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Showing posts from October, 2024

Functional vs Non-Functional Testing

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When we talk about testing in software development, two major categories emerge: Functional Testing and Non-Functional Testing . While Functional Testing often steals the spotlight, there's a quieter—but equally important—side to testing that can make or break a product. This "hidden" branch of Non-Functional Testing plays a critical role in ensuring a product is not just working , but performing at its best. So, let's dive in and explore both! What is Functional Testing? At its core, Functional Testing is all about the what . What does the product do versus what is it supposed to do? Essentially, functional testing ensures that all features are working as intended. Here's a breakdown of the various testing activities that fall under this umbrella: 1. User Acceptance Testing (UAT) UAT is typically performed by end users or stakeholders to validate that the product meets business requirements. However, QA often plays a key role here, ensuring that everything al...

API Testing Overview

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When you're new to API testing, it can seem like a very foreign concept. In reality, it is very similar to testing any application. We'll look at some general categories to cover, and what types of tests those might include. Functionality Functionality tests are of course a major part of any test plan. In API functionality testing we check for things like a correct Response, the correct Response Code, and Schema Validation. You'll want to validate these for each endpoint you're working with, as well as for each type of request available. Security For the most part, APIs are typically internal tools and you'll want to protect the data from being accessed by outsiders. While security testing APIs we check for authentication and authorization methods, unauthorized access, and injection attacks. Performance At the most basic level, performance testing an API involves checking that the response time in within limits. This can be further fleshed out while the API is under...

The Many Hats of QA

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The role of QA has evolved significantly over the years. It’s no longer just about "checking what the developer built." Today, QA professionals wear many hats throughout the testing process, often taking on roles that extend far beyond traditional testing. Here’s a look at some of the key roles that overlap or are shared with QA, and how we contribute to the success of the project. We Are Project Managers In smaller companies, especially those without a dedicated project management team, QA often steps up to take the lead. With our deep understanding of the company’s ecosystem and a keen awareness of potential setbacks, we’re well-positioned to ensure that the project stays on track. We understand the critical timelines and the importance of getting the product delivered on time, so we help prevent delays from creeping (which inevitably delays and shortens the testing phase!) We Are Product Owners QA’s in-depth knowledge of the product and the development lifecycle often posi...

The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) vs. The Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC)

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Most technical teams are well-acquainted with the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) —a series of phases that guide a product from ideation to release. Every development methodology follows the SDLC in some form. But what many people don't realize is that running in parallel to the SDLC is the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) . While both cycles share some similarities, the STLC has its own distinct set of phases, deliverables, and responsibilities, most of which fall under the purview of the lead QA. In this post, we’ll explore the SDLC and STLC side by side, examining their differences, overlaps, and how they interact throughout the product lifecycle. What is the SDLC? The SDLC outlines the steps involved in building a software product. It provides a structured process for product teams to follow, ensuring that features are developed in an organized and systematic way. Here are the typical phases of the SDLC: Planning : Stakeholders define the overall idea, and high-level b...