Last Updated on 2024-10-11
When it comes to web applications, even the most minor issue can turn into a nightmare. That is why stringent web application testing is important before deployment. So here are some tips on how to improve web testing for your products.
The secret to a great web application lies in quality assurance testing. Doing it correctly will minimize potential risks, such as web security, broken functionality, cross-platform incompatibility.
This makes web application testing an integral part of the development process. But how can teams ensure that the web testing process is a success? Well, this article discusses 11 tips that will help you achieve it. Letโs start with an overview of the task.
What Is Web Testing?
Web application testing, or most commonly known as web testing, is a development practice that ensures the quality of your application. It involves different tests that measure the functionality and performance based on the defined requirements.ย
Moreover, web testing uncovers bugs and issues, like traffic stress, integration challenges, functional troubles, security problems, and other potential risks. Itโs a step done before the deployment of any product and during maintenance after its release.
Web application testing revolves around these checklists:
- Functionality Testing
- Security Testing
- Usability Testing
- Performance Testing
- Platform Compatibility Testing
- Interface Testing
Remember that as the complexity of the web application escalates, the possibility of bugs appearing in the system also increases. And if left unchecked, it can lead to a significant financial loss. So always make sure to invest in comprehensive quality assurance testing.
11 Web Application Testing Tips to Build Better Software
Here are 11 tips that you can take note of when it comes to web testing. Although not all of them apply to all situations, these guidelines can help you kickstart an efficient QA process.
1. Create a plan and documentation for the web testing process
To begin, you must establish a clear and actionable plan for the web testing process. Documentation is also important, so everyone has a reference that guides them. What details should you include in the documentation?
First, produce a test policy that outlines the test principles, objectives, and criteria set by the company. It should also contain a list defining testing terms to unify its usage throughout the documentation.
There should also be a list of tools that support web application testing. Lastly, you should create metrics that measure the efficiency of the testing. And, there should also be a documented report of issues.
2. Determine code quality measures beforehand
Before starting a project, you should establish code quality measures. This will allow you to create objectives that are specific, measurable, documented, and trackable.
Although there is no one-size-fits-all approach to measuring code quality, you can choose one that fits your business requirements. For instance, you can consider the use of the CISQ Software Quality Model for your workflow.
3. Follow a test-oriented management approach
A strategy to employ this approach is to use extreme programming (XP). Itโs a software development methodology that focuses on producing high-quality software with high adaptability to changing requirements.
For starters, you can concentrate on these XP practices related to web application testing. The first one is test-driven development. It asserts that testing is done before the code is written. Doing so will help you detect bugs and other issues as soon as possible.ย
The second practice is called pair programming, which requires high-level collaboration between two programmers. While working on one computer, the Driver writes the code while the Navigator closely watches the code and makes suggestions on site.
Their roles change from time to time depending on the guidelines set beforehand. Since there is proper check and balance at every stage, the possibility of errors lessens.
4. Test early and conduct it often
As mentioned previously, testing early in the development process has benefits in terms of team efficiency and product quality. But this strategy goes hand in hand with testing the code often.
Doing web application testing regularly creates a trail of continuous feedback and reporting. In turn, your team can validate the issue and implement immediate improvements to the system. This leads to a lower application development cost.
5. Keep a regular formal technical review schedule
How do you keep application quality in check at every development stage? Conduct a constant formal technical review (FTR).
At each meeting, let software engineers report on functional and logical errors in the system. This way, each teammate has a better grasp of the tasks to be accomplished based on their roles.
And, donโt forget to create a review report at the end of every FTR. It should contain details such as the project being reviewed, project reviewers, findings, and suggested improvements.
6. Foster a good environment for the web testing team
A study in 2019 showed that the work environment has an effect on employee productivity and morale. Thus, itโs unfortunate that some software companies do not prioritize a good QA environment. They are missing the benefits of what a good web application testing environment can do.
Now, to boost morale and create comfortable workplaces, here are some things you can do:
- Create clear and definite roles for each member of the QA team
- Build an atmosphere of trust and respect for everyone
- Encourage an open communication
- Provide opportunities for growth and skills development
- Show appreciation when itโs well deserved
- Hire the right people for the team
Some of these tips are simple and donโt require money to be accomplished. So in your business, allocate a little of your time to do them as much as you can.
7. Conduct end-user tests
During the planning stage, you may have identified various user personas. This helps you create product objectives based on a userโs behavior and goals.
Hence, let your web application testing team adopt a persona and conduct the test accordingly. There are different types of user acceptance tests, such as the following:
- Alpha and beta testing
- Regulation acceptance testing
- Operational acceptance testing
- Contract acceptance testing
- Black box testing
- User documentation testing
This allows them to predict potential issues depending on the behavioral patterns of end-users.
8. Take advantage of automated testing
Aside from adopting Agile methodologies, the use of automated testing tools is a rising trend among software companies. It is evident in the 2020โ2021 World Quality Report produced by Sogeti, Capgemini, and Micro Focus.
Automated QA testing enables the reduction of human errors while increasing test capabilities and coverage. It also saves you time and resources, which helps you focus on system improvements.
9. Conduct innovative testing processes
Have you heard about ad hoc testing? How about exploratory testing? Well, these are two imaginative processes being adopted by many software development teams.
Ad hoc testing is spontaneous testing based on an error guessing strategy. It doesnโt require planning and documentation. And if bugs and errors arenโt detected, it should only be run once.
On the other hand, exploratory testing is the process of checking a web application without predetermined test cases. Its design is based on real-life scenarios and end-user behavior.
Since it is designed and implemented randomly, it requires the utmost utilization of the testerโs experience and expertise. Once the results are out, every detail is observed and used to fix potential bugs.
10. Utilize your test management tool effectively
Using test management tools increases team efficiency. As it organizes and manages test processes, project communication and progress visualization make things easier.
A test management tool or system can be integrated into your CICD tools, test automation framework, and other solutions. Depending on your budget and goals, you can choose between an open-source platform and a commercial system. Some popular systems include Zephyr, SpiraTest, and Testpad.
11. Work with other professionals to conduct testing efficiently
In the midst of the application development lifecycle, a tester may have to work with software developers, business analysts, and IT professionals. This is especially true for teams adopting DevOps and other Agile methodologies that combine IT operations with software development.
Communication and collaboration are expected from each other. So QA teams and other collaborators may need to develop a way to work seamlessly.
Good web application testing processes build better software
Itโs a competitive advantage that your company should possess. For that to happen, you can pick up relevant tips discussed in this article. Donโt let a single mistake take you down. Thus, always remember to conduct efficient and effective web application testing to produce high-quality web applications.
Now, if you need software development services, Full Scale has the right team for you. Regardless of your business requirements, we can customize our services accordingly. Our rigorous recruitment process ensures that only the best developers, QA analysts, and other software professionals work on your project.
Are you ready to propel your business to success? Connect with us today!
Matt Watson is a serial tech entrepreneur who has started four companies and had a nine-figure exit. He was the founder and CTO of VinSolutions, the #1 CRM software used in today’s automotive industry. He has over twenty years of experience working as a tech CTO and building cutting-edge SaaS solutions.
As the CEO of Full Scale, he has helped over 100 tech companies build their software services and development teams. Full Scale specializes in helping tech companies grow by augmenting their in-house teams with software development talent from the Philippines.
Matt hosts Startup Hustle, a top podcast about entrepreneurship with over 6 million downloads. He has a wealth of knowledge about startups and business from his personal experience and from interviewing hundreds of other entrepreneurs.