May 2023

30May

What is Visual testing?

In this article, we will learn about a type of software testing known as Visual Testing. We will investigate the various subjects surrounding this testing approach and how we at Q-Pros adopt its various methods to guarantee excellent results. What is Visual testing? "Visual Testing" is observing an application’s visible output while monitoring for visual bugs and assessing the output in comparison to what is expected by demand. Examining an application's interface is done during the production period by developers, and later end-to-end users (a person who intend to use a product) will seal the deal with the product in the final stages. The front-end developer’s main concern is to make sure that an application looks good on all browsers and devices with no obvious defects in terms of appearance. HTML and CSS as well as JS are interchangeable and can behave differently from one platform to another. This causes the risk of errors that not only affect appearance but also the functionality. Considering such concerns, Visual testing is highly demanded by clients as a major step in QA (Quality Assurance). The distinct value of Visual Testing Testing your application's script and making sure each input delivers an expected output on a basic level is not enough. Changes regarding layout and interface could occur due to a lack of compatibility. Certain elements such as height, width, background color, font style, font size, and position within screen coordinates could change from one platform to another. This change is a result of different operating systems using various rendering methods. Developers need to have their code written in a way that includes all previous versions of script input. Tools such as Babel could ease up the process by re-writing a code to make sure it could be rendered by all browsers in the same way. Cross-browser testing is a different approach with similar objectives. It includes other aspects than visual ones and focuses on how an application behaves in various browsers, making sure an application is operating based on business requirements and has achieved the desired quality level on all available browsers. Manual Visual Testing Vs Automatic Visual Testing Manual Visual Testing Manual Visual Testing involves testing an application by sheer observation through usage and excavating any notes or anomalies that might stick out. This form of testing is becoming less popular because it is time-consuming. To put it in perspective, testing an application "manually" will require testing it on all available browsers, in all operating systems, and taking into consideration, available devices and different screen configurations and screen displays. This will take a lot of time to accomplish, and it will open room for false readings. Automated Visual Testing In Automated Visual Testing, developers use tools and software to automate the test process and compare visual elements across different screen combinations. Automated tools such as Selenium or Appium ease the process by running the script and creating UI variations. As good as it may seem to have all screen combinations generated automatically, it still leaves the burden of testing it yourself to check for any bugs or defects. One way to make things even easier is to rely on a method called Snapshot Testing. In short, Snapshot testing creates a bitmap of multiple screen combinations and compares pixels, reporting/highlighting any unexpected changes in color hex code. By comparing each pair of pixels in combination A & combination B, a snapshot test highlighted the difference as shown in the third table. The Issue with Automated Visual Testing and The Snapshot Method: As good as it may seem, Automated Visual testing is not perfect. While companies are relying on automated means of visual testing, the need for manual observation is essential. Rendering will always cause deference – Relying on an algorithm to detect differences is almost redundant, as the algorithm will always report bugs. This is because pixels do not represent visual elements. Certain rendering activities include algorithms that create pixel differences to run a script. Encountering some differences on a UI level does not always translate to bugs – some operating systems/browsers adjust CSS codes in a way that is seen as suitable. For Example, Minor changes may occur to the text based on the browser being used. /*! elementor - v3.20.0 - 26-03-2024 */.elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px} Benefits of Visual Testing Visual Testing offers a multitude of advantages: Improved User Experience: By identifying visual inconsistencies and UI defects, Visual Testing ensures a polished and user-friendly experience for everyone. Early Defect Detection: Visual bugs can be caught early in the development cycle, leading to faster and more cost-effective fixes. Reduced Maintenance Costs: Consistent visual appearance across platforms minimizes the need for rework and maintenance efforts later in the development process. Faster Release Cycles: Automated Visual Testing can be integrated into CI/CD pipelines, enabling faster release cycles with the confidence of a visually sound product. Peace of Mind: Visual Testing provides developers and stakeholders with the assurance that the software's visual presentation aligns with design expectations. The Future of Visual Testing Visual Testing is poised for further evolution: Machine Learning Integration: Machine learning algorithms can be employed to analyze visual data and automatically identify potential UI issues. Self-Healing UIs: Imagine UIs that can self-adjust for optimal display across different devices. Visual Testing combined with AI could pave the way for such advancements. Focus on Accessibility: Visual Testing will likely play a bigger role in ensuring UIs are accessible to users with visual impairments. Q-Pros Visual testing is a field that co-exists with a lot of other non-functional testing methods; it is an inseparable need of QA. At Q-Pros We run scripts on various scenarios to make sure the script runs well on all available platform combinations. We rely on automated tools as well as manually checking visual elements via a team of QA experts. https://q-pros.com/online-test-request/...

27May

Understanding Negative Testing in Software Quality Assurance

by q-pros

in Types of Testing

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Software development thrives on creating robust systems. But how do you ensure your creation can withstand not just ideal conditions, but also unexpected user behavior and invalid inputs? This is where negative testing comes in. Often referred to as error path testing or failure testing, negative testing is a crucial aspect of the software development lifecycle (SDLC) that focuses on intentionally providing invalid inputs and exploring scenarios where the system might fail. What is Negative Testing? Negative testing is one of two main software testing strategies (Positive and Negative). Unlike its adversary, Negative testing focuses on test cases that drift away from common use(I.e., providing improper data as input) While positive testing follows an application’s intended steps to make sure it runs as intended. Take for example an application that has a conditional insert field, what will happen if the user enters a space or a character inside an input field for numbers? Negative testing looks for ways that can challenge the application and get it outside its comfort zone to make sure it holds its ground. Some bad results might include system crashes or null outputs of no use. While performing quality tests, we must include all possible events. Our testing engineers look for the most sophisticated way of improper use to make sure the system is aquept for everything. Why is Negative Testing Important? Imagine a website login form that crashes when someone enters a special character in the username field. This might seem like a rare occurrence, but negative testing helps identify and address such vulnerabilities. Here's why negative testing is essential: Improved Stability: By proactively testing how the system reacts to unexpected inputs, negative testing helps prevent crashes and unexpected behavior in real-world scenarios. This leads to a more stable and reliable system. Enhanced User Experience: Users can be unpredictable. Negative testing helps identify scenarios where user errors or invalid inputs might lead to a frustrating experience. By anticipating these situations and implementing proper error handling, you can ensure a smoother user experience. Increased Security: Malicious actors often exploit unexpected system behavior. Negative testing can help uncover security vulnerabilities that could be targeted by hackers. By identifying and addressing these weaknesses, you can make your system more secure. Better Quality Assurance: Negative testing complements positive testing, which focuses on validating expected functionality. Together, they provide a more comprehensive picture of the system's behavior, leading to a higher quality product. How Does Negative Testing Work? Negative testing involves a systematic approach to identifying and testing invalid inputs, boundary conditions, and error scenarios. Here's a breakdown of the process: Identifying Test Cases: This is where testers put on their creative thinking caps. They need to consider various scenarios where users might provide invalid data, exceed expected limits, or perform unexpected actions. For example, a test case might involve entering letters in a numeric field, leaving required fields blank, or submitting unreasonably large data. Executing Test Cases: The identified test cases are then executed by providing the system with invalid inputs and observing the behavior. This might involve manually entering data or using automated testing tools. Evaluating Results: The system's behavior under negative testing is then evaluated. Ideally, the system should gracefully handle invalid inputs by displaying appropriate error messages or preventing the action from being completed. In some cases, the system might be expected to log the error for further investigation. Examples of Negative Testing: Here are some real-world examples of negative testing in action: E-commerce Website: A tester might try entering negative quantities for an item in the shopping cart or use nonsensical characters in the billing address. The system should prevent the purchase from being completed and display appropriate error messages. Login Form: Negative testing might involve entering an excessively long username or password, leaving both fields blank, or using special characters that are not allowed. The system should handle these scenarios gracefully by displaying clear error messages. Mobile App: Testers might try swiping in unexpected directions on the app screen, entering invalid characters in search fields, or attempting to use the app with a weak internet connection. The app should handle these scenarios without crashing and provide appropriate feedback to the user. Best Practices for Negative Testing To get the most out of negative testing, consider these best practices: Think Like a User (and a Hacker): Put yourself in the mindset of a user who might make mistakes or a malicious actor trying to exploit vulnerabilities. This will help you identify a wider range of negative test cases. Start Simple, Then Go Extreme: Begin with basic invalid inputs and gradually move towards more extreme scenarios like entering massive amounts of data or using special characters. Document Everything: Keep a record of the test cases you execute, the results you observe, and any bugs you discover. This documentation becomes valuable for tracking progress and improving future testing efforts. Combine with Positive Testing: Negative testing is most effective when used in conjunction with positive testing. This comprehensive approach ensures that the system not only functions as expected but can also handle unexpected situations. Conclusion Negative testing is an invaluable tool for building robust and user-friendly software. By proactively identifying and addressing potential failures, you can create a system that is more stable, secure, and provides a positive experience for your users. So, the next time you're developing software, don't be afraid to break things – through negative testing, of course! By embracing the unexpected, you can build a system that is truly prepared for anything. https://q-pros.com/online-test-request/...

23May

Understanding Bugs in Software Testing

by q-pros

in QA Tips

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The objective of QA activities is to find and detect defects and ensure fulfillment of requirements as desired by stakeholders. We at Q-Pros put this on the top of our priorities when serving our clients. In this article, we will investigate bugs in software Testing, what are the criteria followed to report a bug, the terminology used, and why we get bugs? To start, let us look at the definition of bugs in a software system. Definition of “Bugs in Software Testing” A bug is a way to define a certain defect that is blocking an application to work as required. Finding bugs can be defined as the main objective of the entire testing process. Bugs might be caused due to several kinds of mistakes made by developers in the development phase. Types of Bugs in Software Testing Bugs are segregated into categories based on casualty as such: · Coding Error: A bug caused due to a mistake in the coding phase (Internal mistakes). · Design Error: A bug caused due to a designer’s mistake, these bugs could cause issues in functionality and behavior. · New suggestion: This type of bug is concerned with enhancement. A testing expert would suggest a change rather than a severe fix. · Documentation issue: Documentation issues could cause ambiguity and misunderstanding amongst involved developing teams. Which in turn results in bugs and defects. · Hardware problem: Bugs caused by hardware issues interfering with the application of the software. Types Of Bug Severity In order to prioritize QA efforts, we separate bugs in terms of severity. Bugs in Software Testing are defined based on effect level into the following types: · Blocker: Blocks a certain function or test to be actioned. · Critical: Causes system crash and major loss of data. · Major: Causes a huge abnormality of function. · Minor: Causes a small/minor loss of function. · Trivial: UI enhancements required. · Enhancement: A suggestion for a certain change or modification. - Using Jira as a bug-tracking tool Jira is an open-source tool that is used for bug tracking, project management, and issue tracking in manual testing. It offers services and features that include reporting, recording, and workflow. Jira is a prominent project management tool that is easy to use and works best for projects that require multiple teams and levels of involvement. Characteristics of a Valid Bug (Bug Criteria) Reporting defects can be trickier than you would think. For us to consider a bug valid for reporting, it must follow a certain criterion. First, a Bugs in Software Testing should be unique and have its own unique ID, this means that we cannot relate to more than one defect regardless of how close they are in the scope of application. Then you must consider the fact that bugs should be reproducible, meaning that more than one tester can get the same bug when following the same steps leading to that bug. Thirdly you should dedicate as much time as possible to make sure that the bug report is clear and cohesive and can be transferred from one team to another to get the issue fixed. - Read Also “Mobile App Testing Checklist for a Defect Free App” Where do Bugs come from? There are several reasons why we get bugs in Bugs in Software Testing. The top two factors of bugs immerging are: · Poor communication Communication during the development stages is highly significant and is a key factor in project management. Post-production bugs come about due to miscommunication which leads to ambiguity, meaning that there was an unclear or misunderstood transfer of information during the initial stages of requirement planning and design on what the software is required to do. · Programmer’s mistake Programmers might make mistakes during the coding phase, which will most certainly open the door to several bugs and defects. Testing experts have methods to check internally to root out the cause of a defect from the source code directly. Learn more about software testing approaches at Q-Pros and request a service via our online test request. https://q-pros.com/online-test-request/...

Globalization testing and localization testing

16May

Globalization and Localization Testing in Software Development

by q-pros

in software testing

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Globalization testing and localization testing are two types of tests that are incredibly important in software testing. It is vital for business owners to have their applications suited specifically for a desired market or market. And it is our role at Q-Pros as a leading testing provider to ensure that for our clients. In this article, we will investigate the differences between the two and why we perform these forms of tests. What is Globalization Testing? A type of software testing that is performed to ensure that an application is compliant with global standards and is available in multiple languages while including several features based on various regional conditions. Examples of global applications would include Google. It adjusts itself based on the user's location, ensuring a unique experience for each country. Various features will include languages, time zones, currencies, and many more. Globalization testing is done via a team of testing experts who ensure the software is set for the global market based on modern demands. This could be done while collaborating with translators and business experts who can guarantee the level of inclusivity the application would have based on clients’ requests. What is Localization Testing? A type of software testing in which the intent is to make sure the application is designed for a fixed region. This includes showing regionally relevant content and optimizing the application for a specific language. An example of a localized website is a government website, such as bundesregierung.de, which is only available in German, French, and English. It is specifically designed for German citizens and features information that is exclusively relevant to Germany. - Globalization Testing Vs Localization Testing - Globalization Testing Localization Testing A test was performed to make sure that an application could be used by various users around the globe A test is performed to make sure that the application is designed to be used eventually in a specific region It is used to validate different currencies, addresses, and mobile numbers in software It is used to validate particular currencies, addresses, and mobile numbers Takes more time to conduct Takes less time to conduct Requires higher cost to include various elements Takes a lesser cost to perform It separates the translator from the developer to guarantee independent results Testing is only done on limited levels Why is Localization Testing important? Studies have shown that localized apps generate more stable revenue, this is because region-customized applications maintain a loyal and frequent following as users become more dependent on them. Localized applications would include specific features that are adjusted for a certain country or some countries. These features are of unique design and are made to be suitable and accessible for a limited group. Why is Globalization Testing important? To include as many users as possible, it is obvious that business owners would want to globalize their software. Globalized applications would include specific features that adjust or adhere to certain countries. These features are also compliant with cultural norms and take into consideration the difference in display and perception between regions. It is incredibly significant for companies to ensure as much usage as possible. This helps establish the strong and weak points concerning geographical areas. Future marketing analysis relies a lot on Globalization testing as it helps get a clear image of why certain applications might not perform as well in separate places. Q-Pros is a leading IT company providing testing services to our clients to ensure excellence. If you want to know more about us https://q-pros.com/online-test-request/ ...

12May

QA Fundamentals: Introducing Test Cases

by q-pros

in News & Topics

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Q-Pros prides itself in adopting top-level methodologies and test cases essential for the QA process. We make sure we recruit specialized quality engineers who can utilize their skills to improve software performance. In this article, we will investigate the specifics involving test cases. The definition, and why are they essential to QA (Quality Assurance). What are Test Cases? In simple terms, a test case is implementing a scenario to measure aspects of the functionality and non-functionality of a specific software while applying a set of actions. This is done by actioning certain features of an application under specific conditions to ensure the desired result. A test case differs from test scripts, as test scripts are programs intended to test for certain codes responsible for certain aspects of functionality. Test cases involve a set of actions to be completed per the actual order of functionality planned for the application. So, it is safe to say that test cases are more inclusive than test scripts. The outcome of each test case step is intended to produce a pass or fail status, depending on the criteria being followed. One could measure an application’s security by establishing a test case where the elements being actioned are aligned with a security measure, like verifying that password or account authentication works well. Components of Test Cases: Test case ID: any test case should have a distinct ID; this will help organizations keep track of the progress and reference scenarios accordingly. Test description: A description of the unit being tested and for what. Pre-Conditions: What should be implemented before conducting the test case. For example, having an account is a condition to measure security. Test Data: this includes the data being used to verify, input, and output data. List of steps to action: This includes a step-by-step representation of the order of actions needed to guarantee the implementation of the test. The Expected Result & Actual Result: After all actions and conditions are applied accordingly, an expected result should already be in mind (i.e., the desired outcome of the scenario). The expected result is then compared with the actual result, and from that, we assess whether it is a pass or a fail. Importance of Having Test Cases Any client must know the potential of their product, and how specific they can get while using it and it still delivers expected results. Nowadays, developers are planning test cases ahead of time to keep their clients up to date with what to expect. By providing and planning test case scenarios, clients can pitch in and provide feedback on the test cases and get involved in the testing process. Test cases allow for more transparency and build trust between all parties involved. It strengthens the DevOps cycle by asserting firsthand cooperation between developers and testing experts. It opens the door for more innovation, as more test cases are implemented, the potential of the application is stretched even further to make sure it includes more aspects of use. With our expert team of QA testers, you can be sure every corner of your application is covered with top-level test cases. Know more about our list of services. https://q-pros.com/online-test-request/...