Digital Transformation is disrupting the way software applications are being developed, amplifying the need for building better software testing capabilities. The patterns, methodologies, and tools for testing have evolved with the changing software testing needs. For instance, as per industry analysis and reports, Agile testing and DevOps have been the key drivers for growth in the software testing market. There is an undying need to launch applications at speed and sustain quality at the same time.
Consequently, today software testing starts way ahead in the development lifecycle instead of being introduced at the end of the development process. While 2016 and 2017 have witnessed some defining moments in software testing, let’s look at the kind of challenges that 2018 plans to bring for the testing fraternity.
Increasing adoption of Open-Source
Preference for Open-Source platforms for testing is increasing, which not only brings cost-effectiveness but also brings in a community of experts for support. This has resulted in the adoption of open-source testing platforms such as Selenium. Testers across projects will have to get accustomed to these platforms to bring speed and quality to the software development process. While this can be perceived as a challenge, open source platforms bring their own strengths to support the testing activity.
Develop skills for Agile and DevOps
Technavio’s market research analysts have predicted that the global software testing market will grow steadily at a CAGR of around 14% till 2021. Agile testing services and Test Automation services will be the key growth drivers. It is imperative for testers to adopt Agile testing and DevOps skills to ensure velocity, performance, and flexibility in the software development process. Today software applications need constant upgrades and need to introduce innovative propositions for the end users. However, it is equally important to evade business risks and bring stability to the product. It is possible by adopting the various features of Agile and DevOps. Testers will have to develop the required skills and have to break the shell for some fresh tips in software testing!
Learn Coding and work along with Developers
New methodologies such as Agile and DevOps demand more collaboration between testing and development teams. It means testers might end up developing and developers might end up making test cases. In this way, the responsibility of ensuring quality doesn’t lie with the testing team only. For instance, Agile approach enables faster turnaround, quicker feedback, and frequent releases. So, the teams are broken up into smaller groups for sprints, where both testers and developers collaborate and ensure that the quality is intact. There are chances that even their roles could get interchanged, so building up those skill-sets is very much important.
Adopt and Accept Test Automation over Manual Testing
The complexities with applications and software are increasing and there is a growing need for third-party integration. Testing is required on a constant basis, which might reach a dead point if automation is not implemented. There is no scope for any error during testing and after the application is launched. Test Automation can bring consistency and velocity to the testing activity. While being an enabler, it might be a challenge for testers to adopt the right strategy for test automation. It is important to understand the rate or features for which automation has to be implemented or not. In addition, it is essential to implement the right tools for the task at hand. It will be necessary to understand and harness skills in test automation.
Dealing with the rapid changes in Web & Mobile Technologies
Various devices and screen dimensions are rapidly changing and upgrading. This has resulted in complications while testing and developing applications with the right dimensions. These complexities will only increase in the future and testers will have to find ways to get through these issues and build responsive web and mobile applications. The best way out is to keep a check on the web and mobile technology advancements and guide the coding architecture and deal with technical challenges to deliver robust QA resolutions.
Think beyond Testing, get logical
Methodologies and Technologies such as Test Automation, Agile testing, DevOps, Shift-left, and Service Virtualization have definitely added immense value in enhancing and accelerating the testing cycle. However, these can be enablers and tools to support the testing activity, as today testers are expected to add logic and think beyond just testing. Good Analytics, reasoning skills, logical thinking will help derive more credible results with pre-defined standards. This will also help to raise the right queries and strengthen the application against any unforeseen market risks.
Working in the realm of Social Networking
It’s the need of the hour that every application should interface with the social media. This implies that testers are required to build social networking skills to sustain in the industry. Users need instant access to discussions, resources, content, and stay updated. It is imperative for the testing community to harness skills that help them build products that can deal with user expectations.
Build processes for offering Customer support
Today it is imperative for applications to build instant support and feedback mechanisms within the software. So, testers will have to come to the forefront and contribute equally to the application development process, which means they need to ideate and get creative in their approach. Testers can no longer be at the back-end and ignore the larger picture.
Report for future reference
It is important for testers to use the right tools and dashboards that can help them create detailed and useful reports. These reports will be highly resourceful and will bring transparency to the testing activity. If the reporting is not effectively done, it can lead to miscommunication on release timelines for the sprints, resulting in total chaos.
In Conclusion
These could be some top challenges that testers might face while building the right strategy and harnessing the required skills. However, overcoming these challenges will help testers to move beyond the mundane testing activity and leapfrog into a strategic position in the overall software development cycle.
This blog post is in collaboration with Cigniti Technologies, an Independent Software Testing company. Thanks to Cigniti for this valuable collaboration.
Komal Lopez works with Cigniti Technologies and is instrumental in helping enterprises take better decisions related to Quality Assurance products, tools and services by leveraging research and content. She specializes in writing about technology trends, testing trends and has been in the Marketing and Communications industry for over a decade.