Nowadays, each
software application needs to deliver seamless user experience across multiple
devices, platforms and browsers to stay popular and profitable. But the
performance and user experience of the software is impacted by a number of external
factors including systems, processes and infrastructures. No business can
exercise control over these external factors affecting its software’s user
interface (UI) and user experience (UX). That is why; it becomes essential for
businesses to test their software repeatedly and continuously to maintain its
quality and user experience.
5 Reasons
Why Software Applications Must Be Tested Continuously
1) Shorter Delivery Cycles
A steady
increase is being noted in the number of organizations adopting agile project
management methodology. The agile methodology emphasizes on short and
incremental software delivery cycles. The methodology further requires
programmers and testers to work together and concurrently. Once a particular
functionality or module of the software is developed, the testers need to
assess its quality and share the test results with various stakeholders in the
project. The shorter delivery cycles have made it essential for businesses to
perform continuous testing.
2) Early Detections of Defects and Bugs
Many studies
have highlighted a business can reduce software testing time and cost
drastically through continuous testing. When the defects or bugs in an
application are detected early, it becomes easier for programmers to get them
fixed. As the code is still fresh in their mind, the programmers can work on
the defects without putting extra time and effort. Thus, a business can switch
from waterfall testing to continuous testing to reduce the defect turnaround
time significantly.
3) Overcome Time and Resource Constraints
Most businesses
explore ways to enhance test coverage by overcoming constraints related to
resources and time. When the software testing commences after the development
phase of the project, the testers have to perform the required tests within a
stipulated amount of time without affecting the software’s time to market. But
when the testers perform continuous testing, it becomes easier for them to
complete all tests without requiring any additional time. Hence, continuous
testing helps businesses to deliver a flawless software application despite the
constraints related to time and resources.
4) Produce High Quality Code
Many enterprises
nowadays review source code of software applications to make it safe and
secure. The testing model requires the source code of the software to be
assessed and reviewed frequently and thoroughly. While reviewing the source
code, the testers can identify the pieces of code that may make the application
vulnerable to security attacks. A business can always produce high quality code
by performing continuous testing. When software is tested continuously, it
becomes easier for testers to each and everything in a build. They can even
review the source code of the software repeatedly to ensure that the software
is not vulnerable to evolving security threats.
5) Essential for Mobile Apps
Nowadays most
businesses develop mobile apps by targeting multiple devices and platforms. So
they need to ensure that the app deliver quality user experience across many
devices and platforms. Likewise, they need to check the application’s user
interface across different models of smartphones, tablets and phablets. With
mobile operating systems being updated at regular intervals and new mobile apps
emerging on a regular basis, it has become essential for businesses to check
the mobile app’s performance and user experience continuously. So the
businesses must test the mobile apps continuously to accomplish more downloads
and higher returns.
Each enterprise
can facilitate continuous software testing in a number of ways. It can always
provide testers with test automation tools to perform the tests repeatedly and
continuously without putting extra time and effort. Likewise, it can adopt
continuous integration (CI) methodology to enable the testers to perform the
tests accurately and frequently.