Software goes through several rounds of testing during the development process. Testing can be time-consuming, which is why organizations leverage test optimization as a strategy to boost efficiency and improve software quality.
Through test optimization, developers can shorten test time and minimize project costs. The result is a scalable process that reduces the overall development lifecycle while still delivering an exceptional product.
What is test optimization?
Test optimization is a process for streamlining software testing. It aims to improve the overall test efficiency by reducing the time spent on non-value-added activities. When done right, test optimization trims project costs without sacrificing accuracy or test quality.
A test optimization strategy focuses on several practices, such as eliminating test redundancy and setting test coverage criteria. It also considers a development team’s test execution process to identify opportunities for improvement. Refinements in both areas, test implementation and actual code testing, can lead to the best test optimization results.
Reasons for optimizing testing cycles
Besides minimizing overall project costs and time contributions, test optimization can prevent minor issues from becoming significant obstacles.
Some areas where test optimization can help include:
- Identifying and removing redundant, unnecessary code
- Reducing future maintenance time
- Right-sizing test coverage parameters
- Establishing clear testing processes that enhance overall work efficiency
Test optimization requires initial effort, but the payoff is worth it. A solid optimization strategy can improve overall project return on investment (ROI) by consuming fewer resources and contributing to a robust product.
What are the benefits of test optimization?
Test optimization delivers clear advantages for developers who engage in it. Here are a few reasons to make it a part of your workflow.
Faster testing cycles
Quick test execution allows quality assurance (QA) teams to provide swift feedback to developers. This enables teams to steadily work through problems during continuous integration and continuous development (CI/CD) cycles.
Efficient use of resources
Test optimization considers a project’s codebase, execution, and computing power and device requirements to minimize resource usage. As a result, organizations may reduce a project’s overall costs.
Increased test reliability
Test optimization removes flaky tests that deliver questionable outcomes. Teams may feel more confident in test results following optimization.
Better test coverage with less effort
Eliminating redundant tests from the testing process allows QA teams to focus on items that warrant real concern. Results from streamlined testing deliver more value to the overall project.
Supports scalability
An optimized test strategy is easy to manage and scale with your product. There’s less risk of delays that hinder development timelines.
Faster fixes
Rapid feedback loops allow developers to act on issues immediately. This supports quick delivery and project accuracy.
Better user experiences
Catching bugs before product release results in a better user experience. There’s less risk that users will run into issues when using the software.
14 test optimization techniques
There are many ways to pursue test strategy optimization. Before diving into test optimization with your next project, consider these ideas.
1. Incorporate shift-left testing
Traditional software testing starts near the end of a project, after the majority of the codebase is written. However, this creates more work for the QA team, since it can be much more challenging to identify and resolve bugs within thousands of lines of code.
Instead of waiting, introduce early testing with smaller segments of code (shift testing left!). This reduces the workload for QA teams and improves efficiency. Developers can incorporate fixes as they structure the full codebase.
2. Manage test data
Select test data that’s clean and reusable. If relevant to the project, integrate synthetic data for unique use cases where actual data isn’t available.
TestRail auto-generates tests based on user inputs and program requirements. It can supplement your testing process with new test scenarios and help you manage the entire testing workflow.
3. Create test suites
Brainstorm real-world scenarios for the software or program you’re testing, and group them into small test suites. This allows QA teams to focus on specific, precise areas where a program can fail rather than trying to lump multiple tests into one group.
4. Include testers in sprints
Developers often work in sprints to accomplish specific tasks. Near the end of a sprint, the QA team steps in to run tests and provide feedback. However, if the QA finds bugs and lacks adequate time to resolve them, it can result in delays.
Including the QA team in the sprint planning process can improve development efficiency. Let them advise how much time they require for testing during sprints, so everyone has a realistic timeline to work with.
5. Choose the right tools
Leverage automation tools for repeatable, stable tests. They can save a significant amount of time and provide immediate feedback to developers.
Know that test automation tools range in capabilities and features. Pick one that best matches your requirements and supports the programming language that your team feels comfortable with.
6. Use a mix of real devices and emulators/simulators
In an ideal world, developers would test software on every device it’s designed to run on — but in reality, most don’t. It’s simply too expensive to purchase multiple devices, modify them for various configurations, and stay on top of maintenance.
To get around this hurdle, many developers use emulators and simulators during testing. This is much more affordable, but it’s not a perfect solution. Bugs can make their way through emulator testing and end up in the final product.
A combination of real devices and emulators or simulators is a practical solution. Buy the most popular devices that users are likely to have, and rely on emulators for less common ones.
7. Incorporate parallel testing
Rather than running tests on a single device, use multiple devices with different configurations simultaneously. For example, if there are 30 tests to complete, use a different device for each one, and run them at the same time. This allows QA teams to complete testing much faster.
Parallel testing works best for independent tests that don’t require a special run sequence. QA teams also need access to solid infrastructure that can support heavy workloads.
8. Hold review testing
Schedule regular review sessions with developers and QA teams to evaluate the project’s progress. Go beyond milestone check-ins and dig into the team’s project expertise, particularly their understanding of its requirements and use of best coding practices.
Involve senior team members to brainstorm use cases and scenarios that aren’t covered in testing. Their expertise may help QA teams uncover hidden bugs not picked up in routine tests.
9. Use Wait commands
Typical tests use Sleep commands in test scripts to accommodate server delays when loading resources. However, Sleep commands introduce test pauses and delays, with the end result being an increase in flaky tests.
Replacing Sleep commands with a Wait command helps overcome this issue. Once the QA tester or software locates the element identified in a Wait command, it continues executing the test without further delays. This allows for a more reliable testing process.
10. Use parameterization
Reduce redundancy by using different inputs for each test. Known as parameterization, this process runs on the same test logic but incorporates a wide range of input scenarios.
11. Prioritize test cases
Establish a clear test case prioritization system where QA testers focus on important program components first. By doing so, teams get early insight into program functionality and can introduce any necessary changes. Test categories can include:
- High-priority: Tests of a program’s critical components and features that can dramatically impact user experience if they don’t work.
- Medium priority: Tests that involve important components but have a lesser impact on overall function.
- Low priority: Tests of a program’s low-risk functions and features.
Define priorities early in the development cycle so the QA team can select the appropriate tests for each use case.
12. Find flaky test cases
A flaky test fails or passes without any rhyme or reason, reducing confidence in test results. Identify these tests before using them in the QA process and attempt to resolve them. Sometimes, tracking and analytics can uncover the driver of a flaky test.
13. Document tests
Require QA teams to document each test, including its purpose, process, and expected results. While documentation may seem unnecessary when you have the same people running tests every cycle, it comes in handy if a team member leaves. Having the documentation available to all QA testers can streamline the transition and provide clarity to others who may be unfamiliar with the test.
14. Get familiar with the code
Don’t assume that test code is always correct, or that it’s the optimal format to use on a project. Take the time to understand each line of code and its objective, and evaluate whether it aligns with the project context. This simple process can elevate your testing skills and improve overall test quality.
How do you prepare a test case for optimization?
Ultimately, the real value of QA testing comes from the test case you use, not optimization. Keep these tips in mind to develop relevant test case scenarios.
Define objectives
Establish clear test case goals for each test scenario, user behavior, or program requirement.
Determine test levels and types
Define which test levels and test types to incorporate into the testing process. Test levels include unit, integration, system, and acceptance. Examples of testing types are functional, non-functional, and regression. Grouping tests allows for improved coordination and planning.
Test one thing at a time
Create tests that evaluate a single function or capability. This can help you narrow down problems and provide developers with relevant feedback.
Make tests reusable
Develop tests that can be used on other projects or modules to optimize testing time.
Break tests into small steps
Where possible, segment tests into multiple parts and use different test data for each one. This can improve test coverage.
Trace test cases to requirements or features
Verify that each test case evaluates a feature, program requirement, or function. Compare the test list with features and requirements to confirm sufficient coverage.
Focus on functionality vs line coverage
Testing code line by line isn’t realistic and can delay testing results. Instead, write tests based on the program’s functions and requirements. Incorporate multiple scenarios to enhance test coverage and quality.
Match the method to the use case
Understand the methods used in the test’s programming language and confirm you’re using the proper method for the use case. A non-matching method can yield incorrect results.
Know code coverage
Take advantage of a programming language’s coverage libraries to understand the parts of the code a test covers. Every programming language has its own website with resources, and online communities can also be helpful.
Use automation to reduce manual effort
Discern which tests are ripe for automation and don’t require manual oversight. Implementing automation is a time-saver that allows teams to focus on higher-level testing.
Prepare test reports
Include expected results within test documentation, so team members can quickly determine whether the test fails or not.
Tips for optimizing test case writing
After establishing a process for testing, implement a few best practices for optimization.
Feed test cases with real data
Don’t rely solely on artificial data generated by the QA team. Run tests with actual inputs generated by real users of the program. Doing so mimics the way genuine users will interact with the system (and the problems they may face).
Use an automation tool to facilitate the process
Invest in a test automation tool that aligns with project requirements. Such tools can handle basic function tests, allowing teams to work on higher-priority testing objectives.
Beware of over-automating
Be careful not to rely solely on automated tests. They can handle simple processes, but it’s a mistake to aim for total automation. That’s because QA testers may not understand the tests or what they’re meant to achieve. Work on a healthy balance of tests that are automated and manual for optimal coverage.
Run automation on code pushes before merging
Engage in automation tests after each code push and verify successful results before merging the new code into the codebase. This can prevent erroneous code from making its way to the end of the development cycle and causing unwanted delays.
Continue code review sessions
An experienced software engineer can add value to development by identifying potential test gaps and code mistakes. However, QA teams and junior developers should perform their own regular reviews in between the more formal review sessions. Consistent reviews allow teams to improve code and replace deprecated items with current methods and design principles.
Improve your QA process with TestRail
TestRail is a comprehensive, web-based test case management solution. It helps teams organize cases, track test execution, and review results from a single platform. With TestRail, you can refine current QA testing processes so they’re scalable and repeatable.
To explore how TestRail can benefit your team, sign up for a free 30-day trial.
