Software testing can be challenging especially with a shift from Waterfall to Agile methodology. Owing to a vast difference in both the methods, Agile introduces a new set of challenges for the testers. The most crucial element for QA is to understand the methodology and processes.
The very essence of Agile is to deliver software frequently, each time adding a new feature or enhancing the code which adds value to the customer.
The common problem and their solutions faced by testers in Agile are:-
1.Quality Analysts are overburdened with tightly scheduled releases every week. With continuous integration and change requests, some critical testing can easily be missed.
How to overcome: Testers must understand that change is inevitable in Agile. When requirements change especially at the end of the sprint when there is not enough time, testers must inform the development team in advance about the features that have not yet undergone testing. This prevents confusion at the time of releasing the app.
You can also get the development team involved in testing as quality is a responsibility of the entire team.
2.Another reason could be a change in the code not anticipated earlier. To handle this change, source code analysis is required to analyze and identify the codes to ensure that all changed code is tested.
How to overcome: In Agile, it is important that testers are comfortable with tools and technologies. Agile teams are tool rich and testers must get involved at every stage like checking code quality using check styles and analyzing logs.
3.Defects must be detected early on. Fixing a defect is expensive especially at the end of the development cycle. In other words, if you find a defect in the requirements stage, it is cheaper to fix and has less impact on the future code.
How to overcome: To resolve this issue, the team does frequent code reviews. You could also use static analysis tools for your source code.
4. Most of the applications are designed with a service-oriented architecture in which the APIs are exposed publicly to help the developers extend their solution. Those who develop these APIs sometimes overlook API testing. Many testers do not have the required skill set to test the APIs as it requires strong coding skills.
How to overcome: To prevent this, there are various tools that are available to test APIs to ensure that the application is fully tested.
This problem arises because QAs are working on products that have volatile requirements which mean multiple iterations. At the same time, continuous feedback leading to change requests only leads to limited time for testing cycles.
Finally, test automation is an integral part of Agile. The biggest factor in success or failure of test automation is ownership. It is difficult to get everyone on board but when the team together owns the test automation, it provides faster feedback and adds maximum value.
To summarize, as a tester working in the agile team,
-It is important to ensure that sprints do not convert into a mini waterfall.
-Do not wait for the sprint to end instead find the time in between.
-It is also important to deal with the problems at an early stage keeping in mind the environment.
-Make your team responsible for test automation.
-Most importantly keep learning and adding value to the team.
Putting testing in perspective is important as no amount of testing can guarantee to fix all bugs. That’s why testing often continuous beyond release. Testing is a vital part of the software development process and is the best way to assure quality work. This requires high-quality testers who can meet all its challenges.
