The most detailed in the whole network, software testing measurement, how to optimize software testing cost and improve efficiency --- hot

One 、 Preface

Software testing is the most important link before software goes on the market , But how software testing can save costs , It is a problem worth thinking about

Two 、 Optimized cost

1、 Test as soon as possible

Just as testing for early detection of disease is important , In small problems （ error ） Start to develop into a bigger （ And expensive ） Before the question of , Early testing of software is also important . By applying the left shift test method , Because it can track the learning curve of testers , Thus, the test efficiency is improved . Ask questions early , Helps improve quality and reduce overall workload

2、 Focus on documentation

Note how many tests are recorded （ Requirements and other contents ）, Please keep a good balance of document detail . More documentation can help people learn faster , Help clarify the problem , And be able to discuss problems in a clear way . On the other hand , It makes the process less flexible , Increased maintenance costs , To keep the document updated to meet the changing needs . Try to find the right balance

3、 Risk based testing

Identify and focus on risks , It consists of two factors ： The possibility and possibility of something happening （ negative ） The extent of business impact . Risk based testing is all about prioritizing , Prioritization and prioritization . Application of 28 principles , Can reduce the 80％ Risky 20％ What are your test cases ？

4、 Adopt production environment information

Although this is imperative, the left shift test , This is also a very important shift test . This approach is designed to avoid making users the only people who test software in production ！

for example , If you want to know which areas of the website have the most traffic （ Therefore, more rigorous testing should be carried out ）, Then it is a source of useful information about real user behavior . You can also check the user access data analysis results , To understand what device most users are from , Operating system version or browser access service , Thus, these behaviors can be simulated in the test

Another example of obtaining production information is to investigate in a performance monitoring tool or take a third-party tool , To see how each set of changes in your code affects performance

3、 ... and 、 Optimize automation costs

1、 first API instead of UI Automation

Although all automation requires an initial investment , But if you use test automation wisely , It can still reduce investment costs and provide a huge return on investment

The test team should consider the different layers of the application , Decide at which level more effort will be invested in Automation . For testers , Can be in UI Level or API Level automation （unit Not for now ）

One possible strategy is to use the most commonly used data in UI The main process automation of the function or user story tested at the level begins . Then, which ends are analyzed in the middle note . stay API Add automated tests for each endpoint at the level of , And use different test data to expand the coverage , Make interesting combinations . These tests run faster , More powerful （ Less maintenance ） And run faster

2、 Migrate to open source tools

If the test team uses commercial software , You have to pay for expensive tool licenses , You can consider using an open source license . Open source testing tools provide a high degree of flexibility , And has reached a mature level , These tools now have more confidence in them

With the significant expansion of the open source community , Thousands of contributors are sharing their add ons and solutions with the world , So as to make everyone's life easier

for example , If there is LoadRunner Perform performance testing , You can easily migrate to JMeter, In terms of money , This will save a lot of costs

The important thing to note is , in many instances , This does mean a large initial investment in migrating what you set up in one tool to another , But in the long run , This will save costs .

Four 、 Optimize infrastructure and tool costs

1、 View licenses and subscriptions

In a time of abundant budget , We don't care much about the ultimate rate of return on investment , Especially small investments . If you see a tool , A membership , A subscription that pays for a service or knowledge , Then you join , No problem . When in crisis , It is necessary to review and reduce unnecessary content

Tools are important here . Analyze the actual use of the purchased tools , And may be adjusted to better meet the actual needs . for example , Check the functions you use everyday and the functions you don't use , See if there's a cheaper plan for most of the features you need .

2、 View the use of virtual machines in the cloud

Many teams have cloud based virtual machines in use , And in some way （ Having a single instance of two rarely used systems, etc ） To optimize , Or shut down services that are used only a few times a month , For example, mirror backup , Multi node redundant backup, etc .

5、 ... and 、 Optimize training costs

1、 Encourage internal knowledge sharing

Many companies pay great attention to how to train their testers , This is an important part of team management , Because the company tries to help testers （ Especially junior testers ） grow up （ Because senior testing positions can be difficult to do ） Will get more in return . Many companies do not pay attention to internal training , They also tend to invite lecturers from other companies or training institutions to give live lectures and teaching , It can also provide funds to support members to learn the skills they need on various learning websites

When it comes to training and seminars provided by external suppliers , Usually teams focus only on specific topics , And mainly for those who hold senior positions in the company . The reason is that our technical leaders and senior testers will have the greatest opportunity to make full use of these trainings , Then they can spread what they have learned to others .
In the same way , We believe that junior test engineers can learn a lot from other members of the team . This can not only help us reduce the cost of external training , It can also enable senior test engineers to develop other important skills , For example, communication , Leadership , Public speaking, etc

2、 Consider online training platforms

As mentioned earlier , Some companies will customize some online courses according to their own situation , Or provide money and time to support members to find the skills they need to learn on the online learning platform , This is a very good practice

6、 ... and 、 Optimize process costs

The last important point is , Inefficient processes can lead to a waste of time and money . therefore , Here are some ways to improve the process ：

• Analyze the waiting cycle or bottleneck in the development process , Dependency relationship , Unnecessary repetition of work, etc .
• Analyze communication channels and possible problems （ There are always communication problems ）, To find improvements and clarifications , Avoid idle work 、 Wrong methods, etc
• Take an agile approach . This means avoiding planning large development cycles without feedback . Designed for short iterations , And often check with users or customers whether they meet expectations . Analyze the team's work in each iteration , For retrospective analysis , For future improvements
• Root cause analysis of recurring errors , Not only to solve these problems , And understand the reasons behind it , So as not to happen in the future

---