Feature Friday – Important New Updates to Parameterization and Data-Driven Testing
What do testers do when they need to cover dozens or even hundreds of different scenarios in a short amount of time? Writing a new test script for each scenario is a time-consuming process and quite literally a maintenance nightmare. Well, what if we told you there’s a solution to our problem, and that solution is called data driven testing? Some of you might already know a bit about it, but Qyrus’ implementation of data driven testing includes parameterizing certain steps in a test script to then allow data to be fed into those steps. We call this parameterization. And the last time we talked about parameterization was nearly half a year ago in one of our initial Feature Friday blog posts. Today, we’re joined by Adhiraj and Kiwaun to hear about the updates made to parameterization.
Tell us more about the parameterization offered by Qyrus and its use cases.
Adhi:
Parameterization on Qyrus essentially allows users to utilize data-driven testing in their testing process. Test data can be pulled directly from a file or table that will then be fed into the corresponding test steps in the script during runtime.
Kiwaun:
Overall, it allows users to test a large amount of scenarios using a single test case, promoting reusability as well as easier maintenance. Each row that’s in the datasheet represents a different test case.
For those that have read the previous post mentioned before about parameterization, we’d encourage you to read a bit about it before continuing on. Next, we’ll hear about the awesome updates made to our feature.
Tell us more about what’s new with parameterization?
Adhi:
The biggest update to our parameterized testing is our ability to create these tables directly on the Qyrus platform itself.
Kiwaun:
And, we’ve made it so it’s an easy process that’s done right alongside test building and on the exact same page. This enables the user to be more productive as they don’t have to go around to different screens or pages in order to fill in this information.
Adhi:
And, the really cool thing is that you can actually connect this to the test data management section in Qyrus. We’ve talked about our test data management feature in the past, and you can read more about it here. But essentially, this also allows users to auto-generate data in these tables for use during execution. We’ve really tried to tie all aspects of Qyrus together.
These new updates really highlight the importance of data-driven testing and how that can help users scale and increase coverage of test cases and scenarios. Qyrus is constantly looking to improve and update features to keep up with client requirements and advancements in the automated testing area.
What is this feature’s overall impact on the testing process?
Adhi:
Parameterization has an impact in all major areas of testing, including test building, execution, and the following reporting. And, with the advent of test data management and tying it into parameterization, even maintenance is something that is impacted here.
Kiwaun:
In terms of test coverage, the value of parameterization cannot be understated. The whole idea behind data driven testing is to push test coverage and also make it more efficient to do so in the process. We also want to make it easier overall, which can provide cost and effect reduction.
How might parameterization help testers, developers, and business technologists? What value can this feature bring?
Adhi:
Testers would use this to push their test coverage, as we just mentioned. But besides that, it can help them specifically target what data and data sets to be used in testing for specific test cases and scenarios to be executed.
Kiwaun:
Devs might use this to help them in building and running unit tests, but this is a tester-focused feature. The great thing, however, is that it makes this type of testing more accessible to those users who aren’t proficient in testing whatsoever. This can enable even less technical people, like business technologists, to be able to perform data-driven testing themselves.
Making testing simple is Qyrus’ mission. Through making testing simpler, we can make testing faster. Parameterization and data-driven testing can sound complicated, but with Qyrus it is made simple.
Does the same or similar functionality exist without Qyrus, and how do competitors address similar problems?
Kiwaun:
Prior to our parameterization as a whole, users would have to create multiple test scripts to cover these different scenarios. With parameterization, this isn’t an issue. But, even more importantly, with the updates that have been brought forward – including test data management – it has even more value than before.
Adhi:
And, ultimately, competitors don’t have the same level of test data management that we do – especially now. But if we’re looking at this from a pure coding standpoint – data-driven testing is achievable. It’s definitely nothing new. But, what’s the real question is, how easy is it? Given Qyrus, it’s really easy.
How do you see parameterization impacting day-to-day operations across organizations?
Kiwaun:
In terms of day-to-day, our parameterization and data-driven testing is extremely easy and would speed up test building and coverage. Test cases are all executed under one report and presented back as such.
Adhi:
And the days of coding day-in and day-out are gone! The codeless approach of Qyrus takes the coding out of testing and makes it simple. Even filling out these parameterized files or using the onboard test data management is simple.
Data-driven testing is essential to efficient testing. It is not easy to scale test coverage while also keeping up with the agile process of software development. Qyrus always seeks to keep updating their features, as well as adding new features. Keeping up with the testing requirements of our clients and the ever-evolving world of testing is a core goal of Qyrus. These updates to parameterization are just an example of how Qyrus is an ever-evolving testing platform.