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Software Testing - Workflow Testing

Quiz

Software testing is mainly done with the objective of detecting maximum number of defects, and to enhance the software quality. Thus it reduces the probability of finding issues from the early stages of the software development lifecycle (SDLC), ensures there are no security lapses, and verifies if the software is built as per the compliances, and regulations.

What is Software Workflow Testing?

Software workflow testing is a technique adopted to verify the entire workflow of a feature with respect to its business requirements. Let us take an example of ordering a product from an e-commerce website, the workflow testing involves verifying the entire process, starting from selecting the product, adding it to the cart, and finally to process the payment for the same.

Why is the Software Workflow Testing Performed?

The software workflow testing is performed for the reasons listed below −

The workflow testing is done to check if all the features of the software are working as per the requirements.
The workflow testing to ensure there are proper sequence of actions that need to be performed to execute a business scenario.
The workflow testing is conducted to verify that there is correct communications happening in between various functions.
The workflow testing validates the characteristics of the software while carrying out various use cases and scenarios.
The workflow testing confirms if there are deviations observed while carrying out a specific business flow.

Importance of Software Workflow Testing

The importance of the software workflow testing are listed below −

The workflow testing verifies the outcome of each functionality in the software, and the communications between them.
The workflow testing improves the end user experience, confidence, and trust on the software.
The workflow testing validates the complete end to end flow from the initial step to the final one, thereby ensuring that the software is stable.
As the requirements are modified, they are incorporated according to the software. The workflow testing ensures that these changes do not impact any functionalities in the software.

Who Performs the Software Workflow Testing?

The software workflow testing are performed by the individuals listed below −

Testers − They are in charge of creating and executing the test cases to verify various scenarios, and to test the complete workflow.
Developers − They are in charge of development, configuration of the test environment, and fixing the defects that may come up during the workflow testing.
Integrators − They are in charge of verifying the communication between various functionalities while various modules of the software are combined.

How to Carry out the Software Workflow Testing?

The software workflow testing can be carried out by following the steps listed below −

Step 1 − The software workflow testing can be performed by manual efforts. The test cases are created, test environments are configured, and then the test cases are executed to verify the workflows. The test results are analyzed and any deviations are reported as defects. Once fixed, they are retested.

Step 2 − The software workflow testing can be performed by automation. In this approach, the same steps are followed as the manual process. However, automation gives faster feedback, and good return on investment.

Features of Software Workflow Testing

The features of the software workflow testing are listed below −

The workflow testing can be performed only if there is good understanding of the business requirements, and complete end to end knowledge of the software.
The workflow testing checks every module, and feature of a software to ensure that they are working properly as per the specifications.
The workflow testing mainly focuses on the integration and other procedures of testing.

Various Phases of Software Workflow Testing

The various phases of the software workflow testing are listed below −

Inception Phase − This is the first stage where the testers plan, and create test scenarios, test environments, test cases.
Elaboration Phase − This is the second stage where the architecture, and design on which the testing is to be performed are identified.
Construction Phase − This is the third stage where the test cases are executed to verify whether each feature, and the integration between the modules are working. Wherever deviations from the business requirements are observed, the defects are reported.
Transition Phase − This is the final stage where the regression tests are executed to confirm if the new code changes have not impacted the existing functionalities. Adequate retesting is carried out to make the software more stable.

Process of Software Workflow Testing

The process of the software workflow testing are listed below −

Requirement Analysis − At this time, all the necessary details are collected, the business specifications and workflows are understood. Finally, the test strategies are identified accordingly.
Design Test Cases − At this time, all the test cases are designed as per the identified workflows. They cover various scenarios, and decision tables.
Execute Test Cases − At this time, all the test cases are executed against various inputs, then later the test outcomes are evaluated.
Analyze Test Results − At this time, the test outcomes are compared against the business requirements, and workflows. The defects are logged wherever there are deviations.
Defect Fix and Deployment − At this time, all the defects are fixed and retested. Then the software is prepared for deployment to production.

Strategy Followed for Software Workflow Testing

The strategy followed for the software workflow testing are listed below −

Analysis of Workflow − The business workflows are evaluated. The data for testing and at the production are identified. Besides, all the required planning is done to avoid ambiguities in the later stages of the SDLC.
Design of Workflow − As the workflow is finalized, the test cases are created touching various scenarios. They are reviewed, and compared against the business requirements to verify the various workflows.
Execute Workflow − The test cases are executed and the results are verified. The defects are logged for the failed test cases. As they are ready for retesting, the failed test cases are re-executed before the software is moved to production.

Best Practices to be Followed in Software Workflow Testing

The best practices to be followed in the software workflow testing are listed below −

There should be correct titles, and objectives for the test cases.
Every prerequisite should be fulfilled for a test case before being executed.
There should be an accurate set of test data, and conditions for every test case.
Every workflow should be validated with the positive and negative inputs.
The expected results should be documented accurately.
The test results should be marked as passed or failed along with sufficient justifications, and evidence.
There should be correct version control maintained for the test cases.
Every test case should have the tester name, and its date of creation.

Conclusion

This concludes our comprehensive take on the tutorial on Software Workflow Testing. Weve started with describing what is software workflow testing, why is the software workflow testing performed, what is the importance of the software workflow testing, who performs the software workflow testing, how to carry out the software workflow testing, what are features of the software workflow testing, what are the various phases of the software workflow testing, what is the process of the software workflow testing, what is the strategy followed for software workflow testing, and what are the best practices to be followed in software workflow testing. This equips you with in-depth knowledge of Software Workflow Testing. It is wise to keep practicing what youve learned and exploring others relevant to Software Testing to deepen your understanding and expand your horizons.

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