
- CD extends CI to include automated delivery and testing in different environments.

**2. Objective:**

- CI aims to catch issues early by continuously integrating code changes and running tests.
- Continuous Development aims to ensure that code changes are always in a deployable state.

**3. Deployment:**

- CI does not necessarily involve automated deployment to production.
- CD includes automated deployment processes to move code changes from development to production environments.

**4. Frequency:**

- CI involves frequent integration and testing of code changes, often triggered by every commit.
- CD involves automating the deployment process after successful CI, but the frequency can vary depending on the project's needs.


## CI/CD Workflow Pipeline in Software Release Process

The Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery workflow pipeline is a **sequence of automated stages** that teams follow to integrate code changes, test them thoroughly, and then deploy them to production environments. This pipeline aims to streamline the software development lifecycle, making it more efficient, reliable, and agile. 

## KPIs in CI/CD Workflow Pipeline


Key performance indicators (KPIs) in a Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery pipeline are **metrics used to measure the effectiveness, efficiency, and overall health of the process**. These KPIs provide insights into how well the pipeline is performing and whether it's meeting the intended goals. Here are some important KPIs to consider for evaluating the performance of the pipeline:


**- Release Frequency**

This metric tracks how often new releases are pushed to production. A higher release frequency indicates that the pipeline supports a more agile development approach.

**- Lead Time for Changes**

Lead time gauges the duration taken to implement a change, encompassing the entire development lifecycle from inception to final deployment and production phases. By tracking lead time, organizations gain insights into their development process efficiency and responsiveness to evolving user needs.

**- Change Failure Rate**

The change failure rate reveals the frequency of unexpected outages or glitches stemming from software releases. A low change failure rate signifies smooth, trouble-free deployments and implies a dependable and stable application environment conducive to swift and frequent updates.

**- Time to Detection**

Time to detection reflects the duration to identify outages or issues post-deployment. Reducing this duration minimizes downtime impact and disruption to workflow.

**- User Satisfaction**

While not a purely technical KPI, user satisfaction surveys or feedback can provide insights into the impact of CI/CD changes on the user experience.

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

## Benefits of Continuous Integration and Delivery

**1. Faster Software Delivery**

CI/CD enables developers to integrate code modifications more frequently into the main codebase. This facilitates faster and more regular software releases, allowing teams to respond to user demands and market changes quickly. As a result, customers receive new features and updates more rapidly, leading to higher customer satisfaction.

**2. Faster Code Review**

Code modifications are merged into the main codebase frequently and in smaller increments. This results in smaller code alterations to review, making the code review process faster and more manageable. Developers can catch and fix issues earlier in the development cycle, leading to overall time savings.

**3. Faster Bug Fixing**

Changes in the code are integrated more frequently, bugs and issues are detected sooner. This allows developers to identify the root causes of problems and address them more promptly. Fast bug fixing enhances the stability of the software and reduces the chances of severe issues reaching production.

**4. Clean Code** 

Consistently integrating and testing changes in the code ensures that quality standards are maintained across the development lifecycle.

**5. More Test Reliability**

Tests are executed with each code update, ensuring that new changes do not introduce regressions or break existing functionality. 

**6. Reduced Testing Costs**

Manual testing can be time-consuming and error-prone. By introducing test automation organizations can significantly reduce the reliance on manual testing efforts. 

**7. Easy Test Maintenance**

As software evolves, tests need to be updated to reflect changes in functionality. CI/CD promotes maintaining a suite of automated tests that evolve alongside the codebase. When new features or changes are introduced, tests can be updated quickly, ensuring that the testing suite remains relevant and effective.

**8. Improving Team’s Metrics**

CI/CD provides valuable metrics that help development teams gauge their progress and performance. Metrics such as test coverage, defect rates, and release frequency can be tracked over time. 

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

**BugBug** offers a valuable solution by seamlessly integrating with the CI/CD pipeline. Through its **[Command Line Interface](https://docs.bugbug.io/integrations/api)** or **public API**, the tool empowers teams to execute tests in the cloud, enhancing testing workflows and contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the development process. 

![BugBug CLI integration](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/spaces_M_Kixge_B_Pb_Lvn_D0l1ei_V_uploads_fo_QADK_2_X_Au_Td_MK_07xhgm_image_4aa46c6d86.webp)

The [API documentation](https://docs.bugbug.io/running-tests/running-via-api), available in both Swagger and Redoc formats, provides clear guidelines for utilizing BugBug's capabilities within the CI/CD context, allowing for a **seamless and productive integration** tests.

![BugBug public API integration](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/spaces_M_Kixge_B_Pb_Lvn_D0l1ei_V_uploads_i_S_Ubsw_Kk5_K_Np_Wr_LV_9a_Ip_Swagger2_195f3e8670.webp)


## Conclusion

Business benefits of CI and CD include faster software delivery, streamlined code reviews, enhanced code quality, improved test reliability, reduced testing costs, and better team metrics. By consistently integrating, testing, and delivering code, development teams can respond to market demands more effectively, leading to higher customer satisfaction.


Happy (automated) testing!

small_Test plan template (19).png

thumbnail_Test plan template (19).png

Test plan template (19).png

Benefits of CI/CD Pipeline Implementation

[TABLE_OF_CONTENTS]



Software development and testing have come a long way, with a constant emphasis on speed and efficiency. One technique that has gained significant traction in recent years is **Parallel Testing**. 

This automated testing process allows developers to **run multiple test cases simultaneously** across various real device combinations and browser configurations, thereby distributing tests across available resources. 

In this article, we will explore what Parallel Testing is, when to use it, its advantages and limitations, automation possibilities, testing tools, best practices, and an example of a successful Parallel Testing implementation.

## What is Parallel Testing?

Parallel Testing is a software testing approach that involves running multiple test cases simultaneously across different environments, devices, or platforms. Instead of executing tests sequentially, where each test waits for the previous one to finish, **Parallel Testing runs multiple tests concurrently**. 

This can significantly **reduce the overall test execution time **and help identify defects quickly, making it an attractive option for agile and time-sensitive projects.

## When to use Parallel Testing?

Parallel Testing is best suited for scenarios where there is a **large suite of test cases** that need to be executed regularly or when there are strict deadlines that require faster test feedback. Some specific situations where Parallel Testing can be highly beneficial include:

### Regression Testing

When new code changes are made, you can perform Parallel Testing with the existing regression test suite in parallel, **ensuring that no functionality is broken by the new code**. 

When conducting API [regression testing](https://bugbug.io/blog/software-testing/everything-you-need-to-know-about-regression-testing/), parallel execution of test cases against different API endpoints or versions can accelerate the process of verifying backward compatibility and identifying potential issues with API changes.

### Browser Testing and Cross-Platform Testing

By executing automated test cases simultaneously on each platform, engineers can quickly identify any platform-specific bugs or inconsistencies.

### Load and Performance Testing

When conducting load and performance testing, running tests in parallel can simulate a larger user base and generate more accurate results.

### Mobile App Testing

With the vast array of mobile devices available, Parallel Testing can be employed to run test cases simultaneously on multiple devices, **improving test coverage and minimizing the testing cycle**. 

For applications that require testing in multiple languages and locales, parallel regression testing can be highly beneficial. Testers can simultaneously run test cases on different language configurations, ensuring that all localized content and functionality are accurate and error-free.

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

## Parallel Testing vs Sequential Testing

The fundamental difference between Parallel Testing and Sequential Testing lies in the way test cases are executed:

- **Sequential Testing:** Test cases are executed one after the other, with each test waiting for the previous one to complete before starting.
- **Parallel Testing:** Multiple test cases are executed simultaneously, each in its own execution environment, without waiting for the others to finish.

While Sequential Testing is simple to implement, it can be **time-consuming**, especially when dealing with a large number of test cases. 

On the other hand, Parallel Testing offers the advantage of **speed and efficiency**, but it requires proper coordination and management of test environments.

## Advantages of Parallel Testing
- **Reduced Testing Time:** By running multiple tests simultaneously, Parallel Testing significantly reduces the time required to complete the entire test suite.
- **Faster Feedback Loop:** Early detection of defects allows developers to address issues promptly, leading to faster bug fixes and a shorter development cycle.
- **Increased Test Coverage:** With the ability to test on multiple devices, browsers, or platforms concurrently, Parallel Testing ensures broader test coverage, identifying potential issues across various environments.
- **Improved Resource Utilization:** Efficiently using available resources and parallelizing test execution can optimize hardware usage and infrastructure costs.
- **Scalability:** Parallel Testing is highly scalable, enabling teams to execute tests across multiple machines or in cloud-based environments.

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

## Limitations of Parallel Testing

- **Complex Test Environment Setup:** Coordinating and managing multiple test environments can be challenging, especially when dealing with different configurations.
- **Synchronization Issues:** Certain test scenarios may require synchronization between tests, leading to complications in parallel execution.
- **Increased Resource Demand:** Running tests in parallel requires additional resources, and without proper resource management, it can lead to contention issues.
- **Intermittent Failures:** Parallel Testing may result in intermittent test failures, making it crucial to identify the root cause and differentiate between genuine issues and environmental constraints.


## Tools for Parallel Testing

To implement Parallel Testing successfully, you can leverage various testing frameworks and tools. One such powerful tool is [BugBug](https://bugbug.io/), which offers **excellent support for running tests in parallel mode**. 

BugBug's [parallel testing](https://docs.bugbug.io/running-tests/parallel-mode) capabilities allow you to distribute test cases across multiple instances, significantly **reducing test execution time and providing quick feedback** on code changes. 

![Parallel Testing with BugBug](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/parallel_testing_bugbug_be010cfea7.png)

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

## Best Practices for Efficient Parallel Testing

To ensure successful implementation of Parallel Testing, you should follow these best practices:

1. **Test Case Independence:** Ensure that test cases are independent of each other to avoid conflicts during parallel execution.
2. **Environment Isolation:** Isolate test environments to prevent interference between tests running in parallel.
3. **Resource Management: **Efficiently manage resources to avoid overloading machines and infrastructure.
4. **Error Reporting and Analysis:** Implement robust reporting and analysis mechanisms to identify and address intermittent failures effectively.
5. **Continuous Integration (CI):** Integrate Parallel Testing into the CI/CD pipeline to automate testing and improve overall release efficiency.


## Example of Successful Parallel Testing

Let's consider a scenario where a software development team is working on a web application that needs to be tested across multiple browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Opera and Safari) and operating systems (Windows and macOS). 

By running Parallel Testing, the team can execute the same test cases **simultaneously on all browser and OS combinations**. As a result, the team quickly identifies browser-specific issues and ensures consistent performance and functionality across different platforms.

## Conclusion

**Parallel Testing is a powerful approach** that enables software testers to run multiple tests with less time, increase test coverage, and improve overall efficiency. It is particularly valuable for regression testing, cross-browser testing, and performance testing. 

However, you should be mindful of the complexities associated with managing test environments and resources. By following best practices and utilizing tools like **BugBug and Selenium** for parallel test execution, you can enhance testing processes and deliver high-quality software in shorter development cycles.

Happy (automated) testing!




Parallel Testing: A Guide for Software Testers

small_Test plan template (17).png

thumbnail_Test plan template (17).png

Test plan template (17).png

[TABLE_OF_CONTENTS]

Software testing is a crucial aspect of the software development life cycle, ensuring that applications meet the desired requirements and function correctly. Among the various testing methodologies available, one approach that has gained significant popularity is Atomic Test Cases. This comprehensive guide will explore the concept, differences from [end-to-end automation](https://bugbug.io/blog/software-testing/what-is-end-to-end-testing/), the advantages they offer, provide test ui automation examples, and present best practices for managing them.

## What is an Atomic Test Case?

The term "atomic" emphasizes **the small and independent nature of these tests**, where each test validates the behavior of a specific unit or functionality without relying on external dependencies or interactions with other units. This approach focuses on testing a single feature, small, and discrete functionality of a software application.

The objective is **to thoroughly validate the behavior and correctness of a particular feature or function**. Unlike other testing methodologies that might involve testing multiple functionalities simultaneously. Having two assertions in a test can be beneficial, especially when you need to check multiple properties of an object simultaneously. 

This situation often arises when an object has two or more related properties. By including multiple assertions in the same test, you can ensure that all the relevant properties are properly validated, providing a more comprehensive and efficient testing approach. 

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

## When to Create Atomic Test?

### Unit Testing

Unit tests focus on validating the functionality of a single unit in isolation, making them inherently atomic.

### Isolated Functionality

By keeping the scope of the test limited to a single feature, you can better identify and address any issues that arise. When an atomic test fails, it won't hinder the testing of other functionalities. For example, if the mentioned test fails at the third step, it might prevent you from proceeding to test the blog page or the search functionality. In such cases, if you don't have other tests to check these functionalities independently, your coverage will be reduced due to non-atomic tests.

### Independent Test Cases

Atomic tests are particularly useful when you want each test to be independent of one another. Each test should be self-contained and not rely on the success or failure of other tests. This helps in maintaining test stability and allows for [parallel test execution](https://docs.bugbug.io/running-tests/parallel-mode). 

The failure of an atomic test is limited to the specific functionality being tested. It doesn't impact the testing of other functionalities within the application. This is because atomic tests are designed to focus on isolated units or features, ensuring that issues are identified precisely and resolved efficiently.

### Precise Defect Identification

If you need to pinpoint the exact source of defects, atomic tests are invaluable. Since atomic tests focus on specific functionalities, any failure will directly indicate the problematic area, making debugging and fixing easier.

### Regression Testing

For [regression testing](https://bugbug.io/blog/software-testing/everything-you-need-to-know-about-regression-testing/), where you need to ensure that changes or bug fixes do not introduce new issues, atomic tests are beneficial. They allow you to verify the targeted functionalities quickly and efficiently after modifications.

### Fast Feedback Loop

Atomic tests enable a faster feedback loop as they are smaller and quicker to execute. This is especially helpful during development, where developers can receive rapid validation of their code changes.

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

## Differences Between Atomic Test Cases and Other Methodologies


### Scope

**Atomic Testing focuses on testing a single, small, and discrete functionality** of a software application in isolation. The scope is limited to one unit or component of the application. Other methodologies, such as integration testing, system testing, and [end-to-end testing](https://bugbug.io/blog/software-testing/unit-testing-vs-end-to-end-testing/), may have broader scopes. They involve testing multiple functionalities and interactions between different units or components.

### Dependencies

Writing atomic tests is designed to **run independently without relying on the success of other test cases** or external factors. They are self-contained and isolated. In contrast, other testing methodologies may have dependencies on the successful execution of previous cases or the availability of specific resources. They might require interactions between multiple components to assess the overall system behavior.

### Granularity

Atomic approach to testing is **highly granular and specific**, focusing on minute details of a particular functionality. They aim to test individual units thoroughly. Other methodologies may have coarser cases that cover broader functionalities or interactions between multiple components. They might not delve into the fine-grained details of each unit.

### Test Environment

Automated atomic tests often utilize a **controlled test environment where external factors are minimized** or simulated. The environment is tailored to focus solely on the functionality being tested. Other methodologies may require more complex and real-world-like test environments to assess how different components interact under various conditions.

### Objectives

The primary is to thoroughly validate the behavior and correctness of a specific feature or function. They aim to identify defects and issues specific to that functionality. Other methodologies have broader objectives, which may include assessing overall **system performance, integration between components, and user experience** across the entire application.

### Test Coverage

Atomic cases encourage comprehensive testing of each functionality in isolation, ensuring that **no aspect of the unit goes untested**. Other methodologies may focus on achieving test coverage across different levels of the application, considering how various components interact and behave together.

## Advantages of Atomic Tests

1. **Enhanced Bug Identification:** In this approach you can excel at locating defects at the unit level. This precision helps in quickly identifying and rectifying issues, resulting in higher software quality.
2. **Isolation of Issues: **By focusing on one functionality at a time the tester can isolate issues. This makes debugging and fixing problems more efficient.
3. **Easier Maintenance:** Atomic Tests are smaller and more manageable, making them easier to maintain and update when changes occur in the application.
4. **Faster Feedback Loop:** Running smaller and focused test steps can lead to a faster feedback loop and execution time, allowing developers to receive quick validation on their changes.

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

### Check Login Functionality with Bugbug

We could verify that the **login functionality accepts valid credentials, rejects invalid ones, and handles error scenarios**. Removing login screens from tests to make them atomic can be achieved by using javascript session data or bypassing the login process through the UI interactions testing tool. BugBug tool gives us the opportunity to set independent test in few steps: 

1. Log in and create a new test on [bugbug.io](https://bugbug.io/)

![Login to BugBug](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/1_Login_9466de0d4a.png)

2. Enter the URL of the web app or website that you want to test

![Create new test in BugBug](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/2_New_Test_8674809880.png)


3. Click "Start recording" - if you installed the extension, the incognito Chrome browser window should appear

![URL test and record BugBug](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/2_3_URL_test_and_record_06b157d94a.png)

4. Carefully click the elements to navigate - each click will be recorded automatically


5. Create single test

If we want to check login functionality of the website we would be tempted to check every step of logging process:

**login to an admin panel --> check if the user exists --> enter the website**

However all those steps should be checked just in one test. You can't split them because one of the tests would need to wait until the first is finished. Independent end-to-end tests do not rely on their order and they have no dependencies between them.

**Simply create a single test with all of these steps, no dependencies, no problems.**

6. When you are ready with the test case click the Finish and close button in the overlay menu on the right

![BugBug test recorder](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/4_Recording_test_508bdb753d.png)


7. Now run the test to see if everything was correctly recorded

![Atomic test results BugBug](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/5_Test_results_afc63b6763.png)


![test passed BugBug](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/6_Test_passed_d47ccc4acc.png)

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


## Best Practices for Atomic Test Case Management
- **Use descriptive names** that clearly indicate the functionality being tested.
- **Ensure Tests are concise** and address only one functionality to maintain clarity and simplicity.
- **Make sure each case can run independently** without dependencies on other ones or the order of execution.
- **Focus on high-priority functionalities** and critical code paths.
- **Continuously review and update** as the software evolves to reflect changes in functionality and requirements.
- **Automate test cases.** Whenever possible use automation tools to test data more efficiently.


## Conclusion

In summary, Atomic Testing offers a powerful testing approach by being extremely focused on individual functionalities in isolation. Its precision, independence, and targeted nature make them an effective means of identifying and resolving defects efficiently. You can enhance the overall quality of your software and deliver more robust and reliable applications to end-users. 


**Atomic Test Cases are highly focused, independent, and granular** test cases that target individual functionalities in isolation. They offer precision in defect identification and allow for thorough validation of specific features.


On the other hand, **other testing methodologies cover a broader scope**, involving interactions between multiple components, and may have dependencies on the success of other test cases or external factors. Each testing methodology has its strengths and use cases, and the choice of approach depends on the specific requirements of the software testing process.


Happy (automated) testing!


small_Test plan template (16).png

thumbnail_Test plan template (16).png

Test plan template (16).png

Atomic Test Cases - the Ultimate Guide

[TABLE_OF_CONTENTS]

In the ever-evolving landscape of the software development process, the demand for efficient and reliable testing methods has grown exponentially. [Automation Testing](https://bugbug.io/blog/software-testing/test-automation-best-practices/), a specialized field within software testing, has emerged as a key solution to accelerate testing processes and ensure the delivery of high-quality software products. This article delves into the journey of becoming an Automated Test Engineer, offering insights into the essential skills, knowledge, and steps required to embark on this career path and increase your current salary. 

![automated test engineer meme](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/test_f6b5fa09f5.jpeg)


## Essential Steps to Embark on a Career as an Automation Test Engineer

Embarking on a new journey as a Test Automation Engineer is an achievable goal, and it all starts with a strong belief in your abilities. Determination and perseverance play a vital role in this journey. 


1. **Embrace the Possibility:** Believe in yourself and your potential to learn and excel. Nothing is beyond reach with determination and commitment.
2. **Switching to Automation Testing:** If you're currently working in manual testing, consider making a career switch to automation testing. This article will provide valuable insights to support your transition.
3. **Learning Test Automation:** Gather tips, techniques, and effective approaches to learning test automation. Based on real-time industry experience, we'll outline the key points to help you start your journey with confidence.
4. **Grasp Software Testing Concepts:** Understanding software testing concepts is essential. It includes knowledge of manual testing principles, technical knowledge, Agile methodology, Scrum framework, defect tracking tools, and test management tools.

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

## Who is an Automation Tester?

An Automated Test Engineer is responsible for designing, developing test scripts to verify the functionality, performance, and reliability of software applications. Job description usually contains information on how to streamline the testing process, increase test coverage, and identify defects efficiently by automating repetitive testing tasks.


## What does an Automation Tester do?


Engineers work closely with the R&D team to create and maintain automation scripts. They utilize various test automation tools and frameworks to **write scripts, execute test cases, and report test results**. They identify scenarios that can be automated and collaborate with [manual testers](https://bugbug.io/blog/software-testing/a-manual-tester-10-reasons-that-make-this-job-interesting/) to strategize test plans. Moreover, testers analyze results, investigate defects, and work with developers to resolve issues.


![automation tester meme](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Go_Kc_LFK_721fcd7384.jpeg)

## What are the responsibilities of an Automated Test Engineer?

The responsibilities of a Test Automation Engineer may include:

- Designing and developing automated test scripts based on [test cases](https://bugbug.io/blog/software-testing/test-case-vs-test-scenario/).
- Executing test suites and analyzing test results.
- Identifying areas for test automation and collaborating with the team to create [an automation test plan](https://bugbug.io/blog/software-testing/test-plan-template/).
- Integrating tests into the continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipeline.
- Maintaining and updating existing test scripts as the software evolves.
- Collaborating with developers and other stakeholders to ensure comprehensive test coverage.
- Identifying and reporting defects with clear steps to reproduce.
- Keeping up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in test automation.

## What skills do you need to be an Automated Test Engineer?

To develop into a successful Automated Test Engineer, you need to know and obtain following skills:

1. **Perfect Manual Testing Skills:** A strong foundation in testing principles and methodologies is crucial for understanding what to automate and how to design effective test cases.
2. **Understanding of Software Development Methodologies:** Familiarity with Agile, Scrum, or other methodologies is essential for collaborating with the development team and integrating testing into the development process seamlessly.
3. **Analytical and Problem-Solving Abilities:** Automation Testers need to think critically to identify test scenarios, troubleshoot issues, and design effective automated tests.
4. **Test Design and Execution:** Ability to design comprehensive test cases and execute them using test automation tools is a core skill for Automation Testers.

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

## How to become an Automation Tester?

Start by gaining a **strong understanding of testing principles and software development methodologies**. Acquire coding skills in languages like Python or Java, as automation involves writing and maintaining test scripts. Consider obtaining certifications such as ISTQB Certified Tester - Foundation Level and gaining practical experience through testing projects or internships. 


### Do you need an IT degree to be an Automation Tester?

While a bachelor's degree in IT or Computer Science can be advantageous, it is not always a strict requirement to be hired as a QA or a Tester. Please note that any successful engineer had entered the field through self-learning and hands-on experience. Demonstrating strong **technical skills and expertise in test automation through certifications and practical projects** can be equally valuable. 


### Software Automation Testing Certifications
Software Automation Certifications are recognized by the industry and can significantly boost your career prospects. Here are some popular software automation testing certifications:

- [**ISTQB Certified Tester Test Automation Engineer (CT-TAE)**](https://www.istqb.org/certifications/test-automation-engineer)

- **Selenium WebDriver Certification**

- **Cypress Certified Professional**


### Bootcamps and courses

A Bootcamp is an **intensive and focused training program** designed to impart specific skills or knowledge in a short period. Before enrolling in any bootcamp, ensure that the curriculum aligns with your learning goals, check for hands-on projects and practical exercises, and read reviews or testimonials from past participants. 

Additionally, verify if the bootcamp provides any **certification or support with job placement** to further enhance your learning experience and career prospects. Udemy and Coursera offer variety of courses where you'll learn different tools and skills which will facilitate a new career path.


## Does an Automation Tester need Coding skills?
While they may not have to be proficient in programming, a good **understanding of at least one programming language is essential** for writing and maintaining scripts effectively. Python and Java are commonly used languages for testing, but other languages like JavaScript or C# can also be relevant depending on the tools and frameworks being used. 


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

## Knowledge of test automation tools
Choosing the right tool is crucial for success. The selection process should be based on several factors that align with your project requirements, team's expertise, and the specific technologies involved. As practices in the IT sector continue to shift towards Agile, DevOps, and continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD), the demand for faster, more efficient testing has grown exponentially. 


## Conclusion

To embark on a career as an Automation Tester, begin by developing a solid grasp of manual testing principles. **Acquire proficiency in at least one of the programming languages** like Python or Java, as automation entails scripting and test maintenance. Pursue certified courses and gain hands-on experience through projects or internships. **Stay up-to-date with the latest test automation tools and techniques** to excel in the field.


Happy (automated) testing!

small_Test plan template (15).png

thumbnail_Test plan template (15).png

Test plan template (15).png

How to Become Automated Test Engineer? 

[TABLE_OF_CONTENTS]


When developing an application, one of the first decisions to make is which testing strategy to employ. Two commonly used different testing strategies are unit and end-to-end testing. Understanding the differences between these two kinds of tests is essential in determining which one to use and minimizing the risk of test failure. It's key to being successful in designing a holistic testing strategy.

## Understanding Unit Testing

Unit testing is performed **during the development phase** and focuses on testing individual units of code. It is a form of white-box testing that requires knowledge of the internal workings of the code. **Unit tests are limited in scope and can only test a single code unit**, without considering interactions between different units.

### Definition of Unit Testing and its purpose

Unit testing is a software testing framework that focuses on verifying individual components. Its purpose is **to isolate and validate each unit's functionality**, ensuring they work correctly in isolation before integrating them into the larger system.

### Types of Unit Testing

There are different types of unit testing, including two main types:

- white-box testing
- black-box testing

White-box testing ensures examining the internal structure and code of the unit being tested, while black-box testing focuses on the unit's external behavior without considering its internal implementation.

### Key objectives and benefits of Unit Testing

The key objectives of unit testing are to:

- tests to verify and fix defects early in the development process
- ensure individual units meet their specifications
- improve code quality and maintainability
- provide a reliable foundation for integration and system testing


### How to write unit tests and when it's the best option?

Unit testing is best used throughout the software development lifecycle, starting from the initial development phase. It is particularly useful when working with complex or critical software systems, when introducing new features or making changes to existing code, and when working in a team environment where code integration is necessary.

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

### Advantages and Limitations of Unit Testing

**Advantages:**

- detecting and fixing issues early
- providing faster feedback on code changes
- promoting modular and reusable code
- increasing confidence in the system's reliability

**Limitations:**

- inability to catch all types of bugs
- potential difficulty in testing certain types of code
- need for time and resources to write and maintain the tests.


### Tools

There are various tools available for unit testing in different programming languages, such as JUnit for Java, NUnit for .NET, and PyTest for Python. These tools provide frameworks and libraries that facilitate writing and executing unit tests, generating test reports, and automating the testing process.

### Example

Let's imagine a unit test case: a banking system. In unit testing, one could create test cases for individual units like a user login module, a balance inquiry function, and a transaction processing component. By isolating and testing these units separately, developers can ensure that each unit performs its intended functionality correctly before integrating them into the complete banking application.

## Understanding End-to-End Testing tests

[End to end testing](https://bugbug.io/blog/software-testing/what-is-end-to-end-testing/) is a critical software testing methodology that **focuses on testing an entire application flow**, simulating real-world user scenarios. 

### Definition of e2e testing and its purpose

The end-to-end test method **aims to validate the interaction and communication between various components of the software system**, including user interfaces, backend systems, databases, and external services. By executing tests that replicate end-user actions, e2e testing ensures that the application functions as expected from start to finish.

### Types of e2e testing

There are different types of e2e testing techniques employed in software development.

- **Functional testing** verifies the application's functionality and behavior, ensuring that user actions produce the expected results.
- **Integration testing** focuses on testing the interaction between different components or systems to ensure seamless integration.
- **Workflow testing** validates the end-to-end flow of specific business processes within the application.


### Key objectives and benefits of e2e testing

The key objectives of e2e testing:

- identify and resolve issues that arise from the integration of various system components
- validate the application's compliance with requirements and specifications
- ensure smooth user experiences
- reduce the risk of critical failures in production 


### When to use e2e testing

End-to-end testing is **best utilized when the software system is in its final stages of development or before major releases**. It is particularly crucial for mission-critical applications, large-scale systems with multiple dependencies, and scenarios where the user's experience and satisfaction are paramount. Additionally, e2e testing is valuable when changes are made to critical functionalities or when testing complex business workflows.

### Advantages and Limitations of e2e testing

Advantages of e2e testing:

- ability to identify issues that may go unnoticed in unit testing
- comprehensive validation of the system's behavior
- improved confidence in the software's quality

However, e2e testing also has limitations, such as **increased complexity, longer execution times**, and the need for a robust test environment with realistic data.

### Tools

We can execute end-to-end tests with these popular tools: 

- [BugBug](https://bugbug.io/)
- Selenium
- Cypress
- TestCafe

These tools provide frameworks and libraries for writing automated tests, interacting with user interfaces, and validating application behavior across different browsers and platforms.

### Example

With an end-to-end test approach, we can create scenarios that simulate the entire user journey, including actions like navigating through product pages, adding items to the cart, proceeding to checkout, and making a purchase. By testing the entire flow, e2e testing ensures that each step of the user journey functions as expected, including UI interactions, data validation, and seamless integration with payment gateways. 

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

### API and end-to-end tests

In the context of end-to-end (e2e) testing, an API (Application Programming Interface) plays a crucial role in facilitating communication between different components of a software system. APIs allow software systems to interact and exchange data, enabling e2e tests to simulate real-world scenarios and validate the behavior of the entire application flow.

When conducting e2e testing, APIs are often utilized to perform actions such as sending requests, receiving responses, and manipulating data.

## What's the difference between Unit Testing and End-to-End Testing?

Unit testing focuses on testing individual units or components of a software system in isolation, using frameworks like JUnit or NUnit. End-to-end (e2e) testing, on the other hand, validates the entire application flow.


While unit testing operates at a lower level of abstraction, testing internal code behavior, e2e testing operates at a higher level, focusing on the application's end-user experience and the interaction between various components.


E2e manual testing is a software testing approach where testers manually execute test scenarios that replicate end-user interactions with the application. 

### Scope and focus of testing

Unit testing focuses on validating individual units or components of a software system, while e2e testing verifies the entire application flow from start to finish.

### Testing methodology

Unit testing involves isolating and testing individual units in isolation, typically using frameworks like JUnit or NUnit. E2e testing, on the other hand, involves testing the application as a whole, simulating real-world user scenarios, and often relying on tools like Selenium or Cypress.

### Type of testing

Unit testing primarily focuses on functional and internal code behavior, ensuring that each unit works correctly. E2e testing encompasses functional, integration, and workflow testing, validating the overall behavior and interaction of the application.

### Level of abstraction and granularity

Unit testing operates at a lower level of abstraction, testing code units, functions, or methods in isolation. E2e testing operates at a higher level, focusing on the application's end-user experience and the interaction between various components.

### Dependencies and isolation

Unit testing aims to isolate units, mocking or stubbing external dependencies to focus solely on the unit being tested. In contrast, e2e testing considers the integration and interaction of various components, including external services and databases.

### Test environment and test data

Unit testing often utilizes lightweight test environments and predefined test data to isolate units. E2e testing requires a more realistic test environment that replicates production conditions, including the use of real databases, external services, and representative test data.

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

## Best Practices for Unit Testing

1. Test small, isolated units
2. Write clear and concise test cases
3. Automate unit tests 
4.  Prioritize code coverage
5.  Maintain test suites

## Best Practices for End-to-End Testing

**1. Identify critical user scenarios:** Prioritize and focus on testing the most important user scenarios to ensure that key functionalities are thoroughly tested.

**2. Create realistic test environments:** Set up test environments that closely resemble the production environment to ensure accurate simulation of real-world conditions.

**3. Use data-driven testing:** Implement data-driven testing techniques to cover a wide range of test cases and scenarios, allowing for better test coverage.

**4. Leverage automation tools:** Utilize automation tools and frameworks specific to e2e testing, such as Selenium or Cypress, to streamline the testing process and enhance test efficiency.

**5. Monitor performance and reliability:** Monitor system performance and reliability during e2e testing to identify any bottlenecks or issues that may impact the end-user experience.

### Which approach is better?

Both approaches have their own set of benefits and serve different purposes in the testing process. Ideally, a combination of both unit testing and e2e testing should be employed to achieve comprehensive software testing and quality assurance.

## Summary: Unit Testing vs End-to-End

Unit and end-to-end are two distinct forms of testing that serve different purposes. Unit tests focus on individual code units, aiding in early bug detection and code quality.

On the other hand, end-to-end tests validate the entire application from the user's perspective, ensuring correct functionality and business requirements. Both strategies should be considered and integrated into a comprehensive testing approach.


Happy (automated) testing! 

Unit Testing vs End-to-End Testing: Key Differences

small_Test plan template (14).png

thumbnail_Test plan template (14).png

Test plan template (14).png

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!


large_testowanie_end_to_end_98e59a7257_deae9fab1e.png

medium_testowanie_end_to_end_98e59a7257_deae9fab1e.png

small_testowanie_end_to_end_98e59a7257_deae9fab1e.png

thumbnail_testowanie_end_to_end_98e59a7257_deae9fab1e.png

testowanie_end_to_end_98e59a7257_deae9fab1e.png

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!

large_pexels-pixabay-40716.jpg

medium_pexels-pixabay-40716.jpg

small_pexels-pixabay-40716.jpg

thumbnail_pexels-pixabay-40716.jpg

pexels-pixabay-40716.jpg

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

small_Testing Tools for Web Application.png

thumbnail_Testing Tools for Web Application.png

Testing Tools for Web Application.png

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.

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

## 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.

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

### 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!

large_regression_tests_blog_07c72a81f5.jpg

medium_regression_tests_blog_07c72a81f5.jpg

small_regression_tests_blog_07c72a81f5.jpg

thumbnail_regression_tests_blog_07c72a81f5.jpg

regression_tests_blog_07c72a81f5.jpg

What is Regression Testing? Everything You Need To Know

Product Updates

New Feature: Pop-Up Window Recording

Testing Tools Comparisons

Top Cypress Alternatives in 2023

Uncategorized

No-code Testing Automation: Guide to Codeless Testing and Automation Tools

Get more tips and product related content. Zero spam.

Don't miss any updates

Automate web app testing easier than ever. Without excessive costs. Faster than coding. Free forever.

End-to-end testing made simple! BugBug is a new, more intuitive tool for test automation of web apps. Get all the benefits of test automation without hiring new people or infrastructure changes.

BugBug.io | Intuitive and reliable test automation for startups

large_opengraph_image.png

medium_opengraph_image.png

small_opengraph_image.png

thumbnail_opengraph_image.png

opengraph_image.png

Features

Why Choose Us

Integrations

Book a demo

Customer Success Stories

Case studies

Create tests in your browser for free. Run the tests in the cloud for 14 days at no charge. No credit card required. 

Effortless cloud testing that fits your budget

Discover the differences of each plan and choose the offer that fits your testing needs

Industry leaders automate tests with BugBug

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact our Support Team.
They’ll give you all the information you need.

Free trial of premium features for 14 days

Automate web app testing easier than ever. Without excessive costs. Faster than coding. 

Pricing

Blog about test automation

About us

Contact

Everything you need for the entire test automation workflow

Record new tests simply by clicking in your browser. Automatically capture every click or text input. Add assertions directly while recording. Forget about writing selectors by hand; BugBug will do it for you.

Create tests without coding

Enjoy excellent performance when you run tests locally, allowing you to work more efficiently. Run tests in the cloud to regularly monitor your web application and catch bugs earlier.

Run tests in your own browser or in the cloud

Now you don't need to record your test from scratch every time you want to change it! Record new steps right in the middle of your test, just where you need it. Spend less time on manual writing of CSS or XPath Selectors.

Fix tests by re-recording

Run cloud tests every day and monitor if your app works properly. Get comprehensive notifications when a test fails. You will receive notifications with scheduled test results directly to your inbox.

Schedule test automation

Use BugBug API and Command Line Interface to run regression tests along with your CI/CD build pipelines, such as Github, Gitlab, Travis, Jenkins, or Bitbucket. Integrate with Zapier to get notifications on Slack when a test fails.

Integrate with your CI/CD pipelines

Invite your teammates to work together on test automation without time-consuming training and debates. You can involve software developers or product owners in testing within minutes.

Collaborate with your team

Unparalleled simplicity powered by unique features

Powerful features for advanced testing

You can turn test steps into "Components" that are shared across multiple tests. Maintain hundreds of tests without worrying that you will have to spend half a day fixing them. 

Edit multiple tests at once

Work in multiple environments. Create random numbers. Register users with unique email addresses. 

Use variables to handle complex tasks

You have full control over the test steps. You can update selectors, manually add advanced step types or assertions, and even custom JavaScript code.

Customise test steps with JavaScript

Need to show the results to your stakeholders? You can download a PDF report for each suite run in your project.

Generate PDF reports

Record automated tests easily for both desktop and mobile resolutions.

Build tests for mobile resolutions

See what our clients are saying

Start testing for free! No credit card required.

Test automation is too complicated. BugBug is here to make end-to-end testing ultra simple and effective. Limit your testing workload and focus on delivering great features. Without straining your budget.

Because we want you to catch bugs easier than before

Join hundreds of happy software testers that automated testing process with BugBug

We solve many problems of the test automation world

**TRULY NO-CODE SOLUTION**  
Not a tester? No problem. Our no-code BugBug test recorder will make you feel like a pro QA engineer.

**CLEAN INTERFACE**  
We are fed up with complicated testing tools. That's why we created BugBug. Our software is simple and very intuitive. No matter if you are a QA testing beginner or an experienced engineer.

Built to empower non-technical testers

**UNLIMITED FREE USERS**  
Collaborate with others when creating your test suites. Finally you can invite as many teammates as you want for free.

**UNLIMITED LOCAL TESTS**  
With BugBug you can run unlimited tests in your browser with the Free Forever Plan. Also you may run tests in the cloud without additional infrastructure or DevOps costs. Fun right?

Test automation tool that suits every pocket

**BUILT-IN AND CUSTOM VARIABLES**  
Anytime you need, you can run tests with our built-in variables that we prepared for you. If you need something more specific, you can also create your own custom variables.

**POWERFUL FEATURES**  
Run custom JavaScript, use automatic selectors, create profiles as presets for different variable values, and work with different development environments - BugBug offers advanced features for you to use when you need it.



Advanced features to boost your testing

Integrate with anything via BugBug API. Run cloud tests in your CI/CD pipelines such as Github, Travis, Jenkins, Bitbucket, or GitLab. The setup is easy thanks to BugBug's streamlined Command Line Interface and built-in Zapier support.

Are you fresh in the test automation world? We’ve got your back - read our comprehensive tutorial for beginners and see how easy it is to automate your first test.

Easy to learn testing

Read about best practices from the test automation world. Get practical tips, valuable insights, and improve your QA process.

Quality Engineering vs Quality Assurance: Goals & Differences

SaaS Testing Guide: All You Need to Know

Best Selenium Practice Websites in 2023

Chaos Testing: Everything You Need To Know

Top Rainforest QA Alternatives in 2023

Top Ghost Inspector Alternatives in 2023

What is User Journey Testing? Guide for Software Testers

The Ultimate XPath Cheat Sheet

CI/CD Interview Questions and Answers

Cypress Best Practices: Test Automation Guide

Top Autify Alternatives in 2023

Top Reflect.run Alternatives in 2023

What is Performance Testing in Software Testing?

Smoke Testing vs Sanity Testing: All You Need To Know

Best Practices of Test Maintenance in Software Testing

Best Websites with Bugs for Testing

Top 15 Codeless Automation Testing Tools for QA

"What Does QA Testing Do?" in Software Development

The Landscape of Front End Testing Tools in 2023

The Ultimate Guide to Codeless Automation Testing

Best QA Conferences: Curated List for 2023 and 2024

Regression Testing in Agile: All You Need to Know

Best Software Testing Forums for QA

UI Automation Testing Tools: Curated List for QA

Front End Testing Frameworks: Explained

Functional Testing Tools: Automation Testing Guide 

Cypress Cheat Sheet: Commands, Assertions and More

New Integration: Slack x BugBug

Best Manual Testing Tools in 2023: Which One Is Right for You?

Best Automated Regression Testing Tools 

Playwright Cheat Sheet 

Selenium Cheat Sheet: Java Cheat Sheet, Commands and Locators

Testing Forms: A Comprehensive Guide for QA

Top Selenium Alternatives in 2023

Untitled design (25).png

Best Chrome Extensions for Software Testers

Scrum Testing: QA on an Agile Team 

Why is Software Testing Important?

I write about technology and help people who use it. I've always been fascinated by the details of things - how they work and what makes them tick. That's why I love writing about tech!  
[linkedin.com/in/aleksandra-spilkowska](https://linkedin.com/in/aleksandra-spilkowska)

large_a_spilkowska_cropped_c38f3487ad.jpg

medium_a_spilkowska_cropped_c38f3487ad.jpg

small_a_spilkowska_cropped_c38f3487ad.jpg

thumbnail_a_spilkowska_cropped_c38f3487ad.jpg

a_spilkowska_cropped_c38f3487ad.jpg

Aleksandra Spilkowska

Specflow: 8 Steps to Use Behavior-Driven Development To Improve Team Performance

[linkedin.com/in/darekkacban](https://linkedin.com/in/darekkacban)

thumbnail_dariusz_kacban.jpeg

dariusz_kacban.jpeg

Dariusz Kacban

Doan Nguyen - Operto - Quality Assurance Specialist

Doan Nguyen, Quality Assurance Specialist

thumbnail_Authors (1).png

Authors (1).png

Doan Nguyen

A self-taught software QA Engineer, Dominika has experience in web testing. Currently, she is focusing on developing her test automation skills with Cypress. Apart from programming, she likes to make pottery and cook vegetarian delicacies.  
[linkedin.com/in/dominikanykiel](https://linkedin.com/in/dominikanykiel)