Agile testing is basically a type of software testing practice that helps the developers in easily adapting and responding to the sudden and rapid changes. It follows the principles of Agile software development. The basic difference of agile testing and conventional testing is that, in case of agile testing the responsibilities are shared equally by each team member. It makes every single member of a team responsible for the quality as well as the outcome of a final product.
Agile methodology has of late become quite popular. Though its origin is tied to software development, it has now spread to many industries. Being an important methodology in terms of software testing and development to ensure quality, the project managers accordingly need to be aware and familiar with the best practices associated with it.
Following 7 best practices of Agile testing can bring about potential benefit to organizations implementing Agile testing:
- Continuous Integration
This is essential as continuous integration of the code helps to keep the same updated. It is indeed a good practice as it helps to get fast feedback on the latest check-ins. All the written codes need to be verified before they are connected with the old code. Continuous integration of the code leads to simplification of the new user stories
- System Metaphor
This is also a practice that needs to be followed as descriptive class as well as function names help in a better understanding of the code.
- Code standard
Creating a coding standard is recommended before starting with the coding process. Using an uniform style with respect to coding is good as any member of a team can take the code of some other member and work on the same as his/her own.
- Shippable Code
Having a package code that is working is also necessary. Along with the recurrent release of the code with the package, the client gets an assurance of receiving the business value that is expected within a short time.
- Test-Driven Development
It is advisable to engage in setting up the environment that makes it easier to create the unit tests before starting with the process of coding. However with the Test Driven Development approach, all sessions start with writing of the programming adaptive tests that the unit tests succeed.
- SCRUM meetings
In these meetings, generally lasting for roughly 10 minutes, ideally the entire team dealing with the project should be present. It is helpful as it serves as a yardstick with respect to the progress of the work as to discuss the amount of job done the day before, the agenda for the present day as well as the goals for the near future along with checking for any hurdles that might obstruct the flow of job.
These meetings however demand a good scrum master who can direct the discussions to something positive and fruitful and not to sheer wastage of precious time.
- Release Planning
Planning needs to be undertaken regarding the release of the product. The calendar determining the releases should send a clear message to all regarding the expectation for the functionality of the new software.
Moreover release planning if done appropriately helps in correcting the code in case all the versions support automated testing as well as its integration with all other constituents.
Agile Testing also provides the company with a number of benefits
– It reduces costs and helps in increasing market share as well as revenues.
– Agile Testing offers faster time to market the product once the coding is completed by the development team.
– Agile testing also improves quality through a number of tools that help in automation and emphasize on quality.
– It keeps the customers as well as the employees happy.
Since agile development is purely people-centric, one needs to ensure adherence to certain values and principles that paves the way for collaboration and constructive criticism. The important constituent with respect to the agile testing mindset is the force that drives the team to continually look for out more efficient and better methods.
Gallop Solutions 