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Web application quality assurance is a critical aspect of the software development process and one that is often overlooked. If a developer misses a small detail in the programming code, the program will not run efficiently and the users will not be able to use it. From the perspective of localisation, it is important to ensure that any text entered into the system can be displayed properly in the target language.
What is a Web Application?
A web application is a type of app that can be accessed through a web browser. When accessed in a browser on a mobile device, web apps look and behave like mobile apps — but they aren’t the same. A web app is an application program that is stored on a remote server and delivered over the internet through a browser interface. Web services are web apps by definition and many, although not all, websites contain web apps.
Developers design web applications for many different reasons, such as for an organization or an individual. Some common web applications are ones that people use every day, like webmail or online calendars. Others are only accessible by users with a specific browser. However, most web apps can be accessed by most common browsers.
How Do Web Applications Work?
A web app needs a web server, application server and database to operate. The web server manages requests from clients, while the application server completes the requested task. A database stores any necessary information. It does not need to be downloaded since it is accessed through a network via browsers. In general, a web app can be accessed by anyone via browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Safari.
How Do You Test a Web Application?
Below are the most common techniques in the world of QA when testing a web application:
Functionality Testing
The main goal of functional testing is to make sure that all features of a web application work correctly and without any problems. Functional testing for a web application may involve checking that all links work, testing cookies, investigating forms on all web pages, assessing database security, and verifying CSS or HTML.
It is also important for developers and testers to make sure that test cases include important boundary conditions. In addition, there should be an error message for any invalid input.
Web UI Testing
There are several critical components to a web app, including the web server interface, database server interface, and application server interface. Web UI testing is an important way to validate that all components of the web app are working well together. Testers should use this testing method to determine whether the interaction between the various servers is carried out effectively.
Usability Testing
The application's user interface should be effective and user-friendly. It is also important to adhere to global conventions and web standards while developing a web application. Usability testing is appropriate for apps that aim to automate manual processes.
However, testers must consider critical issues such as navigation, a site map, and avoiding over-crowded content while performing usability testing.
Performance Testing
Performance testing is a process that helps you understand how a web application will respond to real-world usage scenarios. This testing can include stress testing, load testing, and scalability testing. By running tests on different hardware platforms, operating systems, and more, performance testing provides valuable insights into how a website will function under real-world conditions.
Compatibility Testing
Compatibility is key when testing a web application. By running compatibility tests, you can ensure that your web app will work well with different operating systems, browsers, mobile devices, and other printing options. By doing this, you can avoid potential compatibility issues that could occur down the line.
Security Testing
Security testing is a critical web app automation testing method as it determines whether data modifications or leaks are tolerable. It primarily includes various activities such as verifying SSL, checking the CAPTCHA for automated script logins, and determining whether web files or directories can be accessed directly. By running security tests, you can help ensure that your web application is secure and protected against data breaches and other threats.
Benefits of QA and Testing for Web Applications
The involvement of the QA team during the testing phase of web app development offers several advantages.
First, it ensures that the final product is of high quality and free of any technical issues. Users can then use the app immediately upon release without having to experience any problems. Additionally, this involvement guarantees a highly efficient product with a high customer satisfaction index.
Second, to ensure that the completed web app is fully functional. By detecting bugs early on, the QA team can help improve the efficiency and speed of new feature releases.
Third, to ensure that the released website is of high quality and meets customer expectations. By running a rigorous test during the development phase, the QA team can identify potential defects and technical issues, thereby making the product more stable and reliable. This in turn builds customer confidence in the application.
Finally, an automated test can be a great testing tool when testing a web app. By automating some of the testing processes, you can save time and ensure that your QA team is focused on the most important aspects of the project. In addition, automating your tests can help ensure a positive return on investment.
Best Practices for QA Testing in Web Applications
Quality assurance is crucial for delivering high-quality products. However, there are some key best practices and testing activities that must be taken into consideration as part of the QA process. For example, when testing a product, it is important to consider the user experience and ensure that the product is easy to use. Additionally, it is important to test for functionality and compatibility with other products.
QA Team's Involvement Before Kick off
It is still quite common to see cases where QA is only brought in late in the development process as if they're only needed for testing before deployment or release. This can be a recipe for disaster. QA needs to be included as part of the development team from the beginning. The mindset should be to test early and often. This has been proven to be the best way to keep product development on track while also ensuring that business requirements are met and performance issues are avoided early.
Functionality Testing
QA teams have a lot of responsibility when it comes to making sure a web app is ready to be deployed. They need to check all the different components of the app, including links, forms, and workflows, to make sure everything is working correctly. QA teams also make recommendations for how the process can be improved in future developments.
User experience is important for all elements of the app. That is why every element matters for QA.
Stress Testing
It's great when an app works well. However, it's even more important that it can perform well under heavy load conditions. Stress testing can help reveal potential issues that could cause an app to crash. By running a load test, we can learn about these conditions and address them to make the app more stable in future versions.
Ensure Compatibility
Different people have different favourite browsers, and it's important that your app can run smoothly on all of them. By making sure your app is responsive on the most commonly used browsers, you can provide the best possible user experience and prevent technical issues from happening when users from all over the world try to access it.
Usability Testing
There are several key factors that go into making a successful app. Firstly, it must be easy to use; users should be able to navigate the app with ease and without difficulty. Secondly, it is important to meet quality requirements; the app should be well-made and meet the needs of the user. Lastly, any features in the app must be useful; they should serve a purpose and add to the overall experience of using the app. If these key points are met, then the app stands a good chance of being successful.
Collaborate with QA Team
Quality assurance is vital to any project's success. By involving the QA team from the beginning and ensuring that everyone shares the same vision, we can improve the quality of the final product. Everyone on the team must be aware of the testing process and how it fits into the larger picture. By bringing everyone together on this initiative, we can make the testing process more efficient and more productive.
Communication is key during the software development process, especially between the Quality Assurance team and the product managers. QA needs to have a good understanding of the requirements for the end user in order to create successful results. By keeping the lines of communication open, it will help ensure a successful development cycle.
Conclusion
The importance of Quality Assurance in Web Applications is essential. QA testing should be performed routinely even after the app has gone live. Routine testing will allow the development team to continually locate and correct any issues that might occur on the website or web application. By having a standing QA requirement, web application development can ensure that they are delivering top-quality product solutions.
Quality assurance is an important part of getting a product ready for market. QA testing makes sure that the product follows the right steps and procedures before it's deployed to users. By introducing software and quality assurance testing early on in the development process, you can prevent disasters and minimise the risk of defects while also maximising the end-user experience.
Quality assurance testing is important for more than just finding and fixing errors. It's also about setting standards for quality and making sure that the finished product meets those standards. This involves establishing checks and balances to make sure that everything is up to snuff before it goes out the door.
If you want to learn more about how we can help you with QA, please get in touch with us. We would be happy to chat with you about your specific needs and see how we can help.