Software Testing - Test Suite

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Software testing enables verification of every aspect and feature of the software. This often leads to the development of a large number of test cases. As the count of test cases increases, they are mismanaged, and end up becoming unorganized. A software test suite prevents such a situation from occurring.

What is a Software Test Suite?

A test suite is a methodical arrangement of test cases that are developed to validate specific functionalities. Individual test cases in a suite are created to verify a particular functionality or performance goal. All the test cases in a test suite ultimately used to verify the quality, and dependability of a software.

What is Software Test Suite Composed of?

A test suite is composed of the items listed below −

• Test Cases − They describe the particular input situations, steps to execute, expected results to test a specific feature of the software.
• Test Scripts − They describe a group of automated sequences of commands that are needed to execute a test case. They can be developed using multiple languages, and are utilized to automate the testing activities.
• Test Data − They constitute the set of inputs required at the time of test execution. They play a very important role in verifying multiple scenarios, and situations.

Types of Software Test Suites

The different types of software test suites are listed below −

1. Functional Test Suites

They are used to verify if a particular functionality in the software is working as expected. For example, the payment functionality in a software.

2. Regression Test Suites

They are re-executed each time there are new code changes. They verify if those changes have not impacted the existing functionalities of the software. For example, the regression test suite is executed at the end each sprint.

3. Smoke Test Suites

They are executed to verify the basic functionalities on a new build of the software and to confirm whether the same build can be used for further testing.

4. Integration Test Suites

They are executed to verify the communications between various modules after they have been integrated. For example, the changes made in the front end of the software should reflect in the backend as well.

Steps to Create a Software Test Suite

The steps to create a software test suite are listed below −

Step 1 − The first step is to identify the aims and objectives of testing. It also includes verification of the features, performance parameters, and integrations.

Step 2 − The second step is to select and create the test cases as per the test objectives identified in the step1. The test cases should contain details such as test steps, data, and the expected outcomes. Each test should be independent, unrelated, reusable, and easily maintainable.

Step 3 − The third step is to segregate the test cases as logical units and to prioritize them as per their criticality, functionalities, and execution sequence. The dependencies and preconditions for every test case are explicitly defined.

Step 4 − The fourth step is to select the appropriate automation tools, and frameworks to generate and manage the test scripts.

Step 5 − The fifth step is to develop the test scripts using the chosen tool, if automation testing is adopted. The test environment is configured with the required resources and test data. The test suite is verified to check if it is correctly developed, and can be triggered at any time for execution.

How to Execute a Software Test Suite?

The steps to execute a software test suite are listed below −

Step 1 − The first step is to configure the test environment (which is a copy of the production environment) along with the required resources, test data, and dependencies.

Step 2 − The second step is to decide the order of test execution to make the test suite more productive, and to catch important defects earlier. It also includes considering the dependencies between the test cases, and prioritizing them accordingly.

Step 3 − The third step is to trigger the test suite for execution using the automation tools. For manual execution, the testers execute the documented steps one by one, and record the outcomes correctly.

Step 4 − The fourth step is to keep track of the complete execution process, and to determine any bottlenecks. The results of each test case are logged along with their outcomes, error messages, and other important information.

Step 5 − The fifth step is to evaluate the failed test cases to determine the cause of failures, to identify the defects in the software and to detect the environmental issues.

Step 6 − The fifth step is to prepare the test result, and share it to the project stakeholders.

Step 7 − The seventh step is to retest the fixed bugs, and to re-trigger execution for the corresponding parts of the test suite to ensure that all the issues have been fixed.

Best Practices to be Followed to Create a Software Test Suite?

The best practices to be followed to create a software test suite are listed below −

• A test suite should consist of modular and reusable test cases. There should not be any redundant test steps. A common group of set up and tear down test steps should be created for easy maintenance.
• Each test case in a test suite should be prioritized so that the critical features are tested earlier and to detect crucial defects quickly.
• Automation should be applied while executing a test suite to enable faster feedback than manual testing. It should be integrated with CI CD to make the development process smoother.
• Each test case in a test suite should be maintained, and reviewed on a regular basis to accommodate the latest changes in the requirements.
• Each test case in a test suite should be improved based on feedback of the stakeholders to make it more effective.

Advantages of Software Test Suite

The advantages of the software test suites are listed below −

• The test suites help to improve the test coverage by grouping test cases of similar functionalities.
• The test suites executed for regression testing are mostly automated to detect issues introduced due to recent code changes very quickly.
• The test suite helps to manage, organize, and maintain the test cases systematically.

Disadvantages of Software Test Suite

The disadvantages of the software test suites are listed below −

• The test suites containing a huge number of test cases face scalability issues.
• The flaky test cases in a test suite produce conflicting outcomes, and affect its reliability.
• The execution of test suites requires an adequate number of resources.
• The test suites require uniform and dependable test data to support all the test cases which is not always easy.
• The test suites need to be modified on a regular basis to accommodate the new changes in the software.

Differences Between Software Test Suites and Test Cases

Conclusion

This concludes our comprehensive take on the tutorial on Software Test Suite. Weve started with describing what is software test suite, what is the software test suite composed of, what are the different types of software test suites, what are the steps to create a software test suite, how to execute a software test suite, what are the best practices to be followed to create a software test suite, what are the advantages of software test suite, what are the disadvantages of software test suite, and what are the differences between the software test suites and test cases. This equips you with in-depth knowledge of the Software Test Suite. It is wise to keep practicing what youve learned and exploring others relevant to Software Testing to deepen your understanding and expand your horizons.