Testing Methodologies

23 Jun

Unlocking the Benefits of Performance Engineering in QA: Key Practices and Techniques

Performance engineering is a cultural shift in the way organizations view their essential processes. Performance engineering embraces practices and capabilities that build quality and performance throughout an organization." - Joe Colantonio Performance Engineering is a practice that has emerged as a vital discipline within Quality Assurance (QA) to address performance-related challenges throughout the software development lifecycle. By proactively focusing on performance aspects, organizations can deliver high-performing applications that meet user expectations. Q-Pros has proven excellence in quality assurance and software testing using high-quality software and tools. This article explores the significance of performance engineering in QA and highlights its benefits and key practices. Performance engineering represents a proactive and continuous approach to application performance testing and monitoring. It fosters collaboration among various teams, tools, and processes by establishing continuous feedback loops. Unlike traditional performance testing, which solely relies on testers for quality assurance, performance engineering involves developers, performance engineers, product owners, and business analysts in ensuring the overall performance and quality of the application. It encompasses a cultural shift in organizations, emphasizing practices and capabilities that promote performance and quality throughout the development process. Benefits of Performance EngineeringPerformance engineering provides numerous benefits to organizations and their applications. By optimizing performance, it improves application responsiveness, enhancing the user experience and fostering customer satisfaction. It also enables scalability, allowing applications to handle increased loads and adapt to evolving business requirements. Through cost optimization, it ensures efficient resource utilization and infrastructure scaling. By proactively detecting and addressing performance issues early in the development process, it reduces future expenses and efforts. Furthermore, performance engineering enhances application stability, making them reliable under varying conditions, and facilitates data-driven decision-making through performance metrics analysis. Overall, performance engineering is vital for achieving high-performance, user-friendly, scalable, cost-effective, and stable applications. Practices and Techniques in Performance Engineering1. Identifying tier-based engineering transactions: Dividing the application's load scripts into transactions that represent specific tiers of the deployment helps isolate and focus on the specific tier causing degradation.2. Monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs): Monitoring front-end and resource-related KPIs to understand the current capacity and workload trends. Examples of KPIs include TCP connection rate, requests per second, enqueue/dequeue count, queries per second, CPU average idle, waiting requests, free worker threads, enqueue/dequeue wait time, and free connections in the thread pool.3. Reducing the number of transactions for analysis: Analyzing a large number of transactions can be overwhelming. Choosing a subset of transactions based on the characteristics of the application, including the landing page, log-in, business transactions with the highest and lowest response times, and engineering transactions.4. Waiting for the test to be completed before analyzing: Avoid analyzing test results while the test is still running. Instead, let the test complete before interpreting the results and trends.5. Ensuring reproducible results: Running each test scenario three times without making any changes to the performance test harness. This helps identify and remove any irreproducible results and ensures consistent and reliable test outcomes.6. Ramping up the load: Starting with ghost tests to check system behavior without user activity. Then, single-user load tests to establish a baseline and identify transactions with the highest and lowest response times. Finally, concurrent user load scenarios to capture KPI metrics at different load levels.7. Using visualization to spot anomalies: Comparing the expected behavior of a scalable application, as depicted in architectural diagrams, with the actual test results. Looking for discrepancies and anomalies to identify potential bottlenecks.8. Looking for KPI trends and plateaus: Analyzing the trends of KPI values and focusing on the first occurring plateau in monitored hit rate KPIs. This plateau indicates a limitation in throughput and can help identify the server with the limitation. Graphing the free resources of that server to understand the root cause of the bottleneck.Performance Requirements Elicitation: Identifying clear and measurable performance requirements is crucial. Performance engineering collaborates with stakeholders to define response time, throughput, and resource utilization targets based on business needs.9. Performance Monitoring and Alerting: Continuous performance monitoring in production environments helps identify performance degradations, abnormal behavior, and bottlenecks. Real-time monitoring tools provide insights into system health, enabling proactive measures to maintain optimal performance. Performance engineering is a vital discipline within QA that promotes a proactive and continuous focus on application performance. By involving stakeholders and implementing key practices, organizations can deliver high-performing applications that meet user expectations. Performance engineering brings collaboration, cultural shifts, and practices that enhance performance and quality. It offers benefits such as improved user experience, scalability, cost optimization, early issue detection, stability, and data-driven decision-making. Through practices like identifying transactions, monitoring KPIs, reducing analysis complexity, ensuring reproducible results, ramping up load testing, using visualization, and analyzing KPI trends, organizations can optimize performance and achieve their goals. With clear requirements and continuous monitoring, organizations can proactively address performance issues and ensure successful applications. Q-Pros is a leading test services provider, we offer software testing as one of our main services, as we understand its importance in today’s competitive market. If you would like to know more about us and our services, check out our list of offers.Find out more about us and request a testing service through our online request form. ...

17 Oct

An Introduction to Behavior Driven Development

by q-pros

in Testing Methodologies

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While most development procedures are centered around implementation aspects in the traditional scope, channeling the focus towards behavioral components is a new trend that can help developers guarantee that the system is delivering as expected. Behavior Driven Development (BDD) can explore ways to strengthen the collaboration between business stakeholders and technical resources, achieving better results for end-users. Q-Pros have always relied on innovative methods to guarantee an all-around testing service for our clients. In this article, we will look to introduce Behavior Driven Development and get to know a bit more about the specifics surrounding this development approach. What is Behavior Driven Development? Behavior Driven Development, or BDD, is an Agile software development methodology that centers around the behavior of the code rather than its structure. https://www.youtube.com/embed/ydddSkVz_a8 BDD involves designing and documenting the application based on what the user is expected to experience when interacting with the product. BDD drives every involving stakeholder to a centralized standpoint, where everyone is fully aware and has a shared understanding of business requirements. Why is Behavior Driven Development different than other approaches? Test Driven Development (TDD) is a process of using examples to guide the development process. In TDD, the framework loops around the activity of writing a scenario, watch it fail, fix it, and write the code. So, what is the difference between BDD and TDD? While TDD clearly focuses on individual functions, BDD focuses on a similar process but for features that are extracted based on user needs. BDD relies on writing examples via natural language rather than the language of code. One Distinguishing factor that BDD has over other development approaches is that its foundation is set based on the user's experience rather than having a rigid framework with no regard to the end-users’ experience. Behavioral Driven Development allows for enhancements and updates as the work progresses rather than waiting for the project to end. BDD opens an opportunity for a more collaborative work environment, where all SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle) stakeholders are involved within the same scope at certain points. What are the Benefits of Behavior Driven Development? Here are some of the main rewards gained from relying on BDD: BDD requires less complexity: BDD activities involve breaking down the features into smaller sections that can be managed easily by all concerned levels. It improves teamwork and leverages communication: By documenting the user requirements in the initial stages it involves everyone from the beginning. Centering around the consumers: By revolving around customer experience, it guarantees a happy user at the end. BDD keeps the customer’s needs and wants as the top criteria throughout the entire process. How to Implement Behavior Driven Testing? We can start by ensuring that all team members understand the BDD framework, then we must verify the roles of each member within the scheme i.e., Developers to develop the code, testers to test the code, and business owners to verify the requirements in collaboration with other concerned parties. The next step would be establishing a proper testing approach or testing suite that is hand-crafted for the scope of work at hand. Keeping in mind that BDD requires natural language scenarios that align with features. BDD consists of the following phrases and steps: Given – i.e., Describe the behavior When – i.e., Step definition And – i.e., Run and fail When – i.e., Writing fixed code Then – i.e., Run and pass Finally, establish a method of verifying and reporting bugs. This includes insuring that the fix worked, and the problems were resolved. In Conclusion BDD is a wonderful way to involve all teams in the development and testing process. It facilitates the work while keeping everything clear for all members. BDD will help maintain quality and speed up the process while keeping space for further updates. Learn more about testing methodologies and request a costume service today via our online request form. ...

03 Feb

Mobile App Performance Testing: Process, Methodology, Challenges and Tools

by q-pros

in Testing Methodologies

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The mobile application market is booming, with about 3.5 million smartphone users. App usage and smartphone adoption are increasing at a breakneck pace. If you take a quick look around, you will realize that almost everyone is glued to their screens. At work, at home, in bed, and even when eating, we use our phones. According to recent studies, Millennials have 35 to 40 apps on their phones. On the Google Play Store, there are almost 2.5 million apps available. Your apps on the phone can be proven as a wonder for you if developed and tested precisely and give the outcome customers want. Your app should be worth spending time on. So, mobile app performance testing plays a crucial role. In this article, we will dive deeper into the process and benefits of Mobile Testing and how we at Q-Pros guarantee that apps’ functionality, consistency, and usability are all checked. What is Mobile App Performance Testing? Mobile app performance testing is a procedure for identifying design flaws, performance difficulties, and bugs in an app. Furthermore, by testing the software’s usability, functionality, and consistency, these best practices allow you to produce the best software. Testing can be laborious, but it is necessary as it is the most critical aspect of app development. Process of Mobile App Performance Testing Test your internet connection: Most programs require an internet connection. The program’s Developers will have to confirm that the software works even without an internet connection. Stimulator for the location: The test for a GPS-specific app must show that the app does not change dramatically when a device changes location. It is a significant test. Security tests: Most apps capture data from the device and store it on the server while in use. The performance test must ensure that the data stored on its server is secure and private. Why is Mobile App Performance Testing Necessary? Check out the data below to have a better understanding of why mobile app performance testing is necessary - Approximately half of all downloaded apps are never really utilized Crashes cause around 71% of program uninstallation. Furthermore, nearly 70% of users exit their apps due to slow performance. In addition, 65 percent of people avoid utilizing brands that provide a poor mobile experience. When an app does not provide the intended value, roughly 29% of users will uninstall it right away. Your mobile application will most likely be subject to such scenarios unless you make sure you have a solid testing methodology included within your development stage. Methodology for Mobile App Performance Testing Mobile app performance testing is different from web application performance testing. It is important to consider the type of device we are using, such as a smartphone or smart device, as well as taking into consideration the Bandwidth. Before developing a performance strategy, we should understand the type of application we are running on our mobile devices. It is important to consider both factors when considering mobile app performance testing. Applications can be divided into three categories: 1. Browser-Based Applications 2. Native Applications 3. Hybrid Use Case 1. Browser-Based Applications "Browser-based applications" can be accessed straight from a mobile browser. They are small, light, and run on the same stack across all platforms, including Android and iOS. The downside of a Browser-based Application is that it is associated with an internet connection. Therefore, it is inaccessible offline, and its performance relies on the quality of the network. 2. Native Applications Native Applications are created on a specific platform and run on software that has been installed directly on the device. Because native applications are created locally on the device, they are faster and more responsive. And because the code on each device differs (i.e., iPhone, Android, etc.), we must test on each platform while performing mobile app performance testing. 3. Hybrid Use Cases Hybrid applications combine the best features of both browser and native apps. They are made up of a Native shell that allows for seamless integration. While mobile app performance testing focuses on the load generated by users of a hybrid application on the server side, it also assesses the performance of the on-device application from an end user’s perspective. Useful Tools of Mobile App Performance Testing Depending on the device or mobile operating system, different mobile app testing tools are available. The following are some of the most often-used mobile app performance testing tools: Android Robotium It works similarly to Selenium for mobile apps. Several steps that are required for testing can be recorded and played again by the tester. Monkey Runner Monkey Runner can run tests on real devices or emulators connected to a PC. This tool includes an API that allows you to control a smartphone device, tablet, or emulator from a code that is not necessarily written in Android. APPLE Automator(Mac) Automator is an OS X application created by Apple. It uses point-and-click (or drag-and-drop) workflow creation to automate repetitive activities into batches for faster changes. When compared to human involvement, this saves time and effort. Challenges in Mobile Application Performance Testing The following are some of the problems you might face when performing performance testing on mobile applications: Simulating connectivity such as Edge, 3G, 4G, and Wi-Fi, among others. Constraints on mobile devices such as battery life and resource use. The usefulness of mobile phones. Varied sizes of mobile devices that can run the same app. Mobile Testing at Q-Pros Our qualified QA experts strive to make your digital experience as good as possible. Our team makes every effort to reduce testing costs and the time taken to market an app. We allow you to test on multiple Android and iOS devices simultaneously without experiencing any lag, allowing you to complete the tests whenever you want. Learn more about us and request a unique testing service via our online request form ...

06 Jan

All About Software Quality Assurance Framework And Its Methodologies

by q-pros

in Testing Methodologies

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The Quality Assurance framework indicates an organization’s strong commitment to evidence-based decision-making and continual improvement. At Q-Pros, our goal is to achieve excellence in all parts of our work through responsibility, collaboration, and teamwork. We use a student-centered approach to learning and teaching. What is a Software Quality Assurance Framework? The Quality Assurance Framework is an outline of quality measures intended to ensure that regulatory and statutory requirements are met to the best possible standard. Q-Pros promotes staff and student feedback and engagement in improving efficiency and recognizes the necessity of external benchmarks in monitoring and measuring success. We at Q-Pros can meet the legislative and regulatory duties while still delivering strategic commitments. Software Quality Assurance Framework Components Every Quality framework must include an improvement model (cycle) that consists of 4 components: Plan - Implement - Monitor - Improve. Quality Management concepts: Software testing is a risk management method. It is possible to ensure that a Software has met its functional requirements through verification and validation. The purpose of verification and validation activities is to ensure that software design, code, and documentation meet all the requirements expected by the client. 1. Software Quality Control: It is described as the processes and methods used to monitor work to see if requirements are achieved. It focuses on product reviews and problem eradication before distribution. The documentation of such reviews can be inspected by the project personnel’s peer group or the department’s software quality coordinator for small projects. For large projects, a configuration control board may oversee software quality control. Steps in Software Quality Control: Unit Testing Integration Testing System Testing Acceptance Testing 2. Software Configuration Management: It is concerned with the labeling, tracking, and regulating modifications to a system’s software components. This stage includes tasks that ensure that the design and the code are well established. Software Configuration Management cannot be altered without a review of the change’s effect and documentation. Software configuration management elements: Component Identification: At each stage of development, one of the most basic software configuration management activities is to identify the software components that make up the deliverable. For managing the development process, methodologies should be established, and all component standards should be named. Controlling Versions: As software progresses through a series of transitory states known as versions, it is frequently updated. A software configuration management repository or library is a facility for controlling those versions. Control the situation: The process of proposing a change to a software component is known as software change control. A change request, an impact analysis of the change, a set of modifications and additions of new components, and a technique for reliably installing new components are all part of modifying a configuration. 3. Plan for Assurance of Software Quality: A software quality assurance plan is a list of quality controls used to verify that a project’s quality is maintained. The software quality assurance strategy establishes a structure and principles for writing code that is easy to understand and maintain. Steps to build Software Quality Assurance (SQA) plan: Make a strategy and document it Get approval from upper management Secure approval for the development Prepare for the SQA’s plans execution 4. Quality Assurance Models: CMM (Construction Material Management)Construction material management is the process of gathering proper materials at an affordable cost and ensuring their accessibility to meet requirements and deadlines. PCMM (Personal Computer Management Model) ISO9000 certification CMMI (Capability Maturity Model Integration) The process in which an improvement approach is examined to identify weak points and strengths. Quality Assurance Framework Advantages The Quality Assurance Framework has numerous advantages for both customers and organizations. The following are some of the reasons why QA should be implemented: 1. Increasing the efficiency of manufacturing When all production elements are in good working order, efficiency is guaranteed, which will result in the production of high-quality materials, an absence of flaws, operational machinery, a well-organized warehouse, and qualified employees. - efficient production requires fewer resources and less time. 2. Effectiveness in terms of cost Cost-effectiveness is achieved through Quality Assurance. The QA department works to prevent quality concerns in the initial stages of production, avoiding defects, returns, repairs, and other cost-related difficulties. 3. Trustworthiness of customers Customer trust in a brand/company is determined by the overall quality of the output. By having a solid QA framework, customers' satisfaction with a certain product can be acquired. 4. Promoting the expansion of the business Growing a firm necessitates, among other things, maintaining an elevated level of quality and cost-effectiveness. Regular QA aids in the maintenance of these critical aspects of running a firm, notably in the manufacturing industry. It can also help the firm gain the trust of stockholders and potential partners. 5. Improving Workplace Conditions A better working environment is maintained by Quality Assurance. QA eliminates hazardous activities and ensures that workers are in the best possible working circumstances. To learn more about quality assurance practices and frameworks, learn more about us and request one of our many testing services that are crafted based on requirements, business demands and standards. ...