Accelerate Now: 6 Best Practices for a High-Velocity Testing Strategy

Speeding up your testing strategy does not have to mean starting over from scratch. The number one way to accelerate your testing is by optimizing your current testing strategy.  

In this blog, we will go over our top six tips for faster testing. Put them all together, and you have got a mini strategy for taking your testing to the next level. 

Stay Organized   

It sounds basic but staying organized is critical to faster testing. Organizing your tests may not seem important daily, but it will make things a lot easier for you in the future.  

Keep your test cases simple and reusable and automate features at the unit level. It will be easier for you and your team to run tests at any time if you use good test management methods, store reliable data, and keep clear test automation reports. 

Perform Parallel Testing 

The most efficient way to speed up software tests is to use parallel testing, especially for cross-browser testing.  

When a new feature is published, it will be tested across a variety of devices, browsers, and operating systems to guarantee cross-browser and cross-platform compatibility. When it comes to apps, monitor app behavior on multiple device-OS combinations. Every time a new device, browser version, or operating system version is published – which happens often – parallel testing should be performed.  

Not only should the website or app work on newer releases, but also on existing browsers, devices, and OSes. Any changes made to ensure their compatibility should not affect their behavior.  

Related Resources >> Intro to Parallel Testing  

Reduce Regression Testing Time 

Agile regression testing guarantees that high-value regression tests are run on a regular basis, allowing teams to focus on new features. Teams must develop regression testing suites with an emphasis on robust test scenarios, high coverage, and near-zero test maintenance to achieve this. 

Regression testing can be performed in a variety of methods, although some are more time-consuming than others. To stay up with release cycles and your competitors, you must reduce your regression testing time. Here are some of our recommendations for speeding up regression testing. 

Related Resources >> How to Reduce Regression Testing Time 

Know When to Test on Virtual Vs. Real Devices  

The best mobile testing strategies utilize both real and virtual platforms. Teams can achieve better levels of test coverage by combining the two, while testing quicker and producing higher-quality products. Knowing when to test on virtual vs actual devices is crucial, here is a good place to start. 

When to Test On Virtual Devices 

As a rule, use virtual devices for early test cycles. Simulators and emulators allow teams to optimize coverage without having to rely on real devices early in the development process. 

Simulators and emulators are great for unit testing because they allow developers to test isolated units of code with each new functionality. At this stage, virtual platforms can give feedback and debugging information that developers want. 

When to Test On Real Devices 

Real device testing should be done later in the process. Once your app reaches the integration stage, you should switch to real device testing. Because your software involves integration, functional, and non-functional testing as part of the CI process, use genuine mobile devices. 

When you begin acceptance testing as part of the release process, test on real device/OS configurations that fit your target audience. Our Test Coverage Index gives you precise statistics on the devices and browsers that are used in your region. 

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Use the Test Pyramid 

Having a strong theoretical foundation can also help you achieve better results. Using the testing pyramid is an important part of this foundation.  

The testing pyramid is a concept that groups software tests into different categories. From the bottom to the top, these are the layers of the pyramid: 

• Unit tests 
• UI/exploratory tests 
• Integration tests 

The test pyramid advises testers to add more tests to the lower level of the pyramid. The tests run at the lower level are generally faster than the UI tests. 

Use this blog as a guide to match the proper platforms with the right types of testing within your pipeline. 

Related Resources >> The Testing Pyramid & How to Use It 

Create a Strong CI/CD Pipeline  

For DevOps teams, a fully optimized CI/CD pipeline can make all the difference for faster testing. CI/CD makes complicated processes from development to delivery more efficient. It can reduce the number of escaped defects. And it can even accelerate delivery. 

But to get there, teams need to establish strong automation across the entire pipeline. Read this blog to learn about the benefits of a CI/CD pipeline and how to improve yours.  

Related Resources >> The Keys to a Strong CI/CD Pipeline 

Today, users expect better products, more often. These six best practices can help your team meet these expectations with faster testing, improved results, and optimal software.  

Develop A Winning Testing Strategy With Perfecto  

Perfecto is ready to help you on your path toward faster testing. 

Whether you are just getting started with automation or are well on your way, Perfecto’s expertise can take you to the next level.  

Soon you will be well on your way to automated, accelerated testing with fewer defects and faster deliveries. 

Get started with a live demo to see Perfecto in action or start a free trial. 

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