Quality assurance is an essential part of any software development process. Quality involves several measures taken to ensure the product being developed meets customer expectations in terms of accuracy, reliability, and performance. Quality assurance (QA) is the practice of verifying and validating that software meets certain standards before it is released. QA helps to ensure that the software meets the requirements, expectations, and needs of its users or customers.

As user expectations continue to increase, software development teams must ensure the quality of the products they release. Quality assurance is an important part of this process, as it provides a systematic way to identify any defects or issues before they become major problems.

This article will cover the general significance of quality assurance. Next, we will discuss quality assurance in software testing. We will describe the steps involved in the process and offer advice for implementing a successful quality assurance program. By following these guidelines, companies can guarantee that their software is of the highest possible quality and can be safely released to end users.

Quality Assurance (QA) is a process used to ensure that all the components of a product or service meet the standards set by the company. It involves quality control (QC), which ensures that products and services are up to par with predetermined criteria, as well as developing strategies for improving them if necessary.

QA covers all aspects of development, from concept to delivery, and is designed to provide customers with products or services of the highest caliber. It ensures that production processes are efficient and effective while meeting customer requirements and expectations. QA also helps identify potential risks associated with a product or service before it enters the market, ensuring that any issues are addressed before they become costly problems.

Ultimately, Quality Assurance is a comprehensive and proactive approach to product development, helping to ensure that customers receive the best possible products or services.

The role of Quality Assurance is to ensure that a product or service meets the predetermined quality standards set by the company. QA delivers benefits throughout the entire product lifecycle, from concept to delivery.

During development, QA can identify potential risks in design and functionality before they become expensive problems further down the line. Once a product is released, QA ensures that all components meet the agreed-upon quality standards and verifies its performance on an ongoing basis.

QA also helps to ensure customer satisfaction by providing guidance on how best to use the product or service in order to get the most out of it. Ultimately, Quality Assurance offers significant benefits regarding product or service quality and customer satisfaction. Additionally, QA can help to reduce costs associated with returns, rework, and repairs by identifying and addressing potential issues early on in the process.

By taking a proactive approach to Quality Assurance, companies can remain competitive in their respective markets and maintain customer loyalty.

The processes of Quality Assurance (QA), Quality Control (QC), and Testing are related but distinct from each other. They are often mistakenly used interchangeably, although they each have different meanings and are used during different stages of product or service development.

QA is a systematic process of verifying and enforcing the standards of an organization’s products or services. The purpose of QA is to ensure that products are designed, developed, and delivered according to the organization’s standards. This process includes establishing procedures, methods, and tools for measuring quality, as well as evaluating product performance against those measures.

QC is a process of monitoring and verifying product quality at every stage of production. QC focuses on identifying defects and flaws in the product before it reaches the customer. This includes inspecting, testing, and taking corrective action if needed.

Testing is the process of evaluating a product to ensure that it meets certain criteria. Testing involves executing a program or application with specific input data, assessing whether the output is as expected, and validating any other associated requirements. It is an important part of the development process, as it helps to identify flaws in the product and ensure that it meets customer requirements.

QA focuses on providing guidance to development teams in order to ensure that all components meet the predetermined quality standards set by the company, while QC ensures that these standards are being met. Testing, on the other hand, ensures that a product or service performs as intended when put into use.

Overall, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, and Testing are three distinct processes that work together to ensure the highest quality product or service possible. By taking a comprehensive approach to development and ensuring that all components meet predetermined standards, companies can remain competitive and maintain customer loyalty.

In the previous section, we covered quality assurance in general terms. Let's now shift our focus to quality assurance in the context of software testing.

Software testing is an essential part of the software development life cycle as it ensures that all components meet predetermined quality standards and have no bugs or errors. Quality assurance in software testing, commonly referred to as SQA (software quality assurance), is an ongoing process used to ensure the quality of software products through rigorous testing and evaluation.

It involves creating a comprehensive set of processes and tools for verifying the quality of software products and services. This includes defining KPIs and metrics, developing a clear test plan, leveraging automation capabilities, ensuring cross-platform compatibility of applications, using inspections and reviews, monitoring test results and outcomes, and engaging in continuous improvement.

SQA also helps ensure that software development methodologies are followed, such as the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) Model, for efficient and effective product release. With the help of SQA, organizations can confidently deliver high-quality products to their customers on time and within budget.

Software development methodologies are frameworks used by software developers throughout the software development life cycle (SDLC). They provide structure and guidance to the development team and allow them to efficiently create high-quality software.

Software Quality Assurance is a key component that can help improve the efficacy of software development methodology. SQA ensures that software products meet predetermined quality standards and have no bugs or errors. It involves creating a comprehensive set of processes and tools for verifying the quality of software products and services, such as defining KPIs and metrics, developing a clear test plan, leveraging automation capabilities, ensuring cross-platform compatibility of applications, making use of inspections and reviews, monitoring test results and outcomes, and engaging in continuous improvement.

Software development methodologies can be divided into two main categories – Waterfall and Agile. The Waterfall methodology follows a linear process, where each phase is completed before progressing to the next one. This approach focuses on producing an end result that meets all of the requirements at once.

The Agile methodology takes a different approach, focusing on a process of continuous improvement. This approach is suitable for projects that require frequent change or adaptation, as it allows teams to quickly adjust and react to new challenges. Agile methodologies can be further broken down into Scrum, Iterative, Spiral, and Rapid Development approaches. Each of these has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of application and success rates.

Scrum is an iterative and incremental agile software development methodology. It follows an empirical process control that allows teams to respond quickly to change and deliver products in a timely fashion. Iterative development involves repeating the same steps over and over, gradually refining each step until the desired outcome is achieved. Spiral development combines elements of both waterfall and iterative approaches, allowing for a gradual refinement of the product with each iteration. The Rapid Development approach focuses on quickly producing software that is of acceptable quality by utilizing rapid prototyping and iterative development techniques.

Regardless of which particular software development methodology is implemented, its success is largely contingent upon the SQA process that accompanies it. Through thorough testing, inspection, and review processes, SQA can help ensure that any software product meets its intended quality standards. Moreover, by incorporating continuous improvement in these SQA practices, software organizations are better equipped to identify and address issues prior to release.

In addition to software development methodologies, SQA also utilizes a variety of tools to ensure quality assurance throughout the software engineering process. These tools range from code integrity to bug tracking and test management systems.

Code integrity tools help identify errors and potential security vulnerabilities in the source code, while bug tracking and test management systems help track and manage any reported bugs or issues that need to be addressed during development. Using these types of tools helps teams quickly identify problems and find solutions, thereby leading to higher quality and more reliable end products.

Examples of code integrity tools include static analysis tools such as SonarQube and Coverity, dynamic analysis tools such as ParasoftC++ Test, and compiler-based tools such as Microsoft Visual Studio. Examples of bug-tracking systems are JIRA and Bugzilla, while popular test management systems include TestRail and HP Quality Center.

In addition to using these tools, software teams also need to use both manual and automated testing methods. Manual testing involves the actual execution of tests by a tester or team of testers while automated testing involves running tests through tools such as Selenium or Cucumber.

Automated tests are more efficient in terms of resources and time but require deeper knowledge and expertise from the tester. Manual tests can be used to supplement automated testing, ensuring that no critical elements remain untested.

=>Related resources: Manual Testing Tools, Mobile Application Testing Tools.

Overall, software quality assurance is a critical element of successful software engineering processes. By leveraging development methodologies, SQA tools, and testing techniques, software teams are better equipped to ensure the highest levels of reliability.

The QA process can also be managed using the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) Model. The STLC is a framework that helps guide teams through the entire software testing process from start to finish. It includes the various steps that are necessary for successful software testing.

=>Learn more about STLC phases in this article.

By following this framework, teams can ensure that their software is tested thoroughly and that any problems or bugs can be quickly identified and addressed before the software is released to the public.

Quality Assurance best practices for software testing are important to ensure that any software created meets its intended quality standards. These best practices include:

1. Defining KPIs and metrics for Quality Assurance – the key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics used to measure the success of a software project should be established from the onset and monitored throughout the project. This helps to track progress and ensure that quality standards are being met.

2. Developing a clear and comprehensive test plan – a well-defined test plan provides guidance on what needs to be tested, how it should be tested, when it should be tested, as well as who is responsible for carrying out the tests.

3. Leveraging automation capabilities to save time and resources – automated testing tools can be used to reduce the amount of manual effort involved in software testing, thereby saving time and resources.

4. Ensuring cross-platform compatibility of applications – it’s important to test applications on different platforms and devices so that they are compatible with multiple systems.

5. Making use of inspections and reviews – software inspections and reviews can help identify potential defects in the code before it is released to the public.

6. Monitoring test results and outcomes – regularly tracking test results and outcomes help teams ensure that their product meets quality standards before releasing it.

7. Engaging in continuous improvement of testing processes – as technology advances and new requirements emerge, teams should continually strive to improve their testing processes to ensure they are up-to-date with industry standards.

By following these best practices, teams can help ensure the quality of the software they develop and release is of a high standard. Quality assurance is an important part of software development and can help ensure the success of any project.

Software quality assurance (SQA) is a critical element of successful software engineering projects. SQA involves the use of development methodologies, SQA tools, and testing techniques to ensure the highest levels of reliability in a product before it is released to the public. QA teams can use the Software Testing Life Cycle Model (STLC) as a framework to manage the QA process. Additionally, there are several best practices that they must follow. Ensuring quality through proper assurance is crucial in software development and can greatly contribute to the success of a project.

Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) is a process that defines the stages of development and testing for software systems. It provides structure to ensure that all aspects of the system are tested and validated in an organized manner. By following the STLC, both developers and testers can work together to create quality products that meet customer expectations.

This article will give a short overview of STLC, explain each stage, and talk about the benefits and limitations of the process. By understanding STLC better, software teams can develop higher-quality products more efficiently.

The Software Testing Life Cycle plays a critical role in the development of software systems. It outlines the stages of testing and validation that must be completed before a product is released to customers. This process enables collaboration between developers and testers to ensure comprehensive testing of all system components. Additionally, it helps teams create more reliable software products that meet customer expectations.

STLC also provides structure to the testing process by defining entry and exit criteria for each stage or phase. This allows testers to track their progress and make sure they have adequately tested each aspect of the system before moving on to the next step. Finally, STLC helps teams streamline their workflow by providing checkpoints for them to review throughout the development cycle.

The STLC consists of six main phases:

1. Requirement Analysis
2. Test Planning
3. Test Case Development
4. Test Environment Setup
5. Test Execution
6. Test Cycle Closure

The first phase of the STLC is Requirement Analysis, which involves understanding and analyzing customer requirements. During this stage, testers will work with developers to create an in-depth list of features and functions that need to be tested. This process helps teams ensure they are testing all aspects of the system and can also give them ideas for possible test cases.

Once the list of requirements is complete, testers must review it to make sure it accurately reflects the customer’s needs. If any changes need to be made, they should be documented before moving on to the next phase.

The Test Planning phase is the second step in the STLC. This phase involves gathering and analyzing requirements, making a test plan document that outlines the approach to testing, and developing a schedule for completing various activities. During this stage, testers should identify which tests need to be run and how they will be executed.

The test plan document should include information such as the type of tests that need to be performed, their objectives, resources required for testing, estimated time needed for completion, and any other relevant details. After creating this plan document, testers can use it as guidance for executing their tests according to the specified timeline.

The third step in the STLC is the Test Case Development phase. During this stage, testers create individual test cases that they can use to validate the software system’s functionality. This process involves writing detailed steps for each test and documenting any relevant notes or additional information.

Testers should also record the expected results of their tests along with other information such as prerequisites, resources needed, and potential risks associated with each test case. By creating comprehensive test cases, teams can save time and resources by reusing them for future tests.

The Test Environment Setup phase is the fourth step of the STLC. This process involves setting up a testing environment that meets all requirements for the successful execution of tests. During this stage, testers should configure the environment according to specific user requirements and verify that all necessary hardware and software components are available.

Additionally, they should identify any potential issues or bottlenecks in the setup process that could affect test execution. Once the environment is ready, it can be used to run tests as part of the next phase.

The Test Execution phase is the fifth step in the STLC. This involves running each test case on the software system while checking for accuracy and performance. Testers should also document their findings throughout this stage and record any unexpected results or bugs found during testing.

The goal of this phase is to identify any issues before releasing a product to customers so they can be addressed and fixed.

The Test Cycle Closure phase is the last step in the STLC. During this stage, testers should review their tests to verify that they are comprehensive enough to identify any issues with the software system. Additionally, testers should also analyze their test results and document any observations or feedback before finalizing the project.

This process helps teams ensure all requirements have been met and that there are no remaining issues before releasing a product to customers.

Once all activities are complete, the testing cycle can be considered finished and teams can move on to other tasks.

The most important benefit of using a structured software testing life cycle (STLC) is that it helps teams identify and address any potential issues before releasing a product to customers. By following the steps outlined in this process, organizations can save time and resources while ensuring their software systems are of high quality. Additionally, using STLC also allows testers to document their findings and gain valuable insights into the system’s performance.

While STLC offers many benefits for software development teams, it does have some limitations as well. For example, if there are changes to the project’s requirements or timeline, testers may need to modify their test plan accordingly which could require additional work and resources. Additionally, different testers may interpret requirements differently which could lead to discrepancies in results.

The Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) offers many benefits for software development teams including time savings, cost reductions, and improved quality assurance measures. By following this structured approach, organizations can ensure that their software systems meet customer requirements and provide excellent performance. Additionally, using STLC can also help teams identify potential issues early on in the development process so they can be addressed before release.

Many companies question if they need to hire independent software testers. After all, don't developers test their work as they go? Following are some reasons to consider hiring testing professionals for your projects.

To ensure that a product meets the highest standards of quality independent testers, such as Iterators LLC, work closely with developers but remain outside the development process. This separation of roles and responsibilities plays a vital role in identifying potential issues, mitigating risks, and ultimately delivering a superior product to clients.

One of the primary reasons independent testers are worth their weight in gold is their ability to approach testing from an unbiased perspective. While developers possess an in-depth understanding of the software they create, they may inadvertently overlook certain aspects or assume that the product functions as intended. Independent testers bring a fresh set of eyes to the process and can identify potential issues that may have been missed during the development phase.

The requirement documents provide a foundation for the development team, outlining the expected functionalities and features of the software. However, these documents alone are not always sufficient to ensure a flawless end product. This is where exploratory testing comes into play. Independent testers employ this technique to thoroughly examine the software, looking for any unexpected behavior, usability issues, or edge cases that may not have been explicitly documented. By conducting exploratory testing, testers can uncover critical defects and ensure that the software meets the clients' expectations.

The role of independent testers becomes even more crucial when considering the financial impact on clients. If issues are discovered after the release of a product, it not only leads to customer dissatisfaction but also results in additional expenses for the client. These expenses can include allocating resources to fix the problems, potential loss of revenue due to customer churn, or even damage to the brand's reputation. By engaging independent testers, organizations can significantly reduce the likelihood of such post-release issues, thereby protecting their clients from unnecessary expenses and maintaining a positive relationship.

In conclusion, independent testers, like Iterators LLC, play a vital role in ensuring effective quality assurance for software development projects. By working outside the development process and following requirement documents while conducting exploratory testing, they provide an unbiased evaluation of the product. Their efforts significantly contribute to identifying and resolving potential issues before the release, ultimately saving clients from additional expenses and enhancing customer satisfaction. The collaboration between developers and independent testers is a critical aspect of delivering high-quality software that meets the clients' expectations.

Relevant Resources:

• What’s the Difference Between Test Strategy vs Test Plan
• What is Document Remediation?

Performance testing tools are essential for ensuring the appropriate level of performance when launching a web application. There are many available options out there, but two of the most popular and well-known ones are Apache JMeter and HP LoadRunner.

In this article, we’ll be discussing their differences and similarities to help you make an informed decision about choosing the right performance testing tool for your project. We’ll go over what makes JMeter and LoadRunner unique, their features and advantages, and finally compare them in a head-to-head matchup to help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs.

Performance testing is an integral part of application development and software maintenance. It helps businesses ensure that the applications they develop are not only functional but also reliable and efficient. Depending on their specific requirements, organizations need to choose between two popular performance testing tools – JMeter and LoadRunner.

In this section, we will analyze both these tools and discuss the features of each to help you decide which one is right for your performance testing needs. By analyzing and comparing JMeter vs LoadRunner you can make an informed decision on the best performance testing solution for your organization's needs.

JMeter is an open-source, Java-based tool designed for performance testing of web applications. It offers a wide range of features including real-time results analysis, detailed reports, and scalability. Additionally, its flexibility allows it to be used for a variety of tests including load, stress, and functional testing.

JMeter is highly customizable, allowing users to configure it for the specific requirements of their project. It also supports a wide range of protocols including HTTP, SOAP, and FTP. Additionally, JMeter has built-in support for functional regression tests with assertions and variable substitution capabilities. Furthermore, its easy-to-use graphical user interface makes it simple to use and master.

Key features of JMeter:

• Easy-to-use GUI design and interface
• Powerful result analysis and caching capabilities, including graphs, reports, and data exports
• Multithreading framework that allows concurrent sampling of different functions
• Highly extensible core with powerful plugins that extend the functionality
• Dynamic input capabilities, allowing applications to be tested in real-time
• 100% Java scripted environment for creating complex test scenarios
• Pluggable samplers for added functionality and control
• Data analysis and visualization tools for evaluating results
• Ability to create custom plugins for additional functionality
• Compatible with a wide range of protocols, such as HTTP, HTTPS, SOAP / REST, FTP, and more
• Scriptable samplers that support JSR223-compatible languages, BSF-compatible languages, and BeanShell.

HP LoadRunner is a commercial, enterprise-level performance testing tool designed for a comprehensive system and application-level testing. Its powerful features include application performance monitoring, scalability, and load testing in distributed environments. Moreover, it has an integrated development environment that allows for quick test creation, debugging, and customization.

Load Runner uses virtual users to simulate realistic load scenarios, enabling you to analyze the performance of your web application under various conditions. It supports all major protocols such as HTTP/S, SAP, Oracle NCA, and SOAP. Additionally, LoadRunner has built-in support for distributed load testing with an easy-to-use controller interface.

Key features of LoadRunner:

• Interactive User Transaction Simulation that allows users to simulate user transactions, including login and logout
• Accurate scalability expense prediction that helps users accurately predict the cost of scaling their applications
• Supports a wide range of apps such as .NET, Java, SOAP, Flex, HTML 5, ERP, legacy, GWT, Silverlight, Ajax, and Citrix
• Mobile Testing to ensure the performance, stability, and scalability of mobile applications
• Cloud Testing helps users test their applications on the cloud and identify issues quickly
• Continuous Testing to get feedback on the performance of their applications continuously
• A refined user interface to make it easier for users to create, monitor and analyze their performance tests
• Root Cause Analytics allows users to identify and isolate issues quickly.

When attempting to decide between LoadRunner vs JMeter, there are a few factors that need to be considered. These include:

• type of application being tested
• budget constraints
• desired scalability and complexity of the testing process.

JMeter is often preferred over LoadRunner due to its open-source and free nature. Additionally, JMeter’s scripting language is easier to learn than LoadRunner’s complex recording system, making it more accessible for developers and testers.

LoadRunner on the other hand is better suited for projects that require scalability and distributed testing in large environments. It offers powerful features such as application performance monitoring and debugging capabilities, allowing developers to quickly identify issues and resolve them.

In conclusion, both JMeter and LoadRunner offer great performance testing tools for web applications. The choice ultimately depends on the nature of your project and the features you need. If you’re looking for an open-source tool that is easy to use then JMeter may be the best fit for you. However, if you’re looking for powerful features such as application performance monitoring and scalability then LoadRunner is the tool to go with.

Related Resources:

Best Manual Testing Tools

Quality Assurance (QA) testing is an essential part of the software development lifecycle, ensuring that products and services meet customer needs and expectations. However, it’s not enough to rely on traditional QA methods such as manual testing or simple test plans. Tracking and measuring KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) can help teams identify potential issues faster and improve the overall quality of their products.

In this article, we will provide an overview of QA testing KPIs and metrics, why they are important to track, the benefits of tracking them, the types of quality assurance metrics that should be tracked, and how automated test management tools can help with data collection and analysis. With this information, teams can make better decisions regarding their quality assurance processes and gain insight into how their product testing is performing. So, let's get started!

The process of software development is complex, and ensuring the quality of a product requires extensive testing. QA testing is an important part of any successful software project, as it helps to identify potential risks before releasing the product to customers. KPIs and metrics are commonly used in QA testing to track the progress of a project and improve its quality.

KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and metrics are important tools used to measure the success of a product or project. KPIs typically measure individual performance, while metrics measure overall progress. They allow organizations to track how well they're achieving their goals and objectives, as well as identify areas for improvement. When it comes to QA testing, KPIs for quality assurance and QA metrics can be used to measure the effectiveness of testing efforts and identify any potential issues before they become major problems.

Tracking QA KPIs and metrics is essential for ensuring that all software applications are delivered to customers with the highest levels of reliability and quality. This helps to minimize risks, improve customer satisfaction, and reduce costs associated with fixing defects after a product has been released. Additionally, it can also help organizations identify areas for improvement in their QA processes and adjust them accordingly. By tracking KPIs and metrics related to quality assurance testing, organizations can ensure that their products have the highest possible levels of quality and reliability.

Capturing and examining quality assurance Key Performance Indicators and metrics can bring you a multitude of advantages. Improved product quality is one of the most important, as it ensures that customers receive a high-quality product that meets their expectations. Additionally, tracking metrics and KPIs can also enhance overall performance, leading to increased efficiency and cost savings for the organization.

There are two main types of QA Testing KPIs and metrics: product quality metrics and process quality metrics.

Product Quality Metrics

Product quality KPIs and metrics measure the effectiveness of the testing process in identifying defects. These include:

• Defect Detection Percentage (DDP)
• Number of Bugs Detected
• Test Coverage
• Defect Density

Defect Detection Percentage (DDP) measures the number of defects found during testing relative to the total number of code lines. The higher the DDP, the more effective the QA process is in finding and fixing defects. The number of Bugs Detected measures how many defects have been identified during testing. Test Coverage measures how thoroughly a product has been tested, while Defect Density measures the number of bugs per KLOC (1,000 Lines Of Code).

Process Quality Metrics

Process Quality Metrics measure the efficiency of a QA testing project. These include:

• Planning Efficiency
• Test Time Efficiency
• Cost Control Metrics

Planning Efficiency measures how quickly an organization can develop a test plan and execute it. Test Time Efficiency measures the amount of time needed to complete a testing project, while Cost Control Metrics measure how cost-effective the QA process is. By tracking these metrics, organizations can ensure that their QA testing projects are efficient and cost-effective.

Other KPIs for Testers

See the chart below to view more examples of another successful testing Key Performance Indicators.

1. Time to Resolution: This metric measures the amount of time it takes to find, fix and validate tests for a given defect.
2. Test Automation: This KPI keeps track of the number and complexity of automated tests in relation to manual tests.
3. False Positives: This KPI assesses the number of false positives generated by testers during their testing cycles.
4. Bug Recurrence Rate: This metric tracks the rate at which previously solved defects resurface in software or applications after the bug has been fixed and released.
5. User Acceptance Testing (UAT) Success Rate: This metric tracks the success rate for user acceptance testing, which helps QA testers gauge whether or not a software application is ready for deployment.
6. Mean Time to Repair: This KPI measures the amount of time it takes for software teams to address and fix defects identified during testing cycles.

By understanding and tracking software testing KPIs, organizations can ensure that their products are of the highest quality and reliability. Additionally, they can also use this data to identify areas for improvement in their QA processes and make necessary adjustments accordingly.

To enhance the performance of quality assurance testers, organizations can leverage Test Management Tools to track and optimize key performance indicators. Test Management Tools offer powerful solutions for managing test cases, results, and reports in an organized way. These tools can provide improved efficiency and accuracy during the software testing process through automation, easier collaboration among teams increased visibility into test progress and tracking of KPIs and metrics.

Some of the most popular and effective Test Management Tools on the market include HP Quality Center, IBM Rational Quality Manager, Microsoft Test Manager, QMetry Test Management, Zephyr Enterprise Edition, and others. By leveraging these tools, organizations can more accurately measure the success of their QA testing processes to ensure that they are consistently delivering high-quality products to customers.

In conclusion, tracking Quality Assurance (QA) KPIs and metrics are essential for organizations looking to improve the quality of their products while reducing costs associated with fixing defects post-release. There are two main types of QA testing KPIs and metrics: Product Quality Metrics, which measure the effectiveness of the testing process in identifying defects; and Process Quality Metrics, which measure the efficiency of a QA testing project. Additionally, Test Management Tools can provide organizations with powerful solutions for managing test cases, results, and reports in an organized way. Overall, tracking Quality Assurance Testing KPIs and metrics is essential for any organization looking to optimize its software testing process.

Manual testing is an essential part of software development. It involves executing a program or application with the intent of finding errors and verifying that it meets the requirements specified by the customer. As one of the oldest forms of quality assurance in software, manual testing has been around since computers were first developed. Today, manual testers have access to sophisticated tools and techniques that can help them find issues quickly and accurately.

So if you’re looking for reliable manual testing tools, this is the article for you! Read on to find out more.

Best Manual Testing Tools for Finding Vulnerabilities

Supported Platforms: Windows, Linux, and macOS

Price: Free

Selenium is one of the most popular manual testing tools out there. It's an open-source suite of software that allows you to automate tests for web applications, written in any language. Selenium supports multiple browsers and operating systems, making it a great choice for cross-platform testing. It also has great support for continuous integration and DevOps, allowing you to quickly and easily automate your testing. Selenium also supports integration with other popular tools, such as Jenkins and Docker.

Features of Selenium:

• Cross-browser Testing: Selenium can be used to automate tests across multiple browsers, including Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, and Safari. Additionally, it supports mobile platforms such as iOS, Android, and Windows Phone.
• Cross-Platform Support: Selenium can also be used to automate tests on different operating systems such as Windows, Mac OSX, and Linux.
• Scalability: Selenium can be used to create automated tests that scale to thousands of users, ensuring that the application being tested is able to handle high traffic levels.
• Compatibility with Different Programming Languages: Selenium supports different programming languages such as Java, C++, Python, Ruby, PHP, and Perl. This makes it easier for developers to create automated tests without having to learn different programming languages.
• Easy Integration with Continuous Integration and Testing Tools: Selenium can be integrated with continuous integration and testing tools such as Jenkins, Bamboo, and TeamCity, allowing teams to automate their software development processes.
• Flexible and Extensible: Selenium can be used to create highly customized tests, allowing developers and testers to tailor their automated tests according to the specific needs of their applications. Additionally, its APIs can be used to extend its capabilities even further.

With so many features and capabilities, it’s easy to see why Selenium is one of the most popular manual testing tools on the market today.

Supported Platforms: Windows, Linux, and macOS

Price: Free

JMeter is a powerful open-source testing tool for performance and load-testing web applications. It’s designed to help developers and testers quickly identify potential bottlenecks in their applications, by simulating real user scenarios. It supports multiple protocols including HTTP, HTTPS, JDBC, LDAP, SOAP, and FTP.

Features of JMeter:

• Easy-to-use GUI: JMeter has an easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI) which makes it simple to create test plans and run tests with just a few clicks. This simplifies the process of setting up performance tests for web applications.
• Extensible: The JMeter API can be used to extend its features and add custom components, allowing developers and testers to customize their tests according to the specific requirements of their applications.
• Protocol Support: JMeter supports various protocols such as HTTP, HTTPS, JDBC, LDAP, SOAP, and FTP, making it easy to test applications that use different protocols.
• Multi-Threading: JMeter supports multi-threading, allowing developers and testers to simulate thousands of simultaneous users on the application being tested. This ensures that the application can handle high traffic levels.
• Reporting and Analysis: JMeter provides detailed reports which allow developers and testers to analyze the performance of their application and identify potential bottlenecks.

By providing powerful features, great flexibility, and detailed reports, JMeter is an invaluable tool for load-testing web applications. It’s no wonder why it’s one of the most popular open-source testing tools on the market today.

Supported Platforms: Windows, Linux, and macOS

Price: Free

Bugzilla is an open-source bug-tracking system used by software developers and managers to track, manage, and report bugs. It provides a powerful web-based interface that makes it easy for users to enter bugs, assign them to other users, and keep track of their progress.

Features of Bugzilla:

• Web-Based Interface: Bugzilla has an intuitive and easy-to-use web-based user interface which makes it simple for users to enter, manage, and report on bugs.
• Detailed Tracking: Bugzilla provides detailed bug tracking features such as assigning priority levels, setting deadlines for bug resolution, adding comments, and attaching files to individual bugs.
• Notifications and Alerts: Bugzilla can be configured to send notifications and alerts to users when a bug is created, changed, or resolved. This makes it easy for teams to keep on top of the progress of their bug resolution efforts.
• Security: Bugzilla provides robust security features that allow users to control who can access and modify bug reports.
• Extensible: Bugzilla’s API can be used to extend its features and customize it according to the specific needs of an organization or project.

Bugzilla is a proven and effective resource for overseeing, managing, and monitoring bug issues in software progress. It's easy to see why it’s the most popular defect-tracking tool available currently! With its user-friendly capabilities and powerful components, Bugzilla is an ideal choice for keeping on top of your software development projects.

Supported Platforms: Windows and Cloud

Price: Free

TestLink is a web-based test management tool used to plan, manage, and report on software testing projects. It provides a powerful web-based interface that makes it easy for users to create tests, assign them to other users, and keep track of their progress.

Features of TestLink:

• Test case management: TestLink provides an intuitive test case management with a simple web-based interface that enables users to create, modify and delete tests. It also allows testers to assign tests to other users and keep track of their progress.
• Requirement mapping: TestLink makes it easy to map requirements to test cases, helping to ensure that all tests are relevant and up-to-date.
• Test execution: TestLink allows users to execute tests through a web-based interface, making it easy to track progress as well as report any issues or successes.
• Integrations: TestLink can be easily integrated with other systems like defect tracking and continuous integration tools, providing a more comprehensive view of the testing process.
• Reporting: TestLink provides detailed reports that are easy to interpret and share with stakeholders, helping teams make better decisions about software development projects.

Overall, TestLink is an intuitive test management tool designed to help teams plan, manage, and report on software testing projects. With its integrations with other systems like defect tracking and continuous integration tools, TestLink is an all-in-one solution for software testing teams.

Supported Platforms: Windows, Linux, and macOS

Price: Free plan, and paid plans starting at 77,50$/month

Jira is an issue-tracking and project-management tool used by software development teams. It provides users with a simple, web-based interface to track tasks, bugs, and other issues related to their projects. It also enables teams to collaborate on projects in real time and create detailed reports for stakeholders.

Features of Jira:

• Name and categorize tasks: Jira lets users easily name and categorize tasks, bugs, or other issues related to their projects. This helps teams stay organized and keep track of the progress of their projects.
• Prioritizing tasks: Jira enables users to prioritize different tasks within a project, giving teams an easy way to manage workloads and focus on the most important tasks.
• Real-Time Collaboration: Jira’s real-time collaboration feature allows users to discuss tasks, share ideas, and solve problems together in one place.
• Reporting: Jira provides detailed reports that can be easily shared with stakeholders, helping teams make better decisions about their projects.
• Integrations: Jira can be easily integrated with other systems like version control and continuous integration tools, providing a more comprehensive view of the project development process.

Boasting intuitive issue-tracking and project management capabilities, Jira is designed to empower software development teams with a comprehensive solution for tracking tasks, bugs, and more. Furthermore, its integrations with other systems such as version control and continuous integration tools make it an unparalleled all-inclusive toolset that no team should have to function without!

Supported Platforms: Windows, Linux, and macOS

Price: Community Edition is Free to Download, Paid plans

LoadRunner is a performance testing tool used to identify the maximum workload capacity of an application. It enables teams to simulate real-world user scenarios and test system behaviors under extreme load conditions.

Features of LoadRunner:

• Simulate real-life user scenarios: LoadRunner enables users to simulate real-life user scenarios, helping teams gain insight into how their applications will behave under extreme loads.
• Test system behavior: LoadRunner helps teams test the system's behaviors and performance, giving them an understanding of how their application will perform in production.
• Analyze results: LoadRunner provides detailed reports that can be analyzed to identify areas of improvement and understand the application’s maximum workload capacity.
• Integrations: LoadRunner can be easily integrated with other systems such as version control and continuous integration tools, providing a more comprehensive view of the testing process.
• Customizable tests: LoadRunner provides users with customizable test scripts that can be used to simulate a variety of user scenarios.

LoadRunner is the go-to performance testing tool for software development teams. With its ability to simulate real-world user scenarios and test system behaviors, LoadRunner enables teams to quickly identify areas of improvement and understand their application’s maximum workload capacity. Additionally, its integration with other systems such as version control and continuous integration tools make it an invaluable tool for any team looking to optimize their application’s performance.

We compared the features of JMeter vs LoadRunner in this article so that you can choose which performance testing tool is right for you.

Supported Platforms: Windows, Linux, and macOS

Price: Open Source Tool

Mantis is a web-based bug-tracking system that helps software development teams identify and manage issues in their projects. It enables users to track bugs and feature requests, prioritize tasks, and collaborate on projects in real time.

Features of Mantis:

• Issue tracking: Mantis enables users to easily track, manage, and prioritize bugs and feature requests in their projects.
• Real-time collaboration: Mantis provides real-time collaboration capabilities, allowing teams to work together on issues more effectively.
• Reporting: Mantis provides detailed reports that can be used to measure progress and identify areas of improvement.
• Customizable workflow: Mantis enables users to customize the workflow for their projects, allowing them to create a more efficient process for resolving issues.
• Integrations: Mantis can be easily integrated with other systems such as version control and continuous integration tools, providing an end-to-end solution for issue tracking and management.

Mantis is the perfect tool for software development teams looking to stay on top of issues in their projects. With its comprehensive issue-tracking capabilities, real-time collaboration features, customizable workflow options, and integrations with other systems, Mantis provides teams with a powerful solution for managing tasks and resolving issues quickly and efficiently. Whether teams are just getting started or already have an established workflow, Mantis is the perfect tool for streamlining and improving the issue resolution process.

Supported Platforms: Windows, Linux, macOS, Solaris, AIX, etc.

Price: Paid

HP Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) is a comprehensive set of tools designed to streamline the development process. It enables teams to plan, develop, test, and deliver software projects more efficiently and effectively.

Features of ALM:

• Project Management: ALM provides users with an intuitive interface for managing projects, allowing them to easily track progress, assign tasks, and set deadlines.
• Requirement Tracking: ALM enables users to easily capture requirements and keep track of changes in real time.
• Test Automation: ALM provides tools for automating the testing process, allowing teams to quickly identify and address issues.
• Collaboration: ALM enables users to collaborate on projects in real time, improving communication and increasing efficiency.
• Integrations: ALM can be integrated with other systems such as version control and continuous integration tools, providing an end-to-end solution for software development.

HP ALM is an ideal solution for software development teams seeking to optimize their workflow and maximize productivity. ALM grants teams access to a complete suite of project management, requirement tracking, test automation, and collaboration tools that provide the ability to collaborate seamlessly and deliver high-quality products faster. ALM provides a comprehensive solution that can help teams optimize their processes and deliver better software faster.

Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, and Linux

Price: Free to Download

ZAP (the Zed Attack Proxy) is an open-source web application security testing tool. It enables users to scan websites for vulnerabilities and identify potential security risks. ZAP provides users with an intuitive interface for finding and remedying security issues in their web applications, allowing them to protect their websites from malicious activity.

Features of ZAP:

• Vulnerability Scanning: ZAP provides detailed scans for finding potential vulnerabilities in web applications, such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.
• Dynamic Analysis: ZAP enables users to perform dynamic testing, allowing them to observe how their web applications behave in real time.
• Penetration Testing: ZAP allows users to simulate realistic attacks and identify any potential security risks.
• Reporting: ZAP provides users with detailed reports for analyzing the results of scans and testing activities.
• Integrations: ZAP can be integrated with other systems, such as version control and continuous integration tools.

ZAP is the go-to tool for web application security testing. With its comprehensive suite of vulnerability scanning, dynamic analysis, and penetration testing features, users can easily find and solve any potential issues with their websites - from those just starting out to established workflows. ZAP provides a total solution that helps teams uncover vulnerabilities early on so they don't turn into major problems down the line. It's perfect for ensuring your web applications are secure!

Supported Platforms: Windows

Price: Free Basic Plan, and paid plans

Unified Functional Testing (UFT) is an automated testing tool designed to help teams quickly and easily test their software applications. It enables users to create tests for any combination of technologies, such as web, mobile, desktop, and API. UFT provides users with an intuitive interface for creating and managing tests, allowing them to quickly and easily identify issues in their applications.

Features of UFT:

• Record & Playback: UFT enables users to create tests without writing any code by recording and playing back user actions.
• Test Automation: UFT provides tools for automating the testing process, allowing users to quickly and easily run tests over multiple platforms and technologies.
• Data-Driven Testing: UFT provides a data-driven testing feature that enables users to test their applications with different sets of data.
• Reporting: UFT provides users with detailed reporting for analyzing the results of tests, allowing them to identify areas for improvement.
• Integrations: UFT can be integrated with other tools, such as version control and defect tracking systems.

Unified Functional Testing (UFT) is the go-to automated testing tool for teams that are committed to enhancing the reliability and quality of their applications. With UFT, teams can efficiently test their software with ease and confidence - so you can rest assured knowing your application is up to par with industry standards.

Summary

In conclusion, there are a variety of manual testing tools available to help teams ensure their software applications are reliable and secure. From open-source options like Selenium and ZAP to commercial solutions like UFT, each tool provides different features to help teams optimize their processes and deliver better software faster. The right tool for your team depends on the scope of your project and the specific needs of your organization. With the multitude of manual testing tools available, teams can easily find a solution that works best for them.

FAQ

What is manual testing?

Manual testing is the process of testing software manually, without relying on automated tests. It involves creating and running test cases to identify any issues such as bugs or design flaws.

What are some of the benefits of using manual testing tools?

Manual testing tools provide teams with a range of benefits, including improved efficiency, faster testing cycles, and more detailed reporting. They also enable teams to quickly identify any issues in their software applications at an early stage.

How can I choose the right manual testing tool?

Choosing the right manual testing tool depends on the scope of your project and the specific needs of your organization. Consider features such as record & playback, test automation, data-driven testing, reporting, and integrations to find a tool that best meets your requirements.

Are there any free manual testing tools available?

Yes, there are some free manual testing tools available, such as Selenium and ZAP. These tools provide basic functionalities but may lack advanced features. Paid solutions such as UFT also offer more comprehensive functionality.

How can manual testing help me improve the quality of my software applications?

Manual testing helps teams identify any issues with their applications quickly and easily, allowing them to improve the quality and reliability of their software before it is released. This can help reduce costs associated with fixing bugs after release.

What other types of testing should I consider?

In addition to manual testing, teams may also want to consider automated testing, performance testing, security testing, and usability testing. Each type of testing provides teams with different insights that can help them improve the quality of their software applications.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) is one of the most important and timely topics companies are addressing today. HR departments are actively recruiting diverse talent, and companies are hiring DE&I leaders, as well as training managers to build inclusive teams. Iterators LLC has recognized DE&I since its inception and were founded on the principle that people with diverse backgrounds enhance and strengthen software testing outcomes.

Since then, we have received two federal awards from the Library of Congress and completed software testing for mobile apps, too many to count, on iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire platforms. Along with our regular testing, we work with API teams to flesh out bugs causing user issues. We created the user manuals for the mobile apps and remediated any PDFs that live on the website so that they are compliant and able to be read with a screen reader for the visually impaired. We also produce the HTML output.

All our employees have a disability and complete valuable work for our clients. Employees may have a speech and language disorder crossing their lifespan or be on the autism spectrum, two very different issues, while some employees have ADHD and dyslexia. Others have a visual impairment and complete user testing for us. Regardless of the disability, our employees have been trained in software testing techniques, certified in ISTQB, and are Accessibility testers, WCAG 2.2, Sec 508 by the Department of Homeland Security. Many do not pick up social cues as quickly as others, and we provide feedback. Our employees are dependable and hardworking.

With this success, we added a few seats in a shared space and were confident it would work out. The worksite would be closer for our employees—something to think about with winter coming in Boston—and we've had no issues at Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC) since moving there almost five years ago. I was hopeful, so it was a surprise that we received an email the first day after reviewing the Community Standards: "Just a reminder to clean up your workstations when you move locations or leave at the end of the day. You left some garbage and a dirty snack dish behind, but I've taken care of that for today."

I learned more about this when I spoke to our employee: An individual in the shared space walked around and placed candy packets at every seat location. Our employee was not at the desk when the candy was left, and neither felt the item was his nor that he should touch it. Therefore, the article remained untouched where it was placed. The email went on: "We need a way to give feedback productively and act on breaches of Community Standards. Without that open line of communication, membership does not work. Community Standards are how our team can facilitate a large and diverse group-sharing space."

In another instance, our employee introduced himself to another community member. Later that day, we received an email stating that "solicitation for work is against Community Standards" and suggested using the "Community Slack channel" to introduce ourselves. We were reminded again that we must adhere to the Community Standards, or our membership may need to be canceled.

I understand the importance of community and its mores, but I also often think of leadership and am reminded that it only takes one visionary to make substantial changes

Jill Willcox

I understand the importance of community and its mores, but I also often think of leadership and am reminded that it only takes one visionary to make substantial changes. In the 2016 Fortune article "The AIDS Activist and the Banker," Patricia Sellers speaks with two brothers, Peter and Jes Staley. As Jes rapidly climbed the ranks at J.P. Morgan during a traditionally homophobic era on Wall Street, Peter insisted that LGBT candidates be included in the interview process. Jes said his brother “enabled him to see ‘firsthand the greatest human courage that I've personally ever witnessed’ and to understand the importance of diversity in the workplace.”¹ He witnessed his brother stay closeted by day, so he could keep his job while working as an AIDS activist. Jes concluded, "I don't think any social issue is static." ¹ This is just as true today as it was 30 years ago. With a focus on DE&I, I think an open-minded, compassionate approach to Iterators’ employees would ease our transition into the new workspace.

Leadership and DE&I is essential in the public sector as well, affecting millions of people’s lives. Peter Staley’s article in The New York Times this past December, “Anthony Fauci Quietly Shocked Us All,” enlightened readers on Dr. Fauci’s contributions to the AIDS crisis as a then researcher at the National Institutes of Health. He recalls, “I couldn’t shake the feeling that as the head of our government’s AIDS research efforts, Dr. Fauci had my life in his hands.”² And Dr. Fauci did not disappoint. Showing leadership within the organization, he focused on what was ethically right for a population “branded radical homosexuals,”² working to get them access to experimental drugs and advancing the issue of diversity and inclusion.

So, with that in mind, and as the leader of Iterators, I decided to continue enabling our employees’ success and move back permanently to CIC. We love CIC and how welcomed we've always been. We wanted to see real inclusion at work, not separated by disability status, housed separately, or separated from what is commonly called neurotypicals. We tried to make it easier on our employees during the winter and let others witness how hard we work daily. As the Australian author John Atwood has said in many talks (but paraphrased here), he's not worried about the neurodiverse but about the neurotypicals.

1. https://fortune.com/longform/barclays-jes-staley-global-500/
2. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/31/opinion/anthony-fauci-hiv-aids-act-up.html

That's why we've put together this list of the best mobile automation testing tools currently available. Whether you're looking for mobile app testing software reviews to help you test your app's functionality, UI, or performance, we've got the best mobile automation testing tools covered.

So without further ado, here are the 10 best app testing tools for 2023.

Supported Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux

Price: Open source tool

Appium is an open source test automation tool for mobile apps. It can be used to test native, web, and hybrid apps.

Fitures of Appium:

• Support common programming languages: Java, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, and C#.
• Proof is available in multiple languages for your convenience, these include but are not limited to Ruby, Java, PHP, Node and Python.
• Easy to setup on a different platform
• You are not limited to a specific testing framework
• You don't need to install anything on the device
• The Selenium WebDriver JSON wire protocol is still operational
• Integrates with BrowserStack, and Jenkins
• It can be integrated with other tools with the help of Java
• Supports Security Testing, Web Testing, API Testing, Performance Testing, and more
• Provides Record-and-replay, Cross-browsing functionality, real devices testing, No-code automation

If you're looking for a tool to help you automate your mobile app testing, Appium is a great choice. It's an open source tool that supports multiple platforms and can be used with any testing framework.

Supported Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows

Price: Free Public Open Source, and paid plans starting at $900/month

TestRigor is a mobile automation testing tool that supports both native and web apps. It has a number of features that make it a great choice for mobile automation testing.

Features of TestRigor:

• Support programming languages: Python, Java, Ruby, JavaScript, PHP, and C#
• Supports API Testing, Audio Testing, Functional Testing, Security Testing, and more
• Integrates with TestRail, Zephyr, XRay, Jira, Azure DevOps, Jenkins, CircleCI, Azure DevOps, and more
• By combining Web, Mobile, and API testing into a single process, we can more quickly and accurately find errors.
• Web Recorder
• Provides Record-and-replay, No-code automation, Cross-browsing functionality
• There are no limits to the number of users or tests
• Email & SMS testing
• Offers such frameworks as Android, iOS, Angular, React, React Native, and Flutter
• Offers 2FA login support, Mocking of API calls, Validation of downloaded files, Accessing DBs, Generate unique test data, multiple browsers and devices and Reusable Rules
• English for test cases and require no coding

TestRigor is a great choice for mobile automation testing. It supports multiple platforms and can be used with any testing framework. It also offers a number of features that make it a great choice for mobile automation testing, including support for multiple programming languages, seamless integration with popular tools.

Supported Platforms: Android

Price: Open source tool

Selendroid is a test automation tool for Android apps. It can be used to test native, web, and hybrid Android apps.

Features of Selendroid:

• Support programming language: Java
• Offers Full compatibility, No modification of app under test, Advanced User Interactions API, hot plugging of hardware devices, Multiple Android targets, and simplify test case development
• Can interact with multiple Android devices simultaneously
• No alteration of the app under test is needed for it's automation
• Fully compatible with JSON wire protocol
• The same concept for automating native or hybrid apps can be applied to mobile web apps testing
• Supports hot plugging of hardware devices
• Selendroid's Selenium Inspector tool is useful for mobile testing because it allows you to inspect the UI of your app
• You can find UI elements by using different locator types
• Test how your websites look and perform on real devices

Selendroid is a great mobile automation testing tool for Android apps. It offers great features that can make your testing for Android easy and fun.

Supported Platforms: iOS, Android

Price: Open source tool

Calabash is a test automation tool for native and hybrid mobile apps. It can be used to test apps on iOS and Android.

Features of Calabash:

• Support programming language: Java, and Ruby
• Offered frameworks: Xamarin, and React Native
• Provides APIs that are native to touchscreen apps
• Supports both Functional and Automated testing
• It has libraries that enable test code to automatically connect with native and hybrid applications
• Integrates with Jira
• Supports cucumber framework
• Provides real devices testing and record-and-replay

Calabash is a top mobile automation testing tool for native and hybrid apps. It's easy to use and can make your testing life much simpler.

Supported Platforms: iOS, Android

Price: Paid plans tarting at €830 per year for license and €165 annual M&S

Ranorex is a test automation tool used for various testing purposes. Mobile testing can be difficult, but Ranorex makes it easy with its low-code interface and helpful wizards - perfect for beginners.

Features of Ranorex:

• Provides support for all popular programming languages
• Offers different frameworks like Appium, and Selendroid
• No jailbreak or rooting required
• Can test all types of mobile apps, including native, web, and hybrid apps
• Ranorex Studio provides a set of tools that makes it easy to create, maintain, and execute automated tests for mobile apps.
• Ranorex Mobile Recorder allows you to record your interactions with a mobile app and then playback the recorded steps to test the app.
• Ranorex Mobile Simulator allows you to test your mobile app on a simulated device.
• Ranorex Test Cloud allows you to run your tests on real devices in the cloud.

Ranorex is a great tool for automating the testing mobile apps. It is easy to use and has a wide range of features that make it a powerful tool for mobile app testing.

Supported Platforms: iOS, Android

Price: Free plan, and paid plans strating at 25$/month

Katalon is a comprehensive toolset for mobile app testing. It supports both iOS and Android devices, and offers a wide range of features to help you ensure the quality of your app.

Features of Katalon:

• Supported programming language: JavaScript, Python, VBScript, JScript, Delphi, C++, and C#
• Integrates with Azure DevOps, Google Cloud Build, BrowserStack, CodeMagic, Circle CI, Curiosity, GitHub
• Offers Autonomous Script Generation, Speed, Flexibility & Scalability, Visibility, Innovation & AI, and Affordability & ROI, Self-Healing
• With Flexible Test Reusability, you can easily recycle your tests across mobile platforms, APIs, and web browsers
• Easy to set up and use, with record & playback capabilities, keywords, and image recognition.
• Tests can be executed both locally and remotely on actual devices, simulators, or custom cloud-based devices (Sauces Lab, Kobiton, Perfecto, Lambda Test)
• Use our insightful test reports to better monitor progress and collaborate across teams
• Provides Record-and-replay, No-code automation, Cross-browsing functionality, and real devices testing
• Built-in integration with such project management tools as Jira, Git, Jenkins, etc.
• Offers frameworks: Flutter, Xamarin, and React Native
• Supports Desktop Testing, Visual Testing, API Testing, Mobile Testing, Web Testing, and more

Katalon is a great tool for both experienced testers and those new to mobile automation testing. Its wide range of features and support for multiple platforms make it a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of situations.

Supported Platforms: iOS, Android, BlackBerry and Windows

Price: Free plan, and paid plans starting from $59/month

TestGrid is a cloud-based mobile testing platform that supports both iOS and Android devices. It offers a wide range of features to help you ensure the quality of your app.

Features of TestGrid:

• Supported programming languages: Java, C#, Ruby, Python, Perl, and PHP
• Record-and-replay, No-code automation, Cross-browsing functionality, and real devices testing
• Supports Security Testing, Performance Testing, IoT Testing, API Testing, Automation Testing
• Run tests in parallel to decrease test times and get your product to market quicker
• Cloud Infrastructure, Test Data Management Suite, On-Prem Support, IoT Automation, Robotic Test Automation, Test Case Management Suite, and API Test Automation are available
• With our Appium and XCUITest code generator, you will be able to create downloadable code
• No-code automation that uses artificial intelligence
• On-cloud and on-premise are available
• Offers such frameworks as NodeJS, and React Native
• Integrates with JIRA, Travis, Jenkins, TestRail, GitLab, CircleCI, BitBar, MS TFS, and more

Overall, TestGrid is a great mobile testing platform that offers a wide range of features to help you ensure the quality of your app. If you're looking for a comprehensive solution to help you test your mobile app, TestGrid is definitely worth considering.

Supported Platforms: iOS, Android

Price: Paid plans starting at $75/month

Kobiton is a test automation tool that makes mobile apps work better. Mobile automation tester can test apps in a fraction of the time it would normally take with Kobiton mobile device testing, using real mobile devices and next-gen automation.

Features of Kobiton:

• Supported programming languages: C#, Java, Ruby, NodeJS, PHP, and Python
• Offers Rich Test Logs, Capabilities, Performance, Agile Test Enabler, Customizable Test Cloud, and Optimized Efficiency
• Integrates with Jira, Jenkins, Travis CI, TeamCity, XebiaLabs, Azure DevOps, Circleci
• A streamlined user experience that makes it easy to conduct test sessions
• Having a centralized location for all your team's testing history and data logs makes collaboration much easier
• Offers No-code automation, Record-and-replay, Cross-browsing functionality, and real devices testing
• The newest devices and configurations that are based on the cloud
• Internal Device Lab Management is available
• The on-premises deployment option provides extra security for your data
• Offers such frameworks as Xamarin, React Native, Ionic, Flutter, and Electron NativeScript
• Supports Performance, Automation, Functional and Manual Testing

Kobiton is a great tool for mobile automation testing. With its support for multiple programming languages and frameworks, Kobiton makes it easy to test your app's functionality, UI, and performance. Kobiton also offers a free trial so you can try it out before you commit to a paid plan.

Supported Platforms: iOS, Android

Price: Paid plans starting at $99/month

Perfecto is a cloud-based test automation tool that helps you deliver high-quality mobile apps faster. You can test your app on real devices in the cloud, without the need for expensive infrastructure.

Features of Perfecto:

• Supported programming languages: Java, JavaScript, C#, Python, and PHP
• Record-and-replay, No-code automation Cross-browsing functionality, and real devices testing are provided
• Automated Testing, Continuous Testing, Mobile Application Testing, Interactive Testing, and Web Testing are supported
• Coverage that can't be beat, across all platforms and testing scenarios
• Offers Intelligent Reporting & Debugging, Visual Creation, Cloud-Based Collaboration, Intelligent Test Creation & Maintenance, Automatic Device Cleanup, Live Session Sharing, and Secure Local Tunneling
• Get new devices, operating systems, and more on the same day they release
• Integrates with Eclipse, IntelliJ, Appium, Perfecto, Espresso, Quantum, Jira, TestNG, JUnit, Slack
• A cloud platform that streamlines web and mobile app testing
• Reliable security and scalability for businesses of all sizes
• Offers such frameworks as Flutter, Xamarin, and React Native

Perfecto is a great mobile automation testing tool if you're looking for something that will help you deliver high-quality mobile apps faster. It supports a wide range of programming languages, platforms, and testing scenarios. It also offers strong security and scalability features making it ideal for enterprise-grade mobile app testing.

Supported Platforms: iOS

Price: Open source tool

KIF is a free test automation platform for iOS that helps you automate UI testing. It's easy to use and integrates well with popular continuous integration tools like Jenkins and Travis CI.

Features of KIF:

• Supported programming language: C
• Integrates with Xcode
• Having everything in a single language (Objective C) makes it simpler for iOS developers to learn
• KIF interacts with UI elements using their accessibility labels
• React Native framework is offered
• Offers Xcode, Minimizes Indirection, Easy Configuration, Wide OS, and Xcode
• Has impressive command line and CI features.
• It supports gestures pretty well
• Functional Testing is supported
• Real devices testing and Record-and-replay, testing are provided

KIF is a great tool for automating UI testing on iOS. It's easy to use and integrates well with popular continuous integration tools. It offers a wide range of features, including support for programming languages like C, seamless integration with Xcode, and support for different frameworks like React Native.

Overall, these are some of the best mobile automation testing tools available on the market today. If you're looking for a tool to help you test your app's functionality, UI, or performance, we highly recommend any of the tools on this list. With their support for multiple programming languages and frameworks, these tools will make it easy to test your mobile app regardless of its size or complexity. Thanks for reading!

What is mobile automation testing?

Mobile automation testing refers to the process of automating the testing of mobile applications. This can include functional testing, performance testing, and UI testing. Automation tools can help speed up the mobile testing process by reducing the need for manual input and allowing tests to be run more quickly and efficiently.

What are some of the benefits of mobile automation testing?

Some of the benefits of mobile automation testing include the ability to reduce the amount of time needed for mobile testing, improve test coverage, and find bugs more easily. Automation can also help to improve the accuracy of mobile tests, as well as make it easier to re-run tests if necessary.

What are some of the best mobile automation testing tools?

Some of the best mobile automation testing tools include Appium, Perfecto, and KIF. No matter the size or language of your app, these various tools can support you. Their easy-to-use interface makes creating a mobile app simple and quick.

How do I choose the right mobile automation testing tool for my app?

When choosing a mobile automation testing tool, it's important to consider the specific needs of your app. Some things to remember include the size and complexity of your app, the programming languages you're using, and the frameworks you're working with. Additionally, it's essential to consider the features offered by each tool and how well they fit with your overall testing strategy.

Appium vs Selendroid. What tool is better?

The mobile app testing tools Appium and Selendroid both offer advantages and disadvantages. In this mobile testing tools comparison, it is difficult to determine which one is the best. If you are specifically looking for options that are better suited to Android app testing, then Selendroid is one of the top Appium alternatives.

Appium is an open-source mobile automation framework that allows users to test mobile applications across different platforms, including iOS and Android. Selendroid is an Android app testing software only.

Appium testing services offer an intuitive user interface, making it easier to use for mobile application automation and mobile testing. It is also compatible with any mobile testing framework, including iOS and Android, which makes it a great choice for mobile application testing. Appium also allows users to test mobile applications on multiple devices simultaneously, and it supports mobile application debugging in real-time. With these features, Appium is one of the most reliable and comprehensive mobile app testing tools online.

Selendroid is a mobile automation framework created by the Google Appium team. It is specifically designed for mobile application testing on Android devices. It is a powerful mobile test automation framework that can be used to test mobile applications on different versions of Android. Selendroid supports mobile application debugging, mobile application debugging in real-time, mobile application simulation, mobile environment simulation, and other mobile testing features.

As you see from the mobile automation testing tools comparison, both Appium and Selendroid offer mobile application testing tools and mobile automation frameworks. Both mobile app testing tools have their own advantages and disadvantages, making it difficult to decide which mobile testing tool is better. Ultimately, the best mobile app testing software will depend on the mobile applications you are testing and your mobile automation testing requirements.

Mobile Apps provide unique challenges for development and especially for software testing. This article describes some of the key challenges in functional and performance testing of mobile apps and provides suggested resources for improving the mobile application performance testing.

One reason mobile apps are unique is that mobile devices are unique. There is a wide range of devices for both Android and iOS operating systems ranging from phones that are several years old, to tablets that are much larger and brand new. Android devices, in particular, are produced by multiple manufacturers and some of these devices remain running on older versions of the operating system with distinct features.

Another reason that mobile apps are unique is that mobile devices are mobile. Apps are then used with a wide range of environments. The quality of internet connections then varies widely from high quality WIFI within your home, to low quality cellular content in a subway tunnel.

Additionally, mobile app users are often multitasking and running several different apps at the same time, receiving notifications from various services, playing music, etc.

There are three main types of mobile applications: Standard, Network and Hybrid. A standard app is one that runs entirely on the phone regardless of having an internet connection. For example, perhaps a puzzle game that does not require the internet to play the game. The other extreme is a network app will only work when it has a full internet connection. An example might be a weather radar app which has to download real time information to be useful. In contrast, a hybrid app is one that uses the internet, but also has some functionality without the internet. Most apps are in this category. For example, the app could download information from the internet (videos, messages, etc), and then the user can watch this downloaded content while offline.

These different types of apps then have different testing requirements. Bugs may occur as different apps are running and using resources on the phone.

These different types of apps and different mobile configurations increase the complexity of testing an app. At a minimum, a mobile device farm is needed to allow a range of devices to be tested. The device farm can be a set of actual devices, simulators, or remote devices available over the web. It is impossible to take mobile application performance test for all devices, display sizes, operating systems, etc, so some creativity is needed in order to effectively test a mobile device.

Developers perform the first set of testing as they develop their app, however, a separate set of software testers should also perform the end-to-end testing of the app under realistic conditions. For example, a developer may test on the simulator available in the development environment, or on their own phone. Often, this also means that the developer is on the same network as the backend server that supports the content available for the app. We at Iterators had one client with an app that included GPS location as part of their app and a back end server that stored all of the information. We reported several bugs even related to the login feature and the developers had trouble replicating these bugs because they had local access to the backend server, while we were at a different location and were not able to reliably access the server through the app.

In general, it is very helpful to have a set of independent software testers in addition to the developers. Software Testers provide a different perspective and should look at the software from the user’s perspective. Developers and Product Owners tend to use the “happy path” because they know how the software was designed. The testing process for software should include testing a variety of conditions, not just using the software as intended, in order to uncover issues that could arise from users attempting to use the software. This is important for ensuring user satisfaction and successful software usage.

Performance testing is very important for most mobile apps. Apps that do not use a network connection should still be tested on a variety of phones and tablets that have different operating systems and on older devices that have slower processors. Apps that do use a network connection have the additional need to test on variety of network connections, including dropped connections.

Performance testing can be completed as part of functional testing. Software testers should pay attention to the responsiveness of the system as the testing is completed under different network conditions.

If the app involves the use of a backend server, then the server performance should also be tested. This should consider the number of users that are expected during the rollout. The expected number of users can be simulated using API performance testing software that can track the response time for typical user interactions. Another common problem is to consider the performance of the production server rather than a staging server. Often, projects use a staging server that has a different configuration than the production server. It is important to try this out before the launch so that the production server is ready to go at launch time.

Development environments often have the option to monitor network traffic and the interactions can be monitored directly. Software testers can do this as long the developer provides a debug build of the app. Note that the debug build may impact the performance of the software too, and this can provide a good stress testing of the performance of the app.

A strategy must start with objectives. Is your app going to be used worldwide, or by a niche set of users? Will there be thousands of users simultaneously or only a small chance of simultaneous users? Will the demand be relatively even each day, or are there peak demand needs, such as introducing a sale or a new download? The second component is to look at the architecture of your design to look for potential issues. Perhaps your app has a niche market and your content is provided by a single server running the backend of your app. In this case, it is definitely useful to test from a remote location so that the testing is not done on the same network as the server itself.

A smaller app could then benefit from an initial triage with actual software testers. We at Iterators, LLC have tested several apps and websites with performance issues. We observe these issues as we also perform functional testing for the app. Sometimes this can be sufficient for apps expected with light usage on the backend and the key metric is to make sure that the server responds in a reasonable amount of time.

Apps expected to have more requests sent to the backend require additional planning and tools to complete the testing. The next section describes available tools that can create traffic from multiple users and then track the response times.

The following introduces several mobile application performance testing tools with links to their websites for more information. When it comes to a mobile performance testing approach, you should research these to determine which fits your needs whether that means you are looking for a free tool that you are willing to invest time learning to use, or a more expensive tool that is preconfigured to be easier to use.

Postman is a standard tool for functional and performance testing of APIs. This tool enables users to create performance tests that can simulate various loads on the backend server and measure their effect on the overall system's performance.

Blazemeter and JMeter are other useful tools for API performance testing. These tools are often compared to each other, so research which is best for your needs. JMeter is also a good option for taking load testing.

Akami Cloudtest also provides API testing features for your backend server.

Apptim is designed more specifically for mobile apps and includes several aspects of mobile app performance. This includes checking battery usage, screen rendering time, nonresponsiveness

Eggplant is a major vendor with several performance tools for mobile apps. This tool can be used as part of a Continuous Integration / Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipeline.

Tricentis is another major supplier of testing tools including Performance testing.

Mobile apps are unique in that they are designed for use on small, portable devices. This can make performance testing challenging, as you need to take into account factors such as screen size and battery life. Who should test a mobile app? Who needs to performance test mobile apps? We hope we've answered these questions.

As the software testing industry is always evolving, it's important to stay ahead of the curve and keep up with the latest trends and standards. Attending software testing conferences by top software testing companies and individuals is a great way to do this, as you'll be able to learn from some of the best minds in the industry.

If you're based in the United States, there are plenty of great conferences to choose from. In this article, we'll highlight some of the top software testing conferences in the United States.

Below you will find recommended software testing events for both 2022 and 2023.

Below you'll find the list of conferences that software testing companies might want to attend in what remains of 2022:

• STARWEST
• Association for Software Testing (AST) Conference
• Pacific Northwest Software Quality Conference
• International Conference on Software Testing Process (ICSTP)
• International Conference on Software Maintenance Planning, Engineering and System Testing

Dates: October 2 - October 7, 2022

Location: Anaheim, CA & Online

STARWEST is one of the leading software testing conferences in the USA. Held annually in Anaheim, California, it attracts attendees from all over the world. The conference features over 100 presentations and workshops on a wide range of topics, making it an ideal event for anyone looking to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in software testing.

Some of the top speakers at STARWEST include:

- Mike Wacker, Principal Engineer at Amazon

- Matt Heusser, Managing Consultant at Excelon Development

- Lisa Crispin, Co-author of "Agile Testing"

The conference is a great opportunity to learn from some of the best minds in the industry and stay up-to-date with the latest trends.

Dates: November 7 - November 8, 2022

Location: San Diego, CA

Association for Software Testing is another premier software testing conference in the United States. In addition to learning from top industry minds, AST offers plenty of networking opportunities, so you can make valuable connections with other professionals in the field.

Some of the top speakers at this year's AST conference include:

- Lisa Crispin: co-author of "Agile Testing" and "More Agile Testing"

- Matthew Heusser: author of "How software is built"

- Mike Lowe: creator of the popular blog "Testing in the Pub"

If you're interested in attending the AST conference, you can find more information on their website.

October 2 - October 7, 2022

Portland, OR & Online

If you're looking for a software testing conference in the Pacific Northwest, the PNWQA is a great option. Meeting and learning from some of the brightest minds in the industry, this experience will help you stay ahead of the curve in quality assurance and testing. You'll have a lot of chances to mingle with other professionals in your field.

Some of the top speakers at this year's PNWQA conference include:

- Jennifer Bonine: author of "Testing in the Cloud"

- Matt Heusser: author of "How software is built"

- Mikey Ciarlante: creator of the popular blog "The QA Lead"

The PNWQA conference is a great opportunity to learn more about the quality assurance field!

Dates: October 27 - October 28, 2022

Location: Los Angeles, CA

The International Conference on Software Testing Process (ICSTP) is another great event to attend if you want to stay ahead of the competition. You will be able to learn from experienced professionals and get an inside look into current trends.

Some of the top speakers at International Conference on Software Testing Process include:

- keynote speaker Geir A. Olsen

- testing process expert Kevin T. McGrath

- software testing and analysis guru Doris Chen

These are just some of the top speakers that will be in attendance at the International Conference on Software Testing Process. You won't want to miss out on this unique opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business.

Dates: December 9- December 10, 2022

Location: New York, NY

The International Conference on Software Maintenance Planning, Engineering and System Testing (ICSMPEST) focuses on the latest advances in software maintenance, engineering and system testing. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from experts in the field and network with other professionals.

Some of the top speakers at ICSMPEST include:

- Dr. Andreas Zeller, who is a professor of software engineering at the University of Saarland in Germany.

- Dr. Daniel M. German, who is a professor of computer science at the University of Victoria in Canada.

- Dr. Lionel C. Briand, who is a professor of software engineering at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in Switzerland.

If you're interested in staying up-to-date with the latest trends in software testing, this is a conference you won't want to miss.

If you are already working on your 2023 professional development schedule, the following US software testing events are worth considering adding to your calendar.

Dates: April 30 – May 5, 2023

Location: Orlando, CA & Online

The STAREAST conference is one of the most prominent software testing conferences in America. It is held in Orlando, Florida every year, and it attracts people from all over the world. The conference, which attracts thousands of attendees each year, includes over 100 presentations and workshops on a range of themes, making it an ideal event for anybody interested in staying up to speed with current software testing trends and advancements.

The speakers at STAREAST will be announced soon. STAREAST is the companion conference to STARWEST.

The conference is a great opportunity to learn from some of the best minds in the industry and stay up-to-date with the latest trends.

Dates: May 7-10, 2023

Location: Philadelphia, PA

The ASQ World Conference on Quality and Improvement is a can't-miss event for anyone involved in software testing and quality assurance. Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights from experts in the field, exchange knowledge with fellow professionals, and learn about the latest trends and developments in software testing.

Dates: July 10-12, 2023

Location: Boston, MA

The USENIX Symposium on Operating Systems Design and Implementation is one of the premier events for software testing and software development professionals. Attendees of the conference will have the opportunity to hear from some of the leading researchers in software testing and development, as well as learn about recent advances made in these fields.

Dates: April 10-23, 2023

Location: Washington, DC

Software Test Professionals is a can't-miss event for anyone involved in software testing and quality assurance. Attendees can expect to learn new skills, acquire fresh insights from subject-matter experts, and collaborate with other testers.

If you're a software testing company or software tester and looking to stay ahead of the curve in the software testing industry, attending at least one of these top conferences is a great way to do so. You'll have the opportunity to learn from some of the best minds in the business and network with other professionals. So mark your calendars and make plans to attend one of these events in 2022 and 2023!

Relevant Resources:

• Best Mobile Application Testing Tools

There is an art to testing software. As software testers, testing desktops, websites, mobile testing and enterprise software projects, in Functionality testing, Exploratory testing, Accessibility testing, WCAG2.2, Section 508 and Automation, including Automated Regression testing, we can often walk a fine line when developers tell a mutual client that they can test the application without software testers.

Of course, we don't agree as our job is quite different than that of a developer. As independent software testers, we provide clients with comprehensive software testing so that as many bugs can be found and fixed before the client signs off on a project, releasing the developers and signing off on the project.

This happened recently, and the client decided to use our services before signing off. We found 14 high-priority bugs, which had to be pulled into a new development sprint.

It took an additional two weeks for the apps to be fixed and once completed,we completed V&V-Verification and Validation testing-to ensure all the bugs were fixed before the app is released to the client. Our client was thrilled that she was not left to deal with these bugs after the release of the three apps.

There is also an art to testing when you are testing for the Library of Congress, National Library Service for the for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), Library of Congress, BARD website using an Androidphone or tablet. To be successful, youtube sensitive to the fact that many individuals who are blindbelieve all testing should be done by the blindforthe “pure blind experience.”

As accessibility testers, we understand and want to be sensitive to this point, but blindness is not an absolute. We test for low vision, no vision and color blindness. We also test for hearing impairments and deafness, motor and developmental disabilities and light induced epilepsy. Individuals who have visual impairments often have a secondary disability so testing for only one thing is not comprehensive.

What To Consider When Designing for People Who Are Blind

We do believe in having User Test panels that provide valuable information as to how a person who is blind would use an app differently that a sighted person and incorporate User Test panels into our testing process.

We also learned about blind etiquette, being sensitive to the language we use and taking another person's perspective. Below, I have attached several links about blind etiquette that we found helpful.

• https://nfb-in.org/about-blind...
• https://www.perkins.org/how-to...

Our testing was not only on the BARD Mobile, currently in development, but included testing concurrently with a braille refreshable display like the ones by Freedom Scientificand Humanware and using JAWS, and ZoomText.

BARD Mobilewas not designed and easily supported but Google has now added Braille Back to Android phones and should be more easily supported.

• https://www.freedomscientific....
• https://www.freedomscientific....
• https://www.freedomscientific....
• https://www.humanware.com/en-u...

Android Accessibility Questions and Answers

• https://support.google.com/acc...

The art of software testing is a complex and ever-changing field. As technology advances, so too do the methods and tools used to test software applications. At its core, the goal of testing remains the same: to ensure that software works as intended and meets the needs of its users.

Relevant Resources:

• What is Software Quality Assurance?

PDFs that are not properly formatted can be difficult or even impossible for people with disabilities to access. PDFs that are not tagged correctly can also be challenging to navigate. Additionally, image-based PDFs (PDFs that are essentially just pictures of documents) are generally not accessible at all.

PDF remediation is the process of making a PDF more accessible. This can involve adding tags, alt text, and other metadata to make the PDF more navigable and understandable for people who use screen readers. PDF remediation can also involve converting an image-based PDF into a more accessible format.

Again, PDF accessibility is essential because it ensures that everyone can access and understand PDF documents. PDF accessibility guidelines and best practices can help you create accessible PDFs.

PDF accessibility is an important step towards making your entire website ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) compliant, which means it can be accessed by people with disabilities. The ADA was signed into law in 1990 to guarantee that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else in the U.S.

If your website is not ADA compliant, you run the risk of facing a liability-related lawsuit. You’re also missing out on potential customers or clients if you can’t deliver an accessible PDF to certain visitors to your website.

PDFs that are not properly formatted can be difficult or even impossible for people with disabilities to access. PDFs that are not tagged correctly can also be challenging to navigate. Additionally, image-based PDFs (PDFs that are essentially just pictures of documents) are generally not accessible at all.

PDF remediation is the process of making a PDF more accessible. This can involve adding tags, alt text, and other metadata to make the PDF more navigable and understandable for people who use screen readers. PDF remediation can also involve converting an image-based PDF into a more accessible format.

Again, PDF accessibility is essential because it ensures that everyone can access and understand PDF documents. PDF accessibility guidelines and best practices can help you create accessible PDFs.

There are a few different sets of guidelines that can be used to ensure a PDF is accessible. One option is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). WCAG is a set of international standards for web accessibility.

Another option is the PDF/UA standard. PDF/UA is a set of international standards for PDF accessibility.

Following these guidelines can help you create an accessible PDF. However, it is worth noting that not all guidelines need to be followed in order to create an accessible PDF.

Creating an accessible PDF is often a multi-step process. The first step is to create the document in a format that can be easily converted into a PDF. This could be a Microsoft Word document, an Excel spreadsheet, or even a plain text file.

Once the document has been created, it can then be converted into a PDF. There are a few different ways to convert a document into a PDF. One option is to use Adobe Acrobat. Another option is to use a free online PDF converter.

Important note: Neither of these options guarantees that the converted PDF will meet accessibility standards. For best results, we recommend working with document remediation specialists. If this is something you'd like to discuss with one of our accessibility professionals, we'd welcome a conversation!

PDF remediation is the process of repairing a PDF so that it is accessible. This process can be time consuming and tricky, depending upon the content in the PDF file and whether you have access to the source file. There are all kinds of PDF remediation tools and plug-ins available that will enable you to make a PDF accessible yourself, but using one of these won’t necessarily make the document completely accessible.

However, one big step towards PDF accessibility is adding tags to the PDF file.

Some PDFs contain nothing but scanned images of text. This can happen when a document is scanned and automatically converted into a PDF so that it can be shared with another person easily.

Image-based PDFs are considered inaccessible because these types of documents cannot be tagged. Instead, it’s necessary to use optical character recognition (OCR) software that will convert them into text so they can be read and understood by screen reader users. It also makes the PDF editable and searchable.

Tags add coding to each piece of content found within a PDF so that the document develops structure elements and can be understood by people with disabilities. For example, every image in a PDF will receive its own tag, as will headings, paragraphs, lists, and more.

This tag structure is very similar to HTML coding and describes what each component of the PDF is so that a user with a disability can follow the flow of the document and understand what each piece of content is about. Screen reader technology reads these tags and describes to the user what each part of the document is about.

Proper tagging is not the end of the story, however. It’s an important step towards making a PDF accessible, but tagged PDFs that contain a structure tree are not always considered 100% accessible.

There are other aspects of document accessibility that must be taken into consideration to create a truly accessible PDF. This includes properly defined document language, a large enough font size, color contrast, metadata, font embedding, and bookmarks used in conjunction with meticulous tagging.

An added bonus to hosting tagged PDFs on your site is that they can help improve search engine optimization for your site, helping it rank higher in search results so customers can find you.

Adobe is the company that created the well-known Adobe Acrobat software. Adobe Acrobat is a software program that can be used to create, view, and edit PDFs. It is the industry standard for creating and editing PDFs. However, it is important to note that Adobe Acrobat is not the same thing as a PDF. A PDF is a file format, while Adobe Acrobat is a software program.

PDFs and accessibility often go hand-in-hand because PDFs can be created in a way that makes them accessible to people with disabilities. However, not all PDFs are accessible. It is important to check the accessibility of a PDF before using it.

There are many different ways to create PDFs. Adobe Acrobat is just one option. PDFs can also be created using other software programs, such as Microsoft Word or Excel.

Not all PDFs are accessible. An accessible PDF is a PDF that has been specifically designed to be accessible to people with disabilities. Accessible PDFs often include features such as proper tagging, alt text, and other metadata. Accessible PDFs can also be created in a variety of ways, including using Adobe Acrobat or other PDF tools.

Finally, the PDF should be tested to ensure that it is accessible. This can be done using a screen reader or by checking the PDF against accessibility guidelines.

After a PDF has been created, it is important to test it to ensure that it is accessible. In addition to checking the PDF against accessibility guidelines, the best way to do this is to use a screen reader.

Screen readers are software programs that can be used to read text aloud. They are often used by people who are blind or have low vision. There are a variety of different screen readers available, such as JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver.

Ideally, when creating a source document to convert into a PDF, accessibility best practices should be followed. To give an example, let’s say you’re creating a document using Microsoft Word that will be converted to a PDF and made available on your website. Some of the accessibility best practices when creating the document can include:

• Keeping a lot of white space in between columns of text, which is helpful to people with low vision or sensory or cognitive disabilities
• Using high contrast between text and the background, such as making the text black against a white background
• Avoiding lots of graphics on one page, and conveying information about those images in the text of the document
• Keeping the text font size at 10 point or higher

If the document is created so that it is accessible in its native format, then you must convert it to a PDF in a way that preserves its accessibility.

The read-out-loud function in Acrobat is not the same as a true text-to-speech assistive technology tool and does not interact with the content in the same way that a JAWS or NVDA screen reader will.

An article from Adobe explains the difference between the read-out-loud feature using the content tree versus true assistive technology tools using the tag tree. The first paragraph is relevant: https://www.adobe.com/accessibility/products/acrobat/pdf-repair-repair-tags.html.

If you want to replicate the end user's experience, we recommend this free download of NVDA. It is an open-source and free-to-use screen reader created by NV Access. About 20-25% of screen reader users globally use NVDA, and it operates similarly to JAWS (the number 1 most popular screen reading tool, which costs about $1000 for a license).

When you use the NVDA screen reader, it will announce the different elements allowing the user to tab through the heading structure, interact with the URL links, and navigate freely around the document.

To put it plainly, the assistive technology tools built for people with disabilities are much more sophisticated than the Adobe built-in read-out-loud feature.

PDFs can be very accessible, but they need to be properly formatted and tagged. You can assess the accessibility of your PDFs using Adobe Acrobat Reader or a third-party accessibility checker. To make your PDFs more accessible, you can add tags, markup images, and other metadata. You can also convert image-based PDFs into a more accessible format.

If you need help making your PDFs more accessible, Iterators LLC offers PDF remediation services. Contact us today to learn more about our PDF remediation services.

PDF Accessibility Resources

• Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Accessibility Guide
• PAC 3 Accessibility Checker
• WebAIM PDF Accessibility Checklist
• Section 508.gov PDF Accessibility Checklist
• Iterators PDF Remediation Services

As stated, a PDF—the abbreviation for Portable Document Format—is the universal type of file used so that anyone can open and view a document on the web or as an attachment in an email without the software that was used to create the source file. You can think of it as a perfect reproduction of the original document right down to the pixel that can be viewed by any type of device.

Chances are no matter what kind of business you operate, you’re sending or receiving documents in the PDF format or making them available on your website. Marketing brochures, invoices, white papers, user guides, and other documents can all be made into PDFs.

There are many types of software used to create source documents that can be converted into PDFs. Microsoft Word, Microsoft Powerpoint, and Adobe InDesign are just a few examples.

The Adobe software company developed the PDF in 1993. Adobe Acrobat is the family of software developed by Adobe to allow users to view, edit, create, and manage PDFs. Most computers and devices come standard with Acrobat Reader, which allows the user to open and view a standard PDF.

The Acrobat Pro version of the software also allows you to check PDFs for accessibility and correct at least some of the issues that are making the document inaccessible.

Accessible means "able to be reached or entered."

An accessible PDF is a PDF that can be read and accessed by people with vision impairments such as blindness, color blindness, and cognitive impairment. Vision-impaired people may use assistive technology that allows them to read a PDF document using a text-to-speech screen reader or software that provides a Braille printout of the content in the PDF. Making a PDF accessible gives them the ability to access and comprehend the PDF’s copy and images.

PDF accessibility is important because it ensures that everyone can access and understand PDF documents. PDF accessibility guidelines and best practices can help you create accessible PDFs.

PDF remediation is the process of making a PDF more accessible. This can involve adding metadata and tags to links and other document properties to make the PDF more navigable and understandable. To make a PDF more accessible, it may be necessary to convert an image-based PDF into another form.

It's the law that all content on a website must be readable by people with disabilities. If your organization is part of government, education, or healthcare or a commercial business selling goods or services, it's vital to provide accessible PDF content or you may face a discrimination lawsuit.

There are all kinds of tools and software available that claim to make PDF content accessible. Acrobat also has a built-in accessibility checker to help create an accessible PDF.

The problem is, unless you’re highly skilled using PDF remediation tools and the software that created the native document (such as a Word file) that was converted into a PDF, we recommend handing the remediation process over to a software testing company that offers PDF remediation services. Their testing team knows the proper techniques for WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.)

Also, if your organization's website has a lot of PDF documents, it can be extremely time consuming to remediate them all into an accessible form.

Making a PDF accessible can be a complex and overwhelming task, depending upon the content in the document. One recommendation is to make the PDF in question an HTML page on your website because it is often easier to make web content accessible versus a PDF.

Unless you have access to the source files and are highly skilled in using a variety of PDF checkers and accessibility tools, we recommend working with a testing company that offers PDF remediation services. A trained team knows the proper techniques for WCAG, tag structure, and other digital accessibility tools to remediate the PDF(s).

The cost of remediating PDFs depends upon the number of PDFs that have to be checked and remediated, and whether the source file for each document is available. A reputable testing company can provide an estimate for your project.

There are many PDF accessibility guidelines and best practices that can help you create fully accessible PDFs. Some of these include adding tags to the pdf content, including links and forms, and other metadata to make the PDF more navigable and understandable. You can also convert image-based PDFs into a more accessible format.

Iterators offers Section 508 remediation services to create accessible PDF documents. Email us at info@iteratorstesting.com and include the subject PDF Remediation.

Please include your name and contact information with the number of PDF documents you want remediated. We'll be happy to discuss this service with you and provide a quote and timeline.

PDF Accessibility with Equidox

There are many types of PDF remediation software. We decided to use Equidox and are happy with our decision. First, we are software testers also and they were happy when we told them about some software bugs and fixed them during a recent upgrade. There are always software bugs to find, and their willingness to resolve these issues was essential to us in selecting a vendor.

As a best practice for PDF accessibility remediation software services, we ask our customers to provide the PDFs to be remediated. This ensures that all the desired fonts are configured correctly. Often clients create a document with many individuals contributing to the finished project, so it is not unusual for the text to change during the remediation process, even though we cannot change the documents once the remediation is done.

Once we receive the document, we import the document into the PDF remediation software. The software provides several options: Home, Import documents, Notifications for when documents are ready to export, Settings, Help, and Sign Out. The settings feature creates groups and labels for the documents. Different groups are used for different clients. Documents can be found by sorting on different fields such as imported data, the date, the owner of the document, the filing date, or the label created in the settings.

Sometimes there is an incompatibility in the document being remediated and it seems the remediation does not work. As accessibility testers certified by DHS, we can determine if the remediation software is the issue or if the document itself has an issue that will need to be fixed by the client so that the remediation can continue to the professional output.

There is also a help screen to explain additional features. Equidox does have additional tools that are not a part of the base software package. Below is an example of the bug report we sent to our contact for an advanced feature. We also recorded a video so that they could see the details described in the bug report.

00:00, Launch page

01:16, Make sure that the source is custom

01:18, make sure the custom text matches the text in the pdf until the first link

01:26, make new zones for text between the links and after the second link

01:58, make sure the custom text for the text zones and link zones match what is in the respective chunk of the pdf

02:55, Click "preview this page"

02:58, BUG: the text is broken up between text and links as all separate lines in Accessible Export Preview

03:07, go back to the editor

03:08, merge the zones to make them be the same line

03:21, click "preview this page"

03:24, BUG: the text zones after the first link do not render, and links are together on the same line as the footer image in Accessible Export Preview

Desired Result

• Content should all render on the same line if merged

Actual Result

• Accessible export preview is inaccessible due to Content that does not stay on the same line and if merged, only shows the first zone, and the links render on separate lines

During the remediation process we ensure that alt text is provided for all meaningful images. Decorative images should have blank alt text. We can then export our document and confirm that all issues have been successfully remediated. We further check the final remediated document to confirm it looks correct and reads correctly with Screen Reading software such as JAWS.

A. Typically, either Section 508 or WCAG 2.0 (AA) or a combination of both.

A. We use both an AI-based software tool that recognizes many elements in a document and all remediations are reviewed and adjusted, by our employees, who are certified Trusted Testers in accessibility.

A. We are in the USA, located in Boston at 50 Milk Street.

A. PDFs are all different, so time is relative. You sent forms that are straight forward and a quick turn-around can be provided. Once we see the project we can estimate the job and if expedited services are required.

A. No, we do not have volume requirements.

A. We adjust our process to suit the needs of the client. We can receive documents over email, Google Drive, Office365 or other services as we are local for many of our clients. As mentioned, advance notice allows us to start immediately and we provide status either daily or weekly, depending on the size of the project. We then provide the remediated documents back to you, typically with the same file name, either over email, Google Drive, Office365, etc.

A. We have either used encrypted email or password protected Google Drive or Office365.

A. No, we do not include our branding on the remediated documents.

A. Yes, we stand behind our work. Clients provide the PDFs to remediate, therefore, it's important the PDFs are checked and signed off on by the client before the remediation process occurs. It's also important to understand that PDFs cannot be changed once they are remediated. If for example, edits are wanted by the client, after the remediation is completed, the document needs to be re-remediated and is charged for the additional service.

A. We are certified by the Department of Homeland Security as Trusted Testers. See attached capability statement.

What is the document remediation?

Document remediation is an important part of ensuring the accessibility of digital content for individuals with disabilities. It involves removing barriers that can prevent them from accessing and using digital content. In this article, we will discuss what document remediation means and what remediation efforts are currently being taken to make digital content more accessible. By understanding what document remediation is and what remediation efforts are being taken, we can ensure that everyone has the same access to digital content.

What does remediation mean? The definition of document remediation can easily be explained by removing barriers for individuals with disabilities. Section 508 references software with the main idea that everything from signage to bank statements, to warning signs, and information on websites and electronic data, needs to be Section 508 compliant.

As Trusted Testers, certified by the Department of Homeland Security, we know that no widget that you place on your website will find the issues that need to be found for compliant documents. We have used document remediation software countless times and will share the knowledge we've picked up.

How to Create a PDFs to keep some built-in accessibility and reduce extra work in the remediation process.

1. Document remediators typically are given a PDF from their client for the remediation process. Remediators don't typically provide the PDF creation because if the client makes a spelling error or format issue mistake or a change is made during the process, the document needs to be remediated again. Therefore, our clients sign off on the document before we remediate it.

2. Every computer will create a different PDF. We've found creating PDFs in MS Word. Using the PDF feature, click on the radio button that says "best for electronic distribution and accessibility (uses Microsoft online service.) This process allows the PDF to retain some of the accessibility features stripped away when you initially create a new PDF. See the image below”

3. It's also essential to use a font that MS Word, or any other computer program supports because if the font is not supported, the remediation will not be successful. This is only found out after the document is remediated and the remediator is confirming it’s an ADA compliant document. Below shows the results of remediating a document when the font is not supported.

4. Finally, if there are images in the document you are remediating, you may need to compress the images. We recently completed the pdf remediation for a visual arts center and remediated brochures and press releases from 1985 until the present day. The images of the original PDF were very large and unable to be uploaded to the software program. As a best practice and technology to compress the images it’s a smart choice.

Once the document is produced, you are ready to start the remediation process. First, you can upload your document into the pdf remediation software program you use. Depending on how large the document is will determine how long the import takes and the pdf remediation software program you use.

The mediation process works once the document is uploaded. H1 – H6 tags are used to define the headings in the document. Tx is identifying that the area only has text. There is also a heading LNK to identify a link within the text box.

Here is an example of how the remediation process appears while remediating the document by adding the HTML tags. In this example, there is the creation of H3 tags, representing a title in this document, a text box, tagged as TX and a link, tagged as LNK to identify the different attributes of the document.

While completing the remediation process you will often find images in the documents and must determine if they are meaningful or decorative. It should be evident that placing a character in an alt-text field such as a period and saving the document is not compliant, no matter what anyone tells you. The text provides additional information that would be lost on an individual with a visual impairment, if not described with alt-text.

In this example, we remediated the user guide for our client, who created the Hydrow rowing machine. This image is in the user guide and with no alt-text an individual who has low vision or no vision would be confused. With alt-text, in this case HYDROW Diagram explains the image.

It does take a little time to understand all the rules but it’s not hard. Just remember document remediation can easily be explained by removing barriers for individuals with disabilities.

Test Plan vs Test Strategy

As a software tester, you may find yourself tasked with writing two documents that sound very similar: test strategy and test plan.

Both of these are important documents that software testers prepare before beginning a project, but each serves a different purpose. And knowing the difference can be useful so that you can understand how a client's testing project will be carried out. Writing a test plan and test strategy is an important skill that every software tester should master—and knowing the difference between test plan vs test strategy documents can come in handy when you're interviewing at a software testing firm.

Here's everything you need to know about the two documents.

A test plan is defined as a document created by the software testing firm that outlines the various actions to be executed during the testing process, including mobile app testing, functional testing, manual testing, and automated testing. Test plans answer the "how" questions about a software testing project, such as:

• How are we going to test the software?
• How will the testing occur?
• How many cycles of testing will there be?
• How will the testing be coordinated?

You can think of a test plan as an outline of your software testing project, as it describes the assets, approach, and the time table for each portion of the testing. It will detail the features to be tested, the test strategies and techniques that the software testing team will use, and more.

Test plans are fluid in nature and can vary from one software product to another. They're important because they help software testing firms and their clients stay on the same page in regards to the type of work that will be carried out.

Test plans are usually written by test managers or test leads based on input from team members. Quality software test plans contain several fields to be filled out, such as the following:

• Introduction: a brief introduction of the software application to be tested
• Purpose and scope: the overall purpose and scope of the testing
• Testing strategy: the testing approach or approaches that will be used
• Features to be tested: describes what specific features of the software will be tested
• Features not to be tested: exactly the opposite; lists the features of the software that will not be tested
• Test deliverables: the different types of test findings to be reported such as test cases and test results
• Environmental needs: any environment-specific need for the project
• Responsibilities: lists the team members and other resources involved in the testing project and their responsibilities
• Training: the training requirements of specific resources
• Tools: list of tools used if applicable

To summarize, a test plan goes into great detail about the testing project and how it will be carried out.

A test strategy is a more high-level document that outlines the project in broader terms, usually including a set of instructions or guidelines about how the testing will be carried out. Where the test plan goes into a lot of detail about a project, the test strategy gives a 50,000 foot view of it. Yet it is needed to clearly define the exact software testing approach and testing objectives of the software application.

The test strategy addresses the "what" questions surrounding the testing project, such as:

• What are the high level test objectives? Or, what is it we're trying to accomplish?
• What types of testing will we do such as functional, aggression, etc.?
• What are some of the risks and mitigations to those risks?
• What is the defining point in which testing is done on the project, or how we will recognize when testing can be considered complete?
• What are the things that we are going to test?

Your test strategy has to be one single document, whereas there may be multiple test plan documents to support that strategy.

It is tailored to your audience - stakeholders and senior management team you need approval from. And unlike a test plan, which can be modified during the course of a project, the test strategy is a static document that doesn't change.

There are usually four components or sections of a test strategy:

1. The scope; what are the things within the scope of testing and the things not in the scope

2. Test approach - what types of testing will be conducted

3. Environments - where are we going to be doing our testing?

4. Key deliverables - your clients want to know what are they paying for

• Introduction – A brief introduction to the purpose and scope of the document
• Standards to use – The different standards or set of guidelines to be followed
• Risks and Mitigations – The different risks associated with testing and their mitigation strategies
• Entry Criteria – The pre-requisites that must be performed before testing can start
• Exit Criteria – The criteria defining when the testing can be stopped
• Test design techniques – The test design techniques to be used like – equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, etc.
• Test environment – This defines which hardware/3rd party is needed to fulfill the requirements, of where the product is going to be tested
• Configuration management of testware – Specification of the right version of testware for testing
• Test process improvement – The approaches to use for improving the test process
• Approvals – The persons approving the test strategy document

Still confused? It can be useful to see the differences between a test plan and test strategy document at a glance:

Test plan: Specific to a particular project

Test strategy: Usually for a complete organization

Test plan: Prepared by the test lead of test manager

Test strategy: Usually prepared by the project manager

Test plan: Describes the testing activities in detail such as the techniques used, schedule, and resources

Test strategy: Describes the high-level test design techniques to be used such as environment specifics

Test plan: outlines features to be tested, components not to be tested, approach to testing, pass-fail criteria, and more

Test strategy: includes scope, test approach, testing tools, test environment specs, and more

Test plan: Is a fluid document that can be changed or updated

Test strategy: Static document that is not modified

Many people get these two documents confused, but it's important to know the difference between a test plan and a test strategy because both set expectations for the testing team and the client. With practice, you can become a pro at writing both and knowing what information each one covers, boosting your confidence when you outline your testing plan to clients.

A. It doesn't matter which of these documents you write first; what matters is that each one is uniques and tailored for the project and client at hand. You don't want to copy a test plan and test strategy from one client to another.

You can think of a test strategy as helping to plan the test procedure while the test plan is then used to carry out the testing process.

A. Knowing the difference between test plan and test strategy documents helps set expectations for your team and your clients before each software testing project.

A. The mobile application test plan document does differ from the software test plan. The main difference is that mobile devices have different hardware, operating systems, and form factors than traditional software. As a result, the mobile app testing process must take into account these variations and plan accordingly. Additionally, mobile applications often rely on external services and connections that must be tested to ensure proper functioning. Therefore, the mobile application test plan document must include specific steps to test mobile apps on different mobile devices and any external services that are integrated.

Helpful Resources:

• PDF Accessibility Remediation Software: Iterators' Best Practice
• What is Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC)