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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Tip
04 Nov 2022
Who writes acceptance criteria?
Product owners are usually responsible for acceptance criteria. But everyone who has a say in the final product should be involved in the process. Continue Reading
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News
28 Oct 2022
For API security to succeed, devs need integrated tooling
For greater API security and clearer boundaries for developers, experts at API World called for developer-focused security tools that dovetail seamlessly into their workflows. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Oct 2022
An overview of data-driven API testing
API testing -- including data-driven API testing -- differs from other software tests in its overall process and relevant metrics. Analytics and automation play a key role. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Oct 2022
Explore the benefits of Docker for testers, QA teams
From simplified test setup to enhanced isolation, Docker containers offer a range of advantages to QA engineers. Containers also encourage earlier, and more frequent, testing. Continue Reading
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News
06 Sep 2022
Xandr's bumpy ride to AI software test automation success
AI-based software testing tool Mabl reduced bugs and testing complexity for advertising company Xandr, but the initial implementation process was far from smooth. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Aug 2022
Why security chaos engineering works, and how to do it right
While 'chaos' doesn't sound like something software security managers would want, chaos engineering has an enticing amount of value when it comes to identifying potential threats. Continue Reading
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News
08 Aug 2022
Devs don't trust AI in software testing
Artificial intelligence can eliminate mundane testing tasks and reduce bugs without human intervention, but its inner machinations make testers uneasy. Continue Reading
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News
05 Aug 2022
Velocity-over-quality mindset leads to software testing gaps
Insufficient software testing happens because of a lack of talent, time and cash. But inattentive CEOs and development methodologies such as Agile also contribute to the problem. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jun 2022
Key things to consider when choosing regression testing tools
Making a decision about regression testing tooling purchases means taking stock of plans for CI/CD implementations, existing automation capabilities, staff expertise and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jun 2022
How test summary reports yield business value and benefits
The data a test summary report compiles can provide great benefits to a development team -- and, in turn, business value to the larger IT organization. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jun 2022
Evaluate proprietary vs. open source testing tools
Cost, complexity and support levels are key items when teams consider proprietary or open source functional testing tools for their development environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jun 2022
6 key phases of the software testing lifecycle
For QA teams, a successful software testing process starts long before the actual test occurs. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 May 2022
Implement reliability testing methods, tools for better dev
Reliability testing can play an integral role in software development. Here are some methods and tools to incorporate into your app development lifecycle. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 May 2022
The ins and outs of low-code application testing
When teams use low-code for application development, it can save time and money. But don't neglect testing for potential issues just to deploy the app sooner. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 May 2022
How software testing affects a successful multi-cloud strategy
Here's how QA professionals working with multi-cloud can deal with the increased complexity associated with the strategy, plus the risks and workflow factors. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 May 2022
Breakdown of 4 common mobile testing platform options
Mobile app testers, here is how four mobile testing platform options compare. Also, learn when testing frameworks, simulators and emulators become relevant factors. Continue Reading
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News
03 May 2022
GitHub Desktop 3.0 gets lukewarm reception
GitHub Desktop 3.0 introduces tools that make it easier for software developers to stay up to date with code changes. Some developers, though, are calling for more features. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Apr 2022
The fundamentals of writing effective acceptance criteria
Acceptance criteria plays a key role in shaping an application from the user standpoint. We review some of the basic things to remember when it comes to acceptance criteria. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Apr 2022
6 ways to perform microservices load testing
While it's not easy to conduct load testing in hectic microservices environments, certain best practices can help testing teams ensure fair and equal distribution of workloads. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Feb 2022
Where requirements-based tests fit in software testing
Requirements-based testing has its upsides and downsides, and it's not right for every software project. But certain dev teams should still adopt the method. Learn which ones. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2022
The crucial role of test scenarios, especially in automation
Test scenarios are often touted as a key part of effective software testing strategies. But what exactly do they do and how can teams ensure the ones they develop are effective? Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Feb 2022
AI/ML in software testing, cross-platform testing benefits
AI-powered cross-platform and cross-browser testing has both benefits and complications. Learn more about the role machine learning technologies can play in these QA processes. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Jan 2022
Testing automated Kubernetes deployments, a GitOps benefit
GitOps and GitOps tooling may be your answer to the tricky, taxing problem that is testing Kubernetes environments. Explore why, how and what's necessary to perform GitOps testing. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Dec 2021
What unit test coverage percentage should teams aim for?
Unit testing is frequently needed, but what amount? Learn how to determine the amount of unit test coverage you need, what code to focus on, how to measure coverage and more. Continue Reading
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Podcast
23 Nov 2021
Why chaos engineering isn't as chaotic as it sounds
Don't let the name fool you. SSQ editors chatted with author Mikolaj Pawlikowski about why chaos engineering can be easily implemented into your testing environment. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Nov 2021
Use cases of various types of test doubles for unit testing
Test doubles run the gamut from mocks, to stubs, to fakes and spies. Let's examine the ups and downs of using various test double types with unit testing. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Oct 2021
Follow these database testing basics for better data
Data is typically a company's most valuable asset. The data should be treated as such, with vigorous, almost constant testing, regardless of its location. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Oct 2021
How to write a test report for software testing
Test report writers, here we will overview how to write your summary, what details to include in it, how to keep your audience in mind and other important considerations. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Sep 2021
Choosing the right chaos engineering tools
Chaos engineering tool options include the original (Chaos Monkey), open source projects like Chaos Toolkit and Chaos Mesh and Gremlin. Weigh these factors when choosing your tool. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jul 2021
An introductory guide to mobile app security testing
Secure mobile apps by engineering security right into the software and with thorough mobile app security testing. Here's what risks to look for, processes to use and tools to adopt. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jun 2021
Who is responsible for integration testing?
It's not always clear who is responsible for the integration testing of those new application components. Let's sort through the confusion. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jun 2021
How to implement mock objects for simpler testing
Test mocking can serve as a valuable asset in a developer's toolbelt. Here's how to implement mock objects within testing processes and some potential pitfalls to be aware of. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jun 2021
SAST vs. DAST vs. IAST: Security testing tool comparison
Before your team decides upon a security testing tool, take into account both the methods and limitations of SAST, DAST and IAST. Consider what each approach brings to the table. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 May 2021
Mobile app security best practices for 4 vulnerability types
Adequate mobile app security must assess various dimensions of software, including each OS's best practices, traffic and API calls, data storage and source code. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 May 2021
How to use mind maps for software testing
Mind mapping is a visual way to brainstorm test ideas. Learn how to create and use mind maps to improve software quality. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Apr 2021
A Selenium IDE vs. WebDriver comparison
Selenium IDE and WebDriver play their own roles in test automation. It's important to know how the two tools differ and how they complement each other. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Apr 2021
Will codeless test automation work for you?
Simple and repeatable -- that's the appeal of codeless test automation. But just how useful is it? Find out in which circumstances the method can be most effective. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Apr 2021
A production readiness checklist for software development
To achieve a smooth release cycle that can uncover potential glitches, an enterprise needs software release criteria that involve members of the dev, ops and business teams. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Mar 2021
An Eggplant automation tool tutorial for Functional, DAI
Eggplant Functional and DAI are two popular tools in the testing community. This video demonstrates how to install the tools and integrate them with the agent feature. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Feb 2021
How to test connected car applications
When software testers deal with automobile-connected applications, they should think like a driver. Evaluate safety, connectivity and usability concerns to develop a strong app. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Feb 2021
How to write test cases for both manual and automated tests
Immerse yourself in the basics -- and particulars -- of writing test cases for both manual and automated tests, and learn the components crucial to each approach. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jan 2021
Make the right assertions in iOS unit tests for proper dev
Unit tests play an integral role in mobile app development. Here's an excerpt from 'iOS Unit Testing by Example' about why fast feedback and control can help testers. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jan 2021
How to handle root cause analysis of software defects
Root cause analysis plays a major role in how software teams can fix their defects. Here's how to employ root cause analysis and how teams can get the most out of the process. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jan 2021
Analysts mixed on future growth of MLOps, AutoML tools
Demand for MLOps and AutoML tools is on the upswing, and the machine learning market will undergo an increase in consolidation, analysts say. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jan 2021
Checklist for mobile app testing: 15 gaps to look for
Makers of iOS and Android apps chronically fail to test these 15 aspects of mobile apps. But to release quality mobile software, development teams must start testing -- here's how. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Dec 2020
Top 10 software development and test tips of 2020
What can you do better in 2021? Adopt different test tools, automate more processes, run a more productive dev team? Follow this advice from various experts to make it all happen. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Dec 2020
Report testing checklist: Perform QA on data analysis reports
To incorporate data analysis features into software, fully test the reports they generate. Use this checklist to cover these reports' requirements, the test environment, APIs and test data. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Dec 2020
Inside 5 types of test doubles
Spies, fakes and other nefarious-sounding test objects are actually beneficial to development teams. Learn about the five primary types of test doubles and when to use them. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Nov 2020
Cypress vs. Selenium: Compare test automation frameworks
Testing a complex application front end? What about a web app written in Ruby? Pick a test automation framework -- Selenium or Cypress -- that fits the project. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Nov 2020
How to test micro apps
Micro apps are limited in functionality, but they still require a full slate of tests. Learn how micro apps and microservices differ, the benefits driving micro app adoption, and how to test them. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Nov 2020
Basics of the pairwise, or all-pairs, testing technique
Pairwise testing can improve test coverage without increasing wait times. Consider the QA technique's benefits, challenges and role within a test suite. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Nov 2020
4 innovations in software development and testing to watch
These methods and technologies change the way developers and testers do their jobs -- or even what their duties are. Explore innovations related to AI, the flow of work and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Oct 2020
How and why to do parallel testing
Parallel testing can be a boon to test coverage and test execution times. But while the practice is quite adoptable, testers still need a well-thought-out implementation strategy. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Oct 2020
How to put CI, CT and CD together in a DevOps pipeline
DevOps pipelines aren't just about CI/CD. Learn why continuous testing is a crucial piece of the puzzle, and how it ultimately results in cleaner code with fewer errors. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Oct 2020
Learn what to test in a mobile application
A lot goes into making sure an end user can interact with a mobile app seamlessly. Here are five ways to make sure a mobile app functions properly, without code or device challenges. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Sep 2020
Essential mobile app development tools and programming languages
Learn about the tools available for hybrid and native iOS and Android mobile app development and testing, as well as the programming languages developers use. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Sep 2020
4 alternatives to end-to-end testing microservices
Microservices architectures deserve better than end-to-end testing. See how methods like contract testing, subsystem testing and more can fill the end-to-end test void. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Sep 2020
How to craft a cloud testing strategy
As more applications and workloads ascend to the cloud, organizations need to validate performance, functionality and other metrics. Here's a primer on testing in the cloud -- and on the cloud. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Aug 2020
5 SMART goals for a QA analyst
QA testers can earn respect and gain influence with peers through SMART goals. Take ownership of the software you work on, look up to good product managers and achieve these five goals. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Aug 2020
4 ways to minimize test automation maintenance
Test automation maintenance is inescapable. Here are four ways to reduce maintenance and ensure software testing is as effective as possible. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Aug 2020
Assess TestRail vs. Zephyr test management tools
TestRail and Zephyr offer test management capabilities and integrate with tools that development teams rely on, like Jira. Check out features and user reviews for each product. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Aug 2020
Agile FAQ: Get started with these Agile basics
Check out these tips on Agile basics for a quick catch-up or a great head start on maximizing the value of using Agile methods in your organization. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jul 2020
Effective QA practices for RPA bot maintenance
Effective RPA QA ensures your bots don't go haywire. Learn how RPA bots fail, effective QA workflows to fix them, and how, when and where human testers should get involved. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jun 2020
How to test mobile applications using a game emulator
We could all use a little wiggle room in software testing budgets. Sometimes you've got to be creative to find it. Learn how a video game emulator can test mobile apps. Continue Reading
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Video
26 Jun 2020
Xray for Jira tutorial on test management, execution
The Xray plugin makes test management easier within Jira. Follow along with this video tutorial to take some of the friction out of your test management process. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jun 2020
GitLab makes two acquisitions to shift fuzz testing left
GitLab has scooped up fuzz testing startups Fuzzit and Peach Tech, a move that will shift fuzz testing left in the DevSecOps toolchain. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jun 2020
How experts run shift-left and shift-right testing
It's time to eliminate the testing bottleneck. Perform tests early and late in the SDLC to keep software moving -- and cut down on defects. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 May 2020
3 common challenges of mobile application testing
Testers often struggle with these three aspects of mobile app testing. Luckily, these QA challenges aren't insurmountable. Learn how to mitigate these mobile app testing problems. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 May 2020
Why flaky tests are a problem you can't ignore
Monotonous as the task might be, QA must detect and fix the root causes of flaky tests. Invest the time and effort, or risk the dangers of an unreliable test automation suite. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Apr 2020
Top criteria that belong in a mobile app testing plan
Smartphones are ubiquitous, but no two users are the same -- bandwidth, devices, OSes and platforms differ. Here's how to test mobile apps exhaustively and prioritize what matters. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Apr 2020
Improve ROI in software testing with adaptability, automation
QA needs to reiterate its value to the business side of the organization. Use this tried-and-true advice to leverage documentation and automation to make everyone happy. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Apr 2020
A comprehensive test automation guide for IT teams
This one-stop test automation guide walks through the benefits and challenges, how to craft an automated testing strategy and how to compare tools. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Apr 2020
How to get started with automation test scripts
What makes a good test script? And how do you evaluate appropriate tools and languages? Here's what software developers and testers need to know to make test automation part of their process. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Apr 2020
Find the right software testing methods for your dev process
Many organizations want to do more automated testing, but which tests solve specific problems? Here's a breakdown of the key test types and how they might fit your test strategy. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Apr 2020
Find the right automation test cases
One piece of software might be well-suited for test automation while another won't. Here are the factors to look for when you need to settle on your test strategy. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Apr 2020
7 questions to ask before you select software testing tools
Before you select software testing tools, you need to know how to evaluate them. Explore trial versions, research the vendors and assess your organization's needs and capabilities. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Apr 2020
Compare the top automated functional testing tools
This roundup of top automated functional testing tools, including Selenium, Micro Focus UFT and TestComplete, will guide you to pick the best choice for software testing needs. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Apr 2020
Weigh test automation's advantages and disadvantages
Automated testing can add speed and completeness to the software development process, but be sure you've considered the tradeoffs. Let's look at the pros and cons. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Apr 2020
Deal with remote software testing challenges
Is your software QA team new to remote work? Learn what technical, process and culture challenges you will encounter, and how to surpass them to ensure quality. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Apr 2020
Know when to choose automated vs. manual testing
Vendors have inched toward automated application testing for a long time, yet there is still room for growth. Software tester Amy Reichert offers her insights. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Apr 2020
Can we fully automate our software testing?
Your boss has jumped on the bandwagon to automate software testing. Don't despair. Software testing expert Matt Heusser walks through what to say -- and do -- to keep everyone happy. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Apr 2020
4 ways to use record and playback test automation tools
Many test automation tools offer record and playback testing. Here's how to apply this handy capability for training, usability tests and continuous automated testing. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Apr 2020
How to evaluate test automation languages
You have options when choosing a test automation language. Is Java the way to go? What about Ruby or Python? Let's look at the pros and cons. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Mar 2020
Test automation maintenance requires knowledge sharing
An important but overlooked aspect of test automation maintenance is the institutional knowledge of how the testing is done. Don't restrict that information to just a few people. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Feb 2020
How to use Selenium IDE for record and playback testing
Testers can use a tool like Selenium IDE for test automation to efficiently check web app interfaces. Here's how to put the open source tool to work in no time. Continue Reading
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News
07 Feb 2020
Iowa caucus app fiasco a cautionary tale for all enterprises
App testing is crucial to ensuring that mobile apps are ready for mission-critical systems such as the mobile app that failed during the Iowa caucuses. Continue Reading
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Podcast
31 Jan 2020
How Python makes automating security tasks a snap
Security professionals with coding skills can get a lot done in not a lot of time. Hear why Python suits beginners and how it puts security and developers on the same team. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jan 2020
How to write a good software bug report
When it comes to defect reporting, the more detail, the better. Here's how to produce defect reports that get bugs fixed fast. Continue Reading
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Opinion
14 Jan 2020
5 software testing books QA professionals should dig into
There's no cookie-cutter crash course on software testing. However, these five books can get beginners on the right path to better quality software. Continue Reading
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News
20 Dec 2019
Manual mainframe testing persists in the age of automation
Mainframe testing is still done manually by many IT shops, despite mainframe modernization and digitization efforts that benefit from automated software testing methods. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Dec 2019
How to do API testing to improve application quality
APIs run apps, so it's essential to test them beyond simple connectivity. Study these API testing basics, like when to run such tests, and the benefits of giving this task to QA. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Nov 2019
Is RPA the future of test automation?
IT organizations will use test automation, RPA and low-code development tools to create, assess and automate complex processes in the near future. Continue Reading
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News
21 Nov 2019
Kubernetes tools vendors vie for developer mindshare
Developers in the cloud-native industry running Kubernetes environments say they need more and better Kubernetes tools to get around some of the complexity of the platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Nov 2019
How to perform test automation maintenance
Automated tests run on their own, but they need a little help to stay in shape. Proactively address test automation maintenance with initiatives in these two key areas. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Nov 2019
Make people, not tools, the focus of DevOps initiatives
You can buy a DevOps tool for almost everything -- except people challenges. Learn what high-performing practitioners do to make DevOps culture productive. Continue Reading
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Guide
01 Nov 2019
How to improve code quality, from teamwork to AI features
Development teams must enforce code quality from day one. Take a multifaceted approach to write, and then manage, secure application code with this advice from experts. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Oct 2019
What's the difference between API and web services testing?
Web services and APIs aren't the same -- or are they? How do web services and API testing differ, and what does each type of test aim to achieve? Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Oct 2019
Build a DevOps toolchain that's efficient and effective
Is it possible to create a DevOps toolchain that meets the needs of developers, IT operations teams and business staffers? Here's how to devise a strategy. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Oct 2019
Web and mobile testing faceoff: Sauce Labs vs. BrowserStack
Two automated testing platforms enter; only one tool leaves. IT consultant Tom Nolle examines how Sauce Labs and BrowserStack each test apps across mobile devices and web browsers. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Sep 2019
5 key ways to fulfill the role of QA in DevOps
DevOps teams want production-ready code, which means someone in this fast-moving pipeline needs to think like a user. Enter QA, with its toolkit of exploratory tests, design review and more. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Sep 2019
What are some bad coding practices to avoid?
Application development projects aren't meeting expectations, and developers are not sure why. What are some common bad coding practices that developers follow but should avoid? Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Sep 2019
How to approach test case design
To be a good tester, start at requirements and user expectations, then develop test cases that make certain those needs are met. Walk through the basics of test cases with expert Gerie Owen. Continue Reading