No matter what the aspect of discussion is regarding old vs. new, it all boils down to one thing – each generation insists that their way is the best way of dealing with things.
It is like the discussion of whether tablets should be used in schools for educational purposes. People with more traditional values insist this technology be left outside school buildings as kids are already massively exposed to screen time, while younger educators say, the technology is a fact, so might as well be incorporated to grab kids’ attention.
When it comes to software testing, however, what do we understand under “traditional” and “modern” testing methods?
The field of software quality assurance has evolved significantly, with both traditional and modern testing methods offering distinct advantages. While traditional approaches, such as manual testing and the waterfall model, provide structured frameworks, modern methods driven by agile, and automation offer flexibility and speed. The key to achieving optimal QA results lies in integrating these diverse approaches.
My name is Joana Atanasova, I’m a Quality Control Engineer in SoftServe and in this article I will explore key traditional QA methods - their benefits and limitations and examine modern techniques that address some of the shortcomings of their predecessors.
TRADITIONAL QA METHODS
Traditional QA methods have been the backbone of software testing for decades and are characterized by their structured approach and systematic processes. Some key traditional QA techniques include:
MANUAL TESTING
Manual testing involves human testers executing test cases without the use of automation tools. Testers follow predefined test scripts to verify that the software functions as expected. While this method can be time-consuming and prone to human error, it provides valuable insights into the user experience and helps uncover issues that automated tests might miss.
Pros:
- Flexibility to explore unexpected issues.
- Human judgment to assess usability and user experience.
- Useful for exploratory testing and ad-hoc scenarios.
Cons:
- Time-consuming and labor-intensive.
- Limited scalability compared to automated testing.
- Prone to inconsistencies and human error.
WATERFALL MODEL
The Waterfall model is a linear and sequential approach to software development. In this model, QA is integrated at various stages of development, including requirements, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance. Each phase must be completed before moving to the next, ensuring that defects are addressed in a structured manner.
Pros:
- Clear and defined stages.
- Easier to manage and document.
- Well-suited for projects with well-understood requirements.
Cons:
- Inflexibility to changes once a phase is complete.
- Late discovery of defects due to the sequential nature.
- May lead to inefficiencies in accommodating evolving requirements.
TEST-DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT (TDD)
Test-Driven Development (TDD) is an approach where test cases are written before the code itself. Developers write a test, then produce the minimal code necessary to pass the test, followed by refactoring. This approach helps in creating a robust codebase with a clear focus on fulfilling requirements from the start.
Pros:
- Ensures code meets requirements from the beginning.
- Promotes better design and refactoring.
- Helps catch defects early in the development process.
Cons:
- Requires discipline and can slow down initial development.
- May not be suitable for all types of applications.
- Can lead to an overemphasis on unit tests at the expense of integration and system testing.
Although the waterfall model is less common in modern fast-paced environments, it remains highly effective in projects with well-defined requirements and minimal changes.
MODERN TESTING METHODS
In contrast to that, let’s dub the “traditional” testing methods the old and well-known ones we’ve all learned at the start of our careers, and let’s call the “modern” ones, those methods that the specifics of the project we are in simply make us jump hoops to test optimally.
What does that mean? Simply, to be the best quality engineers we can be, we need to be incredibly flexible, sometimes, if not most of the time, making us think outside the box to ensure this thing works.
The advent of agile methodologies and advancements in technology have brought new QA methods into the spotlight. These modern approaches complement traditional methods and address some of their limitations.
AUTOMATED TESTING
Automated testing uses software tools to execute test cases automatically. This method involves writing scripts that test various aspects of the software, including functionality, performance, and security. Automated testing is especially useful for repetitive tasks and large-scale applications.
Pros:
- High efficiency and speed in executing tests.
- Reusability of test scripts for regression testing.
- Ability to run tests frequently and on-demand.
Cons:
- Requires significant upfront investment in tools and infrastructure.
- Maintenance of test scripts can be complex.
- May not always capture nuances of user experience.
CONTINUOUS INTEGRATION AND CONTINUOUS DEPLOYMENT (CI/CD)
CI/CD is a practice where code changes are automatically tested and deployed to production environments. Continuous Integration involves frequent merging of code changes into a shared repository, followed by automated testing. Continuous Deployment extends this by automating the release process, allowing for rapid delivery of updates.
Pros:
- Speeds up the release cycle and enhances agility.
- Early detection of integration issues.
- Reduces manual intervention and human error.
Cons:
- Requires robust automation infrastructure.
- Can be challenging to manage and scale.
- Needs careful monitoring to avoid issues in production.
BEHAVIOR-DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT (BDD)
Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) focuses on defining the behavior of the application from the user's perspective. Test scenarios are written in a natural language format that describes the expected behavior of the software. This approach promotes collaboration between developers, testers, and business stakeholders.
Pros:
- Enhances communication and understanding among stakeholders.
- Promotes a user-centric approach to testing.
- Helps ensure that development aligns with business requirements.
Cons:
- Requires involvement from all stakeholders, which can be time-consuming.
- May require training and adjustments in team dynamics.
- Can lead to challenges in maintaining clear and concise scenarios.
In software testing, there are often complex user stories that pose significant challenges, making it difficult to determine the best starting point. In such situations, revisiting established principles and traditional testing methods can provide valuable insights. These approaches often help clarify intricate scenarios. However, in many cases, creativity and adaptability are essential for optimizing efficiency and reducing defects in production. To deliver high-quality results, testing processes must incorporate flexibility and innovation.
BALANCING EXPERIENCE WITH INNOVATION - FLEXIBILITY IS KEY
Achieving optimal results in QA requires moving beyond the binary distinction between traditional and modern methods. Just as successful strategies from the past can coexist with forward-thinking innovations, software testing can benefit from integrating both established and contemporary approaches. Traditional methods should not be dismissed simply due to their age, as they offer valuable tools for certain contexts.
To integrate these methods effectively, a flexible and creative approach is necessary. Here are some ways in which traditional and modern QA methods can be combined:
HYBRID TESTING APPROACHES
Adopting a hybrid approach involves leveraging both manual and automated testing methods. For example, automated tests can handle repetitive tasks and regression testing, while manual tests can focus on exploratory and usability aspects. This balance helps ensure comprehensive coverage and efficient testing processes.
AGILE TESTING PRACTICES
Incorporating agile testing practices, such as continuous integration and BDD, can complement traditional methods like TDD and manual testing. Agile practices promote collaboration, frequent feedback, and adaptability, aligning well with traditional approaches that emphasize structured processes.
REGULAR REVIEW AND ADAPTATION
Regularly reviewing and adapting testing strategies based on project needs and technological advancements is crucial. Organizations should assess the effectiveness of their QA practices, incorporating feedback and adapting methods to address evolving requirements and challenges.
Incorporating both traditional and modern testing in our day-to-day work will give us better results than using just one of those things, and that’s a fact. The good thing about this line of work is that creativity is not only encouraged but sometimes it’s demanded in the name of the product you will deliver.
Quality Assurance is a dynamic field that benefits from both traditional and modern testing methods. Traditional practices offer structured processes and valuable human insights, while modern approaches enhance efficiency, speed, and collaboration. By embracing a combination of these methods, organizations can achieve a well-rounded QA strategy that ensures high-quality software products. Adapting to the strengths of both traditional and modern techniques allows for optimal results, meeting the diverse needs of today’s fast-paced development environments.
*AUTHOR: JOANA ATANASOVA | QUALITY CONTROL ENGINEER
