Peculiarities of SEO Testing Services

SEO testing services or SEO-audit of the website is performed in order to validate the quality level of its optimization with key SEO-parameters that have the influence on the ranking of your website in a network.

QA consultants conduct a deep analysis of all web pages of the website and provide a reliable information on its current state/level of optimization, as well as point on those moments that require improvement.

Quality assurance team pay a significant amount of attention to the analysis of inner relink pages optimized for search queries.

Internal SEO-Factors Include:

- validation of robots.txt & sitemap files;

analysis of pages source code of the website;

- validation of graphical files on compliance with SEO-requirements;

- meta tag analysis of the page;

- keyword density analysis on website pages;

- checking for duplicate pages;

- analysis of the inner relink pages.

- SEO audit also includes a deep analysis of all external links (incoming and outgoing).

External SEO-Factors Include:

- analysis of external incoming links to the site, including analysis of donor sites for their relevance and being reliable;

- analysis of outbound links to third-party resources;

- validation of hidden links;

- analysis of anchor-sheet;

- analysis of the dynamics of links growth.

Another Way to Validate the Software - Unit Functional Testing Service

The given type of independent testing allows quality assurance consulting specialists to check thoroughly each individual component (module, object, class, function, etc.) of the software, in order to make sure in its correct performance. 

It is a paramount, negative and positive testing of newly emerging functionality, which takes place during the software development. 

Unit functional testing service assumes testing of each component in isolation in an artificially created environment.

Given testing type performed based on approved testing requirements using manual and automated testing services. 

For internal projects, QA team uses “test first” approach, when automated tests are created before the software development. In this case, tests written before development process are run opposite the created and integrated pieces of code. The development is carried out until testers have successfully passed all tests.

Software testers also write individual test cases describing the steps and expected results;and they also write use-cases (usage scenarios) describing the user actions and system reaction on user-performed actions.

Unit functional testing is performed during the development of each system module. Therefore, in case of defect detection, testers will need to execute the redesign of a separately tested module, but not of all the system.

Besides, unit testing makes possible the defects detection in technical tasks or in project architecture, as well as the ability of separate program parts on each development stage. After the link-edit of these modules, it’s enough to perform system and regression testing. In addition, there will be no same defects in the work of modules, which will save the resources spent on fixing bugs already after the product release. 

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Software Development Quality Assurance: Prototype Testing

The prototype creation and testing with attracting your target group – is the best way to assess a new project and understand whether it will be commercially successful.

Prototype Testing provides an opportunity to examine thoroughly the project on first stages and make all essential alterations in accordance with desired objectives.

Testing service providers claim that prototype testing assures a complete serviceability of the product when it is released.

As a part of QA services, prototype testing saves both time and money on software development quality assurance of the product. 

The introduction of testing on the prototyping stage allows retrenching money costs and time, insofar as at the very beginning, the project will be carefully worked out and all specification details will be considered.

Prototype Testing for Small Projects 

For small projects, developed based on cascade model, prototype testing is especially critical. Why? Even minor noncompliance is requirements would lead to additional costs, and non-detected & unrecorded errors on early development stages, in general, may adversely affect your product’s fate.

Why Prototype Testing Service is Required?

- testing team clearly follows the recommendations in the user instructions and carry out work in accordance with a clear test plan;

- QA team pays a significant attention to identification of structural and logical errors in the prototype, which can cause a system failure;

- testers compare the prototype structure with similar variants of products on design, offers own variants on improvement;

- QA testers check whether the developed software meets international standards.

Thanks to qualified QA engineers, who performed their work successfully, prototype testing will calculate the potential costs at every stage of the product creation and to determine the most effective model of development. 

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SQA Services: How to Test Requirements

Requirements Testing is performed to determine whether the project requirements are implementable in terms of time, resources and budget. The majority of the software defects occur because of requirements being insufficient, inaccurate and ambiguous. 

This testing type includes documentation testing describing:

- project functionality;

- user-interface;

- hardware & software interfaces;

- performance criteria;

- issues and risks associated with the project implementation ;

- safety criteria & system correctness.

This type of independent testing also includes the help in collection and analysis of user data and their substantive work. It’s essential for user interface testing services performance, profiles creation, finalization of documentation, etc.

Main Benefits:

-helps to improve the quality of requirements;

-tends to reduce the number of tests performed for specified requirements satisfaction.

QA consulting team should collect and analyze the requirements for understanding what technologies would be used within project creation and its aims.

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Localization Testing Service as a Standalone Testing Type

What do you know about Localization Testing Services? Not a lot? It's not a problem! 

Today I feel like sharing some information about localization. Hope it will be new and fresh for you!

Localization was recognized as an independent software testing type more than 20 years ago and since that time, it has experienced some major developments. 

Localization testing has become an indispensable component of just about every software localization endeavor.

Localization testing as an independent testing type aims to verify whether the localized software/product is linguistically accurate and properly adjusted to the local languages and cultures.With what exactly localization deals with and tries to improve? 

The Issues Introduced as a Direct Result of Localization are:

- Linguistic or terminological issues.

- Issues related to Graphical User Interface & its look and feel.

- Issues that may break or comprise the functionality of the localized product.

Localization testing is necessary for every software product, but it’s crucial for that product, which will soon enter the international market.

Localization Testing is Necessary When:

- a program has the multilingual versions.

- the software products are at risk of localization errors.

- there are errors that seriously impact the product usability and can make a program good-for-nothing.

TestMatick testers mostly concentrate on the software UI and content during localization testing; special attention is paid to different languages and culture peculiarities. 

Load Testing Services by Means of Apache Bench

Apache Bench – is a simple tool for load testing service. This utility is included in the standard Apache Assembly and even have almost all ready assemblies such as Denwer, WAMP, XAMPP. Very easy to use and highly configurable.

If you are the beginner in load testing, ab (Apache Bench) – just what you need. 

Main advantages that ab is easy and convenient for learning/using, while its the biggest drawback is low functionality. 

So, what Apache Bench can?

All request are executed through Http protocol. Https is ,unfortunately, not supported. This is another minus :( 

In ab, you can set the total number of requests executed in parallel and time limits for all requests. Apache Bench offers the possibility to use post and head requests. 

You can also add content-type headers and parameters from the cookies, send requests to apache bench, use the proxy server. 

You can work with basic Http authentication and basic proxy authentication. It also supports Http keep-alive-the ability to send requests within one Http session. 

By default, apache bench this feature is turned off.

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The Browse of Three Load Testing Service Tools

Load testing services aim to define and gather the systems' time response & its performance indicators in order to cover the requirements imposed on the system. 

Nearly every load testing company resorts to various load testing tools. They can be and open source, and commercial.

TestMatick test engineers browsed three handy tools for load testing service. 

#1. Joe Dog Siege 

Advantages:

- Free tool for use.

- Multithreaded.

- One can specify the number of requests and duration (time of testing). It means that it’s possible to emulate the user load.

- This tool supports the simplest scenarios.

Drawbacks: 

- Resource-intensive.

- There is a little amount of static data. Also, Joe Dog Siege doesn’t emulate very good such user scenarios as the speed limit of user requests. 

- Not suitable for serious and large-scale testing in hundreds and thousands of threads, because it is resource-intensive, and on a large number of requests and threads loads the system greatly.

#2. Tsung 

Core Capabilities:

- Written on Erlang.

- HTTP, WebDAV, SOAP, PostgreSQL, MySQL, LDAP, Jabber/XMPP.

- Console (GUI through a third-party plugin).

- Distributed testing (millions of users).

- Possesses the testing stages.

- Test plan – XML-file.

- Plan recording by means of Tsung recorder’a.

- Monitoring of test servers (Erlang, Munin, SNMP).

- Tools for generating statistics and graphs from logs work.

Advantages:

- Free tool.

- As it’s written in Erlang, this tool scales well but depends on the allocated resources.

- Can perform the role of a distributed system on a big number of machines.

- A great number of tested systems-not just Web servers and databases, but also, for example, XMPP-server: can send messages, tests with the authorization.

- The control via console, but, thanks to the support of plugins - can be managed by using a third-party plugin with GUI.

- The existence of Tsung Recorder tool -sort of a proxy server through which you can walk over the tested website and record as soon as the load profile.

- Generation of different testing schedules by using scripts.

Drawbacks: 

- The absence of GUI-interface.

- There is only *nix-system.

#3. WAPT

Core Capabilities: 

- Windows.

- Fee-paying (there is a trial period 30 days/ 20 virtual users).

- Record of the test plan through desktop & mobile browsers.

- Dependence on test plans (subsequent URL depending on the response from the server).

- Imitation of real users (a delay between connections, speed limit connections).

Advantages:

- Very flexible and has various configurations and tests.

- Emulation of slow user connections channels.

- The connection of modules.

- The record of test scripts straight from the browser (desktop & mobile).

- Generation of various testing schedules by using scripts.

Drawbacks: 

- Available only for Windows.

- You should pay fee to use this tool.

Security Testing Service: The Audit of Information Security

Information security audit – is an independent evaluation of the current state of information security system. It establishes the level of compliance with particular criteria and provides results in the form of recommendations.

IS audit allows getting the most comprehensive and objective evaluation of information system security, localize problems and develop an effective IS management system building program organization.

Within the IS audit, or as a separate project, dedicated testers can carry out penetration test service to verify company information system's ability to resist attempts to infiltrate your network and unauthorized exposure to information.

Penetration testing is needed to identify the possible scenario of penetration into the network with the achievement of different goals (capture or administrative rights in the domain database, creating traces of an attacker compromising critical systems).

Penetration testing allows you to get an objective assessment of how easy it is to exercise unauthorized access to resources on the corporate network or website of your company, how, through what vulnerabilities or through any flaws in the system.

Conducting penetration testing allows you to test the level of security systems and the level of maturity of the ISMS.

External penetration test is performed from the public networks and simulates the behavior of the attacker, who attacks from the Internet (using social engineering, and without it). 

External penetration tests vary in scope initially provided information specialist, performing the test.

Mobile Testing Services: Amusive Statistics or Our Affection Towards Mobile Devices

Our today’s world and its population can’t go without mobile app services. Mobile devices already have become an integral part of our life and even the part of our personalities. We read mails, check our social accounts, purchase goods, chat and keep in touch with friends through the Internet and these small gadgets. 

I don’t argue the point that mobile devices & services really made our life somewhat better and easier, but It’s sad to realize that majority builds their daily routine around them. 

Are you one of them?

We prepared a very amusive mobile statistics that will show the level of our affection towards mobile gadgets. 

Let’s start!

- 80% of Internet users are smartphone owners.

- 48% of consumers use search engines for mobile research while 33% use branded website & 26% - with a branded app.

- More than 50% of people grasp their smartphones straightaway after waking up. 

- According to Google research, 61% of users are less likely to visit again the site they had troubles with & 40% will go to a competitor’s site instead. 

- In the last three years, the usage of mobile email have grown by 180%.

- 79% of people use smartphones for reading email. It’s much higher percentage of people who use gadgets for making calls.

- 91% of users value an easy access to content.

- 83% of mobile users prefer a seamless experience across all devices.

- 57% of users are less likely to recommend a business, which has a poor design of a mobile site.

- Over 36% of mobile subscribers use iPhones or iPads to read email and 34% of subscribers only use mobile devices to read emails.

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How to Choose Best Independent Software Testing Company?

Best independent software testing companies organize independent software testing performed by experienced specialists, who don’t participate in the process of information system development. It guarantees the testing being objective, as well as conformity of the delivered software non-functional and functional requirements. 

Independent testing performed by TestMatick allows our customers to use a single test repository, the best company’s achievements, 24/7 support team.

The practice of independent testing performance aims to provide a wide range of services, which client can use them both in complex, or separately, in any combination. 

Top independent testing companies should offer the following services: 

- load testing, performance testing, stress testing;

- regression/functionality testing;

- API;

- configuration testing;

- localization testing;

- usability testing;

- data migration;

- security.

The clients should also get a number of additional benefits. For example: 

- reduction of risks to release a low-quality product;

- risk reduction of postponing the release;

- adjustment of costs transparency and predictability;

- optimization of time and cost for testing;

The implementation of outsourcing model provides best results and is effective. 

When choosing the best independent testing company, you will get the promotion of your trademark, as well as sales growth. 

Integration Testing Software Service & Its Main Approaches

Integration testing software service is aimed to validate the connection between components, and the cooperation of various system parts (operating system, equipment or hookups between various systems).

Integration Testing Levels: 

Component Integration Testing. On the given level, one checks the interaction between system components after component testing has been performed. 

System Integration Testing. The interaction between various systems is checked after the system testing has been executed. 

What are the Continuous Integration Services? 

Continuous Integration (CI) is a practice in software engineering. It’s aimed to provide an immediate feedback about the introduced defect in the code base, which can be detected and eliminated as soon as possible.

Three Approaches to Integration Testing: 

#1. Bottom Up Integration. Software tester gathers all the low-level modules, procedures, and functions and then performs their testing. After these activities, he gathers the next level of modules for integration testing. The given approach is good if all the modules (or nearly all of them) are ready. As well, the given approach helps to define the level of the app being ready, based on test results. 

#2. Top Down Integration. At first, software dedicated tester checks all high-level modules and gradually adds low-level ones. All the modules of lower levels are simulated by plugs with the similar functionality, and then whenever they are ready, they are replaced with real active components. 

#3. “Big Bang” Integration. All or almost all of the developed modules are assembled together as a complete system or its main part, and then tester executes integration testing. This approach is time-saving. But if test cases and their results are recorded in incorrect way – the process of integration testing will be more complicated, and will be an obstacle for the test team in achieving the main goal of integration testing.

Independent Testing: Test Design & Its Techniques

When software testers or dedicated testing teams perform independent testing, they inevitably use test design. What is this? 

Test design – is the stage in the process of software testing service, based on which test cases are designed in accordance with the previously defined quality criteria and test goals. 

Roles of Responsible for Test Design:

- Test Analyst – defines “WHAT to test?”
- Test Designer – defines “HOW to test?”

Test Design Techniques:

- Equivalence Partitioning. As an example, you have the range of valid values from 1 to 10, and you must choose the correct value within an interval of, let’s say 5, and one wrong value outside the interval - 0.

- Boundary Value Analysis. The given analysis can be applied to fields, records, files, or to any kind of entities with limitations.

- Cause/Effect. It’s, as a rule, the input of combinations of requirements (causes) in order to get the system response (effect). 

- Error Guessing. It’s when test analyst uses his/her knowledge and skills for interpreting the specifications in order to “predict” the system crash caused by some input conditions. 

- Exhaustive Testing – it is an extreme case. Within this technique, you must check all the possible combinations of input values, and it should find any problems. In practice, this method is not possible, due to the vast amount of input values.

- Treceability Matrix - is a two-dimensional table, which contains the corresponded functional requirements of the product and prepared test cases. The given technique is used by QA engineers to validate the product tests coverage. 

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Software Test Services: Bug Hunting

There is also one relative methodology that is called Bug Hunting. In practice, this event is quite interesting and emotional. 

Depending on the project, developed functionality and the number of developers in the team, the given event may be performed on the following scenario: 

- Participation of all project team members (programmers, testers, managers, etc.). 

- Creation of teams, where each one has members of different professions. 

- Each team has to validate a particular program functionality (interface, data storage, data processing, data transferring, performance and so on).

- There are deadlines for defect detection (4 hours, 8 working hours and so on).

- All the team members start validating one's functionality together. 

- All the defects or wishes on improving the functionality are recorded.

- Detected defects are described in details if it’s needed.

- Each team represents all the detected defects on the general meeting.

- Defects from each team are shared in the document.

When the event is finished, all the documentation with detected bugs is passed to the testers, who reproduce them & introduce relevant defects in the bug tracking system. 

There are some positive moments in the following type of team bug hunting: 

- The involvement of the entire team;

- "A fresh perspective" on the product;

innovative approaches to verification;

- Developers often confess about the defects, which they haven’t  seen in the code, but none of them shared this information. 

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Software Test Services: Error Guessing & Exploratory Testing Techniques

Error Guessing Technique uses the tester’s experience in order to predict the place and type of defect occurrence in the system or in the system component. Fault Attack is the synonym to the given technique. This technique is used for defining the system quality and reliability, by means of attempts to cause certain failures. 

Depending on the project, there can also be some useful standardized and public testing methodologies as SUMI and WAMI. You can also compile a list of defects, which usually take place in the program. Tests and scenarios are created accordingly to these defects.

Exploratory Testing Technique is an informal method for designing tests and test scenarios. 

This technique is used when the product doesn’t have requirements and documentation or limited time for testing. Tester checks the program and for statistics can record what tests were performed, and in the case of defect detection, tester creates the improved tests for more exhaustive program testing. In this method that is based on structure, interface, and program logic, one can and must use the earlier techniques. 

This "surface" method can identify only a small percentage of the total number of defects in the product, and is commonly used as a supplement to formal methods.

This method is very close to Ad Hoc Testing method, which is also informal. There are no formal phases of preparation and prediction of expected results. 

Software Test Services: Experience Based Test Design Techniques

The name of the given method speaks for itself. Experience Based Test Design Technique doesn’t belong to formal methods. Decisions about what to check in the product are made by the tester based on his/her:

- Knowledge of and experience with similar projects;

- Knowledge of and experience with technology;

- General experience in testing;

- Intuition;

- Knowledge of the basic reasons for which programs do not work correctly;

- Knowledge about possible defects and their distribution.

In addition to testers, customers, developers, end users, business analysts, and all interested in the project can participate in this testing method. Their knowledge and experience always help in directing testing efforts in the right direction for the definition of defects. 

In order to make a decision, it is also very useful to have the information about already existing defects in the program. The main idea of this method lies in getting quick feedback on the quality of the program without the use of formal processes. 

Tests and test scenarios are based on experience, and after their performance can be obtained by using metrics (created by tests, passed the tests, not passed tests, the number of defects found and their significance) the primary view about the quality of the project, as well as the "Pareto principle" identifies areas for further testing. 

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Software Test Services: Structure Based Test Design Techniques

Structure Based Test Design Technique has the synonym – White-box Technique, as we have access to the information in the form of a code about the software product structure. 

This type of testing involves the development of tests or test scenarios based on the analysis of the internal component structure or the entire system. Tester has an access to the program code, analyzes it, and determines which parts of the software (variable, condition, function and so on), are necessary to validate and cover with a set of tests or test scenarios. 

There are Methods of Test Development Based on the Structure of the Software Product:

- Statement Coverage Testing.

- Decision Coverage Testing.

- Condition Coverage Testing.

If in Black-box Method, the functionality coverage based on requirements and available documentation, in the White-box method, testers operate the notion - Code Coverage. The magnitude of this level is calculated in percentage (%), and if code coverage reaches 100%, you must perform an additional Coverage Analysis of the code and create the appropriate missing tests or scenario.

Depending on the project type, quality requirements, available time for development and staff competence, testers create tests using one or several Coverage Criteria:

- Function coverage determines whether or not each program function was executed. 

- Statement coverage determines the percentage of operators that were verified by tests and the total number of operators. Within this method, every line of code must be tested and implemented.

- Decision coverage - shows the percentage of results of  alternatives or branches that have been performed by a set of tests. Branch is a result of the decision. The decision shall be taken when analyzing such operators as: IF condition, or DO-WHILE or REPEAT-UNTIL LOOPS, CASE. 

- Condition coverage - shows the percentage of audited Boolean condition (True & False) for each individual condition due to tests. Measurement of conditions coverage is performed independently from each other.

- Path coverage – shows the percentage of paths or routes through part of the code, which was passed when you run your tests.

- Entry/exit coverage - shows the percentage that all possible challenges and refunds from the functions have been implemented or not. 

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Software Test Services: Use Case Testing Method

In order to validate the functionality of the program, from End User point of view, testers create test cases based on the sequence of user operations. These cases display all user needs in maximum when working with a program, as well as real examples of interaction between the user and the product. 

This testing method is useful because testing happens not only for specific components but for the whole system. And quite often such behavior, which is impossible to imagine even on the basis of requirements and specifications.

Use Case Testing is based on the creation of such cases, when after performing few steps, the user reaches a particular goal. 

For scripts execution, one often needs to perform at first certain Preconditions, without which the testing cannot begin. For example, certain programs are installed, input values are also prepared, the relationship between programs components are customized and so on. 

Also, after you run the test script, you must check the Postconditions (it’s such conditions and the state of the program that must be performed after the test script). For example, additional office files and Test Logs are generated, data is saved in the database, implemented the necessary scripts and so on. 

Using this method, one can create Acceptance Tests when customers and the end users are in active cooperation with the team at this stage. 

Software Test Services: Decision Table Testing Method

In a complex software product, trivial tests occur not so often, when one input parameter influences only one output value. For those cases, when there is a combination of input values and relevant output data, dedicated testers create a Decision Table. Based on the given table, testers design test scenarios, which validate in the complex the performance of the program functionality.

 One of the black-box methods gained the name “Decision Table Testing”. The given method is useful, when the analysis of requirements, specifications and business rules influences on interconnected logical conditions that depend on the combination of input and output data.

Decision Table Can be Formed on the Following Algorithm: 

- For each business rule, the corresponding input & output data is chosen.

- Each input value can be performed or not - the Trigger Principle.

- Each output value can or not be performed.

- Depending on the combination of one or several executable/non-executable input values - one or several output values can be performed. 

- Each column in the table corresponds to one business rule. 

- Each business rule is characterized by a unique input and output values. Based on performed results of all the conditions - this business rule takes place. 

The given method can be implemented on every testing level, depending on a business rule and logical dependencies of the input and output data in the program.

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Software Test Services: State Transition Testing Method

In order to understand and use the given method, You should know the following terms: 

- State Diagram shows the conditions (that can be a component of a program or system) and situations or events that lead to a transition from one state to another. 

- State Transition Testing - is the kind of test development due to black box method, where tests or test scripts are created through the implementation of valid and invalid state transitions. 

- N-Switching Testing - is testing of the navigation tables, where tests or test scripts are created for executing all correct sequences of N +1 transitions.

N- Switching Testing of navigation tables shows the relationship between the states and inputs, as well as possible and impossible transitions between states. State transitions may be valid and invalid. Based on the algorithm and the rules, the system moves from one state to another, depending on the input.

Tests & Test Scenarios are Created for:

- Covering the typical state sequences.

- Covering each state.

- The performance of each transition.

- The performance of special transition sequences.

- Validation of incorrect transitions.

This test method is often used when checking work algorithms of the navigation in Web sites, at ATMs, online stores, and so on.

This method can be applied at all levels of testing, depending on the rules and the program algorithm.

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Software Test Services: Boundary Values Method

The given black box method uses Boundary Values. Input or output boundary value is on the edges of the selected equivalent area and, as a rule, are the minimum and maximum values of the area. 

When performing Boundary Value Analysis, test or test scenarios are created based on the chosen boundary values for input or output data. The given method complements the equivalence partition method.

Boundary Value Method is Characterized by the Following Definitions:

- Boundary values for "acceptable" equivalent area referred to as "permissible threshold values".

- Boundary values for "unacceptable" equivalent area referred to as "Invalid threshold values".

Tests are developed to cover both the boundary values of the permissible and not permissible values.

When Designing Tests by Means of This Method, Testers Use:

- 3 Value Boundary Approach. Boundary values are three numbers: boundary value itself and coming to him left and right, taking into account the multiplicity of values:

• with multiplicity equal to 1, for edge number 7, testers choose for the tests the number 6, 7 and 8;
• with multiplicity equal to 0.1, for edge number 7, testers choose he numbers 6.9, 7 & 7.1.

- 2 value Boundary Approach. For the boundary value, testers pick up 2 numbers, taking into account the multiplicity; there are left hanging, or right hanging approach to border:

• with the left approach to the border and when multiplicity equal to 1, for edge number 7, tester chooses perimeter number 6 & 7 for tests;
• with the right approach to the border and when multiplicity is equal to 1, for the edge number 7, testers choose 7& 8 numbers.

In practice, it is better to use an approach with three values at the border, because immediately achieved maximum coverage and defect are detected more often. 

This method can be applied at all levels of testing, taking into account input and output criteria cover.

Software Test Services: Equivalence Partition Method

In order to understand the given method, at first, you should be familiar with the following terms. They are: 

Equivalence Partition – it is part of the area of input or output data, for which the execution behavior of a program's functionality will be the same.

Equivalence Partitioning - is a kind of developing by means of black box method, with which tests or test scripts are created to validate elements of equivalent scope, and each area is covered by a test at least once.

In practice, this method is one from other test developing methods, which is based on the analysis of input and output data in the program and allows identifying the minimal amount of data values from the equivalent field that is enough to cover the functionality with a minimal test kit. 

Equivalence Partition Method performs its main function – reduces the number of tests, which can be executed and testers also can provide the information with a minimal data about the health of functionality.

When using this method, it is important to identify equivalent areas.

NB! When also using this method, it’s crucial to prevent Defect Masking, when one defect doesn’t let to detect the other one. If you need to verify some input parameters with the relevant equivalent areas, so it’s essential initially to verify each input parameter separately.

 If one input parameter has a defect in data processing and introduces simultaneously two, three or more input parameters, the program will process the data and get the wrong result, allegedly due to already known defect. 

Although, it is often the presence of a defect and also when processing different input parameter.

This method can be applied at all levels of testing, taking into account input and output criteria for coverage.

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Software Test Services: Specification-Based Test Design Techniques

In this post and the next ones, we will study Specification-Based Test Design Techniques, their features and objectives. So, what are Specification-Based Test Design Techniques and with what to eat them? 

Dedicated testers also call them Black Box Technique and it can be used as a synonym. 

This testing type, functional or non-functional, is performed:

- Without knowledge of the internal structure of the component or the entire system.

- Using analysis available on the project documentation and requirements for the software product being developed, taking into account the functional and non-functional aspects.

- Using specifications to your developed product or model anticipated system.

Test and Test scenarios are created based on these criteria. There are methods of developing tests based on the following specifications:

- Equivalence Partitioning.

- Boundary Value Analysis.

- State Transition Testing.

- Decision Table Testing.

- Use Case Testing.

This method can be applied at all levels of testing.

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Software Test Services: Category Types & Methods Structure of Test Design

All the programs are validated by means of various software testing services and there are lots of Test Design Techniques that are useful when you need to define necessary Test data and Test Conditions. The complexity of the developed software always increases, accordingly the number of tests also growths. These tests must be executed within a limited time conditions and human resources. 

When selecting any software development model, fast and qualitative information from testers about the program health allows estimating the project/product risks and identify the direction in which you want to attach additional test efforts.

Three Categories of Test Development Methods for Software Product

- Specification Based Test Design Techniques.

- Structure Based Test Design Techniques.

- Experience Based Test Design Techniques.

Necessary Model or Its Combinations Testers Choose According to: 

- Complexity of the project.

- Type of system under development.

- SDLC.

- Test levels.

- Level of risk.

- Type of risk.

- Documentation available.

- Requirements (legislative, contractual, client) to the developed product.

- Testers’ knowledge.

- Time & budget.

- Test objectives.

At this point, software development with each passing day becomes more difficult to implement. In the process of the product creation, testers use the number of various technological combinations on different platforms and this multilateral dependence on many factors affect the development process. 

Ideally, tester must know how to use each technique. Depending on the objectives of the project, you must use each of them at the appropriate level of testing.

Software Test Services: Defects Management

                            

Defect Management is the process of identification and recognition, research and elimination of incidents. Software testers together with other project members (developers and customers) conduct the logging of incidents (defects), their classification and determination of the degree of influence on the software product under development.

Defects can occur in different stages of SDLC and software testing services:

- The stage of writing the requirements.

- The stage of code writing.

- When creating testing documentation (Test Plan, Test Design, Test Scenario).

- When reviewing the developed product.

- In help documentation, user guide, installation guide and other documents. 

All incidents (defects), after the identification, must be selected in the chosen project tool for management and monitoring. 

Such instruments are: 

- Incident Management Tool.

- Defect Tracking Tool.

- Defect Management Tool.

The main tasks of such tools are:

- Recording and tracking the status of incidents.

- Changes in their description.

- Add files to them, through which they can reproduce.

- Generating statistical data on their status in the form of reports.

- Their distribution between the project participant (programmers and testers).

Bug Report has the following structure and data (the content depends on the chosen tool):

- The date of defect occurrence.

- Name of the company, organization or project.

- Name of the person who found the defect.

- The title of the defect.

- Steps or scenario of defect reproduction.

- Expected and actual results.

- The description of the software configuration (name & version) or test environment (used programmes & equipment).

- Test Logs.

- Screenshots.

- Configuration files.

- The level of impact on customer’s interests.

- Urgency/Priority fix.

- Defect Status:

`New.

`Open.

`Assigned.

`Rejected.

`Deferred, Suspended.

`Duplicate.

`Waiting to be fixed.

`Fixed awaiting re-test.

`Test.

`Reopened.

`Verified.

`Closed.

- Comments & recommendations from the project participants.

- History of changes in the defect.

- Test link, where the defect was found.

-  Link to the program file and version with comments that were fixed.

- The information about developers’ actions for defect identification, its localization, and the degree of impact on other functionality.

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Software Test Services: The Evaluation of Risks in the Product Under Development

Product Risks are directly related to the test object, and these risks directly associated with the quality of software product. 

Characteristics of poor product quality are:

- The program does not perform the functionality that was declared in the specification.

- Software and equipment, which it serves, can cause damage to the person or company.

- Program unreliable from the point of view of its unexpected shutting down or rebooting.

- The program has a low level of reliability, performance, ease of use.

- When processing or transmission information, it changes on the wrong algorithm, it can also be lost or transformed with the deviation from accepted standards.

There are other problems connected with developed software product. Risk analysis in this direction allows determining in which direction and what functionality you must make a greater effort to test. In the case of a "pesticide paradox" or "defects clustering ", new tests or test scripts are updated or created for localization issues and to identify their causes. 

Testing helps to identify risks in the product, namely, defects or incorrect operation of the program. Measures were taken to reduce project risks (hotfix functionality or fixing) reduces the probability of their occurrence when the program will be used by the users.

Risks in the product can even be connected with the developers of the program. If the previous project developer made critical errors (this is confirmed by the collected metrics), then there is a high chance that this project and the developer can write a low-quality code. 

Perhaps, such a developer needs to undergo some additional training on weak competence, or periodically analyzing a written code, before assembling the program. Testers also give more attention to functionality; a developer often makes mistakes.

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Software Test Services: Risk Issues

When developing software, the dedicated testing team may face some project risks and product risks. 

Complex Projects are Characterized by the Following Risks:

- Safety – it includes security of data transmission and storage; 

authorization for data access, and so on.

- The interaction between Multiple Interfaces.

- Impacts on Client – reputation, time, and money.

- Government regulations and rules.

Also, It's Crucial to Determine Whether the Implementation of the Project From:

- Third-party manufacturers.

- Bad or incomplete product documentation.

- Complex functionality.

Product requirements in the event of a misunderstanding at the initial stage of the project are implemented in the form of improper behavior and logic in the program. Each product requirement must be checked. 

Requirements may vary by stage of software development, so if you change them all - project participants should be informed about it. Otherwise, developers can continue creating legacy program requirements, and testers will not update tests and testing properly. 

The Usage of Main Testing Principles Helps:

- Conduct early testing.

- Obtain the information about the quality of the product faster.

- Cluster defects and find potential problems.

The involvement of all participants in the meeting and brainstorm can help you identify risks at early stages of product development and help you take action to reduce them.

And the main thing to consider and take action so that risks do not recur in the future.

Software Test Services: Test Planning & Control

Test Planning & Control

Test planning and control are the initial stages when software testers from various independent testing companies start their work on the project.  On the planning stage, testers identify aims (what they are going to test) and actions (the way the testing will be executed) in order to reach the goal. As a rule, testers analyze the requirements for the program or project, create a test plan. Test plan contains all documented strategies that would be used during the program software development life cycle. It’s done to validate if the product meets the declared design in specifications or some other requirements. The dedicated testing team creates, reviews and updates test plan in the process of the project execution. 

Test Plan

Depending on the product under development and the team structure there is a master test plan for complex programs that covers several testing levels. For individual components or complex functional programs, there are separate test plans, which has already described this particular components or features of the testing strategy. This decomposition is also relevant when developing systems using various developing teams that are working in different companies and even countries.

Test Control

Test control – is a continuous process that takes place from the beginning to the end of the project. It includes the comparison of actual results together with planned ones. If some differences happen, testers perform analysis of the situation, compile the report about the current status and offer measures to eliminate problems that have an impact on performing the job successfully. The problems can be: lack of necessary equipment, lack of qualified personnel, etc. 

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Software Test Services: Fundamental Test Process

Today we will start a new page in test software services – Fundamental test process. I hope that all the information about software development models was useful for you! 

Let’s think about the reasons why are the majority of top software testing companies so successful? The answer is simple – they have established test processes when performing various software testing services. Let’s study them!

Fundamental Test Process Includes The Following Primary Activities:

- Test planning & control.

- Test analysis & design.

- Test implementation & execution.

- Evaluating exit criteria & reporting.

- Test closure activities.

The above steps can be used all or partly depending on the developed product and process development. We will consider all of them in next posts in details. Try to analyze what actions do you use on your projects. If any of them does not run for your company or project, then try to think how you can implement and what benefits they will bring to the development process.

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Software Test Services: Spiral Software Development Model

Spiral model of the software development lifecycle is similar to the Incremental model, but with more focus on the analysis of the requirements and risks. 

Development Phases of Spiral Model

- Planning.

- Risk Analysis.

- Development.

On the Planning stage, the dedicated testing team gathers the initial requirements. After the stage of risk analysis and software product prototyping – testers start writing the code, which finishes with performing software testing services. 

The last “spiral” stage ends with the period when customers evaluate all the done work. And when the work is excepted – testers can proceed to the next spiral.

Benefits:

- The software starts working already from the beginning of the SDLC.

-  Requirements definition and risk analysis in the product allow testers to create documentation and prevent critical risks in the following steps.

-  There is a possibility to add new functionality in later stages/rounds.

Drawbacks:

- The project success depends on a broad product analysis.

- This model requires highly qualified specialists.

- Is suitable for the small projects.

- It is an expensive model because of the attraction of business analytics and managers on requirements, who should be engaged in the process periodically on each of the first two stages of the Spiral model.

It is Recommended to Use When:

- There are significant risks in the developed product.

- Time-consuming project.

- Requirements can change depending on the market conditions.

- Complex requirements in the developed product.