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
29 May 2025
11 tools that facilitate developer productivity
Development teams have a better experience when they use tools that integrate well together and facilitate collaboration. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 May 2025
Benchmarking LLMs: A guide to AI model evaluation
LLM benchmarks provide a starting point for evaluating generative AI models across a range of different tasks. Learn where these benchmarks can be useful, and where they're lacking. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 May 2025
How to fix flaky tests: A practical approach for QA teams
Flaky tests can be frustrating and tempting to ignore. In many cases, you shouldn't. Use this guide to learn which flaky tests to prioritize and how to fix them. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 May 2025
3 software testing sample test cases, with templates
A good test case is easy to trace, reusable and relevant to user needs. Learn how to write an effective test case with these examples and free templates. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 May 2025
Verification vs. validation in software testing
Verification and validation are at the heart of all software testing efforts. Together, they check that software fulfills both user expectations and technical requirements. Continue Reading
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Podcast
05 May 2025
'What if?' Imagining the future with generative AI tools
According to FreedomPay's performance guru, GenAI will let IT ops pros experiment with ideas for performance optimization and disaster recovery. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 May 2025
The rubber duck method of debugging explained
Ever feel like a quack when trying to debug software? When you're stuck, sometimes it just helps to hear yourself talk -- even if you're just talking to a rubber duck. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Apr 2025
10 best API testing tools to know
API testing tools are essential for ensuring reliable, high-performing APIs in modern software development. Choose API testing tools that suit your tech stack and workflow. Continue Reading
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Video
30 Apr 2025
How to use Claude Desktop tutorial for beginners
Looking for an alternative to ChatGPT? There are many, but Anthropic's Claude Desktop app experience makes it an LLM alternative worth trying. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
28 Apr 2025
How to build an AI agent tutorial with example
How do AI agents work? Are they like cron jobs? This walkthrough explains what AI agents can do, the basic principles that apply, and how to build your own AI agent using ChatGPT. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
21 Apr 2025
Get started with Java and AI: A guide to LLM integration
Want to unlock the power of AI in your Java applications? This walkthrough guides you on how to use OpenAI and Java with large language models to unlock powerful new capabilities. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Apr 2025
How to create API automation framework for testing
With an increasing need for API testing, having an efficient test strategy is a big concern for testers. Learn about building a test framework and some alternative approaches. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Apr 2025
How to handle root cause analysis of software defects
Root cause analysis plays a significant role in helping software teams fix defects in applications. Here's how to employ it to get the most out of the RCA process. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Apr 2025
16 REST API design best practices and guidelines
Common guidelines for API design lead to better functionality and flexibility. Follow these REST API design best practices to help you tend to your burgeoning API garden. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Apr 2025
What is synthetic monitoring?
Synthetic monitoring is a proactive monitoring approach that uses scripted simulations of user interactions to assess the performance and availability of websites, applications and services. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Mar 2025
The benefits and limitations of headless browser testing
Headless browsers offer efficient web UI testing but lack the visual debugging capabilities of traditional browsers, making assessing the app's state upon test failure challenging. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Mar 2025
What is reliability, availability and serviceability (RAS)?
Reliability, availability and serviceability (RAS) are related operational activities that must be considered when designing, manufacturing, purchasing and using a computer product or component. Continue Reading
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Video
06 Mar 2025
How to get an OpenAI API key for ChatGPT
You don't need a browser to query ChatGPT; you can do it programmatically with an OpenAI API. Follow this seven-step process to get your ChatGPT API key. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Feb 2025
How to fix software bugs: Guide and best practices
'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.' -- Benjamin Franklin, 1736. The original quote pertained to fire safety, but it still applies to software bug prevention today. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Feb 2025
Top observability tools for 2025
Observability tools can help developers and IT administrators improve the delivery, performance and customer experience of applications and avoid potential issues. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
26 Dec 2024
Stubs vs. mocks in software testing
Running a software test and need to simulate a function or object? Here's how to choose between two common options, stubs vs. mocks, and ensure reliable and maintainable tests. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Dec 2024
What is quality assurance (QA)?
Quality assurance (QA) is any systematic process of determining whether a product or service meets specified requirements. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Dec 2024
What is a test case?
A test case is a set of actions performed on a system to determine if it satisfies software requirements and functions correctly. Continue Reading
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Video
27 Nov 2024
Connect Java apps to ChatGPT using OpenAI and Spring Boot
AI and machine learning are not purely the domain of Python. This Spring Boot tutorial will show you how to connect your Java apps to ChatGPT in no time. Continue Reading
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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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News
29 Oct 2024
GitHub Copilot Autofix expands as AI snags software delivery
GitHub Copilot Autofix could help vulnerability management keep pace as the volume of AI-generated code swamps delivery processes, but can AI be trusted to rein in AI? Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Oct 2024
What is Jira?
Jira is an application lifecycle management (ALM) and Agile project management tool from Atlassian. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Oct 2024
What is Apache JMeter?
Apache JMeter is open source software for load testing applications and measuring their performance. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Oct 2024
What is integration testing (I&T)?
Integration testing -- also known as integration and testing or I&T -- is a type of software testing in which the different units, modules or components of a software application are tested as a combined entity. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Oct 2024
What is alpha testing?
Alpha testing is the initial phase of validating whether a new product will perform as expected. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Oct 2024
What is acceptance testing?
Acceptance testing is a quality assurance (QA) process that determines to what degree an application meets end users' approval. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Oct 2024
What is happy path testing?
Happy path testing is a type of software testing that uses known input and produces an expected output. Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2024
Buildkite: CI/CD pipelines still a job for app developers
In an era of platform engineering, Buildkite and its high-scale users maintain that CI/CD pipelines and testing should remain the purview of app developer teams. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Oct 2024
What is black box testing?
Black box testing assesses a system solely from the outside, without the operator or tester knowing what's happening within the system to generate responses to test actions. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Sep 2024
What is finite element analysis (FEA)?
Finite element analysis (FEA) is the process of simulating the behavior of an object or assemblage of objects when it's exposed to specified physical conditions, which can be stable or varying. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Sep 2024
CI/CD pipelines explained: Everything you need to know
CI/CD can transform an organization, but there's a lot to consider. This comprehensive guide explains the CI/CD pipeline stages, benefits and challenges, best practices and more. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Sep 2024
What is machine code (machine language)?
Machine code, also known as ‘machine language’ or ‘native code,’ is the elemental language of computers. It is read by the computer’s central processing unit (CPU), is composed of digital binary numbers and looks like a very long sequence of zeros and ones. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Aug 2024
UX design principles: Why should testers know them?
Usability is key to the success of an application. Learn what developers and testers should look for to optimize usability and maximize the business value of an application. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Aug 2024
Speed vs. quality in software testing: Can you have both?
Testing can slow development and quick releases can come at the price of quality. Teams should not have to choose. Learn to efficiently pursue quality in development and testing. Continue Reading
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Opinion
14 Aug 2024
Software testing lessons learned from the CrowdStrike outage
After the recent CrowdStrike outage, organizations are keen to prevent and prepare for potential future disruptions. These key security and quality lessons can help. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Aug 2024
What is static application security testing (SAST)?
Static application security testing (SAST) is the process of analyzing and testing application source code for security vulnerabilities. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Aug 2024
What is shift-right testing?
Shift-right testing is a method of continuously testing software while it is in a post-production environment. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Aug 2024
What is software resilience testing?
Software resilience testing is a method of software testing that focuses on ensuring that applications perform well in real-life or chaotic conditions. Continue Reading
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News
07 Aug 2024
CloudBees buys co-founder's AI test automation tools startup
Jenkins creator Kohsuke Kawaguchi rejoins CloudBees as co-CEO of Launchable, which aims to stem the tide of AI-generated code with AI-driven test optimization. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Aug 2024
What is offshore software testing?
Offshore software testing is a software development model where an organization outsources the software testing process to a service partner team located in a different country and time zone. Continue Reading
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Video
06 Aug 2024
OpenAPI, Swagger and Spring Boot REST APIs
It's easy to integrate Swagger into your Spring Boot apps with SpringDoc's OpenAPI starter. Code generation, documenting REST APIs and testing endpoints has never been easier. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Aug 2024
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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Definition
01 Aug 2024
What is dynamic application security testing (DAST)?
Dynamic application security testing (DAST) is the process of analyzing a web application in runtime to identify security vulnerabilities or weaknesses. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jul 2024
What is API testing? Everything you need to know
API testing is a type of software testing that analyzes an application programming interface (API) to verify that it fulfills its expected functionality, security, performance and reliability. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jul 2024
What is continuous integration (CI)?
Continuous integration (CI) is a software development practice in which frequent and incremental changes are routinely added (integrated) to the complete codebase immediately after the changes and additions are tested and validated. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jul 2024
CrowdStrike outage underscores software testing dilemmas
Experts say efforts to avoid incidents such as last week's CrowdStrike outage will face time-honored tradeoffs between velocity, stability, access and security. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jul 2024
Guide to synthetic test data
Synthetic data can replicate real-world scenarios in software testing. Discover how synthetic data addresses challenges posed by real-world data while preserving its advantages. Continue Reading
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Opinion
25 Jul 2024
CrowdStrike disaster exposes a hard truth about IT
Growing third-party dependencies mean more CrowdStrike-like disasters ahead. Preventing these requires a commitment to quality from vendors and robust backup plans from users. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jul 2024
test-driven development (TDD)
Test-driven development (TDD), also called test-driven design, is a software programming method that interlaces unit testing, programming and refactoring on source code. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jul 2024
Requirements vs. user stories in software development
User stories fulfill the same purpose as software requirements but through different means. Learn how to write user stories and how they relate to software requirements. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jun 2024
Cypress vs. Playwright: When to use each
Cypress and Playwright stand out as notable options among the many automated testing tools available. Learn how to make an informed choice between them. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 May 2024
Understanding and implementing the software testing pyramid
Frameworks such as the software testing pyramid help developers implement Agile core values. Learn how the testing pyramid helps teams prioritize test type frequency. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Apr 2024
Positive vs. negative testing: Differences and examples
Take an in-depth look at positive and negative testing. Learn how to use both to form the basis of a thorough testing approach through a series of real-world examples. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Apr 2024
fault injection testing
Fault injection testing is a software testing method that deliberately introduces errors to a system to ensure it can withstand and recover from error conditions. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Apr 2024
staging environment
A staging environment (stage) is a nearly exact replica of a production environment for software testing. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Apr 2024
cross-browser testing
Cross-browser testing, also called browser testing, is a quality assurance (QA) process that checks whether a web-based application, site or page functions as intended for end users across multiple browsers and devices. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Apr 2024
soak testing
Soak testing is a type of performance testing that gauges how an application handles a growing number of users or increasingly taxing tasks over an extended period of time. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Apr 2024
spike testing
Spike testing is a type of performance testing in which an application receives a sudden and extreme increase or decrease in load. Continue Reading
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News
02 Apr 2024
GitHub Actions-hosted runners tie in Azure private networks
Private network support is also planned for AWS and Google Cloud Platform, but industry watchers see a power play for Microsoft Azure in GitHub Actions updates this week. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Mar 2024
Testing generative AI apps
With generative AI apps rising in popularity, QA professionals should be aware of their unique failure modes. Learn what testers need to consider when handling these tools. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Mar 2024
Summit speakers break down new era of developing software
Top thought leaders discuss their strategies to choose the right software development process and to best utilize AI and ML in this comprehensive BrightTALK summit. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Mar 2024
headless browser
A headless browser is a web browser without a graphical user interface (GUI). Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Mar 2024
Understanding code linting techniques and tools
Linting is an important preliminary step in the debugging process. Learn how fixing simple errors early on makes code easier to work with and improves coding practices. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Feb 2024
The importance of edge case testing: When to fix the bug
While edge cases in software testing only affect a small subset of users, testing for them is still important. Learn which edge fixes are worth making and which can be ignored. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Jan 2024
Java compiler
A Java compiler is a program that takes the text file work of a developer and compiles it into a platform-independent Java file. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Dec 2023
Conduct load tests with JMeter on Kubernetes
Apache JMeter and other load-testing tools can be used with Kubernetes to conduct stress tests to see how well an app performs in specific scenarios. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Dec 2023
Don't neglect API functional testing
APIs are how applications connect to a database, partner servers and integrated applications. Testing their efficacy is an essential QA task for every software team. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Dec 2023
What to know about Python load testing
It's a nice problem to have when an application is so popular it's in danger of failing from too many customers accessing it at once. Be sure you are ready to meet that demand. Continue Reading
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News
11 Dec 2023
Docker adds shift-left tests in AtomicJar Testcontainers buy
Docker stressed its commitment to maintaining the Testcontainers open source project at a time when shift-left testing has become a mainstream priority for enterprise developers. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Dec 2023
How boundary value analysis boosts test efficiency
Boundary value analysis provides multiple benefits, including increased test coverage and proactive defect prevention. It's a simple way to improve test efficiency. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Dec 2023
citizen development
Citizen development is a business process that encourages non-IT-trained employees to become software developers, using IT-sanctioned low-code/no-code (LCNC) platforms to create business applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Nov 2023
The dos and don'ts of scalability testing
Effective scalability testing helps to evaluate customer experience, protect against major failures and safeguard an organization's reputation. Here's how to set a strategy. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Nov 2023
Docker vs. OpenShift: What are the main differences?
Docker and OpenShift have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between the two depends on the specific needs of your application and organization. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Oct 2023
Best practices for automated end-to-end testing
Advanced end-to-end testing can save a company time and money, but it isn't easy to implement. Let's look at some of the important elements of test design. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Oct 2023
Is continuous testing in DevOps worth the effort?
Continuous testing isn't simple to implement, but it can add exceptional business value to software development when done right. Here are the key elements. Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2023
Exec: Key new HashiCorp Terraform feature enabled by BSL
HashiCorp Terraform Stacks will be available in the free Community Edition in part due to development funded by its recent license change, one company official says. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Sep 2023
How to test a predictive model
Strategies for testing predictive models and analytics emphasize data quality, real-time testing and code redundancy, as well as AI and machine learning integration. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Sep 2023
How to develop a test data management strategy
Effective test data management in app development involves defining appropriate data, using activity diagrams to see how the code will perform, and protecting sensitive information. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Aug 2023
The importance of Kubernetes vulnerability scanning
New to containerization and Kubernetes? Here's what the dev team should know about container image scanning, container file scanning and Kubernetes manifest scanning. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Aug 2023
5 essential best practices for QA teams to adopt
Performing QA duties properly should mean more than checking lists of basic application requirements. Here are five ways software QA teams can improve review processes all around. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Aug 2023
shift-left testing
Shift-left testing is a software testing approach in which the code is tested in the earlier stages of the software development lifecycle (SDLC). Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Aug 2023
The need to demystify software testing for developers
With how quickly demands for functionality can change in today's dynamic application environments, the case for developers to learn core testing skills could be stronger than ever. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jul 2023
How to make use of specification-based test techniques
Specification-based techniques can play a role in efficient test coverage. Choosing the right techniques can ensure thorough coverage, while eliminating redundancy. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jul 2023
The dangers of Python import and how enterprises can be safe
The Python import statement carries a security risk that developers and enterprises need to watch out for. Here's how it works and why there's no easy fix. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jul 2023
How to make use of specification-based test techniques
Specification-based techniques can play a role in efficient test coverage. Choosing the right techniques can ensure thorough coverage, while eliminating redundancy. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jun 2023
The potential of ChatGPT for software testing
ChatGPT can help software testers write tests and plan coverage. How can teams anticipate both AI's future testing capabilities and the security concerns that come with it? Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Jun 2023
How AI changes quality assurance in tech
AI and automation have become more commonplace across business processes. In the tech industry, for example, the use of both can enhance quality assurance. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Jun 2023
garbage in, garbage out (GIGO)
Garbage in, garbage out, or GIGO, refers to the idea that in any system, the quality of output is determined by the quality of the input. Continue Reading
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News
13 Jun 2023
AWS shuffles DevSecOps deck with CodeGuru Security SAST
A new DevSecOps service links AWS security code scanning to third-party pipeline tools, potentially a shot at GitHub Copilot that increases overlap with AWS SAST partners. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Jun 2023
automated testing
Automated testing is a software testing technique that automates the process of validating the functionality of software and ensures it meets requirements before being released into production. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 May 2023
How to gradually incorporate AI in software testing
While some software teams may find themselves wary to weave AI into their software testing routines, a gradual introduction of AI-based testing strategies could be worth the effort. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 May 2023
unit testing
Unit testing is a software development process in which the smallest testable parts of an application, called units, are individually scrutinized for proper operation. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Apr 2023
A few simple strategies to reduce software test redundancy
While comprehensive test coverage is a must, software teams must make conscious efforts to keep suites from becoming overpopulated with hampering numbers of redundant test cases. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Apr 2023
How to develop an API test automation strategy
A suite of automated API tests can set up an application for success but only if QA teams determine the right tests to automate and implement them correctly. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Apr 2023
How to balance data access and security in fintech testing
Using real data is beneficial in software testing -- but teams must be careful not to compromise security and privacy. Six core strategies for fintech testing can help. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Mar 2023
reliability of computers
Reliability is an attribute of any computer-related component -- software, hardware or a network, for example -- that consistently performs according to its specifications. Continue Reading