
16 July 2024 Leave a comment QA
Managing a large suite of automated user acceptance tests can be daunting, especially as your project nears a release. These tests can take a significant amount of time to run, ranging from one to two days. In this article, we will explore effective strategies for running these tests and handling bugs that arise, ensuring a smooth release process.
How Often Should You Run Your Tests?
Running tests frequently is crucial to catch bugs early and ensure the stability of your application. Here are some strategies to consider:
- Weekend Runs: If your tests can run unattended, schedule them to run over the weekend. This approach provides ample run-time and a break between runs to fix bugs and improve automation.
- Deployment-Based Runs: Run your automated tests every time there is a deployment to the test environment. Adjust the number of test cases and machines used based on the deployment’s scope.
- Continuous Testing: If possible, set up an environment to continuously run your tests. This approach ensures that tests are always running, and you can update the version as needed.
- Subset Runs: For environments where continuous testing isn’t feasible, select a representative subset of tests and run them as often as possible. Focus on areas that have recently changed or are known to be historically unstable.
Handling Bugs in Large Test Suites
Managing bugs effectively is essential to maintain the quality of your application. Consider the following strategies:
- Grouping Results: Group test results into features or categories. This organization helps quickly identify areas with the most significant problems, allowing you to focus your efforts.
- Detailed Results: Ensure that test results include more than just pass/fail statuses. Include relevant error messages, test actions, parameters, and version details. This information makes it easier to reproduce and log bugs manually if necessary.
- Selective Coverage: After a major release, handpick key test cases that provide broad coverage across features. This targeted approach helps quickly identify problematic areas that require more attention.
Adapting to Agile and Continuous Deployment
As development cycles become shorter with agile methodologies and continuous deployment, your testing strategy must adapt accordingly:
- Agile Testing Pyramid: Shift to using the Agile Testing Pyramid, emphasizing unit tests over long-running end-to-end (E2E) tests. This approach reduces the volume of E2E tests and ensures faster feedback.
- Behavior-Driven Development (BDD): Write E2E tests before the code using BDD practices. This proactive approach helps ensure that tests are aligned with the expected behavior of the application.
- Coaching and Mentorship: Engage a coach or mentor to guide your team through the transition. Their expertise can help avoid pitfalls and ensure a smooth adaptation to new testing practices.
Enhancing Your Testing with Repeato
Managing large suites of automated tests can be challenging, but tools like Repeato can make the process more efficient. Repeato is a no-code test automation tool for iOS and Android that leverages computer vision and AI. It allows you to create, run, and maintain automated tests quickly and effortlessly.
With Repeato, you can:
- Set up and run tests faster, freeing up valuable time for your team.
- Maintain tests with ease, ensuring they remain up-to-date with application changes.
- Leverage AI to enhance test accuracy and reduce false positives.
For more information on using Repeato to streamline your testing process, visit our Getting Started page.