Top 10 Outsourced Software Testing Best Practices
Effective software testing is crucial for delivering high-quality software that performs as expected and meets user needs. Outsourcing software testing can bring specialized expertise and efficiencies to your development process. Here are the top 10 best practices for optimizing efficiency in outsourced software testing.
1. Use a Controlled Security Environment for Testing
A controlled, sandbox environment is essential for software testing. This isolated setup allows you to test your software without interference from other processes in the computing environment. By using a controlled environment, you can better detect errors and reduce the risk of introducing vulnerabilities, especially when using cloud-based testing.
2. Test Throughout the Software Development Cycle
Continuous testing during the development cycle helps identify and fix bugs early. Regular testing ensures that errors are caught and resolved before they become larger problems. This approach, known as shift-left continuous testing, saves time and money by addressing issues promptly, preventing them from escalating into more significant problems later in the development process.
3. Break Tests Up into Smaller Parts
Rather than conducting a few large tests, break the testing process into smaller, more focused parts. For example, separate tests for security, user interface (UI), and functionality. This method allows for more detailed and efficient testing, saving time and resources in the long run.
4. Focus on Significant Code Changes
When updating existing software or implementing major code changes, focus on these areas during testing. Larger code changes have a higher potential for introducing bugs, especially in parts of the software that users interact with directly. Thorough testing of these changes ensures that the user experience remains positive.
5. Test for Maximum Coverage
Aim for high test coverage to detect as many errors as possible. While achieving 100% coverage is challenging, using a mix of automated and manual testing strategies can get you close. Plan your tests carefully during the requirements stage to ensure you cover both expected and unexpected conditions. The higher the test coverage, the more robust your software will be.
6. Run Regression Tests
Every time you change the code, there is a risk of affecting previously tested and stable parts. Regression testing is essential to ensure new bugs do not slip into already tested code. This involves re-running previous test cases and using reusable tests at key stages in the development process to confirm that new changes have not introduced new errors.
7. Note and Report All Tests
Recording and reporting on all tests and their results is a best practice in QA. Detailed reports ensure that the development and QA teams are on the same page, facilitating better communication and collaboration. Good reporting also helps track the progress of testing and confirms that all fixes have been thoroughly tested.
8. Isolate the Application from Developers
While collaboration between developers and QA is essential, isolating the application from the development environment during testing is beneficial. This practice ensures that no code changes are made during testing, providing a stable environment for QA. Plan this isolation period when creating your test plan to ensure it aligns with your development schedule.
9. Customize Testing
Tailor your testing approach to each specific project. While some tests can be reused, each application may have unique requirements. For example, a mobile app and a web app will have different use cases and environments, necessitating customized testing plans. This approach ensures that testing is relevant and thorough for each project.
10. Value Skilled Testers
Building a QA team with skilled and experienced testers is crucial. While software developers understand coding, testing requires a different skill set and knowledge of best practices. Hiring testers with proven expertise strengthens your team and leads to higher quality software.
Software Testing at Idealabslk
At Idealabslk, we understand the importance of thorough software testing. Our team of experienced and fully certified software testers is dedicated to ensuring your software is bug-free and performs as expected. By implementing these best practices, we provide a robust and efficient QA