Much research has determined the root causes of software startup failures. Poor quality assurance during the software development process was one of the primary causes of such failures. The primary goal of performing stringent quality assurance tests is to avoid releasing low-quality products. Minor errors that slip through the cracks can result in significant financial losses.
Implementing effective QA management that provides tools and methodologies for building bug-free products is the way to create high-quality software. Software quality management is a broad term that encompasses three key components: quality assurance, quality control, and testing.
This article will go over the best practices for improving the software testing process and increasing the overall quality of your software products.
Plan the testing and quality assurance processes.
Processes for testing should be well-planned, defined, and documented. Good documentation is a tool for fostering effective communication within the software team. As a result, effective planning entails developing quality and test plans for a project. Let’s look at the various types of documentation that are used to support the QA process.
- Policy for testing
- Quality management strategy
- Test strategy
- Test plan
- Test cases
Use test-driven software development management.
Implementing test-oriented management approaches is an excellent way to improve software quality. One method is to use extreme programming (XP) – a software development methodology that aims to produce higher quality software that can adapt to changing requirements. We want to concentrate on two XP practices that are closely related to testing:
- Pair Programming
- Test-Driven Development
Taking a shift-left testing approach.
We’ve already discussed using test-driven programming within a robust programming framework. This idea is reflected in a shift-left testing approach, which suggests starting testing activities at the beginning of the development process rather than at the end, as traditional methodologies typically suggest.
Carry out formal technical reviews
A formal technical review (FTR) is a procedure software engineers use to detect functional and logical errors early in the development process. An FTR is a group meeting where attendees with specific roles ensure that developed software meets predefined standards and requirements. The best time to run an FTR is when you have a mature product. However, it is dependent on the type of review.
Make the most of your test management software.
Test management tools, also known as test management systems, are software products that assist QA teams in structuring and managing the testing process. These platforms can be integrated with your test automation frameworks, continuous integration/delivery tools, bug tracking tools, and other software solutions. You must choose between an open-source platform (which is less expensive but provides less functionality and support) and a commercial platform (fast, easy to use, feature-rich, and pricey). Open source tools are typically a good choice for smaller businesses.
The Bottom Line
If you want your company to be competitive and achieve a winning position in the IT industry, you must produce high-quality products. Improving the quality of software products will have the most significant overall impact on your business and its financial performance. When managing your work processes, don’t save on testing, as the cost of mistakes may prove to be too high.
Consequently, your quality strategy should include effective planning, a test-oriented quality management approach, and a dedicated QA team.
Contact us for assistance in forming your software development team.