Examining the role of automation testing in Agile and DevOps methodologies
Both Agile and DevOps methodologies have gained significant prominence in the corporate world for their agility and capability to provide optimal results faster without compromising on the quality of the software product or application. Implementing the platform of automation testing in DevOps and agile environments has proved to be beneficial as a humungous amount of tasks can be carried out quickly and efficiently with accuracy as one of the important parameters. The strategic use of automation helps in accelerating software development activities. In this article, you will get to know about the tactical role of automation testing in Agile and DevOps methodologies.
The strategic role of automation testing in Agile and DevOps methodologies:
Businesses get the required tactical support from flexible methodologies such as DevOps and Agile as these methodologies provide greater speed, enhanced flexibility and improved communication between project members. It is not possible with manual testing to keep up with the agile model because of its speed. Hence, automation testing in agile is pivotal as updates are provided to app features at a high speed and which can be justified by the test automation platform.
There are numerous iterations involved in agile and hence the IT product is tested frequently right from the initial SDLC stages. When it comes to the DevOps platform, continuous deployment, development and testing activities take place and also the frequency and velocity of the product release are increased. When automation testing in DevOps takes place, then quality at speed can be expected.
Following are three key tips that can be used to leverage the platform of automation testing in Agile and DevOps:
1. Initiate the process by picking the right tools: There is a range of test automation tools available in the market that comes in commercial, customized and free to use categories. For QA processes to run effectively and rewardingly, it becomes imperative to choose the right tools that suit the project goals. Technical skills, specific expertise to handle the tool, support, capability to maintain DevOps and Agile tool integration etc., are some of the factors that need to be considered while selecting the right tool.
2. A team with specific skill sets: Test automation engineers should know their roles and responsibilities pretty well and should be in a position to provide quick deliverables as and when required depending upon the project specific requirements. In an agile and DevOps environment, ongoing collaboration should be maintained by QA experts with managers, developers and product owners during sprint reviews, iteration planning, regular retrospectives and other meetings.
This requires proficiency in reporting and communicating, so that robust interaction can be established between all project members and thus there can be a quick response to updates and changes. Agile and DevOps engineers should have in-depth coding knowledge in programming languages such as Python, Java, JavaScript etc.
3. Perform test automation strategically: Test automation plays a crucial role in scaling up the Agile and DevOps activities. Though there are also certain scenarios where tests cannot be automated such as ad-hoc or exploratory. If there are minute testing tasks then manual testing can be counted upon as it proves to be a cheaper alternative.
When the team is considering automating certain tasks then they should know about the frequency of these checks that will be running. The amount of effort and costs required should be ascertained. Upon that, the team should know whether the tests are monotonous, repetitive and time-consuming.
Conclusion: If you are looking forward to implementing Agile testing or DevOps testing for your project, then do get connected with a leading software testing company in united kingdom that will provide you tactical testing solutions in line with your project specific requirements.
