Software testing tools and techniques
Learn how testing and QA teams can find the right tools, frameworks and platforms for their software development techniques. Gain insights into what to look for in the abundance of testing tools and practices available.
Top Stories
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Video
20 Nov 2024
OpenAPI, Swagger and Python
Looking for an easy way to create, test and document your RESTful APIs written in Python? Swagger and OpenAPI make it easy. This tutorial shows you how to do it. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Nov 2024
Ansible vs. Docker: Differences and similarities explained
Ansible and Docker play specific roles, but when used together, Ansible's playbooks and Docker's Dockerfiles provide greater control and configurability over servers. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Feb 2018
A DevOps beginner's guide for user experience professionals
If you're a UX pro brand-new to DevOps, you might wonder where to begin. UX columnist Jason Grant offers a step-by-step approach for designers who are DevOps newbies. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Feb 2018
Lower the risk of change in continuous testing
Expert Matt Heusser explains how to improve mobile and web application continuous testing in seven steps. Learn how to identify goals and avoid failures with continuous flow. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Feb 2018
How is startup culture different from a proven company?
Expert Gerie Owen discusses the differences between a startup culture and an established company's work environment. Learn more about which would work best for you. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Feb 2018
Four critical continuous testing components to implement
Rapid continuous delivery is unlikely to go off without a hitch, unless the team relies on continuous testing. Expert Justin Rohrman explains how to get it underway. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Feb 2018
What enterprises learn from software failure incidents
Research from Etsy and IBM suggests we are learning the wrong lessons from software failure incidents and points toward how to get it right. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jan 2018
How to develop a UX workflow
This approach to UX improves software design, whether your goal is to build a new product, modernize a legacy one or improve functionality and features. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Jan 2018
What is the best way to load test mobile applications?
Mobile apps create a challenge for testers; no approach can cover every device. However, there are best practices for load testing mobile applications. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Jan 2018
What does it mean to test APIs?
Expert Gerie Owen explains what it means to test APIs and why it is important to ensure that applications are working at peak performance level. Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Jan 2018
Why you should get on board with software testing trends
Will your organization design a machine learning app in 2018? Or should you pick up DevOps skills to be in demand as a tester? These trends will all have a major effect on software testing. Continue Reading
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11 Dec 2017
Strategies to master the software testing process
This portion of the Software Development Training Center delves into the first steps necessary when making considerable transitions in a software testing process. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Aug 2017
Should the QA process always include the business side?
Quality assurance professionals need to start thinking about bringing business along for the ride. Expert Amy Reichert offers tried-and-true advice to get started. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 May 2017
Struggling with testing? Here's how to get lean QA started
Trying to identify bottlenecks in the software testing process can be challenging, but starting a lean QA effort can help. Expert Amy Reichert explains. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Mar 2017
Everything you need to know about testing .NET applications
For the most efficient testing, you need the right tools for the job. Expert Matt Heusser explains in detail all the testing tools for tackling apps built with Microsoft's .NET. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Mar 2017
An overview of the eggPlant testing tool for test automation
The eggPlant testing tool provides developers and testers with software to create, schedule and execute automated testing and debugging tasks on a variety of mobile platforms. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Mar 2017
Exploring the three major types of software testing tools
Application testing tools make enterprises' app development more efficient. Learn more about automation, coverage and bug tracking tools. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Dec 2016
Be a more technical tester with HTML, CSS and JS
If you're ready to boost your testing skills, why not learn more about web development? Expert Matt Heusser walks you through HTML, CSS and JS to get you started. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Mar 2016
Microsoft TFS is here for your QA and test management needs
Microsoft TFS offers organizations test management software, which integrates with Visual Studio to help improve communication when putting together software. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Mar 2016
Clover: A code coverage tool that provides meaningful metrics
For organizations looking to augment their software quality assurance testing process, look no further than Atlassian's code coverage tool, Clover. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Mar 2016
Master interrupt testing on mobile devices
Since mobile devices were made to be interrupted, the challenge is to create -- and test -- an app that rolls with it all. Yvette Francino explains how interrupt testing works. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Feb 2016
How to use Bugzilla bug tracking tool in software testing projects
The Bugzilla bug tracking tool allows DevOps teams to collaborate and report on defects present in apps and software projects in one interactive location. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jan 2016
Implementing modern practices in an ABAP development shop
You don't have to wait for SAP to provide modern tools for automated testing, continuous integration and other key processes. Try these five steps first. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jun 2015
How to test mobile responsive design applications
Two experts offer 10 tips for testing mobile responsive design applications, with or without software requirements. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Jun 2015
Why a COTS package requires testing
Buying COTS systems doesn't necessarily mean security. Learn why COTS testing is needed. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Mar 2015
Define project scope in terms of time, money and quality
We all want our projects to be on budget, on time and of high quality, but not necessarily in that order. What is your advice for balancing these needs? Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Feb 2015
Does a tester actually need test cases?
Discover whether or not test cases are necessary in this expert answer by consultant Robin Goldsmith. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Jan 2015
Test software with persona-based requirements
Do persona-based requirements make it easier to test software? Learn if there are tools designed to make testing software easier. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Nov 2014
Five tools to improve embedded software testing efforts
Embedded software testing tools are useful for catching defects during unit, integration and system testing. Here are five such tools that can make testing easier. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Nov 2014
App Quality Alliance compiles mobile testing criteria
SearchSoftwareQuality.com talks to Martin Wrigley of the App Quality Alliance about smart practices and testing criteria for mobile app developers. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Nov 2014
Five mobile testing tools for developers to consider
This review of five mobile testing tools, Appium, Selendroid, ios-driver, Sauce Labs and Perfecto Mobile, will kick-start your research in a growing software market. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Jul 2014
Software quality metrics paint partial project picture
QA consultant Gerie Owen discusses the use of two post-production metrics: defect removal efficiency and defect detection percentage. Continue Reading
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Video
30 Apr 2013
The Death Star Conspiracy as software testing ethics training
Take a satirical look at the facts behind the destruction of the Death Star and learn about the need for ethics training in software QA management. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Nov 2012
How to measure test progress: Every picture tells a story
Seeing the big picture when it comes managing the progress of your software tests may require putting together all the little picture pieces. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jan 2012
Software development bugs: How to identify and prevent them
With strong Agile practices such as unit testing, code reviews and proper attention to requirements, bugs can be prevented or found early in the application lifecycle. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Dec 2011
Defect tracking: Lean principles for getting the right data at the right time
In this tip, author Paul E. McMahon describes how Lean principles can be used to help determine when defect tracking is appropriate for your organization and what type of data is important to collect. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
15 Nov 2011
Load testing and performance testing with JMeter: Tutorial
JMeter, a free open source load testing tool, is straightforward to use and supports several programming languages, including HTTP/HTTPS, SOAP, JDBC, LDAP and JMS. In the following set of informative tips, expert Mike Kelly explores the capabilities of JMeter and breaks down its use into a step-by-step approach. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Aug 2011
Tools and techniques for tracking changes to software requirements
In this tip, requirements expert Sue Burk explains different techniques and tools that can be used to track changes to the requirement itself as well as changes to the attributes of the requirement. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jan 2011
Specialized testing for your enterprise application
In this tip, Judith Myerson describes examples of five types of testing for your enterprise applications: cloud testing, user acceptance testing, modular testing, agile testing and incremental testing. Myerson gives a brief overview of each type of testing, explaining the appropriateness and benefits of these types of specialized testing efforts. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Nov 2010
Software retest, regression, smoke and sanity testing: What's the difference?
Understanding the nuances between different types of test efforts can be a challenge. In this expert response, Karen Johnson explains what is meant by retesting, regression testing, smoke testing and sanity testing. Find out the purpose of these types of tests and a few other terms that some organizations use for testing efforts. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Nov 2010
Applying lean concepts to software testing
If we're going to use a factory analogy for software development, shouldn't we at least study the techniques modern factories use? In this tip, software quality expert Matt Heusser describes concepts used first for lean manufacturing, which are now being applied to software development and software testing. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Aug 2010
Strategies for minimizing regression defects
Regression defects, those unexpected defects that result from a fix of another defect, are often the most challenging to find and fix. Expert John Overbaugh describes why these defects are so challenging and offers up techniques, such as automation and reviews, to help minimize regression defects. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Jun 2010
The importance of critical thinking in software test
Even though there are numerous definitions for the term "software testing," there is common ground. Testers need to use critical thinking skills when diving into the testing of a software application. In this tip, expert Chris McMahon explains ways for testers to increase test coverage, use proven approaches and determine which aspects of testing fit in and where. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Mar 2010
A software expert's heuristic for regression testing
Often, regression testing is what stands between a product in a test lab versus a product in the hands of our users – so we don't want to take longer than we need – but we don't want to haphazardly release a product before its ready. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Feb 2010
Why use POST vs. GET to keep applications secure
Although POST and GET HTTP requests essentially perform the same command on a Web server, a security expert says there are inherent dangers in using one over the other. Learn why one type of processing request provides more security for your Web application in this expert tip. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Feb 2010
What are the pros and cons of centralizing a QA or software test team?
Is it better to centralize a test team or have testers paired organizationally with developers? There can be advantages to either approach. This expert response examines some considerations and an alternative that will allow your quality team to work effectively with either model. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Feb 2010
Who determines the appropriate severity or priority for a defect?
There are often differences of opinion on the definition of severity or priority of a defect. The bottom line is determining when and if the defect will be fixed. Factors that need to be considered are customer urgency and time required to fix and test. This strategy takes into account needs of the customer, the developer and the tester. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jan 2010
Nine ways to evaluate automated software testing tools
Evaluate automated software testing tools more thoroughly with these tips for analyzing cost, support, total cost of ownership, usability and more. This tip suggests questions to ask about each attribute of a tool and a vendor's support for it. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Sep 2009
Calculating mean time to failure in performance testing
Calculating MTTF (mean time to failure) can be a difficult for testers in order to develop a performance test pass as there are multiple steps. This expert tip will guide you through process, Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Sep 2009
Winning responses to "Why is QA always the bottleneck?"
Executives are notorious for criticizing QA and test pros, often labeling them as the "bottleneck" of software projects. Learn appropriate responses to upper management's unfair and difficult inquiries in this useful tip. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jul 2009
Adaptation in project management through agile
Project managers often focus on following the test plan versus agile leaders who expect change and are prepared to adapt on the fly, learn how to transition quicly in this chapter from Agile Project Management by Jim Highsmith Continue Reading
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News
18 Mar 2009
The challenges of test-driven development (TDD)
Out of all agile practices, many organizations struggle the most with adoption of test-driven development (TDD) -- but that doesn't mean they're giving up on the challenge. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Mar 2009
What is test granularity?
Test granularity is the level of detail at which your software tests and test cases address your project. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Jan 2009
Formulating test status reports based on daily status criteria
A user requests help deriving the daily status criteria for the test execution of a software project, with status criteria including test execution criteria, test case failure rate and bug rate. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Dec 2008
How testers can convince developers of software errors
If a tester fully understands the software errors found and can show the impact of them, then he is more likely to get developers to fix them. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Oct 2008
How to prevent HTTP response splitting
HTTP response splitting is a serious Web attack that can wreak havoc on your Web applications. Security expert Ramesh Nagappan explains how this attack works and what professionals can do to prevent this exploit. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Oct 2008
How to match the test environment to the production environment
Testers often find a gulf between test results in a test environment and test results in a production environment. Testing expert John Overbaugh offers strategies for ensuring that test results in different environments match. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Sep 2008
Running UAT and system testing in parallel
Conducting user acceptance testing and system testing at the same time may or may not be a good choice. Expert Baher Malek discusses the factors that testers need to consider when attempting a parallel UAT process. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Aug 2008
Test metrics and use case coverage during testing
When using use cases to drive testing, it's important to understand that there are no industry standards for coverage. Testing expert Mike Kelly explains how testers should approach dubious metrics. Continue Reading
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News
06 Jun 2008
CMMI: Good process doesn't always lead to good quality
Having a process such as CMMI in place doesn't guarantee quality software or systems, says Bill Curtis, co-author of the Capability Maturity Model (CMM). You can still have defects. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 May 2008
Software testers: Identity crisis or delusions of grandeur?
Without a clear understanding of what software testers do, it's only natural that people try to interpret what they do from their job title. The problem is the number of different titles people have creates confusion, says Scott Barber. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Feb 2008
Granularity in test case design
Test case granularity is a complex issue in test case design. Expert John Overbaugh explains how to determine how detailed your test cases should be. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Jan 2008
Prioritizing software testing on little time
Too many test cases and too little time? Expert Scott Barber explains how to prioritize testing. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jan 2008
Testers' involvement in requirements gathering important
In this increasingly complex software development era, it is important to include testing as early in the project as possible. And that means starting with requirements gathering. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Dec 2007
Cracking passwords the Web application way
Don't make the mistake of thinking your Web site is secure just because it uses SSL. If you don't have proper login controls in place, attackers can crack passwords and get into the application. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Nov 2007
Five steps for performing an effective software product review
Review or inspection is an important activity in any project implementation. Performing a good review of the developed product, along with capturing metrics, helps in building a quality product. In this member-submitted article, Murugan Srinivasa points out the significance of software metrics in guaranteeing an effective review of any software product. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Nov 2007
How to write an effective test report
This member-submitted tip provides a guideline for essential information that should be included in a test report. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Nov 2007
How to create a testing scorecard
A software testing scorecard can be a good tool for managing a team's progress. Expert John Overbaugh explains how to create a testing scorecard and that fits yours and the customer's needs. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Aug 2007
Test plan and test strategy
Software testing is helped by a good test plans, strategies and logistics. Expert Scott Barber explains what these aspects of the testing methodology are. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jun 2007
How to test Web site login security
Input validation is critical for the security of Web sites. Here's a techniques you can use to make sure your site isn't vulnerable to SQL injection. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 May 2007
Software testing deliverables: From test plans to status reports
Core sets of deliverable are required for any software testing phase. In many cases they include a test plan, test case, defect documentation and status report. Learn what is required for each in this tip from David W. Johnson. Continue Reading
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News
20 Feb 2007
Find software bugs, defects using code coverage
Software testing is uselss if it isn't complete. Statement and branch coverage can uncover glaring problems in unexecuted blocks of code, but they often miss bugs in the logic of your code. Path coverage, however, is a more comprehensive technique that helps reveal defects early in software development. Continue Reading