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There is no doubt that testing is a crucial factor in the SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle). To make this process more refined, organisations adapt several QA methodologies to check
Whether the applications meet the user’s requirements or not. If you are a learner ready to gain in-depth knowledge about quality assurance and its related terms, this blog is the best resource for you. We will focus on QA testing methodologies, their different types, needs, and how one can set up this methodology because this approach is used and accepted by companies worldwide.
Before learning about the different types of testing methodologies, let’s check out their definitions first.
What is Quality Assurance Methodology?
QA Testing Methodology, also known as software testing methodology, is defined as testing models used to ensure that the applications match the end-user requirements. It describes actions that teams and QA departments of an organisation take to optimise the process of planning, monitoring, designing and overall software development.
QA experts and testers use several approaches to improve the efficiency and reliability of an organisation’s software development life cycle.
Now that you know the meaning of this term, let’s explore the QA testing techniques descriptively.
Types of QA Methodologies
Experts use several methodologies for quality assurance, some of which are mentioned below.
Waterfall Model
This is one of the industry’s traditional models used for quality assurance. The waterfall model is perfect for testing works in less complicated and minor projects. This methodology is built according to the step-by-step growth of the test procedure.
In the waterfall model, software development progresses through several phases: design, analysis, requirements, etc. Thus, you must note that in the waterfall methodology, the tester proceeds to the next phase only when the previous phase is completed.
Pros:
- Used to manage and plan the project requirements easily.
- Requirements are clearly stated and defined earlier and can be tested quickly.
Cons:
- It is not suitable for projects in which the requirements change frequently.
- This model cannot perform unplanned events because it is a predefined methodology.
Use Cases:
- IMS (Inventory Management Systems)
- CRMS ( Customer Relationship Management Systems )
- HRMS ( Human Resource Management System )
- Supply Chain Management Systems
Agile Model
The Agile Model is not similar to the traditional waterfall model, and it strictly follows the QA principles. This approach is perfect for big development projects because the conventional software testing methodologies work where the requirements remain the same throughout the project. As complexity increases in the processes, the requirements continuously evolve accordingly.
In that situation, an iterative model can be used, but it is still based on the waterfall approach. In the agile model, software testing is done in incremental cycles.
This approach focuses on responding to the changes rather than planning significant solutions. Also, testers can bring better outcomes by using this methodology in an organisation.
Pros:
- Incremental testing is helpful for cost-cutting, and it reduces threats related to several changes.
- The complexity of the application processes can be changed, managed and tested without hassles.
Cons:
- Increased customer interaction may lead to extended delivery time.
- Inferior Planning priority is responsible for document inefficiency.
Use Cases:
- New functionalities in an application
- Load and Performance testing
- Tests the scope of an application
Iterative Methodology
Undoubtedly, it is one of the most helpful QA approaches used in the software development industry. This model is beneficial because a big working project gets divided into small parts using this approach, and each part will lead to multiple iterations.
In this methodology, the developers form basic versions of software to enhance and review the application in iterations. Therefore, it is clear that this model is based on the previous test cycles. Undoubtedly, it is the perfect methodology for large applications that must be finished quickly. Also, errors can be identified earlier in this model.
Pros:
- Test feedback is available at the end of each iteration or test cycle.
- Helpful model for saving time and cost.
Cons:
- Increased communication overheads significantly after every feedback or iteration.
- Stiff iterations and does not get overlapped.
Use Cases:
- OTT Platforms
- SaaS applications
- Prototype Testing
- Gaming Applications
Extreme Programming Methodology
In this Extreme Programming (XP) methodology, the programmer creates simple code to collect user experience input. This strategy is based on an agile method that divides jobs into smaller pieces. After one section has been completed, the next section is worked on. This is utilised where user requirements are constantly changing.
It relies on close coordination between two teams. One team works on the code, while another team immediately reviews it. Once a code has been produced and tested to perfection, each phase of this testing technique can be regarded as complete. This approach allows QA to produce higher-quality code as each line is scrutinised.
Pros:
- Customers can use extreme programming due to the vague software design of this model.
- Continuous integration and testing of minor releases ensure the delivered software code is high quality.
Cons:
- Meetings of the development teams and users add to time requirements.
- High volatile changes can influence the application’s productivity.
Use Cases:
- Risk Related Projects
Spiral Model
The spiral model, used in Quality Assurance, combines waterfall and iterative development methodologies. It is similar to the incremental process, emphasising threat analysis more. The Spiral model has various stages, including planning, risk analysis, evaluation, engineering, etc.
Pros:
- The time box approach at the incremental phase reduces overall threats in the project.
- This model is suitable for more critical and more significant projects.
Cons:
- It is expensive and not suitable for smaller projects.
- It is a complex method to use with the legacy system.
Use Cases:
- System modularisation
- Application Prototypes
- Enhancing the GUI of an App
- Now, let’s check out the need for these software testing methodologies.
Need of QA Testing Methodologies
Multiple reasons show the importance of QA methodologies, but some of them are as follows:
- These methodologies are crucial because they provide the directions in which the testing should be performed.
- QA testing methodology provides practical and productive solutions that ensure the application meets the project or business requirements for a seamless user experience.
- These methodologies help implement the QA testing techniques.
- These testing models help handle the test cases, issues, project requirements and bugs in the sole integrated environment.
- Businesses can trace their test cycles by utilising these methodologies.
- These models provide testing solutions that cover release management, defect tracking, test case designs, and more.
After learning in depth about these testing models and their necessity, you should also know about the procedure to choose the appropriate methodology.
Which QA Methodology to Choose?
There are several QA methodologies available for software development and testing purposes. Each testing model is designed for a particular purpose and has relevant pros and cons.
Therefore, selecting a specific software testing methodology depends on multiple factors, such as client requirements, project schedule, and the nature of the project.
Read More:
Quality Assurance Vs Quality Control :Know The Difference
How to Setup QA Testing Methodologies?
QA Testing methodologies must not be set up only for the testing product code. The testing methodology should mandatorily satisfy the project’s prime object. You can read the points below to learn the accurate procedure for setting up these testing models.
1. Realistic Scheduling
Scheduling is necessary for implementing the successful QA testing model. The schedule must match the project requirements and the needs of team members.
2. Defined Deliverables
Defined deliverables must be provided for better collaboration and communication between team members. Deliverables must also contain direct content without being abstruse.
3. Testing Approach
Once scheduling is over and deliverables are well defined, QA experts or the testing team can perform the right test approach. Definite documents and developer meetings must indicate to the teams the proper testing methodology that can be utilised to match the project requirements.
4. Transparent Reporting
Clear reporting is a tedious and complex task, but this step is useful for determining the effectiveness of the test methodology used in the projects.
Summing Up
Lastly, it is concluded that QA methodologies are essential in providing smooth software experiences. Just as a master chef believes in their trusted recipes, quality assurance experts or testers use these methodologies to ensure excellence. It doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or a pro; understanding these methodologies is essential in quality assurance.
Having decent knowledge about these QA testing approaches will help you excel in the future. Also, if you are eager to make your career in this sector or wish to pursue the profession of a QA engineer, you can take guidance from our experienced professionals.
