Automated testing is an important element in the development of software. The benefit of automated testing is its ability to increase the array of different test cases in order to enhance the quality of software. Testers review code and data associated with software projects both manually and autonomously. Designing regular website automated testing assures developers, testers, and clients of the thorough analysis of software trials. Multiple test strategies are needed to asses accurate and maximum test coverage of each automated test run.
The Importance of Test Coverage
Test coverage refers to a measuring implement for evaluating a software’s quality. One can evaluate possible risks, prospects, and hazards in a software application by measuring test coverage. Moreover, the test metric is a necessity in defining particular test situations that need a higher level of testing. Test coverage offers information to testers about tests being administered effectively. Thus, further helping testers and developers to alter their analysis to include and create a measurable analysis quantitatively for tests being covered and implemented.
Regardless of the outstanding measuring ability and skill, even 100% test coverage doesn’t account for a 100% error-free test result. In order to achieve maximum test coverage, it is best that the goal be to uncover any potential threats or risks in the software by analysis of the test objectives and metrics.
The data gathered from coverage measurement in automated testing can be utilized in multiple ways for improving the testing method.
Automated Testing Metrics
Automated testing metrics are quantitative measurement used when determining (the past, present, and future) performance of the current automated testing process.
When used correctly, the implementation of automation software testing can offer a greater test coverage space and raise the quality of the software product. Automation testing metrics can help in analyzing quantitative assessment which aids in determining software productivity, progress and quality are being delivered in a more expedited manner. Automated testing metrics greatest attributes are the ability to meet software demands with fast turn around and be ultimately cost-effective. The goal of every software developer is to deliver an affordable application that has been thoroughly tested and delivered quickly.
The most beneficial automated testing metric should have the following attributes. The metric should be objective, meaningful, measurable, and easy to operate. It delivers easily retrieved data and helps testers and developers determine areas where improvement of test automation is needed.
A quality automated testing metric cannot be subjective; it must be capable of delivering quantitative, measurable data; it should deliver clear and easily understood goals, tests, and test measurements; it should be cost-effective, and simple to operate.
Common Software Automated Testing Metrics
While developers can create special test fields that automated testing metrics can measure, all software has a pretty standard list of metrics that are commonly tested. These include the following and should be used in all software development:
- Test Coverage,
- Test Procedure Execution Status,
- System Coverage,
- The rate of Error Discovery,
- Defect or bug Fix Retest,
- Defect Aging,
- Quality of Fixes,
- Present Quality Ratio,
- Problem Reports,
- Test Efficiency and
- Test Effectiveness
Benefits of Test Coverage in Automated Testing
Several benefits are delivered by using Test Coverage, including:
- Ensures traceability pattern.
- Monitors alterations and perform effect analysis.
- Error or Glitch Prevention during the beginning phases of Software Development.
- Aids in discovering gaps in test examples, errors, and needed added essentials at each performance level.
- Establishes and designs additional test cases to establish enhanced test coverage.
- Lower levels of production and developmental errors.
- Indicated specific areas in the software that need more development and areas that testing is complete.
- Effectively controls Risk-based methods of testing.
- Establishes the numerical code that coverage measured and increases product quality.
Methods of Test Coverage Assessment
Two methods exist the promote the best test coverage assessment; Code Coverage and Data-centric Coverage are the most used tests coverage assessments.
- Code Coverage
Code coverage is one of the popular and largely used approaches and metrics for calculating the test coverage in software development. Code coverage effectively determines the codes and data lines that are being activated by the test cases and the sum number of lines in each code performed in the process. Simply, code coverage is the site where the operating code is implemented, specifically, during the test site series. The ideal code coverage reduces the risk of undetected glitches heading into to the developmental production segment. Code coverage can be separated into sub-stages such as decisions-based logic constructs, subdivisions, branches, levels, etc.
- Data-centric Coverage
This method is favored by testing experts as well as customers and other stakeholders because it’s cost effective and requires lower budget demands. The data-centric coverage operates with input and output restrictions, each conducting their own specific areas of specialty. Q/A workers should test each area of specialty separately to ensure test coverage is at its maximum.
- Test Coverage Tools
Test Coverage tools are an essential part of ascertaining a software app’s performance level and functionality. Each source code, code execution, test cases, and lines are easier to find and determine when using hearty test coverage tools.
Important features executed by test coverage measurement tools include the following:
- Coverage code and coverage element are accurately identified and tested.
- Quantitative measurement of the coverage items is being tested.
- Phases, data, tests, documentation and test runs are reported when they haven’t been thoroughly or properly tested.
- Drivers, divisions, and stubs are created; even more in the situation of unit level testing of cases.
Closing Thoughts
Assessing test coverage is decidedly important when performing automated testing. Assessments of test coverage will provide all stakeholders with superior customer service and knowledge while delivering an economical business benefit to the company runners. Implementation of test coverage tools, automated testing, and testing metrics will ensure all a high-quality software project that is glitch free, runs smoothly and is delivered sooner than later. Project managers, developers and especially testers within the software industry should recognize the benefits of each and implement them at each level of creation and design.