Progressive Test Automation to Expedite the Testing Process (Updated JAN 2024)

Progression automation is one of those automation methods where test modules are tested in various stages starting from the first one. Here, the tester writes automated test scripts simultaneously with development code. The aim of progression automation is to expedite the testing process and to identify the problematic areas and fixing them quickly.

Generally, automation is done for regression test cases but with the change of customer’s expectation, automating the progression test cases has become highly significant. Unlike regression automation where the existing functionality is validated, progression automation is all about validating new functionality. The latter significantly helps in increasing ROI within an ongoing project whereas in the former method, automation suites are developed at the end of the project. By incorporating progression test cases, the ROI can be made twofold – increased testing coverage and shorter testing cycle time.

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Steps of progression automation

Unlike regression automation, the testing team has to be involved from the very 1^st day of development in progression automation. This is absolutely crucial to understand the application design when the development code is simultaneously being written.

HLD provides the overall System Design and helps the developers to understand the complete architecture of the entire system from the main module to every submodule. In LLD, the application developed in HLD is broken down into programs and modules. After the completion of both HLD and LLD, testers are able to review the following:

Functional test cases mainly aim at business goals and the testing is performed by the specifications in accordance with use cases provided by the design team. The behavior of an application gets validated by functional testing. Here, the tester has to approve the application to ensure if all defined requirements have been incorporated or not. In simple words, functional testing always encompasses customer requirements.

End-to-end test cases are absolutely necessary before an application is launched. The application is tested entirely in real-world circumstances like communication with hardware, database, network, and other applications. This process also ensures the communication of accurate information between various system components. Generally, end-to-end testing is performed after the completion of system and functional testing. This type of testing is highly favored by testers as writing test cases, in a real-world scenarios and from a user’s perspective, helps in avoiding two major and most common mistakes – ‘writing test cases that don’t connect with the real world’ and ‘missing a bug’.

After the completion of script development, testers perform fully automated functional testing with the help of any automation tool like QTP (Quick Test Professional). The automation tool compares stored properties with actual properties of an on-screen object.

During run-time, testers can identify an object based on the screen design with the help of an automation tool. Tester validates within Test Object and Run-time Object.

Progression automation, when executed properly, plays a significant part in the development of the project and finally to the ROI of the organization. No wonder that a trend of creating progression test cases is noticed these days where progression automation scripts are run using appropriate tools and frameworks.

With the arrival of the next generation of progression automation which paved way for scriptless automation, there are no hassles of preserving the scripts anymore. This generation is enterprise woven test design and automation generation. We now follow an action-based approach. The present concept which is followed by the ongoing generation of progression automation can be understood by the acronym, ‘CG-SAW-CT’ that refers to the combination of Code Generation, Standard Action Words, and Code Templates woven together.

Progression Automation Service Providers

Some service providers provide end-to-end automated test services and generate a Progression test suite, which is quick and easy gelling with other test automation and ALM tools. System Modeling Approach is adopted to automate the creation of test scripts in various formats as Excel, Phyton, Java, etc., in addition to designing test scripts and generation of test documents in PDF, word format, and HTML. The test scripts include the following components:

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Components that have undergone lots of updations and alterations
Components that are more error-prone
Components that are important for the end-users
Core components

Progression testing and then its automation has undoubtedly brought a boom in the testing industry because of its intention to detect defects early in the development life cycle and provide a high-quality product that matches up with the visions of the customer.

Final Words

With the implementation of progression automation, problems like inconsistent delivery and frequently changing IT complexity can be avoided, thus making the test automation process much smoother and more effective.

Get in touch with TechArcis’ automation Test Specialists today.

Key challenges in Test Environment Management (Updated JAN 2024)

Test Environment Management (TEM) refers to directing, controlling and managing the enterprise level test environments. It consists of using procedures, tools and resources to manage multiple components like software, hardware, databases, test data and applications. TEM in cloud is another aspect that offers on-demand test labs in multi-platform environments, which are scalable and virtualizable. Such test environments can be quickly provisioned in the cloud and turned on/off and scaled down/up as required. As business IT landscapes are becoming more complex and integrated, it’s increasingly becoming a big challenge to manage test environments.

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Key TEM Activities

Key TEM activities may vary depending on the technique chosen and may include:

Test environment allocation as needed
Maintaining a central storehouse of test-environments (in their latest version) along with connectivity details
Creation of new test environments
Provisioning infrastructure and platform
Test environment configuration (module, system, sub-module)
Test data provisioning (privatization, traceability, ETL, segregation)
Endpoint integration
Monitoring the test environment
Updating/deleting outdated test-environments and their details
Investigation of test environment issues and at times, co-ordination till its resolution
Analyzing data for identifying trends, spotting test environment issues, and taking steps to resolve them

Key Challenges in TEM

Remote environment: Test environments or assets are often placed in geographically remote sites, making the test teams depend on support teams at the location to deal with challenges related to hardware, software, firmware, networking, build/firmware upgrade etc. this often takes time and causes delays, especially where the test teams and support teams are based in different time zones.
Virtual test environments: Move to virtualization often creates VM management problems. Easy integration of existing test tools, upgrading existing hardware (to avoid purchasing additional hardware), ensuring that a user accesses only his/her respective virtual test environment, providing connectivity to employees (including those at remote locations) to the new virtual test methodology are other challenges in cloud-based TEM. Though virtualization let testers create unlimited user configurations and test with different user profiles and even potentially incompatible applications, challenges like equipment conflict (between drivers of tested equipment and virtual environment) can be difficult to deal with.
Shared environment assets: In most cases, test and development teams use the same environment and assets, which causes conflict when both teams want to use the same resources simultaneously. Since test environment assets aren’t consolidated properly and don’t have any tracking mechanism, some are often left under- or over-utilized.

Some other challenges include

Elaborate set up times for test environments
Test environment configuration issues
Absence of a dedicated TEM team
Best practices are not defined or implemented
Nil or little reusable value and documentation
Implementing precise forecasting and capacity demands
Lack of adequate, responsive support to resolve issues in test environment
Most activities involved manual work as no tools are employed

Best Practices in TEM to overcome the challenges

Working under these challenges have made organizations worried about lower test coverage and escalating operations cost. Thus, after recognizing these challenges, they are implementing best practices to change the present model of operation to a test environment that’s efficient and delivers results fast.

Establishing a dedicated TEM team: Assigning complete ownership of the test environment to a dedicated team will make it the single point of contact for all test related activities and make it accountable for test environment management, thus removing problems associated with accountability or poor management and irregular maintenance which happen when ownership is shared.
Implementing thorough documentation: Thorough documentation of test environment resource allocation, configurations and incidents will help in effective management of test environments. Such documentation should be complemented by the four W’s namely Who (refers to the person or team requesting or initiating the alteration), What (description of the alteration, request or incident), When (time or period of the alteration, request or incident) and Why (the reason of alteration, request or incident). Development teams can document and manage such data though you can also use shared spreadsheets and documents provided they are accessible to the development team members to help them stay updated about the test environment status and organize testing as per the correct schedule.
Standardization of language and terminology: Ensuring the same terminology is used at the enterprise level (and not different words created by different individuals or test teams that create confusion and cause delays) will improve the overall quality of test environment. Language standardization will support quick and better understanding and make collection and sharing of information fast and efficient.
Knowledge management: A centralized test environment management team will ensure availability of all required information to the stakeholders and end users. It will be the responsibility of the TEM team to maintain information related to all TEM activities including test environment schedules, plans, recovery procedures, solution documents, incidents, status reports and others as necessary by audit and governance requirements.
Virtualization: Custom instances can be created and run simultaneously to avoid scheduling conflicts, speed up test cycles and make reporting simpler. Developers and testers can even recreate bugs by taking snapshots of test environment. Several common issues faced by testers and developers can be dealt with virtualization.
Automation: Test environment’s efficiency can be improved by using regressive test automation and developing automation frameworks. Use of a single or multiple tools can be used to automate most activities across test environment lifecycle such as management of test data, auto deployments and auto provisioning. Many companies use automation strategies like service virtualization and cloud technology to improve their turnaround time for test environment provisioning.
Regular evaluation of test environment: This helps to keep the test environment as realistic and precise as possible. After each major test cycle, evaluate what’s working, what’s not, the resources that are under- or over-utilized etc and make required changes accordingly to imitate end-user environments better. It’s equally important to consider the requirements of the testing teams and alter environment resource allocation accordingly.

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Conclusion

With a dedicated TEM team, businesses can enjoy faster test execution of multiple and large scale releases together with seamless management and support. TechArcis offers dedicated test environment management services covering the entire spectrum of operations and activities to ensure optimum asset utilization and significant cost benefits.

Connect TechArcis today to leverage our unified test automation framework to overcome Key challenges in Test Environment Management and get your software, Website/Web Apps functionally ready for your niche audience.

What is COTS Products, Tools and Integration (Updated JAN 2024)

COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) products and tools are pre-built software components that are available in the market for purchase or licensing.

They are designed to perform specific tasks and are readily available for integration into existing software applications or systems. COTS products and tools can help organizations save time and money in the development process by providing pre-built components that can be easily integrated into their software systems.

COTS Products, COTS Tools, and COTS Integration

COTS Products:

COTS products are pre-built software components that can be purchased or licensed from a vendor. These products are designed to perform specific tasks such as database management, data analytics, or workflow automation. COTS products can be used to build new software applications or to enhance existing applications. They are available for a wide range of industries, including healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.

COTS Tools:

COTS tools are software development tools that can be used to enhance the software development process. They are designed to help developers build software applications more efficiently and effectively. COTS tools can include code editors, testing tools, project management tools, and version control systems. These tools can help organizations reduce development time and costs, improve software quality, and increase productivity.

COTS Integration:

COTS integration is the process of integrating COTS products or tools into existing software systems. This process involves configuring the COTS products or tools to work with the existing software system, testing the integration, and deploying the integrated system. COTS integration can help organizations save time and money in the development process by providing pre-built components that can be easily integrated into their software systems.

Benefits of COTS Products, COTS Tools, and COTS Integration:

The use of COTS products, COTS tools, and COTS integration can provide several benefits for organizations. These benefits can include:

Reduced Development Time: COTS products and tools can help organizations save time in the development process by providing pre-built components that can be easily integrated into their software systems.
Cost Savings: By using pre-built software components, organizations can save money in the development process by reducing the need for custom development.
Improved Software Quality: COTS products and tools are often designed and tested to industry standards, which can improve the quality of the software system.
Increased Productivity: COTS tools can help developers work more efficiently, which can increase productivity and reduce development time.
Enhanced Functionality: COTS products and tools can provide organizations with new functionality that they may not have been able to develop in-house.

COTS products, tools, and integration have witnessed a significant impact with the latest advancements in AI development. AI-powered COTS products are now available in the market, offering sophisticated capabilities such as natural language processing, machine learning algorithms, and computer vision. These products can be integrated into existing software systems to enhance functionality, automate processes, and enable intelligent decision-making.

For example, AI-powered COTS products can be leveraged in industries like customer service, where virtual assistants and chatbots can provide personalized and automated support to customers. These AI-powered tools can understand natural language, analyze customer inquiries, and provide accurate responses, improving customer satisfaction and reducing the workload on support teams. Similarly, in data analytics, AI-powered COTS tools can process large volumes of data, uncover patterns and trends, and generate valuable insights for organizations, empowering data-driven decision-making.

COTS integration with AI development brings the advantage of harnessing cutting-edge technology without the need for extensive in-house AI expertise. Organizations can leverage pre-built AI components, such as image recognition or sentiment analysis, and seamlessly integrate them into their software systems, saving time and costs associated with AI development from scratch. By incorporating AI capabilities through COTS integration, organizations can stay at the forefront of technological advancements, enhance their software systems with intelligent features, and gain a competitive edge in the market.

Conclusion:

COTS products, COTS tools, and COTS integration can provide several benefits for organizations. They can help reduce development time and costs, improve software quality, increase productivity, and provide enhanced functionality. However, it is important for organizations to carefully evaluate COTS products and tools before integrating them into their software systems. This includes evaluating the functionality, compatibility, and security of the products and tools to ensure they meet the organization’s requirements and standards.

What is Exploratory Testing? Why When do we require Examples – (Updated 2024)

Exploratory testing definition: Exploratory testing is the approach, to an application’s evaluation, which integrates three things – exploration of the application with design of test scenarios and beginning of the actual testing process…

What is Exploratory Testing?

Exploratory testing is a vital aspect of the software quality assurance process. Unlike scripted testing, it focuses on spontaneity, intuition, and domain knowledge. Testers create and execute test cases simultaneously, exploring the application’s functionalities, identifying issues, and making quick decisions on the fly.

When Should You Use Exploratory Testing?

Exploratory testing is typically employed during the following scenarios:

Early Stages of Development: At the beginning of a project when scripted test cases may not be readily available.
Complex Systems: For intricate applications where writing exhaustive test cases is impractical.
Regression Testing: To validate that recent changes haven’t adversely affected existing functionalities.
Usability Testing: To ensure the user interface is intuitive and user-friendly.
Ad Hoc Testing: When addressing unpredicted scenarios or unexpected issues.

Where is Exploratory Testing Applied?

Exploratory testing can be applied to various testing levels:

Functional Testing: To evaluate if the software performs its functions correctly.
User Interface Testing: Focusing on the visual aspect of the software.
Integration Testing: To ensure different components work cohesively.
System Testing: Evaluating the complete software system.

Who Performs Exploratory Testing?

Exploratory testing is best suited for skilled and experienced testers who possess a deep understanding of the domain and can think on their feet. It requires testers to rely on their intuition and knowledge to discover issues quickly.

Why is Exploratory Testing Important?

Exploratory testing offers several advantages, such as:

Realistic Testing: Testers can simulate real-world scenarios, mimicking user behavior to discover issues often missed in scripted testing.
Early Issue Detection: It can uncover problems in the early stages of development when they are more cost-effective to fix.
Enhanced Test Coverage: This method ensures broader test coverage, as it isn’t limited to predefined test cases.
Usability Assessment: Exploratory testing allows for assessing the software’s user-friendliness, uncovering design and usability issues.

Which Tools Facilitate Exploratory Testing?

Various tools and software can aid in the exploratory testing process:

Session-Based Testing Management: Tools like “Rainforest” and “Testpad” help manage exploratory testing sessions.
Test Management Tools: Platforms like “TestRail” allow you to record and track exploratory test cases.
Screen Recording Tools: Software like “Camtasia” or “OBS Studio” can be used to capture the testing process for documentation.
Collaboration Tools: Platforms like “Slack” and “Microsoft Teams” facilitate communication among testers during exploratory testing.
Defect Tracking Tools: Systems like “Jira” help manage issues found during exploratory testing.

Whose Responsibility is Exploratory Testing?

Exploratory testing is a collaborative effort. Testers, developers, and other stakeholders should actively engage in this process. The testers are responsible for conducting the tests, while developers should be ready to address the identified issues promptly.

In a broader sense, the responsibility for exploratory testing falls on the entire project team. It’s not limited to the testing phase; it extends to the development process, design, and user experience stages. This approach ensures that software quality is maintained throughout the project lifecycle.

Exploratory testing definition: Exploratory testing is the approach, to an application’s evaluation, which integrates three things – exploration of the application with design of test scenarios and beginning of the actual testing process. Unlike pre-scripted instructions, exploratory testing needs a tester to listen, read, think and report, effectively and rigorously, thus making this approach as productive (in terms of revealing critical information) as its scripted counterpart.

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Here are some major reasons why exploratory testing should be incorporated in the process:

It helps the tester quickly identify major discrepancies, thus helping to develop the application to meet actual-world requirements of end users.
It’s cognitively structured compared to the procedural framework of scripted testing.
It’s an approach and not a technique. The next course of actions is governed by the current course of actions.
It’s significantly teachable and manageable.
Exploratory testing itself is highly useful but when dovetailed with other testing processes, it becomes a powerful way to understand the application in a better manner, build better functional tests and finally enhance the quality of the application.

When do we require exploratory testing?

It’s required in the scenarios given below:

To understand how the application works, what functionality it executes and how its interface looks like.
To identify historically and untested buggy functionality of the application.
To compel the application to provide evidence of its capabilities in terms of functionality for which it was developed.
To minimize test script writing.
To find new questions and new information.
When advance iteration is required.
When new testers enter the project.
The testing team consists of adept testers.
The application is critical enough.

Managing exploratory testing

Exploratory test management goes through the following 5 stages:

1. Creation of Bug Taxonomy (classification):

Categorize prevalent types of faults detected in earlier projects.
Scrutinize the main cause/analysis of the faults or problems.
Detect the risks and create ideas to evaluate the application.

2. Test Charter:

Test charter should propose What to test, The process of testing, Areas that need to be looked upon
Test ideas are the initiating points of exploration testing.
Test charter aids how an end user could utilize the application.

3. Time Box:

It includes two testers working together up to a minimum time frame of 90 minutes.
Any interrupted time shouldn’t be there in that 90 minutes’ session.
Time box can have extension or reduction of 45 minutes.
This session motivates testers to react to the response of the application and to prepare for the accurate outcome.

4. Results Reviewing:

Assessment of the faults
Getting educated from testing
Study of coverage areas

5. Debriefing:

Compilation of output results
Comparison between the results and the charter
Check for need of any additional testing

During an exploratory test, following points need to be covered:

Mission of the testing should be absolutely clear
Keeping notes on what requires to be tested, requirement of the testing and the evaluation of the application quality
Tracking of issues and questions raised during the testing
Pairing of the testers for successful testing

What to leverage from exploratory testing?

Exploratory testing is a part of Agile testing continuum that ranges from casual exploratory testing to proper testing scripts. Most testing engagements require a merger of various testing approaches, making the most out of each to harvest optimum value from testing efforts.

During the casual exploratory testing, the application’s basic functionality is captured, by formulating a practical decomposition of application space, within a spreadsheet or test management tool. Then this practical decomposition is verified with development, production and business support teams, and proper adjustments are made.

Now skilled testers are assigned against certain application areas while the practical decomposition acts like a check-list. At the beginning, focus of the testers should stay on four prime goals: learning about application space, finding and publishing defects, capturing test case names and confirming the practical decomposition.

Based on the information gained, the requirement of additional testing process is decided to meet software quality goals and testing velocity. Leverage the information obtained from continuing formal exploratory testing can help develop an itemized inventory of test cases. This inventory should be formally scripted and automated using automation techniques and keyword-based test case design.

Here, the key lies in the perfect blend of techniques, tools and skills that pave way for the highest possible opportunity to lower production issues and enhance product quality.

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Final words

When you are solving puzzles, perhaps you have noted how the puzzle changes the puzzling. As you dive into the process of solving a puzzle, its particulars emerge, which often influences your tactics for solving it. This is the truth that lies at the heart of exploratory testing.

Though testing is, in itself, quite complicated, effective and strategic use of exploratory testing can tame that complexity to a significant extent and help in the development of high-quality applications at a rapid pace.

In conclusion, exploratory testing is a crucial aspect of software quality assurance. Its flexibility and focus on real-world scenarios make it indispensable in ensuring software reliability. By engaging experienced testers, leveraging the right tools, and fostering collaboration, your project can benefit significantly from exploratory testing, uncovering hidden issues and delivering a more robust software product.

Continuous Testing and Its Role in the Software Development Cycle (Updated JAN 2024)

Change is the only constant –this is an often repeated adage. It is equally applicable to the software development cycle. In today’s competitive market where everyone is short on time. Clients and customers are impatient to get results. It is important for business houses to be able to capitalize on opportunities and deliver innovative solutions and business systems to stay ahead. The latest in the field is the concept of Agile software development to implement the principle of continuous testing and delivery over the traditional process. This system is based on the concept of implementing testing into the development cycle. Testing involves validating the basic requirements of the product and how it meets the user’s needs including all the system requirement and the final associated business goals.

Automation and Continuous Integration (CI):
Lets look at some of the best practices

Ways in which continuous testing can be implemented

Now that we have established the need for software testing, it is equally important to understand how a software development firm can expedite continuous testing and make the process smooth. Subjectively speaking, continuous testing involves automated unit tests, control over the software version and the ability to integrate it with the server. There are testing software that help expedite the process. Some of the commonly used ones include Jenkins, CircleCI, HP LeanFT etc. All these have their own advantages and disadvantages and their use depends on specific system that needs to be tested.

Testing in the times of continuous integration and delivery

The focus these days is on speeding up things. The combination of Agile practices and continuous integration and delivery have reduced the development life cycle.Continuous integration, ensures that defectsare detected and resolved early on. With continuous delivery, the whole process is taken a step further with the team constantly involved in updating and changing the system in conjunction with user feedback. In an ideal environment it reduces time and cost and minimizes risks.

Continuous testing is the key to continuous delivery. It needs to be automated so that the existing development processes are seamlessly integrated into the system while the processes that are redundant can be excluded. On the part of the development team, the following should be made a part of the continuous testing process:

Advantages and drawbacks of continuous testing

With Continuous testing process, we can automate the tests and integrate into the build process early in the cycle. The key benefits with this process include

Early detection of defects as QA team is involved at very early stage in the project.
Faster release cycles as entire process is automated.
Code quality can be improved as every check-in build is tested
Effective use of time.

The drawback of continuous testing is the time and money that is spent in setting up the system. The return on investment both time and money wise might not be beneficial to developers who make small apps meant for internal use. These kind of software development processes take about 2 weeks and every time an update is created the previous one is discarded. So, it probably does not make sense to install but with CI the time frame would increase.

Continuous testing aims at getting the same results each and every time the process is repeated. The concept of continuous testing has been a part of the development process since the 1990’s. The process has now evolved with growth in technology to suit the current requirements. The result is far quicker testing process without any compromise on quality.

How can TechArcis assist?

TechArcis has expertise in enabling independent testing services, and is far ahead of the curve in following the process of Continuous Integration.

We have developed new frameworks to deliver comprehensive and the best fit testing approach for many clients. At @TechArcis , we work to accelerate your entire Software Development Cycle with end-to-end testing ownership.

What is “Shift Left”? Shift Left Testing

What is shift left testing?

Shift left testing is the practice where testing is introduced at the inception stage of a software development. Here, the teams emphasize on prevention rather than detection and aim to enhance the overall quality of the software..Unlike traditional testing that takes place at a later stage of the development cycle, shift left, being conducted at the early stages, helps avert significant number of different issues. It promotes insertion of quality assurance exactly from the necessity phase of development and moves down to the subsequent phases.

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What drives the trend towards shift left testing?

In today’s business world where cut throat competition has become an inherent part, organizations are constantly trying hard to reduce costs, increase revenue, weighing margins and speed up time to market. Thus, a lot depends on testing for giving the green signal to a bug-free, hitch-free software or application. For companies, some of the key questions are: How to save cost by avoiding delayed delivery? Why does it require tremendous effort to rectify the defects mid-waythrough the development? How to convince the management about proper progress of development?

Most of the disruptive and common problems in software development field arise from technology, cost and time when it comes to delivering solution to the clients. As per the traditional development models, testing begins when development reaches the coding phase. This essentially means that majority of the testing pursuit aims the wrong developmental phase, missing more than half of the defects. There is a distant possibility of identification of these defects during the testing part. If they’re identified, it would mean upgrading the quality of degraded software.

Most of the significant problems become prominent when:

• Software development costs are quite high
• Delivery of the software is delayed
• Improper testing – resulting in business losses
• Software quality fails to meet the standards

No wonder that traditional software development propositions are becoming ineffectual to manage newer expectations.

But what if the defects are found early? Won’t it help avoid a lot of unnecessary trouble? The utmost importance of shift left testing comes into the picture right here. Even the cooks meticulously check the proportions of the ingredients they’re going to use to prepare a dish. So, why can’t it be done for a thousand dollar development project? What’s more, preventive measures provide multifold advantages – cost savings, risks reduction, scheduled delivery, well-timed rectification and so on.

Shift left testing helps rectify the defects as they happen and ensures no or very minimum existence of after effects. In a nutshell, shift left is to improve the upstream quality. Identifying flaws earlier is the key. This could be achieved by introducing static testing requirements, boosting system test, assuring code quality among others.

Benefits of shift left testing (In agile setting)

Ideally, an individual on the team should be identified whose primary responsibility would be to analyze and suggest emerging technologies that empower the team to shift left continually. Instead of marking the testing period of a project as ‘fix phase’, shift left encourages testing in parallel to or with development activities. By integrating both key activities from day-1 of the project, namely development and quality assurance, shift left testing ensures cost-effectiveness while saving time and resources.

Agile setting is an alternative to the traditional project management. It helps teams evaluate the mode of a project through the SDLC. It’s attained by performing iterative, incremental work cadences widely known as sprints. Agile testing is distinctly limited to developmental testing. Shift left testing is gaining popularity, especially in agile setting, for the following benefits:

Cost effectiveness
Saving resources and time
Early detection and fixing of bugs

This model promotes better team work between developers and testers – by minimizing the frictional differences between teams.

It also

allows adequate test coverage
expedites delivery of the software

Final words

Shift left methodology is a highly influential and popular trend in the software testing community. It’s mainly intended to integrate testing into software/system engineering in a better manner and thereby find defects at an earlier stage when they’re less expensive and easier to fix. The less well known fact, both inside and outside of testing field, is that shift left testing comprises of four different variants – Traditional, Incremental, Agile/DevOps and Model-based.Each of these variants banks on each other to substantially improve effectiveness, efficiency and even the extent of testing.

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Companies can leverage the shift left approach to propel their organization towards a quicker, more predictive and preventive approach to testing, Contact Our Digital testing experts for a free assessment. – It functions remarkably well in agile environments, but can be applied equally well across any other methodology as well.

YouTube Video Download with Snaptube – Best Alternative to VidMate

The option to save and watch information offline has led to an increase in demand for YouTube video downloaders in the age of streaming services. Snaptube is one of the most well-known apps and is a popular option. This in-depth guide will go over Snaptube’s features, applications, safety advice, compatible formats, and detailed steps for downloading YouTube videos.

What is the Use of Snaptube?

Snaptube, as a YouTube video downloader, serves multiple purposes:

Offline Viewing:
- Snaptube allows users to save YouTube videos for offline viewing, making it convenient for users with slow internet connectivity or those looking to save on data usage.
Archiving:
- Users can archive videos to safeguard against removal from YouTube due to copyright issues or other reasons, ensuring continued access.
Editing and Repurposing:
- Downloading videos is beneficial for users who wish to edit or repurpose content for personal projects, presentations, or creative endeavors.
Quality and Format:
- Snaptube provides users with the flexibility to choose video quality and format, catering to specific preferences and device compatibility.

General Features of Snaptube:

Snaptube offers a range of features making it a versatile video downloader:

Video Downloading:
- The primary function of Snaptube is to download videos from various platforms, including YouTube.
Format Conversion:
- Snaptube supports the conversion of downloaded videos into different formats, ensuring compatibility with various devices and editing software.
Quality Selection:
- Users have the option to choose the quality of the downloaded video, allowing for customization based on preferences.
Batch Downloading:
- Snaptube facilitates the download of multiple videos simultaneously, either through URL pasting or by selecting playlists or channels.
Download Scheduling:
- Users can schedule downloads for specific times, optimizing the process based on convenience.
User Interface:
- Snaptube boasts a user-friendly interface, ensuring easy navigation and providing clear instructions on how to utilize the software effectively.
Ad-free Experience:
- While some versions may display ads, premium versions of Snaptube often offer an ad-free experience for enhanced usability.
Support:
- Snaptube provides customer support through knowledge bases, user forums, or direct assistance from the developer.

Is it Safe to Use Snaptube for YouTube Video Download?

The safety of using Snaptube, or any YouTube video downloader, relies on responsible usage and obtaining the application from a reputable source. Here are some safety tips:

Use a Reputable Downloader:
- Download Snaptube from its official website to avoid malware or harmful software.
Keep Software Updated:
- Ensure you have the latest version of Snaptube to minimize security risks.
Avoid Suspicious Links:
- Exercise caution when clicking on links offering free downloads and asking for personal information.
Read User Reviews:
- Check user reviews to gauge the reliability and safety of Snaptube before downloading.
Use a VPN:
- Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect your privacy and prevent monitoring of online activities.
Respect Copyright Laws:
- Downloading copyrighted content without permission may lead to legal consequences. Adhere to and follow copyright laws in your country.

What Formats are Supported by Snaptube?

Snaptube supports common video formats such as MP4, AVI, MOV, and WMV. Some versions may also support less common formats like MKV, FLV, and WebM. Additionally, Snaptube may support downloading audio files in formats like MP3, M4A, and WAV.

Before downloading, ensure the format is compatible with your media player or device to avoid playback issues.

How to Save Videos from YouTube to Your Phone Using Snaptube?

Saving videos from YouTube to your phone with Snaptube involves several steps:

Download Snaptube:
- Install Snaptube on your Android device from a reputable source.
Copy YouTube Video Link:
- Open the YouTube app, select the video, click the share button, and choose “Copy link.”
Paste Link in Snaptube:
- Open Snaptube, paste the link in the designated field. Some versions may automatically detect the link.
Select Download Options:
- Choose video quality, format, and click download. Some versions may offer audio-only download.
Locate Downloaded Video:
- Once downloaded, find the video in Snaptube’s download folder or your phone’s file manager.

Remember, downloading YouTube videos without permission may violate copyright laws. Be aware of and follow copyright laws in your country.

Top Alternatives to Snaptube: A Quick Comparison

Here’s a brief comparison of Snaptube with other top YouTube video downloader apps:

Snaptube:
- Features: Download videos from various sites, format conversion, quality and format selection, batch downloading, download scheduling, browser integration, user-friendly interface, ad-free experience.
- Pricing: Free version available; premium version pricing varies.
4K Video Downloader:
- Features: Download videos from YouTube and others, extract audio, download playlists or channels, choose video quality and format.
- Pricing: Free version with limited features; $15 for a personal license.
YouTube-dl:
- Features: Command-line program, supports various websites, download playlists or channels, download videos in various formats and qualities.
- Pricing: Free and open-source.
WinX YouTube Downloader:
- Features: Download videos, download playlists or channels, choose video quality and format, batch downloading.
- Pricing: Free version with limited features; $29.95 for a 1-year license.
ClipGrab:
- Features: Download videos, choose video quality and format.
- Pricing: Free and open-source.

Navigating the Ethics of Video Downloading in Different Countries

The ethical considerations of video downloading vary from one country to another and are influenced by legal, cultural, and societal factors. In the USA, for example, the legal framework is primarily rooted in copyright laws, aiming to protect the rights of content creators and distributors. Ethical considerations extend beyond legality, taking into account the intent and impact on content creators.

On a global scale, different countries have varying copyright laws, enforcement mechanisms, and cultural attitudes towards intellectual property. While the legal framework might be less stringent in some countries, ethical perceptions can differ. Users are encouraged to be aware of and abide by the copyright laws in their respective countries, respecting intellectual property rights and considering the impact of downloading on content creators.

Conclusion

To sum up, Snaptube is a reliable option for saving YouTube videos, offering a variety of features for ease, customisation, and offline viewing. Users should be mindful of cultural differences, legal frameworks, and ethical considerations when downloading videos, nevertheless. By adhering to copyright regulations and utilizing reliable downloaders

App Lock in Smartphone Privacy: Understanding the Role of App Locks

In a world where smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives, concerns about privacy and security are more significant than ever. The rise of spy apps, designed to monitor smartphone activities covertly, has sparked a need for users to take proactive measures in protecting their personal information. One such measure is the use of app locks, a crucial tool in maintaining control over your device’s privacy.

What Are Spy Apps and Their Risks?

Spy apps, a form of software designed to clandestinely monitor smartphone activities, are often employed with good intentions, such as parents monitoring their children or employers ensuring productivity. However, these apps can be abused, leading to stalking, data theft, or privacy violations. Spy apps are typically installed on a target device without the user’s consent, often disguised as seemingly harmless applications.

The consequences of using spy apps without permission are severe. Legal ramifications, criminal charges, and the violation of privacy rights underscore the potential dangers. Many app stores, including Google Play and the Apple App Store, strictly prohibit the sale and distribution of spy apps.

The Importance of App Locks in Privacy Protection

Amidst the growing concerns about spy apps, users are seeking ways to fortify their privacy defenses. App locks emerge as a crucial tool in this endeavor. These locks, often available as standalone applications or integrated into the smartphone’s operating system, provide an additional layer of security by restricting access to specific applications.

If you’re a parent wanting to monitor your child’s smartphone usage responsibly, or an employer looking to establish clear phone usage policies, app locks offer a practical solution. Rather than resorting to spy apps that may infringe on privacy rights, using built-in parental controls or engaging in open conversations about responsible phone usage is a more ethical approach.

How App Locks Work

App locks function by requiring a password, PIN, fingerprint, or other authentication methods to access specific applications. This ensures that only authorized users can open and use protected apps. By employing app locks, users can safeguard sensitive information, messages, photos, and other personal data from unauthorized access.

Choosing App Locks Wisely

Several app locks are available in the market, each offering unique features and levels of security. When selecting an app lock, consider the following:

Authentication Methods: Look for app locks that offer multiple authentication options for added flexibility.
Reviews and Ratings: Check user reviews and ratings to gauge the app lock’s effectiveness and user satisfaction.
Compatibility: Ensure the app lock is compatible with your smartphone’s operating system (Android, iOS, etc.).
Additional Features: Some app locks offer features such as intruder photo capture or disguise mode, enhancing overall security.

Conclusion: Strengthening Your Privacy Defenses

In conclusion, as concerns about smartphone privacy continue to grow, users must take proactive steps to protect their personal information. App locks serve as an effective and ethical alternative to spy apps, allowing users to control access to their applications without violating anyone’s privacy rights. By incorporating app locks into your smartphone security measures, you can navigate the digital landscape with confidence, ensuring that your sensitive information remains in trusted hands. Remember, responsible phone usage, open communication, and ethical privacy practices contribute to a safer and more secure mobile experience.

YouTube Video Download with VidMate: A Comprehensive Guide

In a world dominated by streaming services, the ability to download YouTube videos has become a valuable feature for many users. Whether for offline viewing during a commute or to preserve content that might be removed in the future, YouTube video downloaders have gained immense popularity. In this guide, we’ll delve into the realm of YouTube video downloading, focusing on the renowned app, YouTube video download VidMate.

What is the use of a YouTube Video Downloader like VidMate?

A YouTube video downloader, such as VidMate, serves several purposes:

Offline Viewing: VidMate allows users to save YouTube videos for offline viewing. This is particularly beneficial in areas with slow internet connectivity or for users who want to watch videos without consuming data.
Archiving: In the event a video is removed from YouTube due to copyright issues or other reasons, having a personal copy through VidMate ensures that you can still access it.
Editing and Repurposing: Downloading YouTube videos is useful for those who want to edit or repurpose content for personal projects, presentations, or other creative endeavours.
Quality and Format: VidMate lets users choose the video quality and format for downloading, catering to specific preferences and device compatibility.

What are the General Features of VidMate?

VidMate, like other video download applications, comes with a set of features:

Video Downloading: The primary function of VidMate is to download videos from various platforms, including YouTube.
Format Conversion: VidMate supports the conversion of downloaded videos into different formats, ensuring compatibility with various devices and editing software.
Quality Selection: Users can choose the quality of the video they want to download, allowing for customization based on preferences.
Batch Downloading: VidMate facilitates the download of multiple videos simultaneously, either through URL pasting or by selecting playlists or channels.
Download Scheduling: Users can schedule downloads for specific times, optimizing the process based on convenience.
Browser Integration: VidMate offers browser extensions or plugins for direct video downloads from web browsers.
User Interface: A user-friendly interface ensures easy navigation, providing clear instructions on how to utilize the software effectively.
Ad-free Experience: While some versions may display ads, premium versions often offer an ad-free experience for enhanced usability.
Support: VidMate provides customer support through knowledge bases, user forums, or direct assistance from the developer.

Is it Safe to Use YouTube video download VidMate?

The safety of using VidMate, or any YouTube video downloader, depends on how it’s used and its source.

Here are some tips to use VidMate safely:

Use a Reputable Downloader: Download VidMate from its official website to avoid malware or harmful software.
Keep Software Updated: Ensure you have the latest version of VidMate to minimize security risks.
Avoid Suspicious Links: Be cautious when clicking on links offering free downloads and asking for personal information.
Read User Reviews: Check user reviews to gauge the reliability and safety of VidMate before downloading.
Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can protect your privacy and prevent monitoring of online activities.
Respect Copyright Laws: Downloading copyrighted content without permission may lead to legal consequences. Be aware of and follow copyright laws in your country.

In summary, using VidMate can be safe when following safe practices, using reputable software, and respecting copyright laws.

What Formats are Supported by VidMate?

VidMate supports common video formats such as MP4, AVI, MOV, and WMV. Some versions may also support less common formats like MKV, FLV, and WebM. Additionally, VidMate may support downloading audio files in formats like MP3, M4A, and WAV.

Before downloading, ensure the format is compatible with your media player or device to avoid playback issues.

How to Save Videos from YouTube to Your Phone Using VidMate?

Saving videos from YouTube to your phone with VidMate involves several steps:

Download VidMate: Install VidMate on your Android device from a reputable source.
Copy YouTube Video Link: Open the YouTube app, select the video, click the share button, and choose “Copy link.”
Paste Link in VidMate: Open VidMate, paste the link in the designated field. Some versions may automatically detect the link.
Select Download Options: Choose video quality, format, and click download. Some versions may offer audio-only download.
Locate Downloaded Video: Once downloaded, find the video in VidMate’s download folder or your phone’s file manager.

Remember, downloading YouTube videos without permission may violate copyright laws. Be aware of and follow copyright laws in your country.

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COTS Products, COTS Tools, and COTS Integration

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What is the Use of Snaptube?

General Features of Snaptube:

Is it Safe to Use Snaptube for YouTube Video Download?

What Formats are Supported by Snaptube?

How to Save Videos from YouTube to Your Phone Using Snaptube?

Top Alternatives to Snaptube: A Quick Comparison

Navigating the Ethics of Video Downloading in Different Countries

Conclusion

What Are Spy Apps and Their Risks?

The Importance of App Locks in Privacy Protection

How App Locks Work

Choosing App Locks Wisely

Conclusion: Strengthening Your Privacy Defenses

What is the use of a YouTube Video Downloader like VidMate?

What are the General Features of VidMate?

Is it Safe to Use YouTube video download VidMate?

What Formats are Supported by VidMate?

How to Save Videos from YouTube to Your Phone Using VidMate?

Top 7 YouTube Video Downloader Apps: Features, Pricing & Comparison

Automation and Continuous Integration (CI):
Lets look at some of the best practices