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Tips to maximise your results by End-To-End Testing
Experiments and tests have been the cornerstone of innovation for the longest time. So it is natural that testing methodologies play a crucial role today in understanding and monitoring software systems. One such versatile and popular testing approach is end-to-end (E2E) testing. Typically used in agile and other testing methodologies, end-to-end testing offers a holistic solution for verifying software applications from start to finish.
Not only can E2E testing verify an application’s workflow, but it also helps adequate functioning for meeting user requirements. However, despite its dynamic features, E2E testing remains one of the most misunderstood software tests. Read this article to learn essential tips and best practices for maximising results when working with E2E tests.
User-Centric Approach:
One important factor that developers must understand is that the application they are designing is ultimately supposed to be used by users. Keeping users at the forefront when conducting end-to-end test automation is critical. One way to understand the user perspective is to answer basic questions about your application.
- What is the goal you want the users to achieve?
- Can users easily achieve the said goal?
- Are all features adequately marked?
Questions of such format make it easy to follow up with your application and test it for customer usability. Another great strategy you can adopt is involving key stakeholders in the requirement analysis process. And last but not least, ensure to pay close attention to features likely to pose maximum challenges to users.
Adequate Test Data:
To properly test the functioning of your application, you need adequate and high-quality data. Feeding your application insufficient data can reduce the validity of your test results and make it harder to understand what needs improvement. What you need are edge-case scenarios that can holistically test your application for bugs and modification.
Similarly, remember to use recently added databases and other sensitive details. In terms of software applications, personally identifiable information is usually the most erroneous and sensitive data information. Remember to use adequate data masking capabilities to prevent leaks when testing such databases.
Test In Order:
Test cases in E2E testing tend to be quite complex. This is primarily because such end-to-end tests incorporate the entire application for a holistic evaluation. Testing each component can significantly increase anomalies in debugging and pain points. That is why testing in the correct order and proper structure can affect your testing endeavours.
The best approach is to conduct unit and integration tests earlier in the software development cycle. This will allow you to resolve the first level of errors before proceeding with E2E tests. In addition, since unit tests provide precise feedback, conducting them first can significantly streamline your testing procedure. Only move ahead with E2E tests once your features are ready to go.
Codeless Testing Automation:
Most of the automated testing available runs on coding. However, with changing workplace roles, it is essential to note that software tests are no longer strictly implemented by developers. Sometimes, you might have non-developers overseeing the entire testing process for insights. Using codeless end-to-end test automation can allow non-developers to analyse and provide insights wherever possible in the development cycle.
Another advantage of codeless automated testing is that it allows developers to focus on other critical areas like feature development. However, that being said, your codeless automation testing should be flexible enough to incorporate codes in times of need. This can be particularly helpful in cases where you need to add a custom code to optimise application operation.
Final Thoughts:
There is no denying that end-to-end testing plays a significant role in the software development cycle. If you wish to maximise the results from your testing procedures, the best strategy is to plan it well. Preparing for E2E testing from the beginning can also streamline your development cycle.
