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Every software product has one thing in common: testing. Every product is tested from start to finish before reaching the end-user. The entire software world relies on testing, whether it involves databases, devices, development platforms, or programming languages.
In short, testing is a mandatory part of the software development lifecycle. With the scale of software development being churned out every day, the need for software testing is bursting at the seams. So, how are testers handling the demand? With software tools, of course!
A software tester’s job cannot exist without their arsenal of testing tools- not in the current era powered by software. Tools are their omnipotent weapon and go-to solution. Justifiably, the knowledge of testing tools is a prime requirement for QA jobs in USA and abroad. With tens of hundreds of testing tools available for every testing requirement, knowing how to pick the right one makes a world of difference.
What to Look For When Choosing Software Testing Tools
There is something unique about every project and every test environment. Therefore, as a seasoned software tester, how will you determine what’s best for your project? To match the software product with the optimal testing tool, consider these factors:
- Team members who will use the tool
- Problems it can solve
- Domain or industry
- Open-sourced or prepackaged
- The technology stack it supports
- Flow of data and its supported environments
- Security features available
In the end, you will be left with an answer that will help you find a matching testing tool that aligns with your requirements. But are these factors enough? After all, selecting an appropriate testing tool is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Hence, you need to dig deeper. What you need are in-depth criteria that will help you look beyond the superficial factors.
Consider these criteria to make your final selection of software testing tools:
Assess if it is compatible
The first criteria for any software testing tool is OS compatibility. It would be an invaluable asset if the tool supports multiple OS configurations. The tool you pick should also support the older OS versions to make reverse compatibility possible.
2. Check for platform compatibility
Your testing tool must cater to current and future requirements by supporting all your applications and platforms. Check if your testing tool is compatible with desktops, mobiles, client-server applications, and web-based applications.
3. Determine its versatility
Similar to platform compatibility, the tool you select should be versatile enough to last for the long run. Your testing requirements will change as your product evolves with additional sophisticated features. Hence, it’s imperative to pick a tool that scales with your requirements. While some add-ons can bring the versatility factor to the tools you use, they may incur additional expenditure.
4. Analyze if it is easy to maintain
With so much to do in testing, maintenance cannot be a headache. The tools should be able to generate automated test cases that can be reused or changed as needed. In addition, the tool should provide detailed error logs to allow for quick identification and correction of any script errors. As a result, test management is simplified, and maintenance is easier.
5. Check if it is easy to use
The ideal testing tool is uncomplicated and offers several solutions to complete a task. It should be easy enough for anyone to handle it- even fresh recruits who’ve just commenced their testing careers.
6. Evaluate the expertise requirement
Some testing tools can be highly challenging and require a high level of proficiency to make them work. Rather than choosing a complicated tool, go for one that supports simplified test cases and codeless automation. Look for project-based and model-based tools that your team members are comfortable working with.
7. Calculate the cost of license and support
Lastly, consider whether the investment is worthwhile. Your expenses don’t end here. Moving forward, there will be licensing and add-on costs along the way. Consider these cost-related factors carefully so that your testing tool doesn’t strain your budget.
Software testing tool selection is not an easy job. It requires expertise and experience. Making uninformed decisions will cost you time and money and end up compromising the product quality. From there, things will go spiraling downward.
Currently, many organizations are outsourcing their manual and automated testing work to vendors. Outsourcing helps to save valuable resources and eliminates the need for in-house testing teams. But, there’s a catch- you need to pick the right vendor, and there are thousands of them. The following tips will ensure an easygoing selection process to choose your vendor.
5 Pointers To Select Your Ideal Software Testing Vendor (H2)
Know your requirements
If you’ve decided to outsource, the next thing to do is list your areas, types of testing and coverage that should match the scope of your work. Your list should also include your target devices and platforms. You can choose your vendor’s services from these four categories under application testing:
- Web
- Enterprise
- Mobile
- Desktop
Know your vendors
This is the tricky part where you need to select from a long list of vendors. To short-list, the best ones, find out what your vendor’s service model and testing processes look like. Next, check if the same will work for your testing objectives. Short-list the vendors whose solutions match your goals.
Cross-check the facts
When you seek out their services, all vendors will provide a list of appealing details about themselves. Recruit your ex-employees to check the details. Step up your investigation on social media platforms. Call up other companies using similar services from your short-listed vendors and verify the facts. Arrange for one-on-one interaction with their experts to gauge their expertise. Don’t stop until you’ve made a thorough analysis.
Analyze and decide
Discuss your findings with your tech team. Get opinions and weigh them with the possible outcomes. Talk to your financial team about the outsourcing budget. When you are satisfied with your comprehensive assessment, sign your contract with your chosen vendor!
Conclusion
There is no hard and fast rule to choose a testing tool that complements your testing requirements. It requires a lot of collaboration, discussion, and cross-referencing to pick the right choice. If you are unsure about the process, always seek the guidance of an expert to make your efforts worthwhile.
