Software development has become increasingly complex and challenging in today's fast-paced financial markets. With new technologies and client requirements emerging every day, it’s critical to have a flexible and iterative approach to in-house software development.
At Speakerbus, our agile software testing procedures provide flexibility and are essential to our Agile development process.
For an intro to the agile software testing methodology, watch our video below where Neil Higgs, our Head of Test Engineering and Technical Support discusses agile testing.
What is agile software testing?
Agile software testing is an iterative and flexible approach to quality assurance, seamlessly integrated into the agile development process. It involves continuous testing and adaptation to ensure software meets evolving requirements and user needs.
The agile testing methodology divides larger testing components into smaller, more specific tests, each concentrating on individual aspects such as user stories, tasks, or technical requirements. By breaking testing down into these “bite-size” blocks, agile testing allows testing to happen more timely and efficiently with our teams able to identify and address defects and issues early in the development process.
The key principles and benefits of agile software testing
There are several key advantages of agile software testing including faster feedback, flexibility, improved collaboration, and an improved user experience. Below we delve deeper into these key advantages.
Faster feedback
Agile testing allows for faster feedback and quicker delivery of software. With continuous testing, teams can quickly identify issues and defects, allowing them to be addressed promptly, reducing the time required for testing and development cycles - saving both time and money.
Highly flexible and adaptable to change
Greater flexibility and adaptability in the development process can be achieved with agile software testing. With the ability to test continuously, teams can quickly adapt to changing requirements and client needs, ensuring that the software meets the evolving demands of the market.
Improved collaboration
Agile software testing promotes collaboration between teams. With testing integrated into the development process, developers and testers can work closely together, sharing knowledge and expertise to ensure that the software is high quality and meets the client’s requirements.
Better user experience
Continuous testing and feedback is fundamental to creating a better user experience. By proactively identifying defects and issues early in the development process, teams can swiftly address and rectify them. As a result, users encounter fewer unexpected glitches or hiccups when interacting with the software, leading to a smoother and more satisfying experience.
What tools does Speakerbus use for agile software testing?
The Agile Test Team employs Jira in conjunction with the X-ray plugin for task assignment, bug reporting, and test case management. Their testing methodology primarily focuses on exploratory testing, where design and test execution phases run concurrently. To ensure thorough and frequent testing throughout the project's lifecycle, code is delivered via a semi-automated process.
Where do the Agile and System Test Teams fit in the overall development cycle?
The Agile Test Team and System Test Team are both integral parts of software development projects, but they serve different purposes and have distinct roles in the testing process.
The Agile Test Team plays a crucial role within the development team, working closely alongside developers and product owners. Testing initiates early in the development lifecycle and follows a 3-week sprint cycle.
The scope of agile testing focuses on testing small increments of functionality (upgrades/new features) as they are developed, ensuring that the software meets the specified requirements while eliminating Class A bugs before handing over to the System Test Team.
- Upgrades only
- New feature tests only (exploratory)
System testing aims to validate that the entire software system functions as expected, meets all specified requirements, and is free of defects and issues. Testing includes a range of types, including:
- Upgrade and fresh installations performed.
- Regression/smoke testing (manual testing)
- Light touch new feature (manual testing)
- Customer-specific scenarios (manual testing)
- Backward compatibility (manual testing)
- Capacity/stress testing (via automation
The feedback obtained from systematic system testing is a pivotal quality assurance checkpoint, revealing and addressing significant issues that may remain hidden. By rigorously evaluating the software, this process ensures its stability, reliability, and adherence to specified requirements, minimising the risk of unexpected failures during deployment and ultimately enhancing the end-user experience.
Both teams are integral to our testing methodology. The Agile Test Team engages in continuous testing throughout the development process, concentrating on incremental functionality enhancements. Simultaneously, the System Test Team conducts comprehensive end-to-end testing to validate the entire system's performance before its release.
Conclusion
As you can see, agile testing stands out as an effective strategy for not only early defect detection but also cost reduction through timely bug fixes. It champions a customer-centric approach by prioritising the delivery of high-quality products at the earliest stages of development, ultimately enhancing overall customer satisfaction.
If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of cloud-based critical communication tools, download our whitepaper, or visit our solutions page today.
