As developers are building working software, using agile methodologies have become the standard during the development process. Through Continuous Integration (CI) and Test-Driven Development (TDD), testing while building working software will result in a functional product that meets the highest of standards for users. Along with a more satisfactory user experience, working agile provides the flexibility teams need when software testing and creating a reliable product.
Here are four of the top testing techniques and tools that are essential when building working software.
Building Quality Software
Unit Testing /Integration Testing
Agile developers frequently use unit testing for testing the smallest components of code as singular units within the system. To ensure functionality and avoid defective code, developers should perform unit testing after each code modification. This allows projects to move forward to the next development cycle without defective code causing disruptions that negatively affect teams and the company’s reputation. Neglecting this testing technique can result in erroneous code being detected at a higher level of development, missed deadlines, and faulty software being pushed to market.
Integration testing is an extension of unit testing that combines two coding units after the initial testing of each unit individually. This method determines how well the units operate together.
The top tools for unit testing include Junit, Mockito and xUnit.net.
Security Testing
Security testing addresses hacking threats by securing an app against unauthorized code that can delete, change, or steal sensitive information. Protecting data is the primary purpose of security testing, which requires powerful countermeasures such as firewalls and antivirus programs.
During security testing, systems are scanned and tested for vulnerabilities. Penetration testing is a common method of exposing these weaknesses by attempting to enter the system using the same techniques as cybercriminals. Risk assessment can also be performed on an organizational level by ranking security threats as low, medium, or high before implementing measures to reduce the risk on every level effectively.
The top tools for security testing include Netsparker, Nmap, and Metaspoilt.
Usability Testing
Investing in the development of a product that users won’t enjoy is a waste of valuable company resources. To prevent this costly mistake, perform usability tests before a product is sent to market.
Usability tests rely on the experience front-end users have when testing a specific function of an app or using the entire application. As users test the app, their feedback helps researchers diagnose usability issues and confusing elements that result in negative user experience.
The next step is determining how to resolve these conflicts during development. Testing usability gives developers on the back-end more perspective regarding customer needs, and they use these customer-centric insights while building a product that is more likely to be successful and encourage customer loyalty.
The top tools for usability testing include Optimizely, BrowserStack and Usability.
Compatibility Testing
Compatibility testing is crucial because it ensures that software works in diverse environments. Applications should be tested for compatibility because apps must function across various platforms for the best user experience regardless of the user’s operating system.
Compatibility testing is performed towards the end of the development process, but the possibility of bugs remains. When bugs are detected during compatibility testing, retesting compatibility is necessary after fixing the bugs to confirm that the application still runs with the different configurations.
The top tools for compatibility testing include BrowserStack, SeeTest and Browsera.
Using The Right Tools and Testing Techniques Results in a Successful Product
Meeting the demands of today’s app users requires the right testing techniques and tools to set your product apart from the competition. As new technologies continue to emerge, software development must be focused on innovative, high-quality products. Therefore, attention to detail and assuring quality is necessary when testing software. Before introducing a new app to the public, functionality, ease of use, and safety are features that must operate at all times without fail to gain relevancy and trust in today’s competitive market.
