Automated software testing services have been the talk of the town for the past half a decade. And as the new year begins, it might be the right time to explore how automated testing (AT) can help optimize SDLC in general and budgets as a part of it. For this, let us dive into this practical guide on using automation for desired results.
How Test Automation Helps Optimize SDLC
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Core Benefits of Test Automation
Automation is the star of articles discussing its benefits for testing. But what about the merits AT offers when it comes to software development expenses? Test automation can be a significant part of the SDLC strategy. And like any other, it can be customized and adapted for optimal profit. Perhaps the best feature of AT is that even starter and smaller projects can benefit from its baseline.
- Greater effectiveness. An automated testing process means ampler coverage. As automated tests run in the background, QA engineers can put their efforts into planning and preparing for the next test set.
- Better quality. Void of the human element, automated software testing offers superior accuracy. The results of any test are precise and definite.
- Increased productivity. Dev and QA forces can dedicate their time to more complex project aspects. While AT takes care of repetitive tests, both teams can move to challenging assignments and further advance their skills.
- Improved efficiency. The ability to reuse automated tests and execute them simultaneously translates to faster run time and less resource investment. There is no need to repeat each step to get accurate results.
Implementing AT just to save hours limits its full potential. Building a solid automation framework requires some time. And when there is a stable and reliable base, then you can reap the abundant benefits of QA automation. In the long run, AT is the prime decision for optimizing software lifecycle costs while upholding high quality.
Top 3 Types of Automated Tests and Their Practical Uses
For effective product development, automation necessitates clear boundaries and business goals. While it is common for businesses to want to automate everything, in reality, it is not practical. You should consider quite a few aspects when employing AT.
Perfect candidates for automation are tests that are:
- Repeatable – frequently run.
- Stable – cover stable functions (the code will not be altered).
- Decipherable by the AT tools – have precise pass/fail criteria.
- Tedious – repetitive and slow when run manually.
- Business-critical – crucial for functional business logic (these tests should be prioritized).
Tests can be automated incrementally. But there should be a good foundation upon which you can build further. Among the most practical types of testing in automation are:
- Functional testing – verifying software features against the requirements. Each software module contains multiple functions within. Testing each as the project evolves would be inefficient for CI/CD pipeline and discouraging for the team. Automating functional testing speeds up deployment and boosts morale.
- Smoke testing – confirming operational core functions. Whether you are working on an MVP or enriching a large build, making sure that critical functions are intact is paramount. They present most utility to clients and stakeholders as they make up the backbone of the software. Automating smoke testing keeps the project basis safe, making it worthwhile even when there are some minor issues elsewhere.
- Regression testing – assuring software integrity after changes/fixes. Additions of new features are typical when scaling and repairs are a given in STLC. Regression testing acts as the final touch leading to a quality product. Checking the software after every alteration would be demanding. And with regression automated, saving time and maintaining set quality standards are granted.
So, it is important to automate smartly. A sensible decision would be to cover most important functions and frequent/repeatable tests. This helps with accelerating distributions and reaching optimal ROI.
Business Needs Automation Can Cover
There are various goals automation can help achieve. But it is crucial to prioritize your business needs, and the rest of QA automation benefits will layer up gradually. Below are several exmaples of when automated testing can be highly beneficial for your team and project.
Plans for Scaling
In this case, you should automate as much as you can when it comes to stable functions. This will unload your team and allow you to redirect their efforts to work on the scaling strategy aspects.
Focusing Team Effort
You might need to center your team on tasks that are more important at the time. Here, automating most time-consuming tests will free up their schedules and allow for directed action.
Upgrading Testing Efficiency
AT is generally more accurate and less resource-consuming. When it comes to speeding up the STLC, automation for crucial functions and frequently repeated tests would be a good option. This results in spending fewer resources on tests that need to be diligently and frequently checked.
Enhancing Overall Software Quality
Because of the leading edge AT has regarding testing quality, automating tests that are most difficult can significantly enhance the product. Constantly running hundreds of manual tests can lead to some errors. By automating high-risk testing, you can cover more and rely on precise results every time.
Optimizing Software Development Expenses
Automation can help with adhering to the budget and achieving worthy ROI. Automating tests that consume the most resources to set up and run reduces SDLC expenses. Taking the most difficult batch of tests and automating them lowers the effort put into testing.
To Sum Up
The popular debate regarding test automation’s cost-effectiveness should have ended by now. The merit of cost-saving, which so many seek, does not present itself right off the bat. Automation can be a long-term investment, so to speak. And in the end, it brings much more than expected.
