Tips
Tips
Software testing tools and techniques
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What to expect from AI in app development tools
If an IDE or test suite could truly do it all, would you want it to? See how AI is evolving in app development tools, from assists and prompts to full-scale code generation. Continue Reading
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TestComplete vs. Katalon Studio: Test automation tool face-off
How many features do you need in a test automation tool? IT consultant Tom Nolle shares what users value most in these two automated front-end testing options -- and crowns a winner. Continue Reading
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Apply these types of code coverage to squash most bugs
Learn technical types of code coverage -- such as all-pairs testing and branch tests -- as well as ways to gather meaningful test cases and prioritize them. Continue Reading
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Take a shift-left approach, but avoid developer burnout
Shift left is often a net positive for software quality. Yet, the change moves more tasks to earlier in the app dev process. Take care not to bury developers. Continue Reading
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Study up on the best certifications for testing professionals
Before you invest time into a certification course, decide if you want to step into a new career or want recognition for hard-earned experience. Then, peruse the apt certification options. Continue Reading
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Automate tests with attention to UI, rapid feedback and more
If your app-dev group just can't seem to get automated tests right, you're not alone. Here's how to implement an effective test automation strategy, one piece at a time. Continue Reading
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Monitor APIs with these metrics for smooth app integrations
What user information do you pull in from APIs? Do you even know how well they perform? Dev teams should track these metrics to create and maintain smooth API communication. Continue Reading
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How to use Jira as a test management tool
While Atlassian Jira is a common tool to manage software projects, Amy Reichert's team uses it to manage tests. She details snags you might encounter with test cases and management. Continue Reading
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6 ways to tighten Agile feedback loops
Software bugs are inevitable, but quality improves when you find defects sooner rather than later. Adopt these measures to cut down lengthy and expensive software feedback loops. Continue Reading
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Use shift-right testing to cut skepticism, deployment delays
Production environments are the final frontier for bug hunters. So, embrace -- don't eschew -- shift-right testing. It has the potential to enhance software quality for users. Continue Reading
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How to create test data that yields accurate QA results
Testers need valid data to prevent app defects, which means they must simulate real data types and structure them as closely as possible. Don't fake it when you make it. Continue Reading
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Use these shift-right methods to test code in production
There's no shortage of ways for a QA team to adopt shift-right testing. But, while the approach can fit in with continuous deployment, don't consider it a catch-all for bug removal. Continue Reading
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Learn how to improve software quality with reverse-engineering
Customer complaints about a team's app can contain insight on how to improve it. Yet, to decipher the actual cause of any problem and a change to fix it, QA needs to be brought in. Continue Reading
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Big picture QA testing skills foster better app usability
As companies wrestle to fit QA into budgets, keep in mind the skills that human testers provide -- from customer satisfaction to disaster prevention. Continue Reading
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Combat algorithm bias with these software test pointers
As AI penetrates all kinds of software, it's imperative that testers devise a plan to verify predictive results. Put QA professionals on task to root out AI bias. Continue Reading
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Recommended QA conferences for software testers of all stripes
Testing, QA and development conferences host a breadth of experts and helpful peers. From one-day vendor events to weeklong national shows, there's an option to fit your needs. Continue Reading
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Continuous testing in Agile means less work, more coverage
Rather than ride the turbulent roller coaster of testing bottlenecks and uncontrolled code updates, go on the steadily paced continuous testing Ferris wheel. Continue Reading
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Craft an integration testing plan with quality before quantity
When it comes to integration testing, the end user is more important than the test volume. Increase test efficiency to please both application users and owners. Continue Reading
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Sustain high quality in low-code app development
Organizations can keep their standards high and their programming low if they follow these guidelines for a low-code, model-driven approach to software development. Continue Reading
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How containers and Kubernetes change deployment and DevOps
Containers and Kubernetes have changed how many enterprises approach application deployments. The technologies could prompt a widespread shift in DevOps tooling. Continue Reading
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Which software testing tool best fits your project?
Learn what developers should look for in AI testing tools and which style is best for a project. Expert Tom Nolle compares Applitools and Functionize. Continue Reading
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What would win an AI testing face-off? Applitools vs. Functionize
Expert Tom Nolle compares two AI testing tools that both interact with -- plus utilize -- applications' GUIs for more comprehensive testing. Continue Reading
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A QA team finds continuous testing benefits worth the effort
QA teams can gain a lot from continuous testing. While successful continuous testing requires all of an organization to get on board, the results are worth it. Continue Reading
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Enterprise software developers: Forget minor software bugs
Many enterprises think software isn't perfect unless they eliminate minor defects. However, this approach won't prevent major disasters, and it hinders the practices that would. Continue Reading
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Five tips for testing with mobile app developer tools
Mobile app developer tools can alleviate the confusion of mobile test projects. Here are five strategies to consider if you're in the midst of testing complications. Continue Reading
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Get the most out of continuous testing with Jenkins
With dev cycles shrinking all the time, Jenkins' compatibility continues to evolve. Set up Jenkins for effective CI/CD with quality plug-ins that enable continuous testing. Continue Reading
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Testing tools for continuous deployment
Continuous testing and integration are the basis for continuous deployment without disasters. Expert Tom Nolle discusses the steps for automated and regression tests. Continue Reading
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Jenkins basics: The DevOps and build platform for dev teams
Software expert Walker Rowe discusses how Jenkins goes beyond a DevOps tool. Get a better understanding of how and why your enterprise should install Jenkins. Continue Reading
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A DevOps beginner's guide for user experience professionals
If you're a UX pro brand-new to DevOps, you might wonder where to begin. UX columnist Jason Grant offers a step-by-step approach for designers who are DevOps newbies. Continue Reading
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Lower the risk of change in continuous testing
Expert Matt Heusser explains how to improve mobile and web application continuous testing in seven steps. Learn how to identify goals and avoid failures with continuous flow. Continue Reading
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Four critical continuous testing components to implement
Rapid continuous delivery is unlikely to go off without a hitch, unless the team relies on continuous testing. Expert Justin Rohrman explains how to get it underway. Continue Reading
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What enterprises learn from software failure incidents
Research from Etsy and IBM suggests we are learning the wrong lessons from software failure incidents and points toward how to get it right. Continue Reading
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How to develop a UX workflow
This approach to UX improves software design, whether your goal is to build a new product, modernize a legacy one or improve functionality and features. Continue Reading
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Everything you need to know about testing .NET applications
For the most efficient testing, you need the right tools for the job. Expert Matt Heusser explains in detail all the testing tools for tackling apps built with Microsoft's .NET. Continue Reading
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Be a more technical tester with HTML, CSS and JS
If you're ready to boost your testing skills, why not learn more about web development? Expert Matt Heusser walks you through HTML, CSS and JS to get you started. Continue Reading
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Master interrupt testing on mobile devices
Since mobile devices were made to be interrupted, the challenge is to create -- and test -- an app that rolls with it all. Yvette Francino explains how interrupt testing works. Continue Reading
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How to test mobile responsive design applications
Two experts offer 10 tips for testing mobile responsive design applications, with or without software requirements. Continue Reading
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Why a COTS package requires testing
Buying COTS systems doesn't necessarily mean security. Learn why COTS testing is needed. Continue Reading
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Five tools to improve embedded software testing efforts
Embedded software testing tools are useful for catching defects during unit, integration and system testing. Here are five such tools that can make testing easier. Continue Reading
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App Quality Alliance compiles mobile testing criteria
SearchSoftwareQuality.com talks to Martin Wrigley of the App Quality Alliance about smart practices and testing criteria for mobile app developers. Continue Reading
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How to measure test progress: Every picture tells a story
Seeing the big picture when it comes managing the progress of your software tests may require putting together all the little picture pieces. Continue Reading
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Software development bugs: How to identify and prevent them
With strong Agile practices such as unit testing, code reviews and proper attention to requirements, bugs can be prevented or found early in the application lifecycle. Continue Reading
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Defect tracking: Lean principles for getting the right data at the right time
In this tip, author Paul E. McMahon describes how Lean principles can be used to help determine when defect tracking is appropriate for your organization and what type of data is important to collect. Continue Reading
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Tools and techniques for tracking changes to software requirements
In this tip, requirements expert Sue Burk explains different techniques and tools that can be used to track changes to the requirement itself as well as changes to the attributes of the requirement. Continue Reading
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Specialized testing for your enterprise application
In this tip, Judith Myerson describes examples of five types of testing for your enterprise applications: cloud testing, user acceptance testing, modular testing, agile testing and incremental testing. Myerson gives a brief overview of each type of ... Continue Reading
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Applying lean concepts to software testing
If we're going to use a factory analogy for software development, shouldn't we at least study the techniques modern factories use? In this tip, software quality expert Matt Heusser describes concepts used first for lean manufacturing, which are now ... Continue Reading
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Strategies for minimizing regression defects
Regression defects, those unexpected defects that result from a fix of another defect, are often the most challenging to find and fix. Expert John Overbaugh describes why these defects are so challenging and offers up techniques, such as automation... Continue Reading
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The importance of critical thinking in software test
Even though there are numerous definitions for the term "software testing," there is common ground. Testers need to use critical thinking skills when diving into the testing of a software application. In this tip, expert Chris McMahon explains ways ... Continue Reading
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A software expert's heuristic for regression testing
Often, regression testing is what stands between a product in a test lab versus a product in the hands of our users – so we don't want to take longer than we need – but we don't want to haphazardly release a product before its ready. Continue Reading
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Why use POST vs. GET to keep applications secure
Although POST and GET HTTP requests essentially perform the same command on a Web server, a security expert says there are inherent dangers in using one over the other. Learn why one type of processing request provides more security for your Web ... Continue Reading
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Nine ways to evaluate automated software testing tools
Evaluate automated software testing tools more thoroughly with these tips for analyzing cost, support, total cost of ownership, usability and more. This tip suggests questions to ask about each attribute of a tool and a vendor's support for it. Continue Reading
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Calculating mean time to failure in performance testing
Calculating MTTF (mean time to failure) can be a difficult for testers in order to develop a performance test pass as there are multiple steps. This expert tip will guide you through process, Continue Reading
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Winning responses to "Why is QA always the bottleneck?"
Executives are notorious for criticizing QA and test pros, often labeling them as the "bottleneck" of software projects. Learn appropriate responses to upper management's unfair and difficult inquiries in this useful tip. Continue Reading
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Software testers: Identity crisis or delusions of grandeur?
Without a clear understanding of what software testers do, it's only natural that people try to interpret what they do from their job title. The problem is the number of different titles people have creates confusion, says Scott Barber. Continue Reading
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Testers' involvement in requirements gathering important
In this increasingly complex software development era, it is important to include testing as early in the project as possible. And that means starting with requirements gathering. Continue Reading
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Cracking passwords the Web application way
Don't make the mistake of thinking your Web site is secure just because it uses SSL. If you don't have proper login controls in place, attackers can crack passwords and get into the application. Continue Reading
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Five steps for performing an effective software product review
Review or inspection is an important activity in any project implementation. Performing a good review of the developed product, along with capturing metrics, helps in building a quality product. In this member-submitted article, Murugan Srinivasa ... Continue Reading
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How to write an effective test report
This member-submitted tip provides a guideline for essential information that should be included in a test report. Continue Reading
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How to test Web site login security
Input validation is critical for the security of Web sites. Here's a techniques you can use to make sure your site isn't vulnerable to SQL injection. Continue Reading
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Software testing deliverables: From test plans to status reports
Core sets of deliverable are required for any software testing phase. In many cases they include a test plan, test case, defect documentation and status report. Learn what is required for each in this tip from David W. Johnson. Continue Reading