🚀 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

large_Blog banner template (11).png

medium_Blog banner template (11).png

small_Blog banner template (11).png

thumbnail_Blog banner template (11).png

Blog banner template (11).png

Smoke Testing vs Sanity Testing: All You Need To Know

[TABLE_OF_CONTENTS]

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

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

## What is Performance Testing?

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

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

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

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

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

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

## Why is Performance Testing Important?

Let's explore the goals of Performance Testing:

### 1. Ensure Seamless User Experience

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

### 2. Identify Performance Issues Early

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

### 3. Maintain Reputation

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

### 4. Reduce Operational Costs

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

### 5. Meet Business Objectives

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

## Types of Performance Testing

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

### 1. Load Testing

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


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

### 2. Stress Testing

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

### 3. Scalability Testing

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

### 4. Spike Testing

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

### 5. Capacity Testing

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

### 6. Soak Testing

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

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


## The Performance Testing Process

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

### Test Planning

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

### Test Design

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

### Test Execution

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

### Analysis and Reporting

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

## Common Challenges

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

### Dependencies

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

### Prepare the Test Environment

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

### Realistic Test Data

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

### Simulating User Behavior

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

### Identifying Bottlenecks

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

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

## Best Practices for Performance Testing

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

### A. Set Realistic Goals

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

### B. User Scenario Emulation

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

### C. Continuous Monitoring

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

### D. Collaboration with Teams

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

## Tools for Performance Testing

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

### A. Open-source and Commercial Options

1. **JMeter**

**Type:** Open-Source

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

2. **LoadRunner**

**Type:** Commercial

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

3. **NeoLoad**

**Type:** Commercial

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

4. **Gatling**

**Type:** Open-Source

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

5. **Apache Benchmark**

**Type:** Open-Source

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

6. **Locust**

**Type**: Open-Source

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

7. **BlazeMeter**

**Type**: Open-Source and Commercial

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

8. **WebLOAD**

**Type**: Commercial

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

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

**Type**: Commercial

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

10. **LoadUI (SmartBear LoadUI)**

**Type**: Commercial

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

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


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

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

**AWS Load Testing:**

1. **AWS Elastic Beanstalk:**

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

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

2. **AWS CodeBuild:**

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

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

3. **AWS Load Testing Tools:**

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

**Azure DevTest Labs:**

1. **Azure DevTest Labs:**

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

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

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

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

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

**Third-Party Load Testing Services:**

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


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


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

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

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

## Performance Testing Tutorial - Conclusion

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

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

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

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


**Happy (automated) testing!**


What is Performance Testing in Software Testing?

large_Blog banner template (10).png

medium_Blog banner template (10).png

small_Blog banner template (10).png

thumbnail_Blog banner template (10).png

Blog banner template (10).png

[TABLE_OF_CONTENTS]


Selecting the right tool and adhering to best practices is paramount for achieving efficient and effective testing processes. One tool that has gained significant popularity among developers and quality assurance professionals is **Cypress**. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the service, explore its advantages and disadvantages, and outline best practices for harnessing its full potential in your test automation endeavors.

![Cypress Best Practices](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/let_me_introduce_66913b919c_842c5be422.jpeg)


## What is Cypress?

**Cypress** is an open-source JavaScript [e2e testing](https://bugbug.io/blog/software-testing/what-is-end-to-end-testing/) framework designed for modern web applications. The automation tool operates directly within the browser, allowing developers to write test cases with real-time feedback. 

It provides a robust set of capabilities for performing tasks such as interacting with web elements, simulating user actions, and making assertions about the application's behavior. After local installation you can perform one of the common testing scenarios: checking login page functionality. 

Cypress is a cutting-edge front-end testing tool that has rapidly gained popularity for its ability to streamline and enhance the process of conducting comprehensive tests on web applications. 

It provides a robust environment for creating and running testing suites, making it an indispensable tool for modern software development teams. Here, we'll delve into the world of Cypress and explore key concepts and best practices associated with it.

**- Test Suites and Test Cases:**

Cypress enables developers to organize their testing efforts effectively through the use of test suites and test cases. A test suite refers to a collection of related test cases, and each test case is an individual test. Cypress excels at running both unit testing and end-to-end (E2E) testing scenarios.


**- Running Tests:**

Using Cypress, you can execute tests in a controlled manner. It provides a user-friendly Cypress runner that allows you to initiate and manage test runs with ease. You can interact with the test cases using the UI, overseeing the progress of every test case.


**- Defining Tests:**

Defining a test in Cypress is straightforward. You can use the it function to specify each test case within your test code. These tests are typically organized into separate test specs to ensure isolation and clarity in your testing efforts.


**- Cypress Cloud:**

Cypress offers a cloud-based solution called Cypress Cloud, which facilitates running and managing tests in a distributed environment. This is particularly useful when you have a large number of test cases, such as 10 test cases or more, and you want to leverage the power of cloud resources to speed up testing.


**- Test Data and Assertions:**

When writing tests in Cypress, it's important to include test data and assertions to guard Cypress from proceeding until an explicit condition is met. This helps ensure that your tests accurately reflect the state of your application and produce reliable results.

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


## Advantages of Using Cypress

**1. Real-Time Debugging**

Cypress offers real-time debugging capabilities, enabling developers to pause test execution, inspect the application's state, and troubleshoot issues directly from the browser. This feature greatly expedites the debugging process and enhances productivity.


**2. Automatic Waiting**

One of Cypress's standout features is its automatic waiting. It intelligently waits for elements to become interactive or visible before executing actions, eliminating the need for manual timeouts and ensuring test stability.


**3. Interactive Test Runner**

Cypress provides an interactive test runner that displays the application in one pane and the test's commands and assertions in another. This split-screen view facilitates real-time validation and aids in identifying issues quickly.


**4. Consistent and Reliable Tests**

With Cypress, you can write consistent and reliable tests due to its automatic retries and assertions. Tests automatically retry failed commands, reducing false negatives and improving test stability.


**5. Seamless Integrations**

Cypress seamlessly integrates with various Continuous Integration (CI) tools, making it easy to incorporate automated tests into your CI/CD pipeline. It supports platforms like Travis CI, CircleCI, Jenkins, Github and more.

## Disadvantages of Using Cypress

While Cypress offers numerous advantages, it's essential to consider its limitations:


**1. Limited Browser Support**

Cypress primarily supports Chromium-based browsers, which may limit its compatibility with applications that require testing across a wide range of browsers.


**2. No Cross-Domain Testing**

Due to browser security restrictions, Cypress cannot test applications across different domains in a single test. This limitation can be challenging when working with complex web ecosystems.


**3. No Support for Native Mobile Apps**

Cypress is focused on web application testing and does not support testing of native mobile applications, unlike some other testing tools.

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

## Cypress Best Practices You Need for Testing


### 1. Stay Organized!

Organizing your tests is crucial for maintaining a scalable and maintainable test suite. Avoid sharing page objects, as this can lead to code duplication and brittle tests. Instead, write test specs in isolation, ensuring that every test case is self-contained and does not rely on the state left by previous tests.

Additionally, avoid using the application's UI to log in during tests. Instead, programmatically log into your application using API calls or other methods. This approach ensures that your tests are not dependent on the login process and can run independently. 

### 2. Run Tests Intelligently

As your test suite expands and its execution time increases, you might encounter issues in the CI system. You should integrate your version control system with your test suite in a way that prevents merges until all your tests have successfully passed. However, it's important to acknowledge that this approach can result in longer test execution times, which can slow down the process of merging branches and delivering new features. This issue can become even more pronounced when you have chains of dependent branches awaiting merging.

One effective solution to mitigate this problem is to implement **Smart Orchestration** through Cypress Cloud. Smart Orchestration leverages a combination of parallelization, load balancing, Auto Cancellation, and Spec Prioritization to optimize your available computing resources and minimize resource wastage. 


This approach enables you to maintain a high level of efficiency in your testing processes while accommodating the scaling demands of a growing test suite.

### 3. Select Elements with Data-* Attributes

When selecting elements for your tests, avoid using selectors based on CSS attributes such as id, class, or tag, as they are prone to changes. Instead, use `data-*` attributes to provide context to your selectors. Elements with data-* attributes are more stable and less likely to break when the application's styling or behavior changes.

### 4. Don't Start Your Back End Web Server From Within Cypress

Every command executed through `cy.exec()` or `cy.task()` must eventually terminate; otherwise, Cypress will be unable to proceed with any other commands.

Attempting to launch a web server using `cy.exec()` or `cy.task()` introduces a range of complications due to the following reasons:

1. You must background the process.
2. You lose the ability to interact with it through the terminal.
3. Access to its standard output (stdout) or logs becomes unavailable.
4. You need to handle the intricacies of starting an already running web server every time your tests run.
5. Frequent port conflicts are likely to arise.

As for shutting down the process in an after hook, it's not a reliable solution because there is no assurance that code within an after hook will always execute. In the Test Runner, you can restart or refresh the environment during a test, which can prevent the code in an after hook from running when such interruptions occur.


### 5. Use Cypress Testing Library

Cypress works well with the Testing Library project, which promotes writing tests that resemble how users interact with your application. You can use library package to access familiar testing library methods for selecting elements in Cypress specs. This aligns with best practices for user-centered testing.

### 6. Use Aliases and Closures to Access and Store what Commands Yield You.

Cypress commands are asynchronous and do not return values that you can assign with const, let, or var. Instead, use aliases and closures to access and store the values or elements returned by Cypress commands. This ensures that you work with the correct values during test execution.

### 7. Only Test Websites That You Control

Use `cy.request()` to communicate with 3rd-party servers via their APIs, if necessary.

When you need to run a test, focus on testing websites and servers that you control. Avoid attempting to interact with or test third-party websites or services, as this can lead to various issues, including time-consuming tests and potential blocks or bans.

If you must interact with third-party services, consider using cy.request() to communicate with their APIs programmatically. Cache results using `cy.session()` to avoid repeat visits and improve test performance.

### 8. Run Independent Tests

It's essential to write tests that are independent of each other and can be run in any order. Avoid coupling multiple tests together, as this can lead to unreliable and unpredictable test results.

To achieve this, use `before` or `beforeEach` hooks to set up the initial state for each test. This ensures that tests start with a clean slate and do not depend on the state left by previous tests.

### 9. Run Small Tests with a Single Assertion

Cypress stands apart from conventional unit testing by executing a sequence of asynchronous lifecycle events that effectively reset the testing environment between each test case. Consequently, employing individual assertions within separate tests can significantly slow down test execution and severely impact performance.

Opting for multiple assertions within a single test is a more efficient approach compared to creating distinct tests. Therefore, feel confident about incorporating multiple assertions within a single test. Each test run is saved into Cypress Cloud App. 

### 10. Use Data Attributes When Selecting Elements

One of the foundational principles of effective E2E testing is selecting elements in a way that's resilient to changes in your application's codebase. To achieve this, prefer using custom data attributes like `data-cy` or `data-testid` when identifying elements for testing. These attributes are explicitly designed for testing purposes and are less likely to change due to styling or behavior updates.

### 11. Independent it() Blocks

When writing test cases in Cypress, it's essential to ensure that `each it()` block is independent of others. Avoid dependencies between test cases, as this allows for better test isolation. If one test fails, it won't impact the execution of other tests.

This approach ensures that the test suite remains stable and reliable even as it grows in complexity.

### 12. Use Dynamic Waiting

Avoid static waits, such as `cy.wait(timeout)`, when waiting for page actions like loading or API responses. Static waits can lead to unnecessary delays and brittle tests. Instead, consider using `cy.intercept()` to wait for specific API responses before proceeding with your test.

javascript

`cy.intercept('POST', '**/login').as('login'); cy.visit("/") cy.wait('@login')`

Dynamic waits speed up script execution and make your tests more efficient and reliable.

### 13. Leverage `before()`, `beforeEach()`, `after()`, and `afterEach()`

To eliminate repetitive code at the beginning or end of each test case, utilize Cypress hooks like `before()`, `beforeEach()`, `after()`, and `afterEach()`. These hooks allow you to execute common setup and teardown code for multiple test cases.

For example, you can set up a common base URL for all your tests in the before() hook, reducing redundancy and improving maintainability.

### 14. Adding BaseUrl in the Config File

Hardcoding the base URL in each spec file's `before()` block can lead to inefficiencies and inconsistencies. Instead, define the base URL in the `cypress.json` configuration file to ensure that all spec files use the same base URL. This practice streamlines your test setup and makes it more professional.

### 15. Define Scripts in package.json

To simplify the execution of Cypress commands, define them in the scripts section of your project's `package.json` file. This allows you to run commands using a user-defined name, enhancing the clarity and ease of running tests.

### 16. Harness Cypress's Unique Features

Cypress offers several unique features that set it apart from other testing tools:

**- Time Travel:** Cypress captures snapshots of your application during test execution, allowing you to rewind to any point in your test script. This feature simplifies debugging and error identification.


**- Retry-ability:** Cypress's automatic retry mechanism ensures that tests proceed as soon as assertions pass, reducing the need for hard-coded waits. This feature is especially useful for testing dynamic web applications.


**- Effective Element Selection:** Cypress's `cy.get()` method efficiently locates web elements without explicit waits, making tests faster and more reliable.


**- Spies, Stubs, and Clocks:** Cypress provides tools to verify and control functions, server responses, and timers, offering the flexibility and control typically associated with unit testing.

### 17. Run Cypress Tests in Parallel

To expedite test execution and achieve faster feedback, consider running Cypress tests in parallel using cloud infrastructure services like BrowserStack. Parallelization can significantly reduce the time it takes to complete your test suite, allowing for quicker integration and deployment cycles.

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

## Conclusion

By following these [Cypress](https://www.cypress.io/) best practices, you can create robust and efficient E2E tests that ensure your web application performs flawlessly. While implementing some of these practices may initially seem challenging, the long-term benefits of improved test stability and faster execution are well worth the effort. 


Cypress has revolutionized test automation with its unique features, and when used effectively, it can be a game-changer for your testing efforts.



Happy (automated) testing!



## FAQ - Cypress Best Practices

### 1. What Is Cypress?

Cypress is a powerful JavaScript-based end-to-end testing framework for web applications.

### 2. How Does Cypress Work?

Cypress runs directly in the browser and executes commands in the same run loop as the application being tested. This allows you to programmatically control and interact with the application.

### 3. What Are Some Common Cypress Best Practices?

Some common Cypress best practices include: relying on the state instead of waiting for specific elements, using single assertions per test, using descriptive test and command names, organizing test files into logical groups, using custom commands for repetitive actions, using fixtures to add test data, and leveraging Cypress's automatic waiting and retrying. 

### 4. How Can I Define a Custom Command in Cypress?

You can define a custom command in Cypress by adding the command in the "commands.js" file or by defining the command in the "support" folder using the "defineCommand" method. You can then use this custom command in any of your test files.

### 5. How Can I Add test data in Cypress?

You can add test data in Cypress by using fixtures. Fixtures are JSON files that contain data that can be loaded into your tests using the "fixture" command. This allows you to easily include predefined data in your tests.

### 6. How Does Cypress Handle Test Cases in a Spec File?

Cypress runs each test case in a spec file independently. This means that each test case starts from a clean state and has no knowledge of the previous test cases. This allows for better isolation and makes tests more reliable.

### 7. What is end-to-end (e2e) testing in Cypress?

End-to-end (e2e) testing in Cypress refers to testing the entire web application, including the user interface and integration with external systems. It focuses on ensuring that all parts of the application work together correctly and meet the desired requirements.

### 8. How Can I perform Cypress Test Automation?

You can perform test automation by writing test scripts that can interact with your web application, execute various actions, and verify the expected results. Cypress provides a rich set of commands and assertions to make the automation process easier and more efficient.

### 10. How Does Cypress Solve the Major Issues in Test Automation?

Cypress solves the major issues in test automation by running directly in the browser and executing commands in the same run loop as the application being tested. This eliminates the need for flaky and unreliable wait times, as Cypress automatically waits for elements and actions to complete before proceeding. 

Additionally, Cypress provides powerful assertion capabilities and automatic retries, making it easier to write robust and reliable tests.




large_Blog banner template (6).png

medium_Blog banner template (6).png

small_Blog banner template (6).png

thumbnail_Blog banner template (6).png

Blog banner template (6).png

Cypress Best Practices: Test Automation Guide

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

[TABLE_OF_CONTENTS]


An anti-pattern is a counterproductive practice that can lead to inefficiencies in testing. Of course reduced software quality and increased maintenance efforts will follow. Like in the Little Red Riding Hood - at first glance they are like Grandma - logical, wise and positive. When you start digging though, you will find the Big Bad Wolf hiding inside and eating your test automation costs. 

Avoiding such anti-patterns is a real challenge for businesses, as the world currently chases financial savings in a pace that was rarely heard of. We will use the example of the ice-cream cone anti-pattern to help you diagnose and get rid of those unwanted costs. Unless you are a saboteur or an industrial spy within a company - then just switch "don't" into "do'' in this article.

It's a joke by the way.

## The Ice Cream Cone

In our opinion the key to successful software testing is to automate as much and as smartly as possible. 

**The testing ice cream cone does something completely opposite.**

The most effort is being used by manual testing. It can especially bother the whole development process if the tests done manually are monolithic and overly centralized. In this anti-pattern the automated tests only occur after the manual tests are done which can result in new bugs revealing themselves almost constantly.

![ice cream anti-pattern](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/icecream_anti_pattern_85c90d6cfc.png)


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


### Key Characteristics

**1. Centralized Testing:** All testing efforts are funneled through a single, centralized team of testers making it challenging to address the diverse needs of different software components or projects.

**2. Lack of Specialization:** There's a lack of specialization in testing efforts, as the central team or approach is responsible for everything from unit testing to end-to-end testing, performance testing, and more.

**3. Difficulty in Adaptation:** Changes in testing requirements or the introduction of new technologies become cumbersome, as they often require significant adjustments to the centralized testing process.

**4. Reduced Efficiency:** Testing efforts become less efficient and more time-consuming due to the need to navigate through a centralized, complex structure.

**5. Risk of Inadequate Coverage**: It can result in inadequate testing coverage, as the centralized approach may not address the unique needs and challenges of individual components or projects.

## How to Find the Ice Cream Cone Anti-Pattern?

Well there are two key areas where to look for errors in the software development process. There are ones that are product related and we can call the others "strategy related". 

Your code base is the first place you need to check for flaws. Constantly modifying the tests may often result in overcomplicating them. Any sign of centralization may also lead you to the idea that you might not follow best practices. 

First of all review the testing hierarchy plus the size and quality of test suites. If you find some significantly larger than others - you might investigate. Other indicators might include:

- long test execution time - centralized tests take longer to run

- high degree of interdependence among test suites

- monolithic test data set

- high test maintenance or test environment usage

Of course there are also multiple software tools that might assist you in this task. 

For starters there are the static code analysis tools. Each and every programming language has a different setup so you just need to browse the web for something relevant to your project. 

Sometimes they are separate pieces of software, another time they are already placed into your IDE. They will not monitor the functionality of your code but at least will give you a hint if your code is too complex and looks more like a spaghetti (mmmm carbonara...) that we often see in IT conventions.  

The strategy related issues are not directly connected with the code, but we dare to say are even more important. The ice cream cone, the cupcake, the pyramid and other patterns and anti-patterns are not only about what you do but how you do it. 

It really takes an experienced and balanced team to create a proper **[test strategy](https://bugbug.io/blog/software-testing/bad-testing-strategies-or-how-to-learn-from-other-people-s-mistakes-and-to-minimise-damage/)**. If you lack the expertise, you have to obtain it or buy it (hire a testing expert for example).

It is important to establish a culture of constant feedback and communication. It is very easy especially for teams that work in agile methodologies. Regular standups and sprint reviews are a great platform to obtain information. 

**It is significant that the testing process is adaptable and efficient**. Therefore we strongly recommend having code review procedures within the software development and testing teams. 

Another great source of information are the testing documentation (although some teams fall into the trap of constantly postponing creating documentation), the bug reports and testing metrics. 

Last but not least, if you have the resources to do it - consider having a **testing audit**. It will give you a great view from outside your entire team. 

## Why Switch from the Ice Cream Cone to the Test Pyramid?

It's like trying to answer a question "why should we switch from doing something incorrectly to doing something properly?" :) 

We strongly believe that the vast majority of unit tests, UI tests and integration tests can and should be automated. We wouldn't have created BugBug in the first place if we believed in the opposite. 

There is more than content marketing here. Our own quality assurance experiences as well as feedback from our clients both confirm that assumption. 

Introducing software testing quality checks on a regular basis will **improve your code quality and readability**. It has much more implications that some of us can imagine. You reduce the number of hours consumed by test maintenance. Not only will you probably end up reducing the number of lines of code, but much more of the code will be self explanatory. 

The best software projects are those with as little technical debt as possible. Reducing the number of manual tests will give you just that. Product development is much more efficient and cost effective when you automate. 

Manual tests should be left just for edge cases since among other disadvantages, they have the tendency to interfere with the continuous delivery process. 

Here you can find more thorough information on what is and how to implement the [test pyramid](https://bugbug.io/blog/software-testing/testing-pyramid-a-successful-approach-to-test-automation/). 

Also Alan Richardson aka Evil Tester created a good piece of content about the [test automation pyramid](https://www.eviltester.com/show/020-test-automation-pyramid/).

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


## Software Testing Do's and Dont's

We often see organizations fall into two bitter-sweet anti-patterns - software testing ice cream cone and software testing cupcake. 

The hardest thing about those two is that they seem reasonable on the first glance. 

But whenever we sit down with our clients or prospects and start pointing out where the process is malfunctioning we see their eyes open wider and wider. It is really worth checking on a regular basis if your organization has fallen into a similar trap or not.


Happy (automated) testing!



large_Blog banner template (7).png

medium_Blog banner template (7).png

small_Blog banner template (7).png

thumbnail_Blog banner template (7).png

Blog banner template (7).png

Ice Cream Cone Anti-Pattern: A Deep Dive

[TABLE_OF_CONTENTS]


After carefully selecting the YouTube channels and podcasts, we switched our attention towards newsletters. Those are also a great tool for a QA or for software testers to expand their knowledge. 

Once you subscribe you get a regular update or a chunk of knowledge straight to your inbox. Some of them are sent weekly, others not. 

Browse the list, click the link if you found one interesting for you and **get the best software testing news**.

## Our selection of software testing newsletters


### Software Testing Weekly

![Software Testing Weekly newsletter](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Screenshot_2023_09_22_at_11_48_09_c012aa8097.png)

This one is from our home court. The newsletter curated by **Dawid Dylowicz** brings you the latest software testing news. It is published every Friday and provides you with carefully selected information with links and short descriptions. 

This pre-selection provided by Dawid allows you to decide which article would you like to read in detail and which is not of your scope of interest.  As the testing world expands basically every day, having a true professional preparing you a weekly digest is a real gem. 

You can also become a sponsor of one edition, which could be always a great way to expand your brand worldwide. 

Link: [https://softwaretestingweekly.com/](https://softwaretestingweekly.com/)

### Ministry of Testing

![Ministry of Testing newsletter](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Screenshot_2023_09_22_at_11_49_31_51e0495e6d.png)

Sounds familiar? Well maybe because we covered them in the podcast list already :) They run a great testing community that includes a weekly newsletter. Multiple authors will provide you with information on multiple topics - test automation, testing tools, api testing, coding but also soft skills, testing events and many more. 

Ministry of Testing newsletter reaches your inbox **every week on Monday**. 

Link: [https://www.ministryoftesting.com/newsletter](https://www.ministryoftesting.com/newsletter)


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


### TestGuild Newsletter

![TestGuild Newsletter ](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Screenshot_2023_09_22_at_11_50_58_f9d57351b2.png)

This weekly software testing newsletter is mostly focused on test automation. Produced by **Joe Colantonio**, a renowned figure in the testing field it features articles, tutorials, industry news, and announcements. 

The topics covered include proven tips, tricks, and techniques on full-stack automation. The newsletter includes also the latest & most relevant info from the world of E2E testing. 

By joining the newsletter you will get 10 quick & actionable test automation tips. 

Link: [https://testguild.com/newsletter/](https://testguild.com/newsletter/)

### Methods & Tools

![Methods & Tools newsletter](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Screenshot_2023_09_22_at_11_53_00_ac9128116a.png)

In the article on podcasts we mentioned that one established in 2014 was a mature product. Well how mistaken we were... Methods and tools was set up in 2000 (!!!). And with all due respect to the creators it seems they did not change the layout since then. 

Jokes aside - **Methods & Tools** is a great place for those members of the software testing world, who would like to receive less e-mails but still be in the loop. 

They hand-pick an overview on what happened in the industry and send a monthly package. Even though they seem to have a brief pause recently, it is a great place to browse what is and was hot for the last 20+ years.

Link: [https://www.methodsandtools.com/facts/facts.php](https://www.methodsandtools.com/facts/facts.php)

### Five for Friday

![Five for Friday newsletter](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Screenshot_2023_09_22_at_11_54_33_e85f148774.png)

Every Friday **Alan Page** (the Angry Weasel) provides five articles related to software testing. If you don't have time to browse multiple links, such a brief selection would be perfect for you. 

Although this is not a newsletter per say, it is worth to either have your own calendar remind you to check the website or to get a RSS feed from Alan. 

The selection is sometimes surprising and expands beyond all things testing. You can find some software development there, webinars, blogs and many more. 

Link: [https://angryweasel.com/blog/](https://angryweasel.com/blog/)

### Five Blogs

![Five Blogs ](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Screenshot_2023_09_22_at_11_56_29_6ac1f4daa4.png)

The very ascetic website based on the simplest Wordpress template possible is a true gem. For **3000** (yes THREE THOUSAND) posts the author provided us with links to 5 different blogs he read that day. They mostly relate to testing and programming, but you will get also some insights into management, productivity and leadership. 

It is honestly one of the biggest library of testing materials ever. Unfortunately there is no email subscription available since this May the author mentioned that number 3000 was the last post on that site. 

Do check it since every blog post is worth reading and you have it all in one place.

Link: [https://5blogs.wordpress.com/](https://5blogs.wordpress.com/)

### QMetry Newsletter

![QMetry Newsletter ](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Screenshot_2023_09_22_at_11_57_59_070ac47d5d.png)

This one is provided by the company behind **QMetry** app and brings you a monthly insight to different aspects of testing. Every edition includes a few of their articles regarding concepts, tools or conferences. It is very insightful and easy to navigate. 

Although it is relatively young (only 8 issues when we created this article) it is carefully curated and already owns a place on our list. 

Link: [https://www.qmetry.com/resources/newsletters](https://www.qmetry.com/resources/newsletters)


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


## Summary

There you go, the top 7 written resources we were able to find. Some great places to get knowledge and practice on software testing. 

If you know any others that are worth our consideration, do let us know. Maybe we will end up having a part 2 of this article. 


Happy (automated) testing!


The Best Software Testing Newsletters for 2023

large_Blog banner template (3).png

medium_Blog banner template (3).png

small_Blog banner template (3).png

thumbnail_Blog banner template (3).png

Blog banner template (3).png

The Best Software Testing Newsletters in 2023

[TABLE_OF_CONTENTS]


In the world of automation testing and web scraping, XPath is an invaluable tool. XPath allows you to navigate through the Document Object Model (DOM) of HTML and XML documents, making it a crucial skill for anyone involved in test automation or data extraction. 

XPath in Selenium is widely used to locate and interact with elements on web pages. Selenium Webdriver provides several methods for finding web elements using XPath expressions. In this guide, we will explore XPath locators, delve into their essentials, syntax, types, and functions, and provide you with an exhaustive cheat sheet to boost your XPath proficiency.


![xpath cheat sheet](https://bugbug-homepage.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/i_came_from_0c5f74bdfa_cf07b3471a.jpeg)

**Check out also our other Cheat Sheets:**

- [Cypress Cheat Sheet](https://bugbug.io/blog/software-testing/cypress-cheat-sheet/)

- [Playwright Cheat Sheet](https://bugbug.io/blog/software-testing/playwright-cheat-sheet/)

- [Selenium Cheat Sheet](https://bugbug.io/blog/software-testing/selenium-cheat-sheet/)


## What is XPath Locator?

XPath locator, often simply referred to as XPath, is a language used for navigating and querying XML or HTML documents. It provides a way to locate and select elements within the document's structure, making it an essential tool for automating interactions with web applications using libraries like Selenium.


## XPath Essentials

### 1. Syntax and Structure

XPath expressions are written using a combination of elements, operators, functions, and axes. The syntax is hierarchical, resembling a directory structure, with forward slashes ("/") used to traverse through nodes.


### 2. Key Axes and Node Types

XPath offers various axes (e.g., child, parent, sibling) to navigate the DOM, and it recognizes different node types (e.g., element, attribute, text) that can be selected.


### 3. Common Functions

XPath includes a set of useful functions for manipulating strings, numbers, and other data types, enhancing the power and flexibility of your queries.


## XPath Types

Absolute and relative XPath are two different approaches for locating elements in an XML or HTML document using XPath expressions. They are commonly used in web automation testing, particularly with tools like Selenium. 

Here's an explanation of each:

### Absolute XPath Expression

Absolute XPath specifies the exact and full path from the root element of the document to the target element. It starts with a single forward slash ("/") and then lists all the elements in the hierarchy, separated by forward slashes, leading to the target element.

**Pros:**
- It provides an exact and unique path to the element, which can be useful in situations where there are multiple elements with similar attributes.


**Cons:**
- It can be long and prone to breakage if the structure of the page changes, making it less maintainable.

- Absolute XPaths are less flexible because they specify the full path from the root, so any changes to the document structure above the target element can break the XPath.


### Relative XPath

Relative XPath, also known as a partial XPath, specifies the path to the target element based on its position or attributes relative to other elements in the DOM, without starting from the root element. It typically starts with a double forward slash ("//") and then specifies conditions or attributes that lead to the desired element.


**Pros:**
- It is more flexible and resilient to changes in the document structure because it doesn't rely on the entire path from the root.

- Relative XPaths are shorter and easier to read and maintain.


**Cons:**
- If the document structure changes significantly, a relative XPath might not be specific enough and could select unintended elements.


In summary, absolute XPath provides the full path from the root element, offering precision but less flexibility and maintainability. Relative XPath, on the other hand, offers flexibility by specifying the path relative to the current context, making it more robust against changes but potentially less precise in complex document structures. 

The choice between them depends on the specific requirements of your automation task and the stability of the target elements in the document.

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

## XPath Types

XPath operates on different types of data within XML documents, including nodes (elements, attributes, text, etc.) and values (strings, numbers, booleans, etc.). Understanding these types is crucial for constructing effective XPath expressions.

## XPath Syntax

XPath expressions are written using a specific syntax that allows you to traverse and query an XML document. The syntax includes a combination of elements, functions, operators, and axes to specify the elements you want to target.


## XPath Selectors

XPath selectors are the components of an XPath expression that define the criteria for selecting nodes or data from an XML document. These selectors include elements, attributes, text, and more, depending on the XPath expression's purpose.

Our team has created [the No-code XPath Selector Builder](https://bugbug.io/xpath-selector-builder/) so you can generate reliable XPath selectors without extensive XPath knowledge. 


## XPath Expressions

XPath expressions are the heart of XPath language. They are used to define a path within an XML document to locate specific nodes or values. XPath expressions consist of a series of location steps separated by slashes, and they can include predicates, functions, and more.


## XPath Axes

Axes in XPath are used to define the relationship between nodes in an XML document. They help you navigate the document's structure by specifying the direction in which you want to move from the current node. Common axes include child, parent, ancestor, descendant, sibling, and attribute axes.


## XPath Operators

XPath includes a set of operators that you can use in your expressions to compare, combine, or filter nodes and values. Some common operators in XPath include equality operators (e.g., =, !=), arithmetic operators (e.g., +, -, *, /), and logical operators (e.g., and, or, not).


## XPath Functions
XPath provides a wide range of built-in functions that allow you to perform various operations on nodes and values. These functions can be used to extract data, manipulate strings, perform mathematical calculations, and more. Examples of XPath functions include text(), contains(), substring(), and count().


## Debug Console for XPath

Effective debugging is crucial when working with XPath locators. Learning how to use the browser's developer tools to test and refine your XPath queries can save you time and frustration.


## Tips and Best Practices

### 1. Avoid Common Pitfalls

**- Keep it Simple:** Avoid creating overly complex expressions. Simplicity often leads to greater readability and less error-prone code.

**- Avoid Absolute Paths:** Using absolute paths (e.g., /html/body/div[1]/p[2]) can make your XPath fragile and prone to breaking if the HTML structure changes. Prefer relative paths whenever possible.

**- Be Specific:** Make your expressions as specific as needed to target the elements you want. Avoid using wildcards (*) when more precise expressions can be used.

**- Use Predicates Wisely:** While predicates (filters) are useful, don't overuse them. Too many predicates can make your expressions hard to read and maintain.

**- Consider Cross-Browser Compatibility:** Test your expressions in multiple browsers to ensure they work consistently. Different browsers may interpret XPath slightly differently.


### 2. Optimize for Performance

**- Use Efficient Selectors:** Choose the most efficient selector for your task. For example, prefer ID selectors (//*[@id='myId']) over complex hierarchical paths when possible.

**- Limit the Use of //:** The // selector can be slow because it searches the entire document. Whenever you can, specify a more direct path to the element you need.

**- Cache Elements:** If you need to interact with the same element multiple times, cache it instead of repeatedly locating it with XPath. This reduces overhead.

**- Minimize XPath Calls:** Reduce the number of XPath evaluations in your code. Each evaluation consumes time. Store elements in variables and reuse them.

**- Test Performance:** Measure the performance of your test automation with profiling tools to identify bottlenecks related to XPath usage.


### 3. Debug Effectively

**- Use Browser DevTools:** Most browsers have built-in tools for testing and debugging expressions. You can use these tools to evaluate and refine your XPath.

**- Output Results:** Print the results of your XPath queries to the console during debugging. This helps you verify that you're selecting the right elements.

**- Step Through Code:** Use breakpoints and step-by-step debugging in your testing framework to inspect the state of your application and XPath results at different points in your code.

**- Comment Your XPath:** Add comments in your code to explain complex or non-obvious expressions. This makes it easier for you and your team to understand the purpose of each XPath.

**- Regularly Review and Refactor:** Periodically review and refactor your expressions. As your application evolves, XPath may need adjustment to stay reliable.


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

## Cheat Sheet

To make your life easier, we've compiled a handy cheat sheet with quick-reference tables for common expressions, functions, and operators. 

This cheat sheet is your go-to resource when working with XPath in your automation testing or web scraping projects.


### Basic XPath Syntax:

-  `/` - Selects from the root node.

- `//` - Selects nodes anywhere in the document.

- `.` - Represents the current node.

- `..` - Represents the parent of the current node.


### Selectors:

- `element` - Selects all elements with the given name.

- `@attribute` - Selects the value of the specified attribute.

- `*` - Selects all child elements.

- `text()` - Selects the text within an element.

- `[predicate]` - Adds a condition to filter nodes.


### Predicates:


- `[name='value']` - Selects nodes with the specified attribute value.

- `[position()]` - Selects nodes based on their position.

- `[last()]` - Selects the last node of a given type.

- `[contains(@attribute, 'value')]` - Selects nodes with attribute values containing 'value'.

- `[not(predicate)]` - Negates a condition.


### Axes:

- `ancestor::` - Selects all ancestors.

- `ancestor-or-self::` - Selects ancestors and the current node.

- `child::` - Selects all children.

- `descendant::` - Selects all descendants.

- `descendant-or-self::` - Selects descendants and the current node.

- `following::` - Selects all following nodes.

- `following-sibling::` - Selects following siblings.

- `parent::` - Selects the parent node.

- `preceding::` - Selects all preceding nodes.

- `preceding-sibling::`- Selects preceding siblings.

- `self::` - Selects the current node.


### Operators:

- `=` - Equal to.

- `!=` - Not equal to.

- `<` - Less than.

- `<=` - Less than or equal to.

- `>` - Greater than.

- `>=` - Greater than or equal to.

- `and` - Logical AND.

- `or` - Logical OR.

- `not` - Logical NOT.


### Functions (Examples):

- `name()` - Returns the name of the current node.

- `count(nodes)` - Returns the number of nodes in the node-set.

- `concat(string1, string2)` - Concatenates two strings.

- `substring(string, start, length)` - Returns a substring.

- `contains(string, substr)` - Checks if a string contains a substring.

- `normalize-space(string)` - Removes leading/trailing whitespace and collapses spaces.


### Examples:

- `/bookstore/book` - Selects all book elements in the root bookstore.

- `//title[text()='XPath']` - Selects title elements with text 'XPath' anywhere in the document.

- `//*[@id='myId']` - Selects elements with the attribute id equal to 'myId'.

- `/bookstore/book[position()=1]` - Selects the first book element.

- `//div[@class='highlight']//p` - Selects p elements within div with class 'highlight'.

- `//a[contains(@href, 'example.com')]` - Selects a elements with 'example.com' in the href attribute.


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


## Conclusion

XPath is an indispensable tool for automation testing and web scraping. With a solid understanding of its syntax, types, and best practices, you can become a master of XPath locators. 

Armed with our XPath cheat sheet and the knowledge gained from this guide, you are well-equipped to tackle even the most complex automation tasks and DOM structures with confidence. So, go forth and automate with precision using XPath!

Read more about how to create robust XPath selectors in our [Ultimate Beginner's Guide](https://bugbug.io/xpath-selector-builder/) for every tester. 


Happy (automated) testing!

large_Blog banner template (1).png

medium_Blog banner template (1).png

small_Blog banner template (1).png

thumbnail_Blog banner template (1).png

Blog banner template (1).png

The Ultimate XPath Cheat Sheet

Test Automation Best Practices. What and How to Automate

5 Best Regression Testing Tools 

10 Tips on Finding Bugs in Your Code

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

How to Become Automated Test Engineer? 

Atomic Test Cases - the Ultimate Guide

Parallel Testing: A Guide for Software Testers

Best Software Testing YouTube Channels for QA in 2023

Benefits of CI/CD Pipeline Implementation

Quality Engineering vs Quality Assurance: Goals & Differences

Automation Tester: The Most Important Skills in 2023

SaaS Testing Guide: All You Need to Know

Best Selenium Practice Websites in 2023

Best Software Testing Podcasts to Follow in 2023

Chaos Testing: Everything You Need To Know

What is User Journey Testing? Guide for Software Testers

CI/CD Interview Questions and Answers

Test Automation Experts to Follow on LinkedIn

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

Smoke Testing vs Regression Testing: Guide for QA

Best QA Conferences: Curated List for 2023 and 2024

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

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

Best Automated Regression Testing Tools 

Selenium Cheat Sheet: Java Cheat Sheet, Commands and Locators

Playwright Cheat Sheet 

Testing Forms: A Comprehensive Guide for QA

Record and Play vs Coded Automation Testing - How To Choose What Works For Your Team?

Agile Testing Quadrants

Best Chrome Extensions for Software Testers

Chrome DevTools Introduction

Testing Pyramid: A Successful Approach to Test Automation

Agile Testing – Organized Chaos or a Planned Way of Improving Your Software?

Top Automation Testing Tools (updated June 2022)

The Beginner’s Guide to Software Testing: Basics, Types, and Methodologies

Testing in DevOps

What is Smoke Testing?

What is Regression Testing? Everything You Need To Know

What is Functional Testing? Types and Examples

How You Can Become a Software Tester

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

Bad Software Testing Strategies

5 Challenges of Introducing Automated Tests

The Software Testing Market & The Business Outcomes of Its Growth in 2021

7 Trends in Automated Testing in 2021

A Manual Tester: 10 reasons That Make This Job Interesting

10 Features Every Test Automation Tool Should Have

New Era in Testing Industry – Trends in 2021

Role of The Tester in The IT Project

IT Industry in The Coronavirus Era Not Always Wins. What Risks Should You Be Aware Of?

Scrum Testing: QA on an Agile Team 

Why is Software Testing Important?

Shift Left Testing Explained

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

How to Create a Test Plan? Steps and Examples for Software Testing

Test Plan Template For Test Automation Process

Test Case vs Test Scenario: Compare, Contrast and How to 

What is Compatibility Testing?

Test Plan vs Test Strategy: Goals & Differences

End-to-End Testing vs Integration Testing: Key differences

How to Write Automation Test Cases? 

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

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

Guides to Test Automation

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

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