Software testing tools and techniques
Learn how testing and QA teams can find the right tools, frameworks and platforms for their software development techniques. Gain insights into what to look for in the abundance of testing tools and practices available.
Top Stories
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News
02 Apr 2024
GitHub Actions-hosted runners tie in Azure private networks
Private network support is also planned for AWS and Google Cloud Platform, but industry watchers see a power play for Microsoft Azure in GitHub Actions updates this week. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Mar 2024
Testing generative AI apps
With generative AI apps rising in popularity, QA professionals should be aware of their unique failure modes. Learn what testers need to consider when handling these tools. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Mar 2024
Summit speakers break down new era of developing software
Top thought leaders discuss their strategies to choose the right software development process and to best utilize AI and ML in this comprehensive BrightTALK summit. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Mar 2024
headless browser
A headless browser is a web browser without a graphical user interface (GUI). Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Mar 2024
Understanding code linting techniques and tools
Linting is an important preliminary step in the debugging process. Learn how fixing simple errors early on makes code easier to work with and improves coding practices. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Feb 2024
The importance of edge case testing: When to fix the bug
While edge cases in software testing only affect a small subset of users, testing for them is still important. Learn which edge fixes are worth making and which can be ignored. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jan 2024
Top observability tools for 2024
Observability tools can help developers and IT administrators improve application delivery, performance, customer experience and troubleshooting. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Jan 2024
Java compiler
A Java compiler is a program that takes the text file work of a developer and compiles it into a platform-independent Java file. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Dec 2023
Conduct load tests with JMeter on Kubernetes
Apache JMeter and other load-testing tools can be used with Kubernetes to conduct stress tests to see how well an app performs in specific scenarios. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Dec 2023
Don't neglect API functional testing
APIs are how applications connect to a database, partner servers and integrated applications. Testing their efficacy is an essential QA task for every software team. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Dec 2023
What to know about Python load testing
It's a nice problem to have when an application is so popular it's in danger of failing from too many customers accessing it at once. Be sure you are ready to meet that demand. Continue Reading
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News
11 Dec 2023
Docker adds shift-left tests in AtomicJar Testcontainers buy
Docker stressed its commitment to maintaining the Testcontainers open source project at a time when shift-left testing has become a mainstream priority for enterprise developers. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Dec 2023
How boundary value analysis boosts test efficiency
Boundary value analysis provides multiple benefits, including increased test coverage and proactive defect prevention. It's a simple way to improve test efficiency. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Dec 2023
citizen development
Citizen development is a business process that encourages non-IT-trained employees to become software developers, using IT-sanctioned low-code/no-code (LCNC) platforms to create business applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Nov 2023
The dos and don'ts of scalability testing
Effective scalability testing helps to evaluate customer experience, protect against major failures and safeguard an organization's reputation. Here's how to set a strategy. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Nov 2023
Docker vs. OpenShift: What are the main differences?
Docker and OpenShift have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between the two depends on the specific needs of your application and organization. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Oct 2023
Compare Ansible vs. Docker use cases and combinations
Ansible and Docker play particular roles. Used together, Ansible's playbooks and Docker's Dockerfiles provide greater control and configurability over servers. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Oct 2023
The benefits and limitations of headless browser testing
Headless browsers offer efficient web UI testing but lack the visual debugging capabilities of traditional browsers, making assessing the app's state upon test failure challenging. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Oct 2023
Manual mobile app testing is still important
Automation is a great way to check on a mobile app's performance and basic functionality. But testing manually reaches places automation alone cannot. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Oct 2023
Best practices for automated end-to-end testing
Advanced end-to-end testing can save a company time and money, but it isn't easy to implement. Let's look at some of the important elements of test design. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Oct 2023
Is continuous testing in DevOps worth the effort?
Continuous testing isn't simple to implement, but it can add exceptional business value to software development when done right. Here are the key elements. Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2023
Exec: Key new HashiCorp Terraform feature enabled by BSL
HashiCorp Terraform Stacks will be available in the free Community Edition in part due to development funded by its recent license change, one company official says. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Sep 2023
How to test a predictive model
Strategies for testing predictive models and analytics emphasize data quality, real-time testing and code redundancy, as well as AI and machine learning integration. Continue Reading
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Opinion
27 Sep 2023
3 QA testing tools to consider
QA testers need to be able to put applications and APIs through their paces. Here are some examples of tools that can help with automated testing and debugging. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Sep 2023
How to develop a test data management strategy
Effective test data management in app development involves defining appropriate data, using activity diagrams to see how the code will perform, and protecting sensitive information. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Aug 2023
The importance of Kubernetes vulnerability scanning
New to containerization and Kubernetes? Here's what the dev team should know about container image scanning, container file scanning and Kubernetes manifest scanning. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Aug 2023
5 essential best practices for QA teams to adopt
Performing QA duties properly should mean more than checking lists of basic application requirements. Here are five ways software QA teams can improve review processes all around. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Aug 2023
shift-left testing
Shift-left testing is a software testing approach in which the code is tested in the earlier stages of the software development lifecycle (SDLC). Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Aug 2023
The need to demystify software testing for developers
With how quickly demands for functionality can change in today's dynamic application environments, the case for developers to learn core testing skills could be stronger than ever. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jul 2023
The dangers of Python import and how enterprises can be safe
The Python import statement carries a security risk that developers and enterprises need to watch out for. Here's how it works and why there's no easy fix. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jul 2023
How to make use of specification-based test techniques
Specification-based techniques can play a role in efficient test coverage. Choosing the right techniques can ensure thorough coverage, while eliminating redundancy. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jul 2023
The basics of implementing an API testing framework
With an increasing need for API testing, having an efficient test strategy is a big concern for testers. How can teams evaluate what framework strategy is the right match? Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jun 2023
The potential of ChatGPT for software testing
ChatGPT can help software testers write tests and plan coverage. How can teams anticipate both AI's future testing capabilities and the security concerns that come with it? Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Jun 2023
How AI changes quality assurance in tech
AI and automation have become more commonplace across business processes. In the tech industry, for example, the use of both can enhance quality assurance. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Jun 2023
garbage in, garbage out (GIGO)
Garbage in, garbage out, or GIGO, refers to the idea that in any system, the quality of output is determined by the quality of the input. Continue Reading
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News
13 Jun 2023
AWS shuffles DevSecOps deck with CodeGuru Security SAST
A new DevSecOps service links AWS security code scanning to third-party pipeline tools, potentially a shot at GitHub Copilot that increases overlap with AWS SAST partners. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Jun 2023
automated testing
Automated testing is a software testing technique that automates the process of validating the functionality of software and ensures it meets requirements before being released into production. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 May 2023
How to gradually incorporate AI in software testing
While some software teams may find themselves wary to weave AI into their software testing routines, a gradual introduction of AI-based testing strategies could be worth the effort. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 May 2023
continuous integration (CI)
Continuous integration (CI) is a software development practice in which frequent, isolated changes are immediately tested and reported on when they're added to a larger codebase. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 May 2023
unit testing
Unit testing is a software development process in which the smallest testable parts of an application, called units, are individually scrutinized for proper operation. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Apr 2023
A few simple strategies to reduce software test redundancy
While comprehensive test coverage is a must, software teams must make conscious efforts to keep suites from becoming overpopulated with hampering numbers of redundant test cases. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Apr 2023
reliability, availability and serviceability (RAS)
Reliability, availability and serviceability (RAS) is a set of related attributes that must be considered when designing, manufacturing, purchasing and using a computer product or component. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Apr 2023
How to develop an API test automation strategy
A suite of automated API tests can set up an application for success but only if QA teams determine the right tests to automate and implement them correctly. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Apr 2023
How to balance data access and security in fintech testing
Using real data is beneficial in software testing -- but teams must be careful not to compromise security and privacy. Six core strategies for fintech testing can help. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Mar 2023
reliability of computers
Reliability is an attribute of any computer-related component -- software, hardware or a network, for example -- that consistently performs according to its specifications. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Mar 2023
Test frameworks and examples for unit testing Python code
Unit testing is a crucial aspect of software development. Teams can adopt Python for unit testing to optimize Python's advantages and built-in framework options. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Mar 2023
The attributes of an effective database testing strategy
Teams need to implement a proper database testing strategy to optimize results. Explore effective database testing attributes here. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Mar 2023
system testing
System testing, also referred to as system-level testing or system integration testing, is the process in which a quality assurance (QA) team evaluates how the various components of an application interact together in the full, integrated system or application. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Mar 2023
Testing as a Service (TaaS)
Testing as a service (TaaS) is an outsourcing model in which testing activities associated with some of an organization's business activities are performed by a service provider rather than in-house employees. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Mar 2023
end-to-end testing
End-to-end (E2E) testing is a software testing methodology that verifies the working order of a software product in a start-to-finish process. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Mar 2023
performance testing
Performance testing is a testing measure that evaluates the speed, responsiveness and stability of a computer, network, software program or device under a workload. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Mar 2023
API testing
API testing is a type of software testing that analyzes an application program interface (API) to verify that it fulfills its expected functionality, security, performance and reliability. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Mar 2023
fuzz testing (fuzzing)
Fuzz testing (fuzzing) is a quality assurance technique used to discover coding errors or bugs and security loopholes in software, operating systems and networks. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Mar 2023
What details to include on a software defect report
Teams that can write clear and detailed defect reports will increase software quality and reduce the time needed to fix bugs. Here's what to know about getting reports right. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Feb 2023
How to run an ADA-compliant website test
Digital accessibility benefits both developers and website users alike. By following WCAG guidelines and using testing tools, teams can ensure that their websites are ADA-compliant. Continue Reading
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News
02 Feb 2023
Azure Load Testing now GA with new speed, security options
Microsoft's Azure Load Testing rolls out with new features to create fast load tests, securely push code to test environments and monitor test performance during the run. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jan 2023
4 critical API caching practices all developers should know
API caching can increase the performance and response time of an application, but only if it's done right. Learn about some of the caching tools and techniques worth implementing. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jan 2023
Make the shift-left testing approach work for your team
Developers test to find defects and correct flaws before an application reaches release. But the ever-quickening pace of development puts pressure on testing. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jan 2023
How to validate a Kubernetes manifest
Dev teams must validate Kubernetes manifests. Developers can navigate validation and issues that arise with the help of native and third-party tools and other coding methods. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Dec 2022
hotfix
A hotfix is code -- sometimes called a patch -- that fixes a bug in a product. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Dec 2022
Tools and techniques to test Kubernetes objects
Kubernetes manifests and objects represent the baseline of code development on the platform. Here's why and how to test these integral elements of Kubernetes. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Dec 2022
Hofstadter's law
Hofstadter's law states that a project always takes longer than expected, even when the law is taken into account. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Nov 2022
debugging
Debugging, in computer programming and engineering, is a multistep process that involves identifying a problem, isolating the source of the problem and then either correcting the problem or determining a way to work around it. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Nov 2022
Who writes acceptance criteria?
Product owners are usually responsible for acceptance criteria. But everyone who has a say in the final product should be involved in the process. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Nov 2022
NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology)
NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) is a nonregulatory government agency located in Gaithersburg, Md. Continue Reading
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News
28 Oct 2022
For API security to succeed, devs need integrated tooling
For greater API security and clearer boundaries for developers, experts at API World called for developer-focused security tools that dovetail seamlessly into their workflows. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Oct 2022
An overview of data-driven API testing
API testing -- including data-driven API testing -- differs from other software tests in its overall process and relevant metrics. Analytics and automation play a key role. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Oct 2022
Explore the benefits of Docker for testers, QA teams
From simplified test setup to enhanced isolation, Docker containers offer a range of advantages to QA engineers. Containers also encourage earlier, and more frequent, testing. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
21 Sep 2022
Proper storage performance testing: A tutorial
This step-by-step guide details how to prepare for and perform storage performance tests. Explore methods for choosing the right tool for your testing. Continue Reading
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News
06 Sep 2022
Xandr's bumpy ride to AI software test automation success
AI-based software testing tool Mabl reduced bugs and testing complexity for advertising company Xandr, but the initial implementation process was far from smooth. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Aug 2022
Why security chaos engineering works, and how to do it right
While 'chaos' doesn't sound like something software security managers would want, chaos engineering has an enticing amount of value when it comes to identifying potential threats. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Aug 2022
software testing
Software testing is the process of assessing the functionality of a software program. Continue Reading
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News
08 Aug 2022
Devs don't trust AI in software testing
Artificial intelligence can eliminate mundane testing tasks and reduce bugs without human intervention, but its inner machinations make testers uneasy. Continue Reading
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News
05 Aug 2022
Velocity-over-quality mindset leads to software testing gaps
Insufficient software testing happens because of a lack of talent, time and cash. But inattentive CEOs and development methodologies such as Agile also contribute to the problem. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Jun 2022
synthetic monitoring
Synthetic monitoring is the use of software to simulate user interactions with a system. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jun 2022
Key things to consider when choosing regression testing tools
Making a decision about regression testing tooling purchases means taking stock of plans for CI/CD implementations, existing automation capabilities, staff expertise and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jun 2022
7 principles of observability in modern applications
Organizations must keep these seven principles top of mind when monitoring and organizing data to institute observability practices that resolve problems quickly. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jun 2022
Observability vs. monitoring: What's the difference?
Although observability and monitoring are different concepts, they aren't mutually exclusive; both provide IT administrators with valuable insights on their systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jun 2022
Common use cases for observability
These use cases for observability enable an organization to dig deeper into its systems monitoring and analysis to get ahead of potential issues and alert IT staff. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jun 2022
How test summary reports yield business value and benefits
The data a test summary report compiles can provide great benefits to a development team -- and, in turn, business value to the larger IT organization. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jun 2022
8 observability best practices
Observability enables organizations to analyze data on a continuous basis and act on it quickly. Learn best practices for implementing the technology. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jun 2022
Frameworks for an observability maturity model
Observability helps developers and IT operations teams identify and fix system issues. And with the right setup, it can improve on itself over time to catch potential problems. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jun 2022
9 steps to implement in an observability strategy
As distributed software systems grow in scale and complexity, things like monitoring and debugging can become a tangled mess. Here are nine ways to bolster your observability plan. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Jun 2022
The 3 pillars of observability: Logs, metrics and traces
Logs, metrics and traces offer their individual perspectives on system performance. When analyzed together, they provide a complete picture of your infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jun 2022
Evaluate proprietary vs. open source testing tools
Cost, complexity and support levels are key items when teams consider proprietary or open source functional testing tools for their development environments. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Jun 2022
exception handling
Exception handling is the process of responding to unwanted or unexpected events when a computer program runs. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jun 2022
6 key phases of the software testing lifecycle
For QA teams, a successful software testing process starts long before the actual test occurs. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Jun 2022
implementation
Implementation is the execution or practice of a plan, a method or any design, idea, model, specification, standard or policy for doing something. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 May 2022
Implement reliability testing methods, tools for better dev
Reliability testing can play an integral role in software development. Here are some methods and tools to incorporate into your app development lifecycle. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 May 2022
The ins and outs of low-code application testing
When teams use low-code for application development, it can save time and money. But don't neglect testing for potential issues just to deploy the app sooner. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 May 2022
garbage collection (GC)
Garbage collection (GC) is a memory recovery feature built into programming languages such as C# and Java. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 May 2022
How software testing affects a successful multi-cloud strategy
Here's how QA professionals working with multi-cloud can deal with the increased complexity associated with the strategy, plus the risks and workflow factors. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 May 2022
Breakdown of 4 common mobile testing platform options
Mobile app testers, here is how four mobile testing platform options compare. Also, learn when testing frameworks, simulators and emulators become relevant factors. Continue Reading
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News
03 May 2022
GitHub Desktop 3.0 gets lukewarm reception
GitHub Desktop 3.0 introduces tools that make it easier for software developers to stay up to date with code changes. Some developers, though, are calling for more features. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Apr 2022
The fundamentals of writing effective acceptance criteria
Acceptance criteria plays a key role in shaping an application from the user standpoint. We review some of the basic things to remember when it comes to acceptance criteria. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Apr 2022
6 ways to perform microservices load testing
While it's not easy to conduct load testing in hectic microservices environments, certain best practices can help testing teams ensure fair and equal distribution of workloads. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Mar 2022
user acceptance testing (UAT)
User acceptance testing (UAT), also called application testing or end-user testing, is a phase of software development in which the software is tested in the real world by its intended audience. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Mar 2022
Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP)
The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) is a nonprofit foundation that provides guidance on how to develop, purchase and maintain trustworthy and secure software applications. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Mar 2022
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS)
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is a protocol that secures communication and data transfer between a user's web browser and a website. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Feb 2022
Where requirements-based tests fit in software testing
Requirements-based testing has its upsides and downsides, and it's not right for every software project. But certain dev teams should still adopt the method. Learn which ones. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2022
The crucial role of test scenarios, especially in automation
Test scenarios are often touted as a key part of effective software testing strategies. But what exactly do they do and how can teams ensure the ones they develop are effective? Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Feb 2022
AI/ML in software testing, cross-platform testing benefits
AI-powered cross-platform and cross-browser testing has both benefits and complications. Learn more about the role machine learning technologies can play in these QA processes. Continue Reading