Understanding OCR

OCR is a technology used to convert scanned documents or images containing text into computer-readable text, allowing automated data extraction and analysis.

Real-life Applications of OCR in Automation Testing

Extracting Data: Extract crucial information like invoice numbers from invoices, receipts, or forms. By using this, we can perform validations, ensuring that software correctly processes and stores such information.

Test Data Generation: Reads test data from legacy systems or documents and creates test scenarios and test cases, reducing manual effort in data preparation.

Example 1: Extract product details, prices, and customer information from invoices and purchase orders. This is used to perform end-to-end testing, ensuring accurate order processing and improving customer experience.

Example 2: Digitize prescriptions and medical reports which are used in automated testing of EHR systems, guaranteeing the correct storage and recovery of patient information, medications, and treatment histories.

Introduction to NLP

NLP is a branch of artificial intelligence that helps computers understand, interpret, and generate human language. Its role is to bridge the gap between human communication and machine understanding, allowing software to process, analyze, and respond to text and speech data in a way that resembles human language comprehension.

Real-Time Examples of NLP in Automation Testing

Log Analysis: Identifies patterns and errors in log data, automates the detection of exceptions, and reduces the need for physical log inspection.

Test Case Generation: Converts natural language requirements into executable test cases. By translating textual descriptions of desired functionalities, NLP streamlines test case creation, ensuring that test cases accurately reflect intended behavior and reducing the time required for test design and scripting.

Chatbot Testing: By simulating user conversations with natural language, NLP ensures the chatbot’s understanding and ability to provide appropriate responses, improving overall functionality and user experience.

Accessibility Testing: Assesses the clarity and correctness of textual content for screen readers and visually impaired users.

Localization Testing: Automatically compares source and target language content to ensure that localized versions of software or websites accurately reflect the original text and cultural requirements for various global audiences.

Integration of OCR and NLP

Combining OCR and NLP in automation testing allows for advanced capabilities, such as extracting and comprehending text from images or documents, enabling sophisticated data validation and test case generation.

Extracting Text from Images: OCR can extract text from images, making content machine-readable. NLP can then analyze the extracted text, allowing automation scripts to validate the information in image-based UI testing.

Sentiment Analysis on User Reviews: NLP can perform sentiment analysis on user reviews, categorizing opinions as positive, negative, or neutral. Combined with OCR, you can extract textual reviews from images or unstructured data sources, enabling automation to assess user sentiment without manual data entry.

Benefits of Using OCR and NLP in Automation Testing

The integration of OCR and NLP minimizes manual effort in data entry and test case generation, allowing testing teams to focus on higher-level tasks. Additionally, these technologies excel at handling complex scenarios, such as analyzing vast amounts of textual and visual data, enhancing test coverage, and overall testing effectiveness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the synergy of OCR and NLP in automation testing promises a transformative leap in efficiency, accuracy, and coverage, ushering in a new era of software quality assurance where intricate testing challenges can be met with ease, precision, and speed.

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How Important Test Automation Is?

Test automation is the cornerstone of effective software development in the collaborative DevOps environment, where teams from development and testing converge in the pursuit of continuous integration and delivery. Beyond its function in quick issue discovery, it protects code quality by making sure that standards are obeyed without exception.

Understanding AccelQ

AccelQ is a cutting-edge platform for continuous testing and test automation. It provides a centralised environment for testing operations by seamlessly integrating test design, automation, and execution. Businesses may automate testing processes with AccelQ, leading to quicker product releases, cost savings, and improved software quality.

What Market Say

As of the latest reports, the global software testing market is projected to reach $60 billion by 2025, with North America accounting for a significant portion of the revenue. AccelQ’s innovative approach to testing positions it as a key player in this burgeoning market, offering businesses a strategic advantage in their development efforts.

The Challenges with Traditional Test Automation Tools

For years, traditional test automation tools have presented challenges that hindered the seamless adoption of test automation across industries. Complexity, coding requirements, flaky tests, high maintenance costs, and a lack of intuitiveness have plagued the effectiveness of many tools.

According to a recent survey, 70% of software testing professionals cite the high maintenance efforts required by traditional test automation tools as a major challenge.

Enter ACCELQ: A Paradigm Shift in Test Automation

ACCELQ emerges as a beacon of hope in the world of test automation. Powered by artificial intelligence and boasting a codeless approach, ACCELQ transforms the landscape of test automation in several profound ways.

1. AI-Powered Automation at Its Finest

ACCELQ leverages the power of AI to enable codeless test automation. This means that even testers without extensive coding skills can utilize the tool effectively. It simplifies the complexities of testing while ensuring robust and comprehensive coverage.

2. Cost Reduction: A Game-Changer

Imagine a world where you can achieve more while spending less. ACCELQ’s codeless nature and reduced maintenance efforts translate into significant cost savings for your organization. ACCELQ users have reported a staggering 50% reduction in testing costs.

3. Multi-Channel Automation

Whether it’s web, mobile, APIs, or desktop applications, ACCELQ offers seamless automation across your entire enterprise stack. It eliminates the need for multiple tools, streamlining your testing process.

4. Zero Coding: The Future of Automation

ACCELQ’s NLP-powered codeless approach revolutionizes automated testing. It harnesses Natural Language Processing (NLP) to enable testers to create and execute tests without traditional coding. This makes testing more intuitive and accessible. The approach handles real-world complexities, including intricate workflows, dynamic data inputs, and complex validation logic. It’s highly scalable, adapting seamlessly to projects of varying size and complexity.

Over 80% of ACCELQ users praise this zero-coding feature for simplifying testing efforts. By eliminating the need for traditional coding, testers can focus on designing comprehensive tests that ensure software quality.

ACCELQ’s NLP-powered codeless approach represents a significant leap forward in test automation, making it more accessible and efficient.

5. Packaged Apps Automation

ACCELQ LIVE, a part of the ACCELQ suite, is a transformative technology for cloud and packaged app testing and automation. It offers a seamless, defect-free, and agile testing experience that reduces costs and maintenance efforts.  ACCELQ LIVE has demonstrated a 60% reduction in defects and an agile testing experience.

6. Quality Lifecycle Management

ACCELQ doesn’t just automate testing; it revolutionizes how you manage your quality lifecycle. By unifying test design and execution, it streamlines your processes and accelerates the journey to high-quality products.

Use Cases of AccelQ

AccelQ’s versatility extends its usefulness across various industries and scenarios. Here are some notable use cases that highlight its effectiveness:

E-commerce Excellence

In the highly competitive e-commerce industry, rapid website and application updates are paramount. AccelQ enables e-commerce businesses to conduct seamless testing across platforms and devices, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for customers. Retail giants like Amazon have reaped the benefits of AccelQ’s automation capabilities, achieving faster rollouts of new features and heightened user satisfaction.

Banking and Finance

In the financial industry, accuracy and security are indisputable requirements. Financial organisations may make sure their software complies with legal requirements and is secure by using AccelQ’s thorough testing. In the era of digital banking, where customers want constant access to their accounts, this has proven extremely important. Leading banks have implemented AccelQ to improve their digital services and lower the risk of software errors.

AccelQ Unified: Seamless Integration of Web, API, Mobile, and Manual Testing Tools 

AccelQ Unified is a groundbreaking integration that brings together AccelQ’s versatile testing tools into a cohesive and powerful testing ecosystem. It seamlessly combines Web, API, Mobile, and Manual Testing capabilities, offering a comprehensive solution for testing teams. With AccelQ Unified, testing professionals can efficiently manage a wide range of testing requirements across different platforms and interfaces. Whether it’s web applications, APIs, mobile apps, or manual testing processes, AccelQ Unified streamlines the entire testing lifecycle.

This integrated approach ensures that testing efforts are synchronized, allowing for thorough and consistent testing across all aspects of your software application. It eliminates the need for managing separate tools or platforms, providing a unified interface for all your testing needs.

AccelQ Unified is designed to enhance collaboration and efficiency within testing teams. It enables seamless communication between different testing domains, ensuring that all testing efforts work in harmony towards achieving the highest level of software quality.

For more detailed information about AccelQ Unified and its individual components, you can refer to AccelQ’s official page on Test Automation Unified.

The Future of Software Testing

The field of software testing is constantly changing as a result of advancements in technology. Innovating and paving the way for the future of testing, AccelQ is at the forefront of this evolution:

• AI and Machine Learning Integration

AccelQ is actively exploring the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into its platform. This means predictive analytics, smarter test automation, and the ability to identify potential issues before they become critical. This proactive approach will revolutionize testing by minimizing the need for manual intervention.

• DevOps and Continuous Testing

The rise of DevOps practices and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines demands faster and more agile testing. AccelQ is aligning itself with these trends, offering seamless integration with DevOps tools. This ensures that testing keeps pace with development, reducing bottlenecks and ensuring that only high-quality code reaches production.

• Cross-Platform Testing

As applications become more diverse, testing across various platforms and devices becomes increasingly complex. AccelQ is committed to simplifying this challenge by providing robust cross-platform testing capabilities. This will be pivotal as businesses strive to deliver consistent experiences across web, mobile, and emerging platforms.

Conclusion

Transforming Your Testing Landscape with ACCELQ

As software development continues its relentless pace, the need for test automation is more evident than ever. Test automation doesn’t just eliminate manual testing; it improves collaboration, communication, and feedback cycles, resulting in faster issue resolution.

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In this blog, we will explore the importance of test automation, its role, and benefits, why businesses need it, and highlight the top test automation tools for 2023.

The role and benefits of test automation are multifold. Test automation helps organizations to:

• Achieve Faster Testing: Automation enables the execution of many tests in a short amount of time, allowing for faster testing cycles and quicker feedback on application quality.

• Enhance Test Coverage: Automation allows for comprehensive test coverage, ensuring that all critical functionalities and scenarios are thoroughly tested, reducing the risk of potential defects slipping through.

• Improve Accuracy: Automated tests are highly accurate and consistent, reducing the likelihood of human errors and ensuring reliable results.

• Save Time and Resources: Automation eliminates the need for repetitive manual testing tasks, freeing up resources to focus on more strategic activities, such as test design and analysis.

• Enhance Collaboration: Automation facilitates collaboration among different teams, such as developers, testers, and business stakeholders, enabling faster issue resolution and better alignment on testing objectives.

• Enable Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD): Automation enables seamless integration with CI/CD pipelines, allowing for faster and more frequent releases of software applications.

Also Read:  Digital Assurance and Digital Engineering – The pillars of Digital Transformation

Top 15 Automation Testing Tools

1. Selenium

Selenium is a widely used open-source automation testing framework that supports multiple programming languages like Java, C#, and Python. It provides a wide range of features for functional testing, including cross-browser testing, parallel testing, and integration with various testing frameworks.

2. Appium

Appium is an open-source mobile automation testing framework that supports both Android and iOS platforms. It supports testing of native, hybrid, and web applications and provides a robust set of APIs for interacting with mobile devices and simulators/emulators.

3. TestComplete

TestComplete is a comprehensive automation testing tool that supports both web and desktop applications. It offers a record and playback feature, supports multiple scripting languages like JavaScript, Python, and VBScript, and provides a wide range of built-in testing functions.

4. Cucumber

Cucumber is a popular tool for behavior-driven development (BDD) that allows testers, developers, and business stakeholders to collaborate and create tests in a natural language format. It supports multiple programming languages and integrates with various testing frameworks.

5. Robot Framework

Robot Framework is an open-source, keyword-driven automation testing framework that uses a simple tabular syntax. It supports both web and desktop applications and provides an extensible set of libraries for various testing tasks.

6. TestCafe

TestCafe is a free and open-source JavaScript-based automation testing tool that supports web applications. It provides built-in support for handling multiple tabs, iframes, and pop-ups, and offers cross-browser and parallel testing capabilities.

7. JUnit

JUnit is a popular testing framework for Java applications that provides annotations and assertions for writing unit tests. It integrates with various build tools and continuous integration (CI) servers, making it suitable for agile and DevOps environments.

8. TestNG

TestNG is another popular testing framework for Java applications that offers advanced features like support for data-driven testing, parallel testing, and test configuration through XML files. It provides rich reporting and supports integration with various tools and frameworks.

9. Protractor

Protractor is a widely used automation testing tool for Angular applications. It supports end-to-end testing and provides a built-in set of locators for testing Angular-specific elements.

10. WinAppDriver

WinAppDriver is a Windows Application Driver that allows automation of Windows desktop applications. It supports multiple programming languages like C#, Java, and Python, and provides a rich set of APIs for interacting with Windows applications.

11. Cypress

Cypress is a fast, modern, and developer-friendly automation testing framework for web applications. It provides an easy-to-use API for writing tests in JavaScript and offers features like real-time testing, debugging, and cross-browser testing.

12. SoapUI

SoapUI is a popular open-source tool for testing web services and APIs. It provides a comprehensive set of features for functional, security, and load testing of APIs, and supports multiple protocols like SOAP, REST, and GraphQL

13. Appium Studio

Appium Studio is a commercial version of Appium that offers additional features like enhanced reporting, parallel testing, and test analytics. It supports both Android and iOS platforms and provides a user-friendly interface for creating and managing tests.

14. Ranorex

Ranorex is a commercial automation testing tool that provides a wide range of features for desktop, web, and mobile testing. It offers a record and playback feature, supports multiple programming languages, and provides a rich set of reporting and analysis capabilities.

15. Katalon Studio

Katalon Studio is a popular free and open-source automation testing tool that supports web, mobile, and API testing. It provides a rich set of features for test creation, execution, and reporting, and offers integrations with various testing frameworks and tools.

Conclusion

As organizations continue to emphasize the importance of software quality and efficiency, test automation tools play a crucial role in achieving these goals. The top test automation tools for 2023, including Selenium, Appium, Cypress, TestComplete, and Robot Framework, offer advanced features, integrations, and capabilities to streamline testing efforts, improve productivity, and ensure the delivery of high-quality software products.

The post Top 15 Automation Testing Tools for 2023: Enhance Your Testing Efforts for Successful Digital Transformation appeared first on Indium.

Quality Assurance is essential for ensuring that digital products, including websites, apps, and software, are usable by all users, including those with disabilities. Testing for accessibility enables the detection of any obstacles that could prevent individuals with disabilities from using digital products. This article’s goal is to give a general overview of accessibility testing and explain why it’s crucial for producing accessible digital products

1. What is accessibility testing?

The process of assessing a digital product’s usability by those with impairments is known as accessibility testing. It involves examining a product’s usability and user interface using assistive technology like voice recognition software, keyboard-only navigation, and screen readers. A product’s compliance with accessibility standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and the Americans with Disabilities Act is also evaluated during accessibility testing ( ADA).

1.1. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

Here are the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) according to the checkpoints and priority levels:

Level A

Describes the components of a web page that must be usable by people with physical disabilities for them to access the content at all.

Level AA

Contains elements on web pages that must be readable for a group of users to access the content.

Level AAA

Outlines web page components that can be made accessible so that the site can be used by the greatest number of people with disabilities.

1.2. Principles of WCAG

Here are a few common scenarios to validate the Data part:

Perceivable

All users, including those with disabilities, must be able to easily perceive and comprehend the content as it is presented. The provision of non-text content substitutes, such as pictures, videos, and audio, falls under this category.

Operable

The interface and navigation of the website must be operable for all users, including those who use assistive technologies such as screen readers or voice recognition software. This includes providing keyboard accessibility, clear and consistent navigation, and allowing enough time for users to interact with content.

Understandable

The content and interface must be presented in a way that is easy to understand for all users, including those with cognitive disabilities or who may have difficulty with language or reading. This includes using clear and simple language, providing context and structure, and avoiding jargon and overly complex terminology.

Robust

The content must be robust enough to work with a variety of user agents, including assistive technologies, and future technologies that may be developed. This includes using accessible markup and code, following standards and guidelines.

1.3. Assistive Technology

Assistive technology is a type of technology that is designed to assist people with disabilities in performing tasks that may be difficult or impossible without assistance. These technologies are designed to enhance accessibility, mobility, communication, and independence for people with physical disabilities.

Here are some examples of assistive technology:

Screen readers: These are software programs that can read text on a computer screen aloud for users who are visually impaired.

Wheelchairs: These are devices that enable people with mobility impairments to move around more easily.

Hearing aids: These are devices that amplify sound for people who are hard of hearing.

Braille displays: These are devices that convert digital text into Braille for users who are blind.

Voice recognition software: This technology allows users to control their computer or mobile device using their voice.

Rosthetic limbs: These are devices that replace missing or amputated limbs and help users do their everyday tasks.

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices: These are devices that help people who have difficulty speaking to communicate using alternative methods, such as sign language, or text-to-speech software.

Electronic magnifiers: These are devices that magnify text or images for users with low vision.

Environmental control systems: These are devices that allow users to control appliances, lights, and other household items using their voice or other assistive technology.

Assistive listening devices: These are devices that help people with hearing impairments hear more clearly in specific environments, such as classrooms or theaters.

By giving people with physical disabilities more independence, access to information, and chances to actively participate in their quality of life

Also Read this interesting blog on Testing the Reality of Apps in Physical devices

2. Importance of Accessibility testing

The use of digital products by everyone, including those with disabilities, is ensured by accessibility testing. Digital products may not be accessible to users with disabilities if they undergone accessibility testing. For instance, a non-accessible website may not be usable with a screen reader, making it impossible for people who are blind to use the site. Additionally, visitors who are color blind may find it difficult to understand the text on the page if a non-accessible website lacks sufficient color contrast.

Another reason accessibility testing is crucial is that it can assist businesses in adhering to accessibility laws and regulations. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA), businesses must offer people with disabilities equal access to their products and services. Like this, government agencies must comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, which directs that their electronic and information technologies be accessible to people with physical disabilities. Organizations may be able to stay out of court and other legal problems by following these regulations.

3. Testing Approach

Accessibility testing can be performed manually or with the use of automated tools. Manual testing involves using assistive technologies such as screen readers, keyboard-only navigation, and voice recognition software to evaluate a product’s accessibility. Manual testing is time-consuming and requires a high level of expertise to identify accessibility issues.

Automation testing involves using tools that scan a product’s code and user interface to identify accessibility issues. Automated testing is faster than manual testing and can identify many accessibility issues quickly. However, automated testing has its limitations, as it cannot identify all accessibility issues, especially those related to user experience. In general, a combination of manual and automated testing is recommended to ensure that a digital product is fully accessible.

3.1. Accessibility Testing Tools

Accessibility testing tools are software programs that can help developers and testers ensure that their applications or websites are accessible to all users, including those with certain disabilities.

Here are some popular accessibility testing tools:

These are just a few of the many accessibility testing tools available. It’s important to choose the right tool for your needs and to regularly test your website or application for accessibility to ensure that all users can access your content.

Conclusion

Accessibility testing is a critical process that ensures websites and digital platforms are accessible to individuals with disabilities. It is essential to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide equal opportunities for everyone to access information and services online. Testing for ADA compliance helps to identify and fix accessibility barriers, ensuring that individuals with physical disabilities can use the digital platforms without encountering any difficulties. Furthermore, it enhances the user experience and improves the reputation of the organization. By conducting regular ADA compliance testing, organizations can ensure that their digital platforms are accessible to all, regardless of their disabilities.

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Grey box testing is a software testing technique that includes the elements of black box testing and white box testing. It involves testing a system or application with partial knowledge of its internal workings. In other words, the tester has some knowledge of the software’s internal structure, but not the complete knowledge that a white box tester has. This makes grey-box testing a more realistic and efficient approach to testing than black-box testing, while still providing some of the benefits of white-box testing.

You can use a technique called “grey box testing” to troubleshoot the software and identify its weaknesses. It can be used as an objective, non-obstructive form of penetration testing. In this kind of testing, the focus is on an application’s internal workings rather than how those workings interact with one another.

Outcome-based grey box testing

Efficient Testing: Grey box testing allows testers to focus their efforts on specific areas of the system that are likely to have defects, which helps to reduce testing time and costs.

Realistic Testing: Unlike black box testing, grey box testing provides insight into the system’s internal workings, making it more realistic and closer to how end-user interact with the software.

Comprehensive Testing: Grey box testing allows testers to access the system’s front-end and back-end, which helps identify defects that may be missed in black box testing.

Better Test Coverage: With access to some of the system’s internal workings, grey box testing can help identify more comprehensive test cases, leading to better test coverage.

Improved Quality: By identifying defects that may be missed in black box testing, grey box testing can help improve the overall quality of the software.

The Process

In grey box testing, test cases are generated based on algorithms that assess internal states, application architecture knowledge, and programme behavior rather than by testers having to design test cases from scratch.

 Steps to follow, while performing Grey Box testing:

• Identifying and choosing Inputs from white and black box testing approaches.
• Identify possible outputs from these inputs.
• Identify key paths for the testing level.
• Identify sub-functions for deep-level analysis.
• Identify responses for sub-functions.
• Detect probable outputs from sub-functions.
• Perform sub-function test cases.
• Assess and verify results.

Also read:  IoT Testing Challenges and Solutions: Overcoming the Unique Obstacles of IoT Testing.

Layers of Grey box

Grey box testing involves examining each layer with greater depth.

Database Testing: During grey box testing of a database application, the tester may have access to the database schema but not the source code. As a result, they can more effectively and realistically test the database’s features.

API Testing: In API testing, a tester may have knowledge of the API’s internal structure and data flow, but not the complete code. This allows them to identify any issues in the API functions or data handling.

Security Testing: In security testing, a tester may know the system architecture and security protocols but not have entire knowledge of the source code. This helps them to identify any security vulnerabilities that may be missed in black box testing.

Performance Testing: The tester may know the system architecture and data flow, which allows them to identify any bottleneck or performance issues in the system.

Inference

By reducing bugs at an earlier stage of the life cycle, grey box testing can help to improve quality by identifying defects in all the layers.

It offers some insights into how the system functions internally, making it more realistic and thorough. The transition to Grey Box testing is inevitable given how quickly digital technologies are developing. Higher quality and less expensive results will result from moving left and towards the earlier testing phase.

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Extract, Transform, and Load, or ETL, as it is more popularly known, is a unique process in which data is migrated from a source system to a target system (data warehousing and data integration). ETL testing is essential as it validates data to achieve an addressable market. As observed, several organizations are implementing ETL, and it is critical to validate data at the production level.

ETL Testing Process

Under testing, we have multiple activities to be planned and acted upon. The activities are divided into the following steps:

Benefits of ETL Testing

The ETL testing process is crucial to building a data warehouse and tracking current and historical data changes. Then, the data is validated at each stage.

The ETL process benefits the entire organization. It anticipates needs and allows businesses to clean and validate data in real time. As a result, many organizations choose ETL to save time, improve efficiency, and reduce resource effort. In addition, agile-based ETL testing ensures perfect outcomes at the production level.

Some obvious benefits are as follows:

• Data quality
• Less data loss risk
• On-time delivery and timely access
• Involvement in SQL check
• Less UI level issues

Common Bugs in ETL

• Record Count

The overall count is different between the source and target tables

• Missing Records (Destination break)

Compared to the source, certain records in the target table are missing

• Extra Records (Source break) / Duplicate Records

Compared to the source, some records are added to the target table

• Input / Output Bugs

Not accepting valid values / Accepting invalid values

• Truncation Issues

Words truncation in the records due to data length

• Trim Issues

Records having leading and trailing spaces

• Calculation error/issue

Mathematical errors / Incorrect results

SCD Types

SCD is a slowly changing dimension. SCD logic is one of the critical concepts for tracking historical data. It can be updated by overlapping with the new data or flagged as an indicator based on the requirement.

• The SCD logic is implemented in the dimension tables of the schema
• These tables contain a detailed description of the object
• We close the old records and open the new records with the help of an indicator column
• There are different types of SCD, such as
  • Type 0: When no changes are required, this type is chosen
  • Type 1: Only present-stage data is available in this type
  • Type 2: The history of records is stored in this type by flagging them
  • Type 3: Both the current data and the history data are tracked in this type
  • Type 4: Fusion of types 1 and 2
  • Type 6: Hybrid type

We use types 1, 2, and 3 for efficacy.

ETL Tools

The ETL tester/developer can undergo testing/development by using tools such as

• Informatica
  • Used for ETL testing by checking the workflow and objects essential to ensure flow. This tool makes it extremely simple to validate the following checks:
    • Transformation logic
    • Record count
    • Run-time effectiveness
• Abnitio
  • Abnitio can sort out data quality issues
  • Error count can be analyzed using this tool
• Alteryx
  • Testing of numbers is possible with the ETL tool, Alteryx. It is a user-friendly tool that validates the data. Its inbuilt tools are easily accessible and can test the data. Alteryx can also be used for end-to-end data testing.

SQL is one of the essential languages used to test the data in ETL. Sometimes, Excel spreadsheets are used, especially when validating a low number of records. Using these tools helps reduce the time involved.

Connecting the Dots

ETL is one of the most important building blocks for turning data into the output that is needed in many fields, such as finance and surveying. It is also one of the best techniques for analyzing data through data warehousing.

The ETL process involves the following steps:

The source data from the OLTP environment is migrated or ingested into the OLAP environment using ETL tools. The visualization tools consume data from the OLAP. Both the ingestion layer and the consumption layer are tested.

The following is a simple workflow for the ETL testing process:

Testing Techniques

S2T Validation

• The source to target document is a mapping document where a tester must test for the description of the table’s columns. Here, we test the overall structure of the table and the mapping between them.

Transformation Logic Check

• It is necessary to test data transformation because, in many instances, we cannot do it by executing a single source SQL query and comparing the results with the intended results. For each row, it might be necessary to perform many SQL queries to check the transformation rules.

• When it comes to data analytics, the client might require the removal of unwanted false entries. The tester has to test this logic. For example, some columns are created based on formulae, so the tester must ensure that the data is derived from the column according to the corresponding transformation logic.

Data Completeness Check

• Data completeness testing is carried out to ensure that the anticipated data has been put into the target from the source. For example, data loss is possible in real time, and it can lead to a wrong understanding of the product or services. So, testing data completeness is an important task.

• Incomplete data can lead to a false calculation of the business’s profits and losses.
• Comparing and validating counts, aggregates, and accurate data between the source and target.

Data Quality Check

• This step involves checking for dirty data. It does not follow a universal rule and changes based on need.
• For example, raw text from customers should be tested and modified in an understandable script. So, a data quality check is a must for analysis.
• It is necessary to check for the encrypted data in specific columns of the table as it is highly secured.
• It will indicate dirty data based on erroneous characters, character patterns, wrong upper or lowercase order, etc.

Metadata Testing

• This process involves checking for the data type, length, and index/constraint.
• For example, checking data length helps reduce data truncation.
• Constraint check is essential as some columns may have check constraints for the account number or identification number columns.

Visualization Tool Testing

• The amount of data level failure in visualizing data is reduced using the ETL process in the initial stage, as the ETL is a means of testing scope.

Conclusion

In today’s workplace, data is king, and ETL is the kingmaker! Data transformation depends on data warehousing, and ETL is a key part of the whole process. Since it’s important to process data quickly and well, ETL testing is in high demand, especially when loading a lot of data into a database that is already synchronized.

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What is a Simulator?

A simulator is a set of programs that mimics the behavior of a certain environment or replicates the configuration of a machine virtually. It helps to mimic the real device in the virtual world.

Simulators can be designed and developed as applications to be installed in any operating system. Because it is developed using the right coding language, simulators work much faster than emulators. Even though they are faster, they cannot give accurate solutions in certain circumstances. 

Types of Simulation

Though simulation is used for various purposes in various fields, it can be classified into three types

Why Simulate?

Let’s consider the case of a company that develops control panels for aircraft as an example. The company develops the software and hardware of aircraft control panels. To test it, do they have to fit in a real aircraft and go on a raid? This is neither practical nor cost-effective. However, it is essential to test the aircraft to ensure there are no untoward incidents. This is where simulators can make a difference. The simulation will help the company to bring in more features quickly and make clients happy.

How are Simulators Developed?

Simulators are always developed to communicate with the application during run time. The simulator is developed along with developing the application using high-level languages like Java, Python, Dot Net, etc. Once developers develop the simulator, they will send it to test engineers in different formats like .dll, .exe, .bat, etc.

Considering the various types of simulators, there are some ways to launch simulators:

• If the given simulator is in the “.exe” file format, then we can simply launch by double-clicking the .exe file.
• If the given simulator is the “. batch” file format, then we can simply trigger by double-clicking the batch window file and launching it.
• If the simulator is an application, then launch the simulator as an app.    

How to Configure and Control Simulators?

Essentially, simulators are software. Most simulators are designed based on the product, where each product has a different type of simulator. Some simulators have a configuration file with settings for the simulator. Some simulators get installed along with the application, while some simulators require the use of an “.exe” file to run on the system. We must use a command prompt with some commands to populate the simulator. 

We should use the configure file to do some parameter settings on the simulator to run the application for a particular workflow.

There are some ways to control the simulator. They are:

How to Connect the Simulator with the Application

Once the simulator is configured and launched, then we need to deduct the simulators from the application to connect them. Another way is to detect the simulator from the application using the IP address of the system. For a few other types of simulators, we can connect the simulators to the applications using the command prompt. When the application and simulator are connected, the simulator will display an indication in green color.

Conditions to connect:

1. The simulator and application should run on the same machine
2. Both the simulator and application should run on the same network
3. They can run on physical and virtual machines

Sample simulators to connect/disconnect:

Run Workflows

Finally, we are here to discuss the ultimate purpose of using a simulator. Once the simulator is connected to the application, set up the application and begin the simulation. While the simulation is running, you can change the values in the simulator immediately to understand whether the results are changing in the application according to the values given in the simulator. In a real instrument, it would take some more time to change because we need to follow the procedures before implementing the changes.

When the instrument simulator and application are connected, using the simulator would allow us to communicate, input parameters, and control the application.

Pros and Cons of Instrument Simulator

The post How Simulators Are Used in Testing appeared first on Indium.

A bug began retrieving sensitive data – like latitude and longitude – from Ring’s app, exposing precise details about users. Going unrealized, the bug had been stealthily screening Ring’s server causing data leakage. Hackers began hurling racial slurs and death threats to user, infuriated at which, the latter resorted to legal action against the tech firm. Severe criticism from civil rights groups and regulatory authorities marred Ring’s reputation, taking a heavy toll on its business.

While that was just an example, each year many enterprises suffer heavy financial losses due to their weakly secured mobile apps. Analysis by CVE Details for the last decade has exposed 2500+ vulnerabilities and 1600+ vulnerabilities in Android and iOS devices respectively. Advancing mobile apps thus makes sense only when they are coupled with a parallel application security vision.

Giving way to IP thefts, reverse engineering, jailbreaks, and unauthorized user authentications, inadequately secured mobile applications leave customer data and the application framework vulnerable, inviting a host of security breaches.

To ensure a securely functioning mobile application, you thus require the knowledge of the right steps. While successful mobile application security framework might involve performing multiple steps, here we are going to discuss 5 important steps in mobile application security.

What are the 5 important steps in Mobile Application Security?

A systematic workflow of essential steps only helps to build a perfect mobile application security framework. Here we will go into the details of 5 essential steps that must be executed.

Authorize application access

As the first basic step, authorizing application access creates necessary accessibility prerequisites. A practical approach to authorizing an application starts with using two-factor authentication. Here, the first step is asking the user to enter ID and password, and the second step is validating the login through OTP sent to the mobile phone. Biometric authentication using fingerprint-based access may also make the second stage as required by the application.

One-time password (OTP)-based authentication creates a user in AWS Cognito and sends the user a unique 6 digit number for authenticating access to the application. As passwords are easy to hack, OTPs are the first line of defense against potential unauthorized access.

As a part of password creation, have a strict password policy, with rules framed for password length, password topologies, and password topology. Complex, alphanumeric passwords offer better security. Have an expiry time for passwords, so that users are prompted to modify their passwords at regular intervals.

Password strength must be analyzed using password testing best practices, which helps understand the implementation of password policy. Ascertain from time to time if password functionalities defined in the source code are functioning rightly. Finally, review password verification to ensure that passwords don’t violate the predefined password rules.

Protect sensitive data

To lay a successful foundation for protecting application data, the application network must be authenticated, which is a key to verifying the data accessor’s identity. Standard Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols play a major role in offering this authentication. This is a primary step to safeguarding sensitive user data from the prying eyes of fraudsters and hackers. However, as much as 50% of the mobile APIs are not authenticated on the tokens. Hence there is the need for strong measures to protect the data.

To ensure that data managed by applications is secure across the entire application-data interaction lifecycle, implementing Amazon EFS (Elastic File System) along with IAM (Identity and Access Management) is a viable solution. EFS assesses IAM policies and encrypts the data, providing only relevant users access to the data.

Building a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) protects data by treating the application ecosystem as a private network in the cloud environment. Logically isolated, VPCs keep application data secure by limiting access to resources. Using dedicated security protocols, it guards the data traffic.

Platforms like Amazon Cognito come with a dynamic authentication mechanism that provides data access to users through limited-privilege credentials. Having short life, these credentials leave no scope for unauthorized access and thereby prevent attempts to tamper with data.

Obfuscate the code

Code obfuscation conceals source code and deters all potential attempts to hack it by making the code useless for unauthorized access. The code is altered, but it performs the same functionality as performed by the original source code. Involving modification of app’s binary, code obfuscation hides function and class names and prevents reverse engineering of the proprietary app.

As a process, code obfuscation is executed using a series of mechanisms that make the code unintelligible. Here are some of those code obfuscation mechanisms:

• Rename obfuscation: Intentionally, variables are assigned confusing names, so that their real role in the code is not made easily visible. This method is common with application codes developed using Java, .Net, and iOS and Android platforms.

• Data obfuscation: Specially used to obfuscate data structures in the code, it helps keep hackers from reaching the core functionality of the code. It alters the data storage pattern and data interpretation for display features.

• Dummy Code: Codes are inserted to create an impression that they perform some different functionality; however, the logic remains the same. It is a robust mechanism to prevent hackers from reverse-engineering the code.

• Address obfuscation: It transforms code for each execution and randomizes the code’s virtual address, thereby preventing unchecked access to memory arrays.

Secure third-party API key

Third-party APIs are linked to multiple applications, and if the APIs fall prey to cyberattacks, it takes a toll on the applications. Functional third-party API security comprehensively safeguards the integrity of APIs. As an umbrella framework, API security encompasses right from API access control, threat detection and prevention of API reverse engineering.

The foremost action to secure third-party API keys is to drive API testing. Based on the type of API – SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol), REST (Representational State Transfer) etc. – appropriate testing mechanism can be leveraged. For instance, Static Application Security Testing (SAST) helps identify vulnerabilities to API security during the early development stages.

Remember that each third-party API key is a secret and securing it is a critical step to ensure before the app goes into production. Here is how you can keep third-party API keys safe:

– Ensure secrecy by keeping the keys on the cloud; pull them when needed, by requesting the application.

– Add the keys in libraries so that they are difficult to decompile. Splitting key strings into different components and storing the individual components across different locations offers greater security.

– Use an obfuscator to put the key code as hashed secret. Later, unhash it, as required

Guard the communication framework

Applications interact extensively with external environments, and a weak communication framework creates opportunities for hackers to sneak in. As such, the regular communication for data exchange between the device and servers through applications must be protected.

Authenticating the interaction between apps and web platforms starts with Transport Layer Security (TLS). As a basic step, it helps protect access credentials.

Since REST is the communication facilitator in most cases, it must be configured to secure the communication between apps and web services. In this case, the platform automatically generates REST endpoints for secured server actions. Endpoint security works in two ways. First, the accesses are encrypted, and second, the server-side access control regulates the accesses. This works as a complex process that completely protects end-to-end communication.

Technical mechanisms like Open Authorization protocols – OAuth Core 1.0, OAuth 2.0 – streamline the process to securely manage the communication. These protocols give applications the ability to access protected resources from web services. Offering strong cryptographic features, OAuth 1.0 supports digital signatures and comes in handy when developing apps for banking or public services. OAuth 2.0 provides restrictive access, by offering access only to a set of resources and keeping an expiration date for every access token, which heightens the communication security.

You might be interested in: Artificial Intelligence And Its Impact On Mobile Applications

Conclusion

The above steps that we discussed with you are essentials to successfully deploy and manage a functional mobile application security framework. Systematically executing these steps creates a self-defending layer that holistically secures mobile apps.

Mobile application development services complete half the story, as securing it makes the rest. If you are looking to make your mobile apps more secure, these steps will definitely help you.

You can also seek Indium’s assistance to build a long-term mobile application security strategy.

We keep adopting the best standards and continually evolve our risk mitigation framework to effectively counter cyber threats. Get a detailed insight by knowing our Application Engineering services.

The post 5 steps to build robust Mobile Application Security framework appeared first on Indium.

The company’s reputation will almost certainly be ruined if it releases a product with numerous coding mistakes and performance concerns. That’s why it’s critical to keep track of, evaluate, and improve the tool’s performance based on real-world events.

The product goes online once all of the banking web applications testing steps have been completed successfully. A financial company manager will be more confident about the app’s performance in the real world after testing it. This is ensured when all bank application testing areas are touched upon. Let’s have a look at the major focus areas for a banking application tester.

• UX and usability & functionality — They ensure that modules work as expected (both individually and as part of a larger system). Banking professionals aren’t necessarily computer savvy. Not everyone has a solid understanding of the web when it comes to branch clients. As a result, application developers must create simple, user-friendly interfaces. Testers must check that using the product’s graphic attributes takes little time and that all of the primary services are only a few clicks away from the home page.

• Performance: On mobile devices, slow page loading and lack responsiveness are serious challenges that can negatively impact user retention rates. A tester must ensure that the product is speedy and consistent across multiple operating systems and browsers.

• Security: The majority of developed countries are tightening their web security controls. As a result, businesses run the danger of violating basic security rules. A firm owner puts themselves at danger of penalties or criminal prosecution if they do not follow security directives. The goal of security testing is to ensure that the application complies with industry-standard security rules and has additional safeguards in place to ensure that it is safe in the event of a hacker attack.

Banking applications handle sensitive data, which makes them more vulnerable than other projects. Financial software is a popular target for hackers, so any organisation working in the banking industry must be vigilant about security dangers.

Read this interesting piece: Fraud Analytics for the banking sector!

A specific case: Indium’s expertise

Our client is a private wholesale bank that facilitates community lenders in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands advance housing and community growth with a secure online banking application.

The banking application is designed to set/update the parameters for the day to day business process and give customers a flexible and time-saving alternative for viewing, printing and downloading reports/data.

The firm’s initial requirement was to conduct gap analysis, set QA process and define QA Roadmap. After setting- up a QA process, they wanted us to help them automate their regression test cases. Also, they wanted a thorough functional vetting against the requirements to measure completeness and create & maintain reusable test artifacts (High level test scenarios / detailed test cases).

How did we do it?

Indium software, being an expert in the field of application testing solutions in the past decade took a sensible approach to solve the firm’s application testing issues. Here is our approach:

i. Determining the key testing goals as applicable to Mission Critical and Real time Application portfolio was our major task.

ii. Recommending of best Practices and methodologies.

iii. Creating check-lists to ensure the application’s functionality and prioritize test coverage

iv. Ensuring sufficient coverage and improve the quality of test design.

v. Creating test plan that includes test schedule along with milestones.

vi. Identifying test cases for Automation.

To ensure high quality code to UAT for all applications, our experts analyzed and suggested improvements to the QA delivery process. We had peer review on test cases and built a test suite. Our Well defined test strategy tracking. Our team had provided a seamless execution of regression test suite, enormous testing coverage and captured several relevant matrices to showcase testing progress and results. Deliverables in each phase of the process, including a Testing Plan, Gap Analysis Report, Test Cases, Incidents Report and Reports on Testing Progress were provided.

Our experienced test engineers used QTP / VB Scripting to automate the functional regression test suite. To ensure reduced cycle time for testing, we recommended a test automation framework for regression testing. They built re-usable test artifacts.

Our testing expertise indicated high level Test improvement opportunities including lowering the Total Cost of ownership of QA services. We provided channelized test data management and test scenario outlines. Our testing team assessed the requirements, tools, and processes involving Load/ stress testing for the Web based applications.

We understood the Client’s QA vision, Established QA process, conducted appropriate Gap Analysis, Laid Test Strategy, Setup Test Environment, Recommended Process Improvement and QA maturity Roadmap.

During the initial phase, we uncovered many lurking defects in production environment and over a period of time, we ensured zero defect leakage, managed test scripts for continuous execution.

i. Our test automation framework helped them reduce the regression cycle time by 40%.

ii. Productivity of resources was 110% (supported during weekends as per the client’s requisite).

iii. Manual efforts was reduced by 95%

iv. Test efficiency improved by 95%

Indium’s expertise in application testing services had been proven over the last 20+ years and we intend on providing cutting-edge customer centric solutions for your every software need.

The post Testing a bank application: A Success Story appeared first on Indium.

Low-code and no-code automation are emerging strategies that emphasise minimal effort with maximum output. Codeless test automation application development is rapidly expanding and re modelling the software industry, with revenue projections expected to reach $187 billion by 2030.

However, low-code does not exempt QA teams from the responsibility of testing the application. Functional and performance testing are just as important for low-code apps as they are for any other type of app. In fact, having a robust QA process in place for low-code environments is more important than it is for traditional applications.

What is Low-code/ No-code test automation?

Low-code automation is a method of streamlining business processes that requires little coding, allowing non-technical business users to get hands-on with automation projects while reducing reliance on developers and software engineers.

A growing need in the test automation domain for businesses has been to build and deliver robust automation frameworks with an in-built capability to write and run automated scripts with minimal coding effort.

Model Driven application design framework empowers ‘Citizen Developers’ to achieve scalability with drag and drop feature which allows them to reuse the components without waiting for developers to write the code.

Rather than coding each attribute and workflow, users can benefit from the ready-made elements stacked together to avoid duplication and ensure a faster time-to-market. On the other hand,organisations may encounter some bottlenecks in terms of integration and security.These challenges, however, can be mitigated through the streamlined incorporation of reusable components for developers and testers to build and run test scripts. They can leverage exposed APIs and its integration with low-code/ no-code application development platforms.

Low-code or no-code solutions can thus achieve a proposed and smooth process for effective automation for people and organisations with limited IT expertise. Rather than coding from scratch, they can design such modules with low-code test automssation frameworks.

Benefits of Low-code No-code test automation

Effective collaboration- One of the primary advantages of using a low-code or no-code framework is that it promotes effective collaboration between people with little technical knowledge and QA teams. This is primarily due to the seamless process of visual development and models, which simplify the entire test automation process.
Usability–Users do not need in-depth knowledge of coding, low-code is simple to learn and can be used throughout the business without the need for skilled developers.
Best practices and compliance– As templates are so important in low-code automation, providing best practises for users to follow when building and automating processes ensures that they are created in a compliant manner.
Agility– With the straightforward approach to creating and amending processes, you can make agile changes to processes without worrying about changing the complex code. This aids in complying with regulatory changes, adapting to market changes, and responding to customer needs.
Cost effectiveness- This is easily accomplished in light of reduced resources for on-boarding a technical expert. People with little expertise with test automation can also use this framework,saving the organization’s time, resources, and money.
Faster Time-to-market- When a cycle is efficient, the time to market decreases. With the combination of efficiency and agility of low-code and no-code automation, a product can reach its target audience in record time.
Improved Maintenance – Newer approaches to low or no code automation are also enabling scripts to “self heal.” It will help reduce overall automation maintenance efforts, saving time and money. Scalability- Low-code and no-code automation frameworks help to accelerate processes; they also help organisations scale their scope by deploying ready-to-use components within their test automation suites. Using cloud platforms to augment scalability is an added benefit in this case.
Behaviour Driven Development Framework- A BDD framework can do wonders with low-code and no-code test automation, where an easy-to-understand language can help non-technical people use Cucumber, for instance: writing and running test automation scripts.
Equip citizen developers – Citizen development enables business users to create their own applications and processes using low-code software. Because of the simplicity of low-code or no code platforms, businesses with no prior experience in coding can create their own processes without relying on IT support. Because the software can be used enterprise-wide without requiring IT intervention, users can build their own automated processes to help them with their work.

With these latest advancements, not only do developers have an advantage in bringing in efficiency through minimal coding, but testers also have an advantage in adopting such a platform for improving software test automation. These are also useful for people and organisations with limited technical knowledge.

Low code/No-code test automation on cloud platforms

Cloud-based platforms have aided in the recent surge in the use of low-code platforms, as the secure, yet adaptable solution enables users to collaborate across the organisation. Citizen developers can easily gain access to the software, and it can be scaled up or down as needed, with constant updates to ensure users are always using the most recent version.

The ability to spin up and test new services is a significant advantage of using the cloud. And if the solution fails, it can be turned off without wasting money on physical infrastructure to support services that may or may not work. This means you can experiment with new solutions in low-code, backed up by low-cost and low-risk cloud deployment.

The post Low-code/No-code Test automation – The Latest Buzz word appeared first on Indium.