16 July 2024 Leave a comment QA
Shift-left testing is an approach in software testing that aims to involve testers in the software development lifecycle as early as possible. This methodology helps in identifying conflicting requirements, reviewing developers’ tests, and implementing integration tests before end-to-end tests. However, a common concern among testers is whether delving too deeply into the technical aspects of a system can lead to losing the broader perspective of an end-user.
Combining Technical Proficiency with User-Centric Testing
To effectively balance being a technical tester while preserving the end-user perspective, it is essential to become proficient in both areas and integrate these skills through practical work. Here are some key considerations:
Technical Tester Skills
- Unit tests, mock and stub, integrated tests
- Programming skills and writing DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself) code
- Separation of concerns and isolating application units under test
End-User Perspective Tester Skills
- Understanding the business domain and current business objectives
- Learning how and where revenue is earned
- Understanding reasons for new and changed features from a business perspective
- Studying customer feedback, surveys, and customer service insights
It is important to use different personas and perspectives, often referred to as ‘wearing different hats,’ to balance these skills effectively. This practice takes time and effort to master but is crucial for maintaining a comprehensive testing approach.
Implementing Grey Box Testing
An effective strategy that lies between black-box (user perspective) and white-box (code knowledge) testing is grey-box testing. In grey-box testing, testers do not have access to the code internals but can control the state of the system. For example:
- Setting or seeding a database appropriately for a test to run
- Controlling a web session to visit a specific page in a multi-form flow
This approach allows testers to create reliable test suites that run quickly and add significant value, while still considering the end-user perspective.
Balancing Automation and Manual Testing
Automation testing is essential for efficiency and coverage, but it should not replace manual testing entirely. Manual testing provides a unique perspective on usability and user experience that automation cannot fully capture. Testers should be aware of the value automation provides and focus their manual testing efforts on areas that automation might miss.
Conclusion
Balancing technical knowledge with an end-user perspective in software testing is achievable by honing skills in both areas and integrating them through practical application. Utilizing grey-box testing and maintaining a mix of automation and manual testing can further enhance this balance. By doing so, testers can ensure they are covering all critical aspects of the software, from technical integrity to user experience.
For those looking to streamline their testing processes further, tools like Repeato can be incredibly beneficial. Repeato is a no-code test automation tool for iOS and Android, enabling users to create, run, and maintain automated tests efficiently. Leveraging computer vision and AI, Repeato ensures fast editing and execution of tests, making it an excellent choice for maintaining quality assurance without compromising on speed or simplicity.
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