In the realm of software systems, the concept of application programming interfaces (APIs) is commonplace. Often, you'll find services or components in these systems that are deployed with over-the-wire APIs. But, what do these APIs entail? Are they exclusive to backend services instructed by various user interfaces via some remote access protocol such as HTTP? Not quite. The term "API" may typically be used in this context, but it isn't necessarily limited to it. In this exploration of API testing, we are defining an API as a remote backend service that is an integral segment of a software system. More...

Software testing has undergone a dramatic evolution over the years. It has metamorphosed from mundane, manual tasks to a truly dynamic and automated process. Specifically noteworthy is the potent concept of automated testing via the user interface(UI) realized through the advent of profoundly adept modern technologies.

In contrast to traditional unit tests that primarily perforate lines of code and evaluate their intended functionality, automated tests foster interaction and inspection of the application in its full glory. They robustly scrutinize the complete assembled system via its UI. Consider the tests as an intrepid globetrotter, navigating through the labyrinth of web applications, smart devices, virtually or physically, Android or Apple. The main idea is to simulate real user interactions and accurately replicate user experience. More...

As we glide forward on the cutting edge of the technological era, software development practices mature and evolve. Among the myriad of practices that mark the life-cycle of software development, unit testing forms a cornerstone. This indispensable process, intertwined with the act of writing code itself, has been fundamental in shaping this industry.

Reflecting on the incipient stages of my career, at the dawn of the digital age, I recall a time when the concept of unit testing was nascent, untapped, and devoid of the supportive tools or libraries that we now take for granted. The process, though cogent in theory, was far from being systematized. Diligent developers would carefully write small code snippets, run them to make sure they functioned as desired, and repeat this process incrementally. It was a time-consuming and monotonous task, demanding exactness, but it was critical for assuring the essential functionality of the code. More...

Purpose, Perspectives, and Principles of Test Automation

We are embarking on a thrilling journey into the inner sanctum of testing, with a keen focus on the marvel that is test automation. So, fasten your seat belts, ensure your trays are in an upright position, and prepare for take-off, as we glide through the vast expanse of this intriguing and highly relevant topic. More...

Ascend with me, dear reader, as we scale the colossal mountain that is the software development industry. Now, as any seasoned mountaineer will tell you, using modern tools and techniques will make your ascent significantly easier. This is the very essence of the shifting trend within our industry that sees increased emphasis laid on test automation for projects and products. If you listen keenly to the gusts of wind blowing through the industry, you'll detect a thunderous applause for testers who specialize in automation. After all, the applauders say, hasn’t there been a Bard-like poetic justice in watching software developers give up the pen and ink of their coding jobs, for the sleek, hi-tech world of test automation? More...

If you are a software tester, you would agree with me on this - the use of tools is inevitable, even if code and you share a love-hate relationship. And why would it not be so? The digital toolbox has instruments powerful enough to scrutinize systems faster and more precisely than a human brain could ever manage. They join hands with strategists, facilitating system investigation, monitoring its performance, and conducting specialized testing. And they do so while retaining impeccable standards. Let's discuss some of these tools and how they fit into the grand scheme of things. More...

When we talk about software testing, the image that typically comes to mind is a skilled gunfighter, staring down a town of pesky bugs and glitches. A lone wolf, vigilantly examining lines of code for these devilish inconsistencies. Sublime, isn't it? However, let's delve a bit deeper than the dusty streets of your typical software showdown.

We are about to explore a concept in this post that dives into the palpitating heart of systems development: 'testing requirements.' Now, at first glance, it might sound like we are discussing the classification of office stationery or perhaps a series of bench tests on the latest office chairs. We're not. More...

By now, we all understand that the term 'integration testing' confidently wears many hats in the software universe. Just like the chameleon changing its colours, integration testing adapts and takes on a sense of variety in different software landscapes. However, when we peek into the court of professional testers, it often refers to testing a software system through the lens of its integration points with external systems. Let me paint you a picture to illustrate this further. More...

Embarking on a journey in software development is akin to setting sail on a grand adventure. You're charting new courses, overcoming daunting challenges, and hunting for hidden treasures (or bugs, in our case). Among these adventures lurks a monster that's often side-lined but is extremely crucial: Usability Testing. More...

Among the several precision disciplines that define our roles as testers, feature confirmation and regression testing stand out as true stalwarts. They anchor our work in structure - feature confirmation acts as a beacon, shining light on the path defined by product requirements, while regression testing is a rigid indoor exercise, guarded by the blueprint of specific instructions dictating the what and the how of our testing.

Yet, there is another technique that seems to dance in the diffused, stimulating glow of the software testing spectrum. Like a swing dancer in a ballroom of waltzes, exploratory testing breaks away from the steady pattern and exhales a breath of fresh air into the otherwise rigorous, often impervious field of testing. Born from the context-driven school of thought, exploratory testing advocates for a hands-on, reflexive approach, allowing testers to tap into their creative reserves. More...