What is SoapUI and How Does It Help in Web Services Testing?

Nowadays testers plug in a variety of web services into a web application to boost its functionality and performance without writing any additional code. Web services make the web application communicate with third-party services smoothly regardless of the technology and system architecture. But testers often find it a daunting challenge to assess the functionality and performance of individual web services in an exact and accurate way. As an open source application, SoapUI helps programmers to test web services accurately without putting any extra time and efforts. There are also a number of reasons why a large percentage of web testers use SoapUI for web service testing.

Why SoapUI is used widely by Testers for Testing Web Services?

Supports Many Protocols

SoapUI makes it easier for QA professionals to test a wide variety of web services by supporting major protocols. In addition to SOAP, WSDL and HTTP, the application also supports REST, AMF, JDBC and JMS. So testers can use a single tool to test applications and services written in different programming languages. Also, they can assess all aspects of the web services accurately regardless of the underlying technology.

Provides a Graphical Interface

The graphical interface provided by SoapUI enables users to test web services without having adequate technical expertise. They can further use the graphical interface to test web services based on both WSDL and SOAP. The web service client provided by the graphical interface can further generate web services and requests automatically.

Provides a Command Line Option

The experienced QA professionals also have option to use the command line option provided by SoapUI. So they can run the tests directly from the task scheduler. The option enables them to execute the automated tests in batch files. The testers can further use the command line option to customize the execution of tests, and having control over tests, output and parameters. 

Facilitates Regression and Functional Testing Automation

The testers can use SoapUI to automate their functional and regression testing efforts without putting any extra effort. They can simply avail the features provided by the application to validate the quality of web services. Further, they can easily write functional tests, create test suites, add test cases to the test suite, and add assertions to the test cases. The users can further take advantage of the drag and drop action to simplify creation and execution of complex test scenarios.

Allows Testers to Replicate Web Services in Advance

Often developers find it daunting to test the web services in the implementation stage. Many developers even put additional time and effort to replicate the full-scale production environment to test the web services effectively. SoapUI makes it easier for QA professionals to test web services without replicating production environment. They can use the application to test web services before their implementation. SoapUI further helps testers to mimic the behaviour and features of both REST and SOAP APIs through the SoapUI Mock Services.

 Supports Multiple Environments

SoapUI can be used for performing functional and regression tests in both staging and production environments. So the testers can use a single tool to assess the web services in multiple environments. At the same time, they also have option to change the test setup smoothly according to the environment.

Comes with Advanced Security Features

SoapUI further comes with features to protect the web application and services from various security threats. It helps users to secure their databases by creating and submitting malicious SQL statements. Likewise, the QA professionals can conduct XML bomb scans to check if the website’s performance is affected when users try to submit larger documents. They can further prevent cross site scripting (XSS) attacks by checking if the parameters used in its messages are being exposed by the web service.

Despite being an open source tool, SoapUI is being updated at frequent intervals. The SoapUI 5.2 comes with JSON based assertions and three distinct built-in functions. At the same time, enterprises can also invest in SoapUI Pro to avail a number of additional features and enhancements for web service testing.

How Have Testing Tools Helped to Perform Effective Testing?

Software testing has always been a very important part of the whole software development process. It helps in detecting the flaws that are responsible for the dissatisfaction of the customers which in turn helps in the development of better products which automatically gets better due to the rectification of errors which would possibly diminish the outcome of the software.

With the advancement of the software testing procedure, automation of various testing procedure, automation have been introduced where the various tests are being performed by the automated tools which helps in fast testing and at the same time increases the coverage area. The main advantage of automated testing is the fact that it is effective yet costs a lot test than manual procedures. The process is completed a lot faster and the same test can be run parallel on multiple machines and at the same time. You will also get the same accuracy every time you test software. Prolonged tests are actually done with better proficiency by tools than on a manual way. This is why the tests which have high output value but require little effort to be completed are automated first.

1.  Reduction of Repetitive Work: Certain tests, like regression tests, are very boring to perform as they are repetitive in nature. When manually done, these repetitive tests become prone to mistakes as it is tedious in nature and tend to bore people off. Insertion of the test data again and again as well as checking the codes multiple times in order to create a proper database for the storage for future referencing. However tools are capable of performing these repetitive tasks with perfect ease and with the same amount accuracy every time and saves up on time too.  

2.    Greater Consistency and Repeatability: A tool is capable of performing the same task again and again with the same amount of preciseness. However, when a human performs the same test manually, their technique gets altered although they may not realize it. Hence the testing tool helps in increasing the effectiveness of testing.

3. Objective Assessment: Assessment of the cyclomatic complexity or nesting levels of a component (usually done with the help of a static analysis tool), coverage (coverage measurement tool), system behavior (by the help of monitoring tools) and incident statistics (done with the test management tool) are some of the examples of objective assessment which are done by the help of the automation tools. This helps to remove any biasness which may occur when the same objective assessment test is done manually by any human being.

4.  Ease of Access to Information about Tests or Testing: Information is well retained by human when they are depicted in the form of a picture. This is why information which is presented in the form of charts and graphs are easier to remember and analyze than mere numbers. Automatic tools help to convert the end results of the software testing procedures into charts and bars which can then be analyzed with ease by an individual. Information like the development of the procedure, advancement of the same, occurrence of various incidents repeatedly, is directly converted into images for better processing.

These are just some of the ways in which have helped in the process of performing effective testing of the software. However, although a huge progress has been made in the fields of the automation of the test procedure, the main part of the whole process, i.e. the planning of the test still have to be done manually and hence manual processes can’t be completely overlooked. 

How has Software testing evolved over the Years?

Since it came to be known, software testing has gained a lot of importance in the software development life cycle as people are now aware of all the benefits that are accompanied with the process. Initially the process was optional and was done only when the whole development was over. Manual processes were more popular than the automation of the same. Huge amount of documentation was done by the software development team which was supposed to help the development team in future endeavors and a good gap always existed between the two teams. They were not given as much importance as deserved.

In the current day the software testing team has come a long way from the initial days. Advancement of the whole process has lead to the automation of many procedures which helps in saving time and money and increases the scope and coverage of each test.

1.     One of the major jobs of the software testing is to play the role of the advocate on behalf of the customers as they are the intermediate between the development team and the customers, thus helping the former to develop better projects.

2.    The software testing and development team now works hand in hand to deliver better products which satisfy the client more rather than them working separately which created a gap leading to delay in the completion of the work. The communication flows to and fro smoothly so as to make sure that both teams are on the same page.

3.     Rather than the previous customs where the software testing team elaborately recorded every finding of theirs with the hope of helping the development team in the future, they now just take down small notes. It turns out that the elaborate documentation of the procedure doesn’t help the development team in the future projects, as much as the software testing team thought it would be of.

4.   With the advancement of the technology and as people are understanding the fact the software testing is one of the major pillars of success of a software, more and more development of software testing is on the way which leads to the automation of many process. The software testing team is now automating the testing process as and when possible in order to save both time and money. This provides the software testing team with the time to invest in things which are more important or which need personal attention. The software testing team has also realized that manually checking each and every part of the developed software is not worth the trouble and diminishes the test coverage.

5.       Be it integration, functional, or load tests, all the likes are written by the developing team still today. The software testing team just provides them with the input so that the former can produce the right product. The software testing team has limited number of individuals and if they get involved in both writing and performing the tests, the deadline of the project can never be met.

6.   Once the codes are written by the development team, they are reviewed along with the software testing team in order to omit the flaws before running them.

7.   One of the major developments in software testing is the fact that tests are being performed after each stage of development rather than at the end of the total development of software.

This is in short a time lapse of the evolution that has occurred in the software testing industry over the past few years and the change is quite remarkable.

Best Practices to Follow while Performing Mobile Testing

Mobile testing of apps might not be an easy process to be performed. However, following certain rules helps in easing of the process and allows you to get better results from the whole testing process.

1.      Testing Strategies: Planning and creating a testing strategy helps in maintaining a rule for all the testers in your organization. This will ensure uniformity of the testing procedure which in turn will make sure that there is optimum test coverage of the device being tested.
2.     Test on Real Devices: In the early stages of development, mobile testing of the application may be performed with the help of the simulators and emulators. But with the advancement of the development of the software testing needs to be done on real devices to check the reaction of the software in real time and in the hands of the real users who will actually be using the app after it has been launched.
3.     Test Early & Repeatedly: If you are trying to create an app which is completely bug free, then you will have to start testing the app at an early stage of development when the complexities are low. You will also have to keep testing the app repeatedly in order to prevent accumulations of complexities in the app.
4.    Operating System and Device Preferences: The current world has a huge number of mobile devices which run on various operating systems. It is impossible to test the app on various types of operating systems. However, you may try to set the preference of devices and operating system to which your app will be primarily catering to.
5.     Automated Mobile Testing Procedure: When you make the testing procedure an automated one, you ensure that the same test is running with the same accuracy and precision every time which in turn will maintain the fine quality of result obtained as a result of all the mobile testing. This will make sure that you get to work with a reliable report every time.
6.     Adequate Performance, Stress and Security Testing: If you want to be sure about the robustness of your software then you must put them under considerable amount of performance and stress testing so as to make sure that the system is working fine under various amounts of load. Security testing on the other hand will ensure that the customer’s data is safe and should be performed repeatedly.
7.     Check Battery Consumption, Fault Tolerance and Interoperability: You are creating an app for a mobile device where the battery consumption is a vital issue. If the app you have created consumes a lot of battery, it is likely to get deleted as no one wants their battery to get drained fast. Your app also needs to adjust itself to networks with slower internet speed and provide the same kind of function.
8.    Ensure the Global Nature of App: While mobile testing an app, one of the main things which needs to get tested is the globality of your app. Your app should cater the needs of the people all around the world in order to become truly popular to the mass of the customers. Confining your app to a certain locality is basically wastage of time and money.

These are just some of the practices which you can follow to ensure that your mobile testing procedure is a full proof one and will provide you with the best possible results that will help you to rectify the glitches and produce an app which will be accolade by the customers.

How can Effective Test Planning help Increase Productivity?

The quality and user experience of a software application determine its popularity and profitable. So enterprises nowadays test their applications thoroughly to accomplish more downloads and get higher returns. But the modern mobile apps need to deliver quality user experience across many operating systems, devices and environment. Also, the QA professionals often have to perform all tests within a shorter amount of time.

That is why; it becomes essential for enterprises to make testers more productive through effective test planning. It is important for the project manager to make a comprehensive test plan to convey the testing process and workflow to testing professionals clearly. The test plan will outline and keep track of the tests to be conducted, along with ensuring that all functional and design requirements are met. At the same time, it will also provide procedure for various tests, identify test methods for each type of testing, and define the documentation process.

How Test Plans Help Businesses to Make QA Professionals Productive?

Enhances Test Coverage

Nowadays testers have to test all aspects of an application within a shorter amount of time. They further need to conduct certain tests repeatedly to get more accurate test results.  A comprehensive test plans clearly defines the types of tests to be conducted. So the QA professionals can always refer to the document to ensure all tests are covered, and all aspects of the application are tested.

Provides an Organized Test Flow

The test plan further makes it easier for testers to organize individual tests. They can refer to the documents to get an insight into the software development process. Once they understand overview of the product and its evolution, it becomes easier to understand where the bugs are located. So they can easily assess the application as an end user, and identify more bugs by following a proper test flow. 

Avoid Duplication

Often QA professionals duplicate certain tests due to inadequate information about the software and development process. The test plan clearly defines the tests to be conducted, along with keeping the tests organized. So the testers can always refer to the document to avoid duplication. They can further coordinate with each other to gather detailed information about bugs without performing the same tests again.

Effectuates Bug Generation

Unlike exploratory testing, proper test planning helps QA professionals to identify all bugs or flaws in an application. The test plan ensures that no aspect of the software remains untested. So the QA professionals clearly understand the tests to be conducted. They can simply refer to the plan and perform the tests in an organized way without any confusion.

Keeps Testers Vigilant

A comprehensive test plan further helps businesses to eliminate a process called tunnel vision. When a tester spends too much time in testing specific aspects of an application, there are chances that he may not remain vigilant. So he will surely fail to assess the specific aspects of the software with a fresh mindset. The test case requires QA professionals to perform tests in an organized way. So they have to frequently switch from one testing process to another. The switching makes it easier for the testers to identify bugs more efficiently.

Delivers Better Test Results

The test results help businesses to take crucial decisions related to the software’s release. So the testers have to present the test results in a structured way. In addition to helping professionals to generate better test results, the test plan further makes the test results more organized. As the tests are conducted according to specific sections and builds, the test results can be easily attributed to the relevant parts. The QA professionals can further use color codes to make the results more readable.

It is important for the manager to   keep the test plan dynamic and evolving. He needs to ensure that the initial test plan remains abstract, while the final test plan is concrete.  The initial test plan need not contain detailed or exact information about test cases. The project manager has to keep refining and updating the high level test ideas included in the initial test plan as the application development progresses.  

How does Regression Test ensure Better Functioning of Application?

Most enterprises nowadays make changes to the systems at regular intervals to make their software applications deliver richer user experience. The changes made to the system can be either functional or non-functional. For instance, a business may add new functionality to its software, upgrade to the latest version of a technology, modify the existing system configuration, or install security patches and updates. That is why; modern testers have to frequently deal with changes made to both functional and non-functional areas of a system.

Likewise, the QA professionals also need to ensure that the functionality and performance of the application remain intact despite changes made to the system. They perform regression tests to identify the new flaws or bugs created due to changes made to the system. They also need to conduct several tests again to assess the changes in the application’s behaviour and performance more accurately in the changed environment. Thus, regression testing ensures that the applications functions flawlessly despite the changes made to the system.

Understanding Important Benefits of Regression Testing

Ø  Often the changes made to the system or application results in new bugs or flaws. So the functionality and performance of an application is affected each time they system or application is modified. The QA professionals can easily identify the bugs and flaws generated due to these changes by conducting regression testing. The programmers can work on the flaws identified by the testers, and make the software application perform flawlessly despite the changes.

Ø  Whenever the operating environment of an application is modified, the modification has several side-effects. For instance, when a business switches from one operating system to another, the new operating environment will have a direct impact on the application’s functionality. Likewise, the functionality of the application will be impacted at the time of migrating to an upgraded version of the platform. The QA professionals can conduct regression tests repeatedly to identify and eliminate such side-effects.

Ø  Many QA professionals nowadays try to effectuate integration testing through regression tests. Instead on performing integration testing in a conventional way, they prefer running regression tests to assess the performance of the application more accurately. They simply run regression tests after all modules or components of the software are integrated to ensure that the application runs flawlessly in the specific environment.

Ø  The enterprises frequently add new features and functionality to their applications to enhance their popularity and profitability. Each time a new feature is added to the software or some bug in fixed by developers, the code base changes. There are always chances that the changes made to the code will have a negative impact on the application’s functionality. The QA professionals can perform regression testing to ensure that the application functions flawlessly despite changes made to the code.

Ø  In addition to assessing the functionality of the application after changes are made to the system, regression testing also helps QA professionals to track the quality of the output. For instance, regression testing of a compiler can be conducted to assess the size of the code base or determine the amount of time required for executing test suites. The testers can further execute the test cases repeatedly to ensure that the code base is easy to manage and maintain.

As enterprises frequently make changes to their systems, regression testing becomes repetitive and continuous. So a business can always consider automating its regression testing efforts to get accurate test results within a shorter amount of time. The regression testing tools will make it easier for testers to execute existing test suites quickly, and create new test cases easily according to the changes made to the system.

5 Signs that Prompts Business Owners to Initiate Software Testing

Software testing is considered to be the pillar of successful software. If you are in a software business, it is very important that you, as the owner provide facilities for your software to be tested before releasing. However your product will provide you with signs which will indicate the same.

1.  Bugs Leading to Reduced Output: Most of the time if the software has been released without being tested, it develops various kinds of bugs which usually interfere with the way the software is supposed to react and the possible output it gives. This usually leads to dissatisfaction of the customers who terminate the usage of the software. This will ultimately lead to the failure of the software which will lead to the loss of business and should be a clear indication to the owners to start testing their software before launching to avoid such loss.
2.  No Desired Output: The main aim of the business owners is to launch a product which provides the customers with the desired output that will make the customers use their application resulting in desired profit. However, when the developed software doesn’t provide you with the output that it is meant to give, it may be time to start software testing in order to detect the errors which are preventing your application from producing the desired results so that they can be rectified and the settings can be altered to change it. Testing helps in pinpointing the errors and saves time.
3. Loading Problems: You may have created a software and released it in the market for the use by the customers but it can’t handle the load of multiple customers at a time. This will lead to the customer unrest which will soon lead to the customer’s unrest who will shift to a app which has better work ability and doesn’t hang up as easily. This will ultimately result in the loss of your organization and may be one of the most potent signs which indicates that you start testing your software as soon as possible to avoid this kind of problems that lead to discontinuation of the app created.
4.  Lagging Behind in the Market: The advancement of technology has provided us with many benefits but it has also lead to an increased amount of competition as there are multiple apps similar to the one your organization has created which provide people with better performance than yours. This will lead your customers to choose the application created by your opponent rather than yours as it provides better service and desired output in shorter time interval. This will result in you lagging behind in the highly competitive market and is a clear indication that prompt action is required in the field of software testing.
5. Reduced Profit: The main concern of any business organization is to gain profit from the products that they are offering to the customers. As a business owner it should be your top priority to ensure that your organization is always of the profitable side of the ledger and in order to do so you need to provide your customers with quality products. A lack in the profitability is a clear indication that your customers are not satisfied with the quality of product your are providing them with and in order to improve this situation you need to test your software to detect the glitches before offering them to your customers.

These are the top five signs which should prompt any business owner to initiate software testing in order to maintain the profitability of their company. 

Performance Testing and Types

Performance testing is the part of software testing which deals with the speed of performance or the effectiveness of a particular software under a specified workload. It basically checks the stability of the software along with its responsiveness when it is being put under extensive workload. The detailed study of the performance testing has divided the same into various parts which may be used to check various aspects of the software’s performance.

1.     Capacity Test: This is the method of performance testing of a software which is related to the number of users that can be handled by the specific application at any particular time. It helps you to enhance the capability of your application in terms of handling larger number of users at the same time.
2.     Load Test: Load test is done to check the work ability of the software under various loads which ranges from normal capacity of the software to the high end loads which may indicate the breaking point of the software. This helps in measuring the normal working capacity of the application that is being tested.
3.     Stress Test: Just as the name suggests, stress tests are usually performed by applying excessive working load on the application or software which is being examined. It determines how the application would respond in case of the increased stress environment. This helps the developer in increasing the test capacity of the application or to make it respond in a better way while under such situations.
4.      Soak Test: Soak test is usually performed o check the working capability of the software when it is being used for a long period of time. An application may be working well over short period of time and may mal function when it is being run for a longer time period. Soak test helps in enhancing the working ability of the software under prolonged period of work.
5.      Spike Test: Spike test is performed in order to check how the software responds when the load is repeatedly increased during the examination process, over a short period of time. The repeated application of load beyond anticipated capacity brings forth any kind of mal functions which needs rectification.
6.    Component Test: Component tests helps in checking the working ability of the various components of the software when featured under stress. When you need to check how the individual components or certain component of the software performs under normal or increased work load, you need to perform this test.
7.     Smoke Test: This is one of the simplest performance tests that the software is put under. This checks the functionality of the software under normal work load to check if it functions as desired. If the application fails the smoke test, it requires no further testing unless it has been rectified to work normally under the minimal load possible.
8.     Scalability Test: Scalability test is done on a software to check how the software has scaled up in terms of performances after the errors have been rectified or as compared to the previous tests done.
9.     Volume Test: Volume test is performed to check how the application works when it is allowed to process a large number of data.

These are the various types of performance tests that can truly evaluate the workability of the software under examination. 

ZenQ Software Testing - Mitigating Risks and Ensuring Quality

Software testing is one of the vital parts of the software development life cycle. It ensures that your customer gets an awesome product which is easy to use and is top notch when it comes to security of their data. As a major portion of the popularity of the software depends on the software testing procedure which deals reducing the risks and ensuring that your customers get quality product, it is absolutely important that you choose a good software testing partner and there are only a few companies which can match up to the service provided by ZenQ.

Since its commencement in 2003, ZenQ has become one of the pioneers in the software testing front. With a bunch of extremely talented as well as dedicated staff who handle your project with utmost care, ZenQ will prove to be your best software testing partner to whom you can outsource your job with ease. They live up to their mission of “To be the most dependable quality partner to our clients via helping them release zero-defect products to the market every time, on time and within budget. We endeavor to achieve this by keeping client interests at heart, employing skilled and motivated individuals, nurturing innovation, implementing best of the practices and by investing in cutting edge infrastructure.”

Software testing, now, covers a lot of area which may be broadly classified into:

1.       Functional testing.

2.       Automated testing.

3.       Performance testing.

4.       Security testing.

ZenQ performs all these tests with the best quality of result possible. Apart from this, ZenQ also performs tests on various platforms like web, mobile, tablets and that two using various operating systems that might be used by your end users. The superiority of the reports provided by ZenQ allows your developers to further enhance the work ability of the software and hence attain customer satisfaction.

When you choose ZenQ to be your software testing partner, you are automatically entitled to the following advantages:

1.       Highly experienced staff for the detection of complexities and cross platform tests.
2.      Adjustable QA mindset which can undertake various projects according to the need of the same.
3.     High test coverage and early detection of problems so as to reduce the complexities of the problem.
4.       Quick tests using various automation tools, ensuring early release.
5.      Team building and changing depending on project needs.
6.      Test automation based on proof of concept methodology.
7.       Popular test automation frameworks made into reusable plug-ins.
8.    Detailed reports accompanied by the screen shots, logs, videos and error reports for better understanding by the developers.
9.        Large scale test performance along with detailed results.
10.       Multi level testing facilities for software which could be used by thousands of users at the same time.
11.        Tests under real life user condition to check the performance which will actually be delivered.
12.     Experienced professionals (CISSP, C.E.H., CHFI, etc.) along with customized approach related to PCI DSS, HIPAA, SOX, ISO27001 etc.
13.      Integrated white box, gray box and black box testing with appreciable affectivity.
14.       Industry practices like OWASP, SANS and OSSTMM which are comprehensive.
15.      Cloud and legacy deployment, done manually and effectively, for analysis at run time.

This is just an overview of the immense facilities that you will be able to plunder if you choose ZenQ as your partner in software testing. The main advantage, however, being and excellent end product.

Why is Mobile Automation Testing Valuable?

Automation testing is the branch of mobile software testing which utilizes certain test codes or pre written scripts to check the software of probable bugs and flaws which are to be rectified to create a better version of the same such that it is better accepted by the customers. Automated testing not only provides accurate results but also saves time and is thus considered to be a valuable asset.

1.    Automated Software Testing Saves Time and Money: Repetition is a common phenomenon when it comes to testing the mobile apps. This is due to the fact that the software needs testing during various phases of development. The automated testing frameworks can be reused again and again and hence save money in the procedure. The testing process is completed in a jiffy and multiple machines can conduct testing simultaneously. This saves a lot of time while the process is on the go.
2.     Automated Testing Improves Accuracy: Automated testing runs on a simulated framework with accurate precision. As it is conducted by the machine, the same precision is maintained each and every time the tests are performed. It is said that “to err is human”. Even the most professional tester will commit some mistake at one point or the other. But a machine will never make this mistake.
3.    Automated Testing Increase Test Coverage: Manual testing requires long time to be completed and hence in most cases is avoided when long tests are to be conducted. However, when mobile automation testing is conducted, the test may be left unattended and would be performed with equal precision on its own. This makes automation testing a valuable tool in case of mobile testing. The automated testing procedure conducts multiple complex tests which provide with an increased coverage area which helps in the formation of a better mobile app.
4.      Automation Does What Manual Testing Cannot: Manual testing is performed by human, and well, let’s face it, they have limitations. Manual testing of user interface will require actual users to conduct the test. On the contrary, automation testing can perform the user interface test taking ten, hundreds or thousands of people without their actual presence in a virtual manner.
5.      Automated QA Testing Helps Developers and Testers: Automated tests that are shared with the developers can save a lot of time in the testing procedure. The developers can run the tests themselves and get results before having to send it to the QA department and hence the rectification can be done immediately without to be having to wait for the QA department to send back the results. This helps in boosting the confidence of the developers and saves time too.
6.      Team Morale Improves: As the repetitive tasks can be left to the automated testing of mobile apps, the software testing team can invest their valuable time in conjuring solutions for the more challenging tasks at hand which require personal attention to be resolved. This way a better testing procedure can be strategized and better results can be obtained.

Thus you see how mobile automated testing is valuable in the software testing industry. Yes! We accept that automation testing can never completely replace the manual procedure, but it has its own perks which should be utilized as far as possible. 

The Importance of QA Testing for Businesses

The main aim of all businesses is to gain profit from the product that they are selling to their customers and one of the best methods to gain more customers is to provide them with quality product that will satisfy the requirements of the customers. The scenario is pretty much the same when it comes to the software industry. This is what makes QA testing an important part of the software development life cycle of the product. The world is filled with competition and people are willing to pay more for good quality products which will deliver better than the rest.

The software which is tested before launching will obviously have better performance than those which are not and hence will be accepted more by the customers ultimately making it beneficial for the business.

1. QA Testing helps Launch Defect Free Products: QA testing helps in detection of all the glitches that the software may have while being developed. The bugs that may affect the performance of the software will be detected in the QA testing phase and can be rectified so that they are not causing a problem when the customers are using them. The defect free product will become more popular among the users and will provide the business with a wider and more loyal customer base that will ultimately help in business expansion and profitability of the organization.
2. 2.       Even Software Developed by the Best Developers has to be tested: Even the best of the developers are ultimately human and to err is human. You can never be hundred percent sure about the developed product hence you need to get it checked to make sure it is performing as you desired it to perform. QA testing also helps to ensure that the software works smoothly under the stress it may face while being used by the customers and the probable problems may be rectified before launching it to the real world. This is beneficial for the business as it will not cause any disturbance for the customers.
3.  QA Testing also helps Provide Publicity: The QA department is basically a representative of the customers to the business organization. Both start-ups and established firms need to get their software tested by the QA department. This will ensure that the product does exactly what the customer requires it to do. Satisfying the customer in this manner will make the customer tell others about the software or the organization who will be eager to use the services offered by the same. Thus helping in the publicity of the business ultimately resulting in the increased business and profit of the organization.

Thus you see how QA testing is important when it comes to business. It will help not only in increasing the customer base of the organization but also help to gain the loyalty of the existing customers so that they avail to your service exclusively. It is a pretty fast paced world and people will not think twice before switching over to better software if you are not able to provide them with quality product. So it is absolutely must for your business to keep your customers satiated with the quality of the product you are supplying which can only be ensured by QA testing. 

Top Reasons for Using Selenium in Software Testing

In the current IT industry, whenever a new software is developed, it is being tested by the various software testing procedure. These tests ensure that the software is as bug free as possible for the satisfaction of the customers who will be using it. Software testing may be of manual or automated type. The automated testing procedures are more popular due to the fact that it costs less and is a speedy process.

Automated testing tools are very popular among various organizations as they are low cost and provide testing results which are reliable and highly accurate. Of the multiple automated testing tools present, Selenium is by far the most popular one. It is applicable for both applicable for the functionality as well as the GUI and is becoming a favourite for the automated testers of web applications.

So, you ask why? Well following are the top reasons for using Selenium in software testing:

1. When compared with the various other automated testing tools, Selenium is far more popular as it has the capability of working on almost all the available operating systems.
2. Selenium is very cost effective when compared to other automated testing tools due to the fact that it is an open source system.
3. Multiple languages such as Python, Pearl, and Ruby, PHP, .NET (C #) and Java are well supported by Selenium. However, knowing any one of these languages well, will allow you to work on Selenium with perfect ease.
4. When you are working with Selenium, you can write your automation test script in any language you wish. The language used for building Selenium is not dependant on the language used for script writing which proves to be a huge advantage. 
5. Be it Opera, Safari, Chrome, IE 6, 7, 8 or Mozilla Firefox, Selenium will work with equal ease on all of the leading browsers and hence is easy to work with.
6. Selenium is backed up by Google and has a very good development team to support it.
7. CSS, Xpath, DOM, and so on are some of the most robust methods of locating various elements when automatic testing is on process.
8. When it comes to implementation of frameworks that revolve around Object oriented programming like Keyword Driven, Data driven and Hybrid, Selenium is unparalleled in the market.
9. TestNG, JUnit, NUnit and so on are the open source frameworks which are well integrated with Selenium.
10. When you work with Selenium, it allows you to work on multiple machines at the same time. Thus it helps in saving your time as you can perform various tests on a number of browsers in different machines and hat too in the same time. This is a huge advantage when you have the task of testing a large project within a limited period of time.

When it comes to the testing of web applications like browser compatibility along with the functionality tests, Selenium is by far the best of the lot. With the various modes and test packages that the automation tool has to offer, you no longer need to search other tools for testing your web application for their superior functionality and can easily deliver quality product to the customers and gain their trust. 

Mobile Security Threats that can be Avoided

In the current world most of us are hooked on to our mobile devices and to some extent depend on it for our daily life. This makes us store vital information on the mobile devices which can cause harm to us if it is acquired by the wrong kind of people. However, most of these mobile security threats can be avoided easily.

1.     Password: Most of the users of various mobile devices which run on different kinds of operating systems, avoid using passwords which will make the mobile apps vulnerable to the hackers. People also tend to use passwords or PIN which are easily detectable and hence make the device open to the hackers.
2.      Two Step Authentication: While performing transactions via the mobile devices, people often fail to make use of the two step authentication method. They usually utilize the static password for concluding the process which leaves the system vulnerable in the hands of hackers.
3.      Wireless Transmission: Transmission of a particular data over wireless network which is not encrypted, leaves the data open for interception. When you are sending the data over a non-encrypted wireless network your data becomes vulnerable and can be seized with utmost ease by hackers.
4.     Malware: Malwares are a piece of frivolous bug which can harm the security of your mobile device badly. Malwares can be well disguised in the form of a game or a security patch or any application which may seem essential for your device. These malwares makes your data open to the hackers.
5.      Security Software: Most of the mobile devices that are available in the market are devoid of a preinstalled security software which will be able to protect the device against people who are ready to infect the device with various malwares. People avoid using security applications to prevent the device from slowing down.
6.     Outdated Operating Systems: The security patches of the mobile devices require regular updating for performing in the desired manner. An outdated operating system of the mobile device can expose it to hackers due to the fact that the security system is outdated too leaving open breaches.
7.      Outdated Applications: When you are using a smart phone, it is quite obvious that you will be downloading and using various applications on your mobile. These applications have their own security patches which protect the stored data against being leaked. Not updating these application may void the security patches.
8.      Unlimited Internet Access Points: Most of the smart phones do not contain firewall systems which allow the users to use the internet connections via any port available. This gives an opportunity to the hackers to attack your mobile device through these ports and track down your information.
9.     Jail Breaking or Rooting: Jail breaking or rooting refers to the modifications made to your mobile device which is not authorized in nature. These modifications may help in adding various features to your device. However they breach the security settings of your device which makes the device quite vulnerable.
10.     Unsafe Wi-Fi Connections: When you connect your mobile device over an unsecure Wi-Fi network, putting your device at the risk of being attacked by outsiders. It may so happen that the third party may put himself in between you and Wi-Fi network which will allow him to access all the stored data.

These are some of the most common mobile security threats which can be easily avoided by being a bit careful or using the right kind of tools to test the mobile device from time to time.