Web3 Testing: Make Your Dream DApp a Reality with This Guide

How Is Web3 Testing Different from Traditional Testing?

The entire concept of Web3 is in progress. So are its testing procedures. But it doesn’t stop QA professionals from helping you create a noteworthy project. And while AI products collect data, our QA services act.

The first aspect to pay attention to is Web3 testing’s eccentricities.

dApps operate on decentralized (P2P) blockchains. This means that it’s difficult to control the entire testing environment and QA engineers:

• May not have access to all nodes or the ability to manipulate data on the mainnet.
• Have to set up simulated blockchain environments or leverage testnets.
• Need to replicate real-world conditions without complete governance over the network.

The core pillar of Web3 is personal privacy and control. And while security is integral for any digital interaction, for Web3 testers it becomes the holy grail.

• dApps are susceptible to specific attacks like reentrancy attacks or oracle manipulation.
• Intrinsic vulnerabilities of smart contracts and the immutability of blockchain data call for particular cyber security techniques.

One of the downsides of Web3’s ongoing evolution is its testing tools being far from mature.

• There may not be tools that tackle a specific Web3 testing need.
• QA specialists might have to adapt traditional tools to blockchain environments.

Plus, we can’t forget about the scalability issue and the beautifully intricate business logic of decentralized projects.

Web3 quality assurance and blockchain testing are challenging. But a difficult task can be an obstacle only to those who don’t care enough about the end goal. And that’s not us. Our mission is high-quality projects. No matter how tough the road is, if the finish line is a memorable, inspiring service, we’ll do anything to reach it.

Peculiarities and Challenges of Web3 Testing

In life, a challenge is an opportunity to do and be better. In software development, it’s a chance to create something visionary. And given the dApps’ “magical beast” status, a well-executed Web3 project is a thing to behold.

Still Evolving Tech, Approaches, & Tools

Web3 became “a thing” in 2014. And to this day, it’s in the early stages of development. It’s great to see Web3 progressing to tangible results. But for now, new protocols, standards, and applications that pop up daily translate to a lack of stability. And the testing methodologies and tools specifically designed for Web3 are struggling to keep pace with it.

Lack of Reliability & Resilience

Decentralization is good, in general. But it’s bad for efficiency. The nature of blockchain tech means there’s no central authority to guarantee uptime or fix bugs quickly. Testing environments, especially testnets, might experience outages or instability. And mending issues in immutable smart contracts may require complex workarounds.

Difficult to Automate

Traditional tools won’t be much help for Web3 testing services. They aren’t tailored to the decentralized nature and complex interactions between smart contracts and blockchain networks. While there are some Web3 automation tools, they’re far from being as comprehensive as conventional options. Thus, most projects rely on manual blockchain testing services.

Time-Consuming & Thus Costly

Since Web3 testing often depends on manual efforts, dApps are commonly slow burners. First, it’s beyond taxing to find skilled specialists who are proficient in both Web3 and traditional testing methodologies. Second, even if you’re lucky enough to hire QA engineers who can fully handle your needs, the Web3 testing process is inherently time-consuming.

Requires Specific Expertise

Not every QA company wants to tackle the “disarray” of Web3 quality control. And not every Web3 QA expert is an actual expert.

Testing specialists for dApps are just hard to come by. They need a solid understanding of:

• Blockchain technology.
• The specific protocols used by the dApp.
• How transactions interact with smart contracts.
• Unique Web3 security vulnerabilities and countermeasures, etc.

Plus, such professionals need to have an open mind. As they won’t have that perfect control over their testing environment. They won’t have an abundance of tools available. And, most likely, they’ll have to be creative with using what they have to solve an atypical problem.

Web3 Testing: What You Need For A Superior Project

No matter how passionate you are about your dApp, a positive attitude won’t get you much (but it certainly won’t hurt). There’s this curious sentiment that Web3 projects need something else entirely to prosper. But when you get an exotic pet, you don’t go looking for shamans and witches. All you gotta do is secure proper nutrition, cleanliness, and a good amount of love.

Web3 QA Services

Web3 testing isn’t, in fact, too different from traditional techniques. Yes, it has its oddities. But every service that ever lasted had two elements secured: it delivered value, and it did so gracefully. In other words, you ought to deliver a project that’s fully functional (serves a purpose) and that’s executed with quality at the forefront.

For that, there are a couple of things you could rely on.

Quality Assurance & Quality Control

QA and QC are the electrons and protons of the IT universe. That is, a working, fine product doesn’t exist without them. And while Web3 testing is definitely a more distant galaxy than, say, checking an iPhone app, the same laws of quality still apply.

QA is about the preparation of necessary procedures to achieve quality. It involves:

• Defining quality standards.
• Continuously running checks.
• Optimizing the Web3 testing process, etc.

QC, on the other hand, focuses on reacting to results, for example:

• Locating product and production issues.
• Monitoring testing outcomes.
• Assessing performance and modifying it as needed.

In short, QA and QC help prepare your product for the journey ahead and ensure it arrives at its destination in the best state possible.

Manual Testing

Due to the limited selection of tools and restricted possibilities for automation, manual checks are a big part of Web3 testing services. And while everyone is raving about automated tests, we keep saying that manual QA often goes underrated. So, we’re glad it has the chance to shine in dApps’ assessments.

For Web3, manual testing is often the only option. This means that working with professional software QA services is the difference between a lasting project and “another flop.” So, be sure to cooperate with an experienced Web3 testing company and enjoy the benefits of a human touch for your product.

• Uncovering obscure issues that automation could never tackle.
• Assessing security through simulated attacks and investigating potential exploits in smart contract logic.
• Promoting user-centricity.
• Better understanding and fulfillment of customer needs.
• Flexibility in the testing process, and more.

A Comprehensive Guide to Manual Regression Testing

Automated Testing

For Web3 QA, automated testing (AT) is like a dragon with clipped wings and three legs. It won’t do much, but it can still be quite useful (whether to scare off intruders or take care of simpler testing tasks). AT isn’t off-limits for dApps. And it can become a productivity booster if used right. Test automation services are great for:

• Running the same tests repeatedly, especially regressions.
• Simulating data entry.
• Handling login processes, user registration flows, and basic account management.
• Executing tests for simple transactions.
• Scanning for vulnerabilities.
• Performing load testing, etc.

AT can take care of light tasks, while Web3 testers are free to focus on more complex scenarios that advance your project.

Exploring the Journey to Smart Test Automation

General Testing

General testing is about checking your product from different angles, so to speak. It includes
functional and non-functional elements, providing a well-rounded view of the dApp’s quality.

• Functional tests secure core functionalities of the dApp, including user login, transactions, and data processing.
• Non-functional tests assess aspects like performance, scalability, usability, and security.

In short, general Web3 testing investigates your project from top to bottom. And the main goal is to ensure it delivers to stakeholders and users.

Team Augmentation

A successful Web3 product requires specific expertise in blockchain testing and smart contracts. And as we’ve mentioned, finding talent for this niche isn’t easy. The team augmentation service brings in QA engineers with specialized skills to complement your team.

For Web3, QA outsourcing can be extra valuable as it:

• Helps address potential skill gaps within internal development crews.
• Makes it easy to scale your testing efforts up or down as needed.
• Functions as an independent, objective assessment of the product.
• Lets you focus on core business activities.
• Allows you to speed up the SDLC and save costs.

Overall, team augmentation is quite elegant and useful. If you struggle with locating the right people for your project, turn to Web3 testing vendors. They already have needed experts on call or possess a pre-vetted candidate pool. Also, a Web3 testing company can even help you manage the outside team in terms of:

• Onboarding.
• HR management.
• Vacation distribution, etc.

Web3 Testing Types to Run

Remember we said that for blockchain QA testing, development teams might need to adapt existing tools and techniques to Web3 peculiarities? Well, testing procedures are the testament to that. As your “trivial” tests for classic projects work perfectly for dApps (with some adjustments, of course).

Also, a side note. Just think about how incredible it is that QA specialists can do it. What a magnificent demonstration of human creativity and ingenuity (AI could never).

• Integration testing – ensures different components of the dApp (smart contracts, user interface, backend) work together seamlessly.
• Functional testing – verifies core functionalities of the dApp work as intended.
• Performance testing – evaluates the dApp’s performance under various loads (number of users, transactions).
• Compatibility testing – ascertain the dApp functions correctly across different browsers and devices.
• Usability testing – investigates how user-friendly the dApp is and how easy it is for users to navigate and complete tasks.
• Security testing – identifies potential vulnerabilities in smart contracts and the dApp itself that could be exploited by attackers.
• Interoperability testing – secures the dApp’s stable interactions with other blockchain networks or protocols.
• Exploratory testing – uncovers unexpected behavior or edge cases in the dApp through manual exploration.

Web3 Functionalities to Test

You shouldn’t think about these features as the only ones needing testing. Rather, these are the elements to focus on. Some of them are paramount for a productive dApp. And some of them are unique to Web3 platforms.

Business Critical Functionality

This is the core functionality that the dApp is designed to deliver. Testing ensures it works reliably and meets business objectives. For example, a DeFi platform’s priority needs to be rigorous testing of its lending and borrowing functionalities.

Front-End Interfaces

Say whatever you like, but people do judge every book by its cover. That’s why securing a user-friendly and bug-free interface is arguably more important than providing a perfectly operating app. People can tolerate an occasional bug. But a clunky or malfunctioning interface can infuriate users. And that means curbed product adoption.

Smart Contracts

Self-executing contracts are the backbone of dApps. They dictate how user interactions, transactions, and data management occur within the application. Without them, the dApp wouldn’t know how to execute its intended purpose.

Blockchain Protocols & Nodes

These are the underlying technologies powering your dApp. And if they don’t function properly, well, your project won’t either. Testing ensures the dApp interacts with the blockchain network correctly and runs as expected within the protocol’s limitations.

Cross-Chain Compatibility

If your product interacts with multiple blockchains, you ought to make sure it can do so elegantly. Compatibility issues can hinder the dApp’s functionality and UX. So, you should ensure that your project can productively communicate with other environments.

Chain Integrations

Many dApps leverage functionalities from other blockchains or services, like oracles or token bridges. Testing chain integrations ensures the dApp can communicate with external systems properly and retrieve or exchange data as intended. It’ll also help prevent interoperability issues.

Data Dilemmas

Web3 applications often deal with sensitive user data, such as wallet addresses, financial information, and personal details. Thus, you need to make sure your project implements proper data security practices to protect user information. But, a balance also needs to be struck. Overly restrictive data practices might hinder user experience or functionality.

User Feedback & Behavior

User testing helps identify usability issues, confusing elements, and areas for improvement in the user experience. Understanding user behavior allows for a more intuitive and user-friendly design.

Compliance & Ethics

Web3 operates in a nascent regulatory landscape. Hence, you ought to continuously validate your dApp’s compliance. Test it regularly to secure adherence to relevant regulations and ethical practices.

Best Practices for Web3 Testing

Our QA team always wants the best for your project. So, even if we can’t help your product become the finest version of itself by hand, we can share insights from our Web3 testing practice.

1. Integrate testing throughout the development lifecycle to catch bugs early and prevent them from becoming bigger issues later.
2. Utilize continuous integration (CI) tools to automate test execution after code commits, providing fast feedback to developers.
3. Leverage a combination of testing techniques for a well-rounded approach.
4. Focus on smart contract security to identify and fix vulnerabilities before deployment.
5. Utilize specialized testing tools that help properly cover Web3 testing’s specifics.
6. Encourage exploratory testing to uncover edge cases, unexpected behavior, and obscure security exploits.
7. Prioritize threat modeling to proactively identify potential threats and attack vectors.
8. Simulate real-world conditions (not just ideal scenarios) to ensure the dApp functions reliably under stress.
9. Involve the community to gather valuable insights and identify user-centric issues.
10. Stay updated with the evolving landscape, including tools, best practices, and security threats, to keep testing effective.

And if you feel like you need some help with implementing and executing these best practices, never hesitate to seek support from seasoned Web3 testing experts. You know what they say: either do it well or don’t do it at all. And we stick to the first option unfailingly.

Web3 Testing Process

If you’re looking into partnering up with a Web3 testing company, it might be helpful to know what to expect. So, let’s overview the cooperation process. Just mind that we’ll be using our procedures as an example. As we can’t speak for every vendor.

Thus, if your software testing services provider operates via a different protocol – don’t be alarmed. You only need to focus on how well a QA company supports your product’s growth.

Also, when we work with our clients, we always begin with an introductory call. Here, we:

• Discuss your product’s needs and specifics.
• Establish a preliminary agreement on the terms of collaboration.

This part you should pay close attention to. The very first dialogue with a Web3 testing vendor will tell you a lot about them:

• Are they transparent about what they can do for you?
• Can they handle your product precisely, and how will they do it?
• Are they prepared to work under proper contracts?

Briefly, listen carefully. Ask a lot of questions. And make sure your QA partner can give your project the love it deserves.

Web3 App Analysis

• The vendor will thoroughly examine your dApp. This includes understanding its functionalities, smart contract logic, and the blockchain network it operates on.
• They’ll identify potential testing areas focusing on business logic, security vulnerabilities, user experience, and compatibility across different platforms.

Test Case Writing

• The vendor will craft specific test scenarios based on the analysis. These test cases outline user actions, expected outcomes, and potential error conditions.
• They might involve a combination of manual and automated testing techniques.

Test Execution

• The vendor will execute the test cases on your dApp. This may involve running automated tests or manually interacting with the dApp to identify bugs or issues.
• They’ll document their findings, including screenshots, logs, and detailed descriptions of any problems encountered.

Reporting

• The vendor will provide a comprehensive test report summarizing the testing process, identified issues, and their severity levels.
• The report will also include recommendations for fixing the bugs or potential improvements for your dApp.

Test Automation

• The vendor may create automated tests for repeatable and efficient execution in the future. This can save time and resources during future testing cycles.
• They’ll ensure the automated tests are well-documented and maintainable.

Next Iterations

• The testing process is often iterative. As the dApp evolves, new features are added, or bugs are fixed, further testing is needed.
• The vendor will update the test case suite if needed, execute the tests again, and report on the results to ensure the dApp continues to function as intended.

Maintenance

• The vendor can provide ongoing maintenance of the automated tests. This ensures they remain relevant and effective as the dApp changes over time.
• They can also offer support in addressing newly discovered issues or implementing additional testing needs.

5 Ways to Make Software Development More Time and Cost-Effective

Web3 Testing Tools

Now, let’s take a look at a few Web3 testing tools. Mind that they’re not listed in any particular way. These are just some of the options that offer decent features and have proven useful in our experience.

Hardhat

A flexible development environment for Ethereum that excels in testing. It provides features for local blockchain deployment, testing frameworks integration, and gas optimization tools.

Foundry

A relatively new but powerful testing framework gaining traction. Offers comprehensive testing capabilities, including unit testing, fuzz testing, and formal verification for smart contracts.

Remix

A web-based IDE popular for smart contract development. Includes a built-in testing environment for unit testing and debugging smart contracts directly in the browser.

Mythril

A security-focused testing tool specifically designed for smart contracts. It analyzes code for potential vulnerabilities like integer overflows, reentrancy attacks, and denial-of-service vulnerabilities.

Ganache

It offers a local blockchain emulator, allowing developers to deploy and test smart contracts in a simulated environment. This can be particularly valuable for early-stage development and unit testing.

Just a reminder: don’t feel weird about using a combination of tools. It may seem logical to find your one and only perfect option. But in reality, that happens extremely rarely. You can mix and match multiple programs. Just focus on those that cover your needs, fit your budget, and don’t make your team suffer through clunky design choices.

Responsibilities & Qualifications of Web3 Testing Experts

You should also know what to look for in your QA specialists. And you ought to be especially (!) vigilant here. After all, it’s like hiring a babysitter for your kid – you’d want only the best for them.

So, when reviewing a candidate, make sure they possess these skills and qualities. Most importantly, make sure they’ll offer your child project proper care.

Responsibilities

• A strong grasp of blockchain technology, smart contracts, decentralized storage solutions (IPFS), and various blockchain protocols (Ethereum, Solana, etc.).
• Define the testing scope, identify potential risks, and create a comprehensive testing plan that covers functional, security, performance, and UX tests.
• Design and write test cases that examine different functionalities, user interactions, and edge cases.
• Conduct security audits of smart contracts to identify and eliminate vulnerabilities like reentrancy attacks or integer overflows.
• Utilize specialized Web3 testing tools and frameworks for efficient testing.
• Create automated tests to streamline repetitive tasks and ensure continuous integration.
• Document findings, including identified bugs, security vulnerabilities, and performance bottlenecks.
• Stay updated with new testing methodologies, emerging security threats, and advancements in testing tools.

Qualifications

• A strong foundation in software development principles, testing methodologies, and experience with traditional testing tools.
• Understanding how blockchains operate, the intricacies of smart contracts, and the potential security risks associated with them.
• Familiarity with specialized Web3 testing frameworks like Hardhat, Foundry, or Mythril.
• The ability to write scripts for automated testing and potentially modify existing testing tools.
• Identifying the root cause of issues, thinking creatively to test edge cases, and analyzing complex systems.
• Effectively communicating technical findings to developers and non-technical stakeholders.

IT Recruitment Insights from a QA Outsource Company

How to Choose Your Web3 Testing Vendor

We know that working with an “outsider” might be worrisome. It’s actually a common sentiment for many companies. But we also know the values of external expertise for your budget, team, product, and sanity.

So, here’re a few tips on how to find a Web3 testing company for you and build trust.

Evaluate Your Needs

1. Define the size and complexity of your dApp. A simple dApp might require less extensive testing compared to an elaborate DeFi platform.
2. Identify your primary concerns. Do you prioritize security testing, performance testing, or a well-rounded approach?
3. Consider which blockchain your dApp operates on and if the vendor has experience testing similar applications on that network.

Research Potential Vendors

1. Look for vendors with a strong reputation in the Web3 testing space. Check online reviews, case studies, and industry awards.
2. Evaluate the vendor’s team’s qualifications and experience with Web3 technologies, testing methodologies, and relevant tools.
3. Understand their testing process, including test case design, automation capabilities, and security auditing methods.
4. Ensure the vendor can communicate effectively and provide clear, comprehensive testing reports.
5. Compare pricing models and ensure the vendor offers flexibility to accommodate your project’s specific needs and budget.

Shortlist & Contact Vendors

1. Outline your project details, testing requirements, and budget.
2. Present your request for proposal and ask clarifying questions about their approach, experience, and team capabilities.

Evaluate Responses & Choose

1. Assess their understanding of your project and proposed testing methodology.
2. Evaluate their communication skills and ability to address your concerns clearly.
3. Consider if the vendor aligns with your company culture and preferred communication style.
4. Request relevant case studies and contact references to gauge their experience and client satisfaction.

Consider Additional Factors

1. Evaluate their security practices and data protection measures.
2. Inquire about their ongoing support options after the initial testing phase.
3. Ask if the vendor can scale their services to accommodate future growth and testing needs of your dApp.

When you consider hiring outside expertise, there’s this factor of the “unknown” to it. You don’t know if the person will fit. You don’t know whether they’ll deliver. And you’ll wonder whether it was worth it.

But when you work with a veteran Web3 testing vendor, all these concerns disappear. Simply because experienced QA companies know how to address your every need. So, the one real task for you is to find a good partner. It might now be as simple as you’d like to think. But the time and effort you’ll put into this selection process will be worth it.

Top Software Testing Companies to Work with in 2023

To Sum Up

To become what dApps strive to be means to build a strong community around them. And there’s no better way to do it than to create an ecosystem of enticing projects. Projects that embody the aspirations of Web3 and deliver joy to users in every aspect.

While you can’t make sure that every decentralized product is genuinely engaging, you can lead by example. You can be the one everybody looks up and wants to be a part of. You just need a good team and a bit of passion. All this you can find at QA Madness.