The main objective of DevOps is to directly automate and streamline the software delivery process. In this modern time, organizations are deeply involved to frame an effective DevOps testing strategy that supports the implementation of agile best practices associated with Continuous Integration (CI). Under this operation, developers get to check code across a shared repository multiple times in a day. Each of these check-ins is later verified with the help of an automated build, allowing teams to recognize errors and possible threats.
Identify the Correct DevOps Testing Arrangement
With most DevOps projects, the aim is to automate the maximum number of manual processes falling under the software delivery process. It is essential to keep track of major roadblocks within the DevOps pipeline that can lead to slow deployment. This includes error-prone manual processes like exchange actions from a development group to a QA group. Such handoffs point out to lack of shared possession of the end product, simply opposing to the basic development and agile testing methodology. This is the reason why most DevOps testing services deploy an agile DevOps assignment handled by a capable team of developers and testers. Talking about the DevOps model, the testing operations are managed continuously, and if needed even after the applications enter the production stage.
How to Create a DevOps Testing Approach?
Creating a suitable DevOps testing strategy requires a careful assessment of the application or software. Further, there is a blend of several important facets that should be put in place to plan a proficient testing arrangement.
Let us focus on five key tips which help structure a successful DevOps testing strategy.
Prioritize Soft Skills
One of the prime challenges faced by testers is the adoption of DevOps centers focused on soft skills. In simple terms, DevOps does require testers to get involved in multiple testing phases during the software development cycle. Therefore, you need to flex communication among testers and further merge skills which they haven’t essentially used in the past.
For instance, while managing a DevOps environment, testers are required to attend a planning session to communicate freely with developers about how & what needs to get tested.
Concentrate on Fundamental Coding Skills
Apart from better soft skills, testers are also required to focus on basic coding skills. This is important to uplift their great role in the whole software development lifecycle. Talking about DevOps, testers are responsible to maintain the quality of the product as well as the process quality so as to successfully launch that product in the market. As a fact, testers are like doorkeepers who move the software from one space to the other.
Some of the prime responsibilities of the testers about fundamental skills are:
Emphasis on Test Optimization
For controlling a swift DevOps space, test automation is a basic necessity. In these modern times, there is a need to think vast and allow crucial changes to enhance test automation processes. You need to optimize the overall testing strategy for reaping satisfactory results through a capable test automation service provider.
According to experts, solely stressing on test automation without any measures for optimizing the DevOps testing strategy can limit the efficiency of the selected tool. On the other hand, if test optimization actions are systematically managed, they help enhance efficiency by activating the correct collaboration of unit, integration as well as functional automation in harmony with manual testing.
Timely Completed Automation
Delaying to address a problem can prove dangerous in the long run. Hence, you should not let a problem worsen in the DevOps world as it can escalate quickly. Such a scenario can arise if you run numerous manual tests instead of managing an automated approach.
To cure this situation, it is sensible to implement frameworks that authorize automated tests to get completed before the software passes onto the production phase. One way to achieve it is through layering a combination of Test Driven Development (TDD) along with Behavior Driven Development (BDD) for ensuring testability, greater efficiency, and advance collaboration.
Cloud Utilization
For several organizations, DevOps heavily depends on cloud infrastructure which allows practitioners to stipulate and request resources. There is no compulsion for the cloud to be Amazon Web Services. The creation of an internal private cloud is very well received.
There have been cases when enterprises planning to uplift DevOps have struggled with legacy infrastructure that at times avoids interfering with advanced tools. However, in most cases, a transition like this transforms as a requirement for the successful adoption of DevOps testing strategy.
The above-mentioned pointers are valuable in simplifying the testing process and further ensure a hassle-free software delivery experience. You can anytime consult a professional software testing enterprise for gaining knowledge towards the creation of a satisfactory DevOps testing strategy.
Originally published at https://www.impactqa.com on May 19, 2020.
