Web Application QA Challenges and Solutions

Web applications QA has unique challenges. It is easy to assume that testing a web application is just like testing an enterprise installed software application. But, that would be wrong. And, you probably wouldn’t know it was wrong unless you had spent some time testing traditional enterprise software applications. In fact, it is only by comparing and distinguishing the differences that you come to appreciate how very different they are.

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The Issues Unique to Web Application Testing

Web application testing takes its roots from traditional software testing. But it does require a slightly different focus to be truly effective. Just like driving a vehicle is largely the same, driving a car down the highway is very different than driving a loaded tractor down the side of the highway. You have different areas that you pay attention to so that you get to your destination safely.

Web application testing is broader where software application testing is deeper. This requires that the QA strategy and test plans intentionally look to the broad set of border cases rather than the depth of calculation validation.
Web applications work in uncontrolled environments and software applications work within a more controlled environment. Complete test coverage across all possible environments is not possible. A smart approach to environment and platform testing is needed to ensure that your quality goals are met.
Web applications fail primarily with usability issues where software applications tend to fail with defects. Usability is the prime determinant of most web application success – not defects. Most web applications begin to fail to deliver the customers expected value when they contain too much functionality condensed too heavily into a few screens. Additionally, a seldom considered aspect of web applications is that they are primarily used as convenience tools rather than work tools. This has a big impact on how the test plan is created.

It is only through knowing these differences that you can make a smart decision about how to build a test strategy and plan that avoids the following consequences.

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The Consequences of Not Knowing the Differences

The consequences of failing to acknowledge the difference between testing web applications and testing traditional software can be subtle and vexing. Without acknowledging the differences while building a test strategy and plan, you may find that you see these types of problems as you move your software from development into production.

Defects are discovered by customers and are very hard to reproduce. This results in a very expensive process of handing defect reports, calming customers and detailed research to reproduce the defect. Even security defects become a challenge.
Testing takes too long! This produces a large backlog, slower releases, fewer features and getting beat by your competitors.
Web application quality is high but uptake and usage is low. This consequence is the most costly as large initial investments in software and and marketing are wasted as users find themselves confused with the web application.

These consequences are not absolute nor are they insurmountable. In fact, the actions and solutions to avoid the challenges with web application are simple if considered early enough during the development of the test strategy and plan.

Why TESTCo for Web Application QA?

At TESTCo, we believe in honoring promises. We’ve been testing software since 2002 and web applications since 2003. We know the difference that makes the difference and we’d be happy to share what we’ve learned. We enjoy discussing software and web application testing. We’re delighted when we can share what we’ve learned to help someone else. We’d enjoy the opportunity to discuss your unique challenges in web application testing.

Web Application QA Solutions

Knowing the differences between traditional software testing and web application testing is only the start. In order to avoid the problems outlined above, you’ll need to consider each of the following aspects during test strategy and planning.

Know and understand the testing boundaries. Boundaries can be found in functionality, networks, operating systems, bandwidth, geographic location and even a person’s age! Establish boundaries and then re-evaluate them after each web application testing cycle. They will change!
Sample and measure the environments – then choose smartly. No testing plan can cover every environment. Not every environment is measured the same. Begin early efforts to measure the impact of the web application being tested within each selected environment.
Know and measure the value the user expects from the application. Users use web application with an expectation of receiving some sort of value. Know that value and test the delivery of that value regularly during the testing process.

Most importantly, consistently acting on these solutions requires testing talent. This requires more than just write test cases, run test cases. Taking advantage of these simple solutions requires an experienced Test Engineer supported by an experienced QA Manager.

Web Application QA Challenges and Solutions

The Issues Unique to Web Application Testing

The Consequences of Not Knowing the Differences

Why TESTCo for Web Application QA?

Web Application QA Solutions

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Web Application QA Challenges and Solutions

The Issues Unique to Web Application Testing

The Consequences of Not Knowing the Differences

Why TESTCo for Web Application QA?

Web Application QA Solutions

Other Articles on This Topic That Will Interest You

Software Testing Services

Software QA Services

Website and Mobile App Testing Services

Client Forms

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