Test automation Archives - Indium https://www.indiumsoftware.com/blog/tag/test-automation/ Make Technology Work Wed, 12 Jun 2024 08:49:26 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 https://www.indiumsoftware.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/cropped-logo_fixed-32x32.png Test automation Archives - Indium https://www.indiumsoftware.com/blog/tag/test-automation/ 32 32 DevOps & Test Automation – How can testing effectively align with and thrive within the DevOps culture?  https://www.indiumsoftware.com/blog/test-automation-devops-collaboration/ Mon, 20 May 2024 03:16:00 +0000 https://www.indiumsoftware.com/?p=23177 Is testing keeping pace with the demands of modern IT? There is an ongoing need for real-time development, testing, and releases into production, and it’s imperative that Quality Assurance transitions from the legacy approach of testing at the end of a cycle or sprint to integrating quality through the entire development process to enable seamless

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Is testing keeping pace with the demands of modern IT? There is an ongoing need for real-time development, testing, and releases into production, and it’s imperative that Quality Assurance transitions from the legacy approach of testing at the end of a cycle or sprint to integrating quality through the entire development process to enable seamless and faster output. 

As we evolve with the latest technology trends like AI and ML, IoT, Blockchain, Digital Twins, etc., the questions that come to mind are:  

1. How do we keep pace with these changes while releasing software to the market with fewer bugs and improved quality?

2. How can we incorporate continuous testing and delivery?  

SHIFT-LEFT TESTING

Indium’s TestOps team adopts a Shift Left approach to testing. The term ‘shift-left’ suggests a chronological progression to the left on the timeline of the SDLC, as indicated below. This approach aims to find and address defects as early as possible in the SDLC process, reducing the cost and impact of fixing issues later in the lifecycle.  

In short, the mantra is to test early and often. With this approach, businesses can release new features faster, as testing is less likely to restrain development. However, according to a recent survey, 51% of businesses are at a disadvantage in responding to vulnerabilities because they use manual processes, leading to an insurmountable vulnerability backlog. 

We simplify operations across the following key areas: Test Environment Deployment and Management, Validation, and Test Data Management and Monitoring. This ensures rapid release while reducing bugs by automating CI, QA, and continuous deployment (CD). Successful shift-left testing goes hand in hand with test automation. But how do we ensure continuous integration and continuous delivery (DevOps) with test automation? 

TestOps entails a set of practices to ensure that products and services meet specific quality standards. This encompasses testing, monitoring, and analyzing the performance of systems and applications to identify and resolve any issues or bugs. The primary objective of TestOps is to guarantee that products and services are reliable, functional, and aligned with user needs. It plays a critical role in the software development, ensuring timely product delivery that fulfills customer requirements. 

DevOps TestOps 
Software deployable at any time to deliver business value across the value chain 
Focus: Release cycles with continuous deployment integrating Dev and IT Operations  
Cultural Shift: A core role for Test as part of Operations 

Focus: Short Release cycles to achieve high-quality software with superior customer experience with the speed of continuous delivery  

We have a dedicated practice to streamline your Dev-Test-Ops cycle that maximizes operational efficiency with improved product quality and faster time to market! 

Drawing upon decades of experience in digital assurance, I will delve into pivotal questions: the rationale behind automating testing in the DevOps lifecycle, selecting test cases and constructing automation flows, and the criteria for identifying the optimal DevOps software testing tool. 

Automated Software Testing: The Glue Between Dev and Ops 

A shift to a built-in quality mindset is essential to succeed in DevOps and maintain rapid software delivery. Collaboration, training automation engineers as testers, and recognizing the value of test automation are key. DevOps testing aligns seamlessly with agile and CI/CD, aiming for flexibility, velocity, and quick, high-quality releases. Automation speeds up the release pipeline, particularly in testing, reducing delays and errors. Automation, especially for tasks like regression testing, frees testers for higher-value, human-centric activities. The result is an optimized and efficient software delivery process. 

Optimizing Test Cases and Enhancing DevOps Test Automation Workflows 

As the EVP of Digital Assurance, delving into the practicalities of implementing test automation within our DevOps framework is both an exciting and strategic endeavor. To seamlessly integrate automated testing into our dynamic DevOps lifecycle, a meticulous approach to our release pipeline is paramount. Here’s a breakdown to guide us on this journey: 

  • Understanding Our Stages: We must comprehensively understand the key stages embedded in our release process. This foundational awareness will be a bedrock for the subsequent steps in our automation journey.
  • Gate Check for Progression: Identifying crucial gates and delineating requirements are pivotal for ensuring fluid progression from the initial build to the final production stage. This strategic checkpoint will fortify the reliability and resilience of our release pipeline.
  • Building a Feedback Loop: Establishing effective feedback mechanisms is key to swift error detection and resolution. As we craft our automation flows, integrating robust feedback loops will be instrumental in maintaining high software quality throughout the development lifecycle.
  • Crafting an Operational Checklist: To streamline our release cycle, I propose compiling a detailed operational checklist encompassing all procedures, services, and actions. This checklist will serve as a comprehensive guide, ensuring that every aspect of our operations aligns seamlessly with our overarching automation goals.

    How it works?? 

    • DevOps Integration: QA Ops ensures seamless integration of DevOps by incorporating all necessary testing frameworks and tools into the product development lifecycle pipeline. 
    • Enhanced Test Planning: QA Ops provides a centralized platform, simplifying test planning for both testers and developers. It facilitates the identification of which tests to write and when to execute them. 
    • Test LifeCycle Management: The status of each Test significantly influences its treatment within build automation systems, such as CI/CD. This integration ensures a cohesive approach throughout the testing lifecycle. 
    • Test Version Control: Implementing processes that guarantee changes to tests undergo thorough review and approval, leveraging capabilities like pull requests in code. This ensures the reliability and stability of the testing process. 

    What transpires between these bookend phases?  

    The cornerstone is software testing, which is diverse in nature but vital in function. Integration tests ensure that modifications or new features are added without affecting the application. Usability testing uncovers previously unknown faults in code design, preventing problems from reaching end users. Device compatibility tests guarantee that the code works as intended in real-world scenarios, accounting for  the complexities of numerous hardware and software factors. 

    This demonstrates why software tests serve as the glue that binds developers’ code to the production-level application maintained by TestOps engineers. 

    Our TestOps team build testing solutions that support and reinforce DevOps aims in order to properly incorporate software testing into a continuous delivery pipeline. When selecting a testing platform, we check for the following features: 

    • Support for an Array of Frameworks: Our evolving development demands may necessitate a testing solution that supports a wide range of frameworks, guaranteeing adaptability in our continuous delivery pipeline. 
    • Scalability: The platform for testing should scale effortlessly, performing tests as soon as possible, and supporting parallel tests to meet our evolving requirements. Cloud-based solutions offer the scalability required for our dynamic pipeline. 
    • Quick Testing: To prevent delays, tests must be performed swiftly. Utilizing large-scale parallel tests and prioritizing emulator and simulator compatibility testing can expedite the process. 
    • High Automation: The testing solution is at the heart of DevOps and should seamlessly integrate with our automated toolset, allowing triggered tests, automated result analysis, and information sharing amongst the organization. 
    • On Demand Testing: Performing tests whenever necessary is crucial. Cloud based testing provides a cost-efficient solution, avoiding the inefficiencies associated with maintaining an on-premises testing environment. 
    • Security: Security features within the testing platform, such as encrypted test data and robust access control, are paramount in ensuring the entire team, including testers, contribute to keeping our applications secure. 

    Incorporating these qualities into our testing strategy empowers our DevOps + QA teams to collaborate efficiently. This ensures the reliability and stability of our production code across environments, maximizing the scalability, visibility, agility, and continuity of our software delivery pipeline as we embrace the full potential of a DevOps-based workflow.

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    ACCELQ: A Test-Drive to Tomorrow https://www.indiumsoftware.com/blog/blog-accelq-test-drive-tomorrow/ Fri, 27 Oct 2023 06:58:32 +0000 https://www.indiumsoftware.com/?p=21211 Software testing has assumed a central role in an environment marked by dynamic software development and an insatiable desire for more rapid product releases. The revolutionary idea of test automation was developed in response to the urgent demand for quicker testing procedures. ACCELQ emerges as a catalyst for revolutionary change in this gap because the

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    Software testing has assumed a central role in an environment marked by dynamic software development and an insatiable desire for more rapid product releases. The revolutionary idea of test automation was developed in response to the urgent demand for quicker testing procedures. ACCELQ emerges as a catalyst for revolutionary change in this gap because the field of test automation technologies is far from uniform.

    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.


    Ready to transform your testing processes? Contact us today to experience the future of software quality assurance.

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    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.


    Contact us today to embark on your journey towards comprehensive test automation. Revolutionize your testing processes and experience the future of software quality assurance.

    Click here

     

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    Testing Center of Excellence: Raising the Bar in Quality Assurance https://www.indiumsoftware.com/blog/testing-center-of-excellence-raising-the-bar-in-quality-assurance/ Mon, 16 Oct 2023 06:35:54 +0000 https://www.indiumsoftware.com/?p=21134 A central organization inside an organization that focuses on enhancing and standardizing the software test process is known as a Testing Centre of Excellence (TCoE). In this blog, we’ll examine a TCoE’s primary objective: to create an organized, standardized method for software testing. A testing team defining and implementing testing policies, strategies, and procedures throughout

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    A central organization inside an organization that focuses on enhancing and standardizing the software test process is known as a Testing Centre of Excellence (TCoE). In this blog, we’ll examine a TCoE’s primary objective: to create an organized, standardized method for software testing.

    A testing team defining and implementing testing policies, strategies, and procedures throughout the organization typically makes up TCoE. Additionally, they offer project teams advice and assistance regarding testing best practices, resources, and methods. They may also encompass digital assurance services to ensure comprehensive quality assurance across digital platforms and technologies.

    The approach of the Testing Center of Excellence (TCoE):

     

    1. 1. Identify the need for a TCoE: Firstly, we need to identify and establish standardized testing processes and methodologies across the organization. Subsequently, we aim to provide a comprehensive set of best practices, tools, and templates to enhance testing quality.
    2. 2. Define – Scope & Objectives: This step involves defining the specific goals and objectives of the TCoE, such as establishing a standard testing process across the organization, improving test coverage, reducing defects, or improving collaboration between testing and development teams. The output of this stage is to identify and document test processes, such as test planning, test design, test execution, and defects management.
    3. 3. Hiring an Expert TCoE team: Create a dedicated testing team responsible for developing and implementing testing processes and best practices across the organization. The first step in building an effective test team is to hire the right people. You need to find individuals with the necessary technical skills and experience in software testing. Look for candidates with strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and good communication skills.
    4. 4. Setup – Tools & Technologies, Team & Environment: One crucial aspect of TCoE implementation is selecting and adopting appropriate tools and technologies. This blog post will explore the significance of tools and technologies in TCoE implementation and discuss some key considerations for their successful integration.

    Enhancing Test Efficiency with Tools

    The implementation of a TCoE requires the effective utilization of a variety of tools and technologies to maximize testing efficiency. These tools play a crucial role at different stages of the testing process, including test planning, execution, defect management, and reporting. By automating repetitive tasks, facilitating test case management, and enabling smooth collaboration, these tools empower testing teams to concentrate on important areas like exploratory testing and test strategy development. They contribute to speeding up test cycles, enhancing test coverage, and ultimately elevating the overall quality of software products.

    Selecting the Right Tools

    When choosing tools for TCoE implementation, organizations need to consider their specific testing requirements, project scope, and team capabilities. It is crucial to assess factors such as tool functionality, scalability, integration capabilities, vendor support, and cost-effectiveness. Popular commercial tools like TestRail, Zephyr, or HP ALM offer comprehensive test management features, while open-source tools like Selenium, JUnit, and Jenkins provide robust automation capabilities. The tool selection should align with the organization’s goals, project complexity, and the skill sets of the testing team.

    Integration and Collaboration

    An essential aspect of successful TCoE implementation is ensuring seamless integration and collaboration between various tools and technologies. Test management tools should integrate with defect tracking systems, continuous integration servers, and other relevant tools in the software development ecosystem. This integration enables real-time information sharing, traceability, and streamlined workflows, ensuring smooth coordination between development and testing teams. By fostering collaboration and communication, organizations can break down silos and establish a cohesive and efficient testing environment.

    Continuous Improvement through Tool Evaluation

    The implementation of tools and technologies within a TCoE is not a one-time activity. It requires continuous evaluation and improvement to stay abreast of the evolving testing landscape. Regular assessment of tool effectiveness, vendor updates, industry trends, and emerging technologies is vital to ensure that the chosen tools are still meeting the organization’s needs. Periodic tool reviews and benchmarking against industry standards enable organizations to identify areas of improvement, explore new tools, and make informed decisions regarding tool upgrades or replacements.


    Ready to Elevate Your Testing Efficiency? Explore Our TCoE Solutions Now.

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    How to select the right tool:

    1. 1. Test Management Tool: Test management tools offer several key benefits in the software testing process as below:
      1. (i) It provides a centralized platform to plan, organize, and manage all testing activities.
      2. (ii)The tool is used for enabling the creation, storage, and version control of test cases.
      3. (iii) Most test management tools integrate with defect tracking tools, enabling seamless defect logging, tracking, and resolution.
      4. (iv) Test management tools provide collaboration features like comments, attachments, and notifications.
      5. (v) This tool can integrate with test automation tools, allowing automated test scripts to be executed and managed within the same platform.

    When assessing the feasibility of a test management tool for a project, consider the following factors based on project needs:

    1. 2. Defect/Bug Tracking Tools: There are different Defect tracking tools options available such as JIRA, Bugzilla, or Trello which helps in logging, tracking, and managing defects throughout their lifecycle. These tools facilitate effective collaboration between testers, developers, and stakeholders, ensuring timely resolution of issues.
    2. 3. Collaboration and Communication Tools: Some popular collaboration and communication tools like Confluence, Microsoft Teams, or Slack facilitate effective communication, knowledge sharing, and documentation within the TCoE team. During the pandemic, with many organizations shifting to remote work to maintain business continuity, Microsoft Teams has provided a platform for remote teams to stay connected, collaborate on projects, and communicate effectively. We can also use Microsoft Teams as a test management tool.
    3. 4. Reporting and Analytics Tools: Reporting and analytics tools like Power BI, Tableau, or JIRA dashboards provide visualizations and analytics on test execution, defect trends, test coverage, and other key testing metrics. 

    How to set your team and environment:

    1. 5. Training – Testing team: Once you have hired your test team, providing them with the right training is essential. This includes technical training on software testing methodology and soft skills training on communication, teamwork, and time management.
    2. 6. Monitoring – Team Performance: The efficient management of your test team is essential for the success of your project. PMs / Team Leaders must have clear objectives and expectations of their team members and provide regular feedback on their performance.
    3. 7.Set up Framework and Environment: This phase includes establishing a standard framework and testing environment throughout the organization, including test scripts, data, and environments.

    Roadmap of Testing Center of Excellence (TCoE):

    The roadmap of a Software Testing Center of Excellence (TCoE) can vary depending on the organization’s specific goals and needs. However, here is a general outline of the key components that are commonly included in a TCoE roadmap:

    Critical Levers of Testing Center of Excellence (TCoE):  

    So let’s see how Quality Engineering Services can help. The primary objective of a TCoE is to improve the quality and efficiency of software testing activities. Here are some key levers or factors that contribute to the success of a Testing Center of Excellence:

    Key Levers With TCoE Approach Value Addition
    Business Resilience Faster by 20 -25% Utilization of the Global Delivery Model to achieve optimal staffing levels. Well-defined roles and responsibilities, ensuring clear demarcation within the team.
    User-Centric Experience Improved by 35 -40% The team consists of SDETs with expertise across the Testing Lifecycle, accounting for over 75% of the team.

    Establishment of a Knowledge Hub for knowledge sharing and collaboration.

    Cost Reduction Reduced to 30% cost Implementing Automation and Performance Engineering techniques and adopting self-service and automated test data management solutions.

    Incorporation of modern testing practices such as Test-Driven Development (TDD) and Behavior-Driven Development (BDD).

    Optimal Quality Reduced to below 1% of Defect leakage Implementation of accelerators to boost productivity and efficiency.

     


    Discover How a TCoE Can Transform Your Testing Process.

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    In conclusion, a Testing Center of Excellence (TCoE) is essential for improving an organization’s software testing quality and efficiency. It establishes consistent processes, encourages teamwork, and continuously improves The main goals of a TCoE are to make testing easier, increase test coverage, speed up product release, satisfy customers, and foster innovation. Ultimately, a well-executed TCoE leads to better software, cost savings, higher productivity, and a competitive edge in the market.

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    Continuous Testing for Healthcare: A Roadmap to Test Automation Success https://www.indiumsoftware.com/blog/continuous-testing-for-healthcare-a-roadmap-to-test-automation-success/ Fri, 25 Aug 2023 08:52:00 +0000 https://www.indiumsoftware.com/?p=20488 The growth of digital health technologies, which is providing helpful solutions to address the ongoing issues and raising healthcare to new global heights, is drawing greater attention to healthcare IT. Here are some IT systems that have had a significant impact on HealthCare: Electronic Medical Record (EMR): EMRs and EHRs are collections of patient records

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    The growth of digital health technologies, which is providing helpful solutions to address the ongoing issues and raising healthcare to new global heights, is drawing greater attention to healthcare IT.

    Here are some IT systems that have had a significant impact on HealthCare:

    • Electronic Medical Record (EMR): EMRs and EHRs are collections of patient records stored in a digital format. It contains a patient’s demographics, medical history, and radiology images.
    • Health Information Security (HIS): With the digitalization of patient data, the need for robust information security measures has become most important.
    • Artificial Intelligence in Health Care: It has the ability to analyse large amounts of medical documentation quickly, and it assists in diagnosing diseases faster, suggesting more treatment options, and providing personalised treatments. It also improves medical practises
    • Health Care Administration and Medical Billing: This system has streamlined administrative tasks such as patient billing, scheduling appointments, and insurance claims.

    Digital Assurance in HealthCare Applications:

    The majority of healthcare applications process sensitive patient data that can be shared throughout different information systems. It includes information on the demographics, billing, and health of the patient. Digital assurance is essential in the healthcare sector because to the very sensitive data in the applications.

    Digital assurance in healthcare is crucial for managing risks and ensuring patient safety. The actions and a set of steps that are planned to guarantee ongoing development in the standard of medical care are surrounded by digital assurance in healthcare. Some healthcare apps need to be examined in order to produce high-quality medical products.

    The following list includes the key categories of healthcare software testing:

    • Security & Compliance Testing: To ensure the protection of sensitive patient data and compliance with industry regulations like HIPAA and GDPR.
    • Performance Testing: To check the stability of HealthCare applications under normal load and stress conditions.
    • Functional Testing: To ensure the functionality of the HealthCare feature works as per the requirements planned.
    • Compatibility Testing: To ensure the HealthCare applications are able to run on different devices and that the feature is fully compatible with the required range of Browsers and operating systems.
    • Integration Testing: To check whether the Healthcare applications work together smoothly if any of the healthcare software modules are combined. (e.g., EMR, Laboratory Information System, Medical Devices, etc.)
    • Interoperability Testing: To check if a healthcare solution can exchange medical data accurately with major data transfer standards such as HL7, NCDPD, IHTSDO, CDISC, DICOM, and more.

    Continuous Testing in Healthcare:

    Continuous testing is a development process in which Healthcare applications are tested continuously throughout the entire software development life cycle (SDLC). The aim of Continuous testing is to determine whether the software quality across the SDLC will meet the quality standards, ensuring the applications are free from defects and enabling higher-quality and faster deliveries.

    Here are some key points regarding continuous testing in healthcare:

    • Automation: Continuous testing relies heavily on test automation. Automated test scripts are designed to validate various phases of healthcare applications, such as UI, data integration, interoperability, security, standards, and compliance.
    • Test Coverage: Continuous testing aims to provide complete test coverage across different modules of healthcare systems, including electronic medical records (EMRs), laboratory decision support systems, online medicine platforms, and mobile health applications. It helps to identify issues early on, reducing the risk of patient safety concerns.
    • Speed and Efficiency: Continuous testing enables rapid feedback on the quality of healthcare software. By automating tests and integrating them into the development pipeline, healthcare organisations can find and resolve issues promptly, accelerating the delivery of high-quality software.
    • Regression Testing: Continuous testing includes regression testing, which ensures that new changes or updates to the software do not affect the unchanged areas or break existing functionality. This is crucial in healthcare, where software changes can have significant implications for patient care.
    • Security and Compliance: Continuous testing incorporates security and compliance testing to identify vulnerabilities and ensure adherence to industry regulations and standards such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in the United States. This helps protect patient data and maintain the privacy and confidentiality of health information.
    • Integration and Interoperability: Healthcare systems often involve multiple interconnected healthcare modules and interfaces. Continuous testing verifies the smooth integration and interoperability of these systems, ensuring consistent data exchange and communication between different healthcare applications.

    Experience Seamless Healthcare Automation! Optimize your healthcare software with continuous testing and automation. Stay compliant, efficient, and secure.

    Learn More.

    A Roadmap to Test Automation Success in the Healthcare Industry: 

    Implementing test automation successfully in the healthcare industry needs careful planning and consideration of regulatory requirements.

    Below is the roadmap to help you achieve test automation success in the healthcare industry:

    fig. Roadmap to Test Automation Success

    Define clear objectives: Identify the goals and objectives for test automation in the healthcare industry. Determine what can be achieved through automation, such as improved testing efficiency, increased test coverage.

    Understand regulatory requirements: Understand the regulatory requirements specific to the healthcare industry, such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and PSQIA (Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act) compliance.

    Conduct a thorough assessment: Perform a comprehensive assessment of testing processes, including manual testing practises, test coverage, and high-risk areas. Identify the most suitable areas for automation and prioritise based on their impact on patient safety, business processes, and return on investment.

     Choose the right test automation framework: Select a test automation framework that best suits the healthcare industry. Open-source frameworks like Selenium and BDD tools like Cucumber and JBehave are popular choices in this domain. Popular choices in this domain.

    Build a robust test environment: Create a dedicated test environment that closely mimics the production environment to ensure accurate testing. Set up test data management processes that include anonymization and data protection techniques to comply with privacy regulations.

    Develop a test automation strategy: Define the test automation strategy that includes the types of tests to be automated (e.g., Functional, Performance, Security, Integration), the selection of appropriate test tools, and the establishment of testing standards and guidelines. Consider utilizing behavior-driven development (BDD) or similar techniques to align the automation efforts with business requirements.

    Implement test automation gradually: Begin with a pilot project or a small set of test cases to validate your automation strategy and identify any challenges or bottlenecks.

    Collaborate with stakeholders: Involve key stakeholders, such as clinicians, business analysts, and regulatory compliance experts, throughout the test automation process. Get their input to ensure that the automation efforts align with their needs and address their concerns.

    Establish continuous integration and delivery: Integrate test automation efforts into your development and deployment pipelines. This helps identify issues early and reduces the risk of deploying faulty software.

    Monitor and maintain the test automation suite: Regularly monitor the performance and effectiveness of your test automation suite. Maintain and update your test scripts to accommodate changes in the healthcare system, software updates, and evolving regulatory requirements.

    Invest in training and skill development: Provide training and support to the testing team to ensure they have the necessary skills and expertise to leverage test automation effectively.

    By following this roadmap, we can increase patient safety, reduce risks, and provide enhanced software quality.

    Case Study: According to the CISQ report (Consortium for IT Software Quality), software failures have affected a variety of industries, and most businesses spend more to detect and remedy flaws.

    A few recent examples of how software affected brands are as follows:

    • Because of an error in their accounting software, Wells Fargo Bank had to foreclose on loans for consumers.

    • Application failures brought on by crew scheduling issues damage the airline industry more.

    • Due to a problem with its management software, Tesla incurred significant costs, and the stock price fell by almost 3% the next day.

    Numerous incidents that occurred in banks, health care facilities, and other institutions may have been discovered and fixed with the use of automation testing and continuous testing.

    Embrace the future of healthcare with robust IT systems. Explore the impact of EMRs, AI, and security measures.

    Start Testing Today.

    Conclusion:

    Following COVID-19, the healthcare industry underwent significant change, and governmental laws and regulations were loosened. Without appropriate healthcare applications, the healthcare sector today cannot function. When processing massive amounts of data, it’s critical for those apps to be effective, secure, and compliant with all applicable standards and laws. Therefore, it is necessary for healthcare goods to undergo ongoing testing to guarantee that the software complies with all requirements, norms, and regulations. We will produce high-quality software, improve the effectiveness and efficiency of QA test efforts in the healthcare industry, and avert the inevitable errors of manual testing by adhering to the automation roadmap in healthcare.

    The post Continuous Testing for Healthcare: A Roadmap to Test Automation Success appeared first on Indium.

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    Best practices in preparing gherkin feature file https://www.indiumsoftware.com/blog/best-practices-in-preparing-gherkin-feature-file/ Tue, 27 Jun 2023 05:57:29 +0000 https://www.indiumsoftware.com/?p=17197 Test Driven Development (TDD) is a test development process where the software requirements are broken down into smaller units, and create tests for each unit before developing the software. In the TDD approach, developers first create tests for each functional unit and then develop software to ensure that all the tests are handled in the

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    Test Driven Development (TDD) is a test development process where the software requirements are broken down into smaller units, and create tests for each unit before developing the software. In the TDD approach, developers first create tests for each functional unit and then develop software to ensure that all the tests are handled in the code.

    Behavior Driven Development (BDD) is another test development process derived from TDD. In BDD, testers create tests for the user behaviors. The Gherkin file is used for creating scenarios for end-to-end tests.

    TDD vs. BDD Comparison

    Parameters TDD BDD
    Members involved Developer Developer, QA (or) Customer
    The language used for creating tests. Leverage to define tests in plain language (English) Using programming language (E.g., Java, Python, etc.) Using Gherkin / Simple English
    Who will create and use tests?

    Only developers are able to write and use tests.

    Only programmers with programming language knowledge can understand it.

    Anyone involved in the project can define tests, and developers and testers can put them into practise.

    Everybody working on the project can comprehend.

    Used in the phase of Unit Testing Requirement understanding/E2E and Regression testing.
    Suitable for Project Suitable for projects that do not have end users. If there is no dedicated QA team for testing. Suitable for projects with large customers. If the project with complex functionalities wanted to document all the user requirements in a readable format, Project with a better user experience.
    Tools JUnit, TestNG, Pytest, Rspec, csUnit & NUnit etc. Cucumber, Specflow, Behave, JBehave, Behat & Concordion etc.

    What is Gherkin?

    Gherkin is a simple structured language that helps to create behavior-based tests using simple English, file can be read and understood by anyone in the software development team.

    Gherkin is mostly used to define the tests to cover the end-to-end workflow. Writing scenarios in an independent/standalone way without creating dependency on each other is important.

    Each scenario in a Gherkin file will be considered a standalone test.

    Gherkin files should be saved with a .feature extension to automate the scenarios.

    Many assume that writing feature files in the Gherkin language is easy, but it’s not. Though Gherkin uses simple syntax (Given, When, And, Then…), it has to be used wisely to define meaningful steps. It’s moreover like an art.

    Preparing Gherkin is not just documentation work. A person involved in preparing Gherkin files has more responsibility as they are converting system requirements into system behaviors from a user perspective.

    Take action now! Improve collaboration, automation, and software quality by implementing best practices in Gherkin feature file preparation. Start today!

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    Best practices in preparing gherkin feature files.

    Avoid lengthy descriptions.

    We must keep the Title & Description short; when the description is long, the readers may skip the lengthy description.

    Scenario Background.

    The scenario Background adds some context to each scenario. It is like a pre-requisite for scenario execution. Though writing Background is not mandatory like scenarios and steps, they can throw more context on the test and reduce the repetition of steps as they can act as pre-condition.

    If there is no Background detail to add to any scenario, we may add some additional detail that are required or help to complete executing the scenario.

    For Example:

    • Test Data,
    • Experiment files used for this test,
    • Database connection,
    • Other interface connectivity,
    • Etc.…

    Scenario.

    Prepare scenarios using clear statements as we document the requirements in user behavior format. Project stakeholders can access these documents for various reasons, such as to read and understand the requirement, to automate the tester to develop a script, and for future reference.

    Project members have different levels of application understanding. We must consider this and prepare Gherkin files from lay man’s perspective.

    Preparing scenarios at a high level (or) using too many statements is not recommended. Prepare only apt scenarios and steps.

    The scenario is high level.

    Scenario with too many statements.

    Scenario with apt statements.

    Pass accurate input parameters.

    Always mention the accurate values in the input parameters, sometimes, the results may vary, and our scripts will fail. By passing accurate values, we can save much time, such as failure analysis, script rework, re-execution, etc.

    Scenario Outline?

    Using “Scenario Outline” is always good, especially when testing with N input parameters of similar workflow.

    There are many advantages when we use the syntax “Scenario Outline.

    1. We can pass many parameter values using the same parameter key.
    2. The number of statements in the Gherkin file will reduce.
    3. Readability is good.
    4. Easy to maintain when there is an update or rework.

    Using “Scenario” syntax:

    Using “Scenario Outline” syntax:

    Avoid Technical Terms.

    Do not use any technical term (or) coding language in the Gherkin file, as it may not be understood by a non-technical person in the project.

    Use the present tense

    There is no such rule to prepare a Gherkin file only with the present tense, but I would suggest using the present tense wherever it is possible. It will keep the readers engaged with the application.

    Statements with past/future tense.

    Statements with the present tense.

    Maintain the same naming convention.

    We should maintain the same naming convention in all the scenarios inside the Gherkin file. Also, try to maintain all the Gherkin files in the project.

    Add more negative scenarios.

    This is a common rule applicable to any kind of testing. It is always good to have more negative scenarios in your test scripts. It helps us to validate the application, especially in negative situations. Like how effectively the application is designed, developed, and built to handle unexpected user behaviors.

    For instance, does the application show a proper error message to users in unexpected workflow, how quickly can an application recover, any data loss, etc.

    Alignment

    We must ensure that all the lines are properly aligned inside a Gherkin file.

    Always prepare the Gherkin file perfectly, as this will be the first impression to others about the document and its quality and content. It creates interest in the readers and helps them to complete reading quickly.

    Avoid Spelling Mistakes

    Not a major mistake, but spelling mistakes should be avoided in the Gherkin file. It will create a bad impression on the readers. Keep the content of the file simple without mistakes.

    Make sure we enable the spell-check option while working on Gherkin files.
    Sometimes spelling mistakes may not be highlighted in red lines, which means we haven’t installed the spell check extension and must install and enable it.

    For Ex: “Code Spell Checker” & “Spell Right” extensions.

    Process-related best practices can also be considered in the project.

    • Gherkin file review/approval process.
    • Collect all the Gherkin files and place them in a common repository.
    • The Gherkin file should be updated whenever there is a change.
    • Provide access rights to everyone in the project.
    • Read-only access to the Gherkin folder (except leads/manager) 
    • Maintain proper folder structure.
    • Maintain version controlling.
    • Periodic backup and maintenance.
    • We can involve the functional team in preparing Gherkin files if the automation team fully engages with scripting work.

    Enhance collaboration, automate better, and deliver high-quality software. Start implementing best practices in Gherkin feature file preparation today!

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    Conclusion

    In conclusion, following best practices in preparing Gherkin feature files is crucial for effective and efficient software development. By adhering to guidelines such as writing clear and concise scenarios, using descriptive language, organizing scenarios with proper structure, and involving stakeholders in the process, teams can improve collaboration, facilitate test automation, and ensure the delivery of high-quality software. Implementing these best practices empowers teams to create feature files that are easily understood, maintainable, and valuable assets throughout the software development lifecycle.

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    Top 15 Automation Testing Tools for 2023: Enhance Your Testing Efforts for Successful Digital Transformation https://www.indiumsoftware.com/blog/top-15-automation-testing-tools-for-2023-enhance-your-testing-efforts-for-successful-digital-transformation/ Mon, 22 May 2023 12:13:33 +0000 https://www.indiumsoftware.com/?p=16930 In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, software testing has become a critical component of ensuring the quality and reliability of software applications. With the increasing complexity of software development and the need for faster release cycles, manual testing alone may not suffice. Test automation has emerged as a key enabler in modern software development practices,

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    In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, software testing has become a critical component of ensuring the quality and reliability of software applications. With the increasing complexity of software development and the need for faster release cycles, manual testing alone may not suffice. Test automation has emerged as a key enabler in modern software development practices, offering significant advantages in terms of accuracy and speed.

    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.

    Ready to simplify your testing procedures? Get in touch with us

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    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.

     

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    Techno Functional QA – Moving towards Grey Box Testing https://www.indiumsoftware.com/blog/techno-functional-qa-moving-towards-grey-box-testing/ Fri, 12 May 2023 11:24:07 +0000 https://www.indiumsoftware.com/?p=16745 As organizations move toward digital transformation, Quality Assurance’s role becomes critical. To ensure the desired quality and functionality are achieved, black box testing is not sufficient. We should have a strong strategical approach to test the evolving technologies covering all the layers – front end, middle layer, and backend. To achieve this, we need a

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    As organizations move toward digital transformation, Quality Assurance’s role becomes critical. To ensure the desired quality and functionality are achieved, black box testing is not sufficient. We should have a strong strategical approach to test the evolving technologies covering all the layers – front end, middle layer, and backend. To achieve this, we need a techno-functional approach to testing which is Grey-Box testing.

    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.

    Discover the benefits of Grey Box testing for your software quality. Contact us to learn

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    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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    AI and IP-led Digital Assurance with a Test Automation Platform for Testing AI, IoT, and other Future-Tech Applications https://www.indiumsoftware.com/blog/ai-and-ip-led-digital-assurance-with-a-test-automation-platform-for-testing-ai-iot-and-other-future-tech-applications/ Thu, 06 Apr 2023 11:25:50 +0000 https://www.indiumsoftware.com/?p=16206 On the surface, it appears that digital transformation has swept the globe. Automating repetitive tasks has freed up resources to concentrate on adding value to people’s lives, jobs, and organizations. This has been accomplished by integrating various interconnected devices and providing solutions that improve operations, effectiveness, and results. Some of the key technologies that are

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    On the surface, it appears that digital transformation has swept the globe. Automating repetitive tasks has freed up resources to concentrate on adding value to people’s lives, jobs, and organizations. This has been accomplished by integrating various interconnected devices and providing solutions that improve operations, effectiveness, and results.

    Some of the key technologies that are transforming digital technologies are:

    Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning

    Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning is at the heart of digital transformation and quite pervasive, powering many solutions, improving personalization, and enhancing user experiences. AI/ML systems run on natural language processing algorithms that convert unstructured data to structured data. This brings in an element of uncertainty and ensuring that they function as expected can be a big challenge as the algorithms are trained to learn based on user activity and evolve to enhance user experience, supporting human intelligence to improve outcomes.

    Internet of Things

    The Internet of Things devices are also becoming ubiquitous, empowering humans with smart devices that improve their efficiency and effectiveness. IoT devices contain embedded systems, controlled by an application, and connected to a network that allows data to be gathered and uploaded to the cloud. This data is further used for analytics and developing ML models.

    NFT

    Non-fungible tokens or NFTs have become popular for the easy money, or cryptocurrency, that people are making by selling art on the net. But that’s not the only use for NFTs. It is, in fact, a highly secure solution for digital assets and is also used for creating smart contracts based on blockchain technology. It leaves an audit trail of transactions, preventing fraud and improving traceability.

    These and many such technologies have disrupted the way businesses run and enhance user experience. However, the extent of digital transformation through automation and resource reallocation is limited by the ability of different components to interact smoothly with each other. The digital ecosystem is continually evolving, and people and processes are becoming more interconnected through multiple channels like mobile, social, analytics, and cloud stack. This is creating a complex environment. And any lapse or lag in this environment will cause interruptions and disruptions. Performance can become an issue if the underlying engine or the data is not performing as expected or of the right quality. Managing these complexities associated with digital transformation is where digital assurance and quality testing come in.

    Also read: The Role of IoT in Metaverse

    Factors Driving the Need for Digital Assurance of Future Tech Applications

    Complex Digital Ecosystem

    The various components of digital transformation, including mobile, social, analytics, and cloud, need to be synchronized to deliver the desired objectives. This is very complex due to the varying levels of maturity of the solutions and the organizations embracing these technologies.

    Greater Security Threats

    As systems become more intelligent, so do the hackers and malicious elements. IoT devices also leave enterprise systems vulnerable due to the interconnection of applications across devices, especially at the edge. This has increased the need for tighter security solutions that are properly configured, constantly tested, and revised to meet evolving challenges.

    Hybrid Environments

    Often, businesses with legacy systems continue to retain on-premises systems for a part of their operations. This requires digital solutions to be able to access legacy IT infrastructure without impacting core functionalities.

    Enhancing Customer Experience

    There is no predictability as to how a customer will access the services. Therefore, ensuring a uniform experience across the four pillars of the digital ecosystem becomes essential. Each component must deliver optimum performance throughout the business journey and enhance customer delight.

    Agility and Shorter Time-to-Market

    Shorter delivery cycles have become very critical to ensure agility in a highly dynamic digital environment. It requires not only faster development cycles but also quality assurance to keep pace.

    A digital-first approach in the modern business world requires business models and customer strategies to match the fast-paced transition at every stage of the journey. Traditional testing and automation are not equipped to meet these challenges and ensure the required quality assurance, security, performance, and functionality needs are met. The traditional QA processes and infrastructure also need to match the new need and be powered by modern technologies. They require an AI-based testing framework to enable machine learning and continuous improvement of testing for new technologies such as AI and IoT.

    Automated Quality Assurance with Modern Technologies

    Test automation and quality assurance help meet several of the development goals. They accelerate testing, improve outcomes, and shorten the time to market.

    Some of the key emerging technologies in digital quality assurance and testing are:

    Shift-Left Approach to Testing

    In the (traditional) waterfall approach, apps would be tested after the development is complete and before the production stage. But today, organizations use a Shift Left approach where the testing team gets involved right at the beginning of the software development process to identify and prevent defects early.

    Codeless Test Automation

    Codeless test automation involves no code. It enables the democratization of testing by empowering citizen testers to build test use cases with object, data, model, and keyword methods. User-friendly interfaces allow even the uninitiated to easily understand the scripted testing tools and use them effectively to debug at every stage of the development process.

    Machine Learning/AI

    Artificial intelligence and machine learning enable the prediction of the test script and write test cases appropriate to the requirements. These technologies help create multiple frameworks such as linear scripting, data-driven hybrid testing, modular testing and such. In keyword-driven codeless frameworks, a table format is used to define keywords or action words that execute the function. Behavior-driven framework allows tests to be written in plain, descriptive English. With NLP-driven frameworks, Natural Language can be used to write the test steps.

    NLP and keyword-driven frameworks have gained popularity as they are easy to use, and allow test cases to be written seamlessly in a simple, natural language that can be easily interpreted and understood. They also help draw insights from unstructured data for improved decision-making.

    Data Quality Assurance

    Since data is at the core of all modern technologies, the quality of the data also becomes crucial. The data should be complete, deduplicated, have integrity, and be relevant. This requires data to be screened and cleansed of anomalies for achieving expected outcomes.

    Indium for Digital Assurance

    Indium Software has all-round experience in development, quality assurance, testing, and DevOps. This lethal combination enables it to leverage the latest technologies to create frameworks that can be easily customized to meet the varying digital assurance requirements of different enterprises. Indium has more than 22 years of QA experience and provides end-to-end assurance services that shorten delivery cycles and improve customer experience.

    Its quality assurance stack includes:

    Quality Assurance

    Covers functional QA, performance assurance, test data management, smart test automation, and business value chain testing.

    Quality Engineering

    Covers CX testing, testing of API/microservices to QAOps, low-code platform testing, data assurance, and Smart Assisted Testing

    Future Tech Digital Assurance

    Covers QAOps and digital assurance for IoT-enabled apps, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT), and Blockchain, and testing of AI engines and models

    Test Advisory & Consulting

    Helps clients with QA Maturity Assessment and develop the overall test and test automation strategy for DevOps and Agile environments.

    To learn more about our test automation platform for testing IoT, AI, and other future-tech applications and our digital assurance services.

    Visit Us

    FAQs

    How does Digital Assurance facilitate digital transformation?

    With digital assurance, the quality of the digital transformation projects is assured, and meeting business goals is made that much easier.

    The post AI and IP-led Digital Assurance with a Test Automation Platform for Testing AI, IoT, and other Future-Tech Applications appeared first on Indium.

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    QAOps – To maximize delivery speed and product quality https://www.indiumsoftware.com/blog/qa-ops-to-maximize-delivery-speed-and-product-quality/ Tue, 21 Feb 2023 10:31:11 +0000 https://www.indiumsoftware.com/?p=14768 What is QAOps? QAOps is a process/discipline of managing and scaling the Dev-QA-Ops cycle to maximize efficiency, delivery speed, and product quality. It helps to expedite the Dev to Deploy cycle with automated QA and process to achieve the goal, Quality. QAOps is an integration of IaaS+PaaS+SaaS. In QAOps the core role of QA is

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    What is QAOps?

    QAOps is a process/discipline of managing and scaling the Dev-QA-Ops cycle to maximize efficiency, delivery speed, and product quality. It helps to expedite the Dev to Deploy cycle with automated QA and process to achieve the goal, Quality. QAOps is an integration of IaaS+PaaS+SaaS.

    In QAOps the core role of QA is as part of the operations, which is a cultural shift from native QA.

     

    An integral part of SDLC

    QAOps ensures a set of practices used to ensure that products and services meet certain quality standards. This can include testing, monitoring, and analyzing the performance of systems and applications to identify and resolve any issues or bugs. The goal of QAOps is to ensure that products and services are reliable, functional, and meet the needs of users. It is a critical part of the software development process and helps to ensure that products are delivered on time and meet the needs of customers.

    QA in Operations

    QAOps is a product development lifecycle pipeline with an integrated testing framework and tools. However, QAOps is a test environment ecosystem supported as part of the DevOps explained as below:

    QA: Automation to perform functional, non-functional testing in all the layers of the application.

    Ops: You can manage the deployment cycle’s infrastructure management, security and compliance requirements, database management, network management, and other related tasks with the aid of operations.

    Using Kubernetes to Run CI/CD Pipelines in Large-scale, Cloud-native Applications

    Must Read

    Gears of QAOps

    • Test Environment Deployment
    • Test Environment Management
    • Validation
    • Test Data Management
    • Monitoring

    QAOps Architecture

    We may not have a specific diagram of a QAOps architecture, as the design and structure of a QA Ops system can vary depending on the specific needs of the organization and the product or service being developed. However, QAOps architecture diagram might include the following components:

    1. Development environment: This includes the tools and resources used by developers to create and test the product or service, such as code repositories, IDEs, and testing frameworks.

    2. Test environment: This includes the testing tools and resources used to validate the product or service, such as test automation frameworks, test case management tools, and test data management tools.

    3. Continuous integration and delivery pipeline: This includes the processes and tools used to automate the building, testing, and deployment of the product or service, such as Jenkins, TravisCI, and GitHub Actions.

    4. Production environment: This includes the resources used to run the product or service in a production setting, such as servers, databases, and monitoring tools.

    5. Monitoring and logging: This includes the tools used to track and monitor the performance and health of the product or service in production, such as log analysis tools, performance monitoring tools, and alerting systems.

    6. Issue tracking and resolution: This includes the tools used to track and resolve issues and bugs that are discovered during testing or in production, such as Jira, Trello, and GitHub Issues.

    To know more about how we can help you create scalable CI/CD pipelines using AWS Developer Tools

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    How it works

    DevOps Integration

    QAOps Ensure the product development lifecycle pipeline contains all testing frameworks and tools needed.

    Enhanced Test Planning

    With the help of QAOps, testers and developers can more easily plan what tests to write as well as decide which tests to run and when.

    Test LifeCycle Management

    Build automation systems like CI/CD should treat tests differently depending on their status.

    Test Version control

    Processes that make sure that test modifications are duly reviewed and approved using features like pull requests in the code.

    Advantages of QA Ops

    • Speed up software release cycles.
    • Increase efficiency / Reduce infra cost.
    • Faster time to market
    • Reduce production bugs.

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    Cypress – A Modern Trend in Web Automation https://www.indiumsoftware.com/blog/cypress-a-modern-trend-in-web-automation/ Wed, 22 Jun 2022 11:26:48 +0000 https://www.indiumsoftware.com/?p=10237 Do you remember the good old days of setting up an Automation framework? For running end-to-end integration tests, we must install Selenium, a wrapper for selenium, drivers, assertion libraries and other libraries for reports, stubbing, mocking., etc. It would be a tedious task for testers to configure all these requirements and build up a framework

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    Do you remember the good old days of setting up an Automation framework? For running end-to-end integration tests, we must install Selenium, a wrapper for selenium, drivers, assertion libraries and other libraries for reports, stubbing, mocking., etc. It would be a tedious task for testers to configure all these requirements and build up a framework to meet their needs. All these configuration tortuousness can be avoided by using Cypress, an all-rounder which has entered the market.

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    Cypress is a one stop solution for all your web test automation solution needs as you get all the libraries installed at a stretch when you add cypress to your machine.

    In this blog, we help you comprehensively understand Cypress and how it is proving to be a difference-maker in web automation space. Let’s first take a look at how Cypress evolved.

    Evolution of Cypress

    Cypress gained immense popularity soon after its launch, when it was offering support for only Chrome testing. Later as versions progressed, it added cross-browser testing for Edge and Electron. Finally, the popularity of cypress hit off the charts when protractor framework announced its deprecation. Let’s see the factors which led to Cypress’s burst of popularity .

    What makes Cypress special?

     Some factors that have contributed significantly to the success of Cypress. We’ll see them one-by-one.

    Easy installation

    Unlike other automation frameworks, cypress hardly takes 5 mins to install.  After installation of Cypress, you need to launch the application where your framework is already setup. Basic end-to-end testcases on different websites are given as examples.

    Automatic waits and Retries

    It is difficult for the application to cope up with the speed of automation framework, hence QA engineers will add waits to the framework to make it stable, which in turn leads to code inefficiencies. Cypress automatically waits for the webelements and even retries searching for it if not found.

    Excellent Documentation and Great Community

    Unlike other frameworks, Cypress has the most understandable and simple, yet a more detailed explanation of the components and functions available. The community of Cypress is also a more active one which updates the version of Cypress with constant upgrades and bug fixes.

    Total Control over your tests

    Automation framework with Cypress doesn’t require any third party libraries for controlling and monitoring the function flows. Cypress comes auto bundled with functions for handling clocks, spying the network traffics and stubbing the behaviours of the functions

    Stable – Non flaky tests

    Other Web automation frameworks require a webdriver and commands will be sent from the test runner to perform the steps in webdriver. This continuous to and fro motion from test runner to webdriver may result in flakiness of the tests. Cypress has an integrated platform in which the test runner and the web interface is in the same place and avoids communication gaps between the two.

    API Testing in Cypress

    Cypress also works great for API testing. Cypress has an inbuilt “request()”  function which accepts three parameters for API testing – Method, URL and the payload. By passing these parameters, we would get the response body which can be validated using the inbuilt chai assertions.

    If you want to observe the requests and responses in browser window, you could make use of         cy – api plugin which renders the details of API into browser window.

    Performance Testing in Cypress

    We can also check the performance metrics of our application in cypress by using the Cypress – Lighthouse plugin. We are familiar with how Google Lighthouse service helps in checking the performance metrics of our application. We can leverage the same lighthouse service in our Cypress framework and we could do an effective performance testing in our application

    Conclusion

    This is not the first time we are seeing a software related product reaching high popularity due to its user-friendly interface. Computers, the internet, operating systems etc. all began with complex interfaces, but later evolved into user-friendly elements with focus on customer centricity. QA-centric, stable, and enabled with modern framework, Cypress shares the same story. It has evolved from complex web automation frameworks into a simple-to-use, highly efficient web automation tool.

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