There are many different approaches to testing that can be applied to different projects. In this article, we will discuss checklist-based software testing, its benefits, challenges, and best practices. It can be used for verification of various applications and programs to ensure that they meet not only business requirements but also user needs and expectations.
Definition and Features of Checklist-Based Approach
Checklist-based testing is one of the examination techniques that is performed based on previous experience and not on clear requirements or documentation. Its idea is to involve previous test results for verification of similar software.
Checklists can be created by testers who already have extensive experience in testing products. Checklists themselves are lists of those testing areas that should be carried out for a project.
They are not detailed and differ from test cases, where each step of the QA engineer is prescribed. Checklists contain information that should be tested in the form of simple sentences. During the test, testers mark the completed stages with tick marks to make sure that they have not missed anything.
Checklist-based testing can be performed by testers on staff or a third-party company. If you need professional help in testing products, you can follow the link to get more information.
Main Advantages of the Technique
Although a checklist-based approach is an informal type of testing, it can have many benefits for a project. Using the method can result in:
- Increasing testing efficiency. By following straightforward guidelines, testers are unlikely to miss an important area that needs special attention. They have a proven guide that they must follow to achieve better results.
- Speeding up the process. Developing test cases according to documents and requirements can be very time-consuming and laborious. Using checklists, testers can significantly reduce the time required to test and release a product.
- Reducing testing costs. Examining programs using checklists does not require attracting extra resources because checklists are ready-made instructions for testers that they can use. This leads to a reduction in the overall costs required for the testing phase.
- Taking into account the specifics of the project. Testing some digital products requires a special approach. Using checklists solves this problem and ensures that no specific area is missed.
- Facilitating the integration of new QA engineers. New testers can find it challenging to get used to a new workplace and understand the steps involved in testing. Checklists can serve as a reliable training guide for them.
Turning to a checklist in testing has many advantages. However, it will only be valid if it is created with careful analysis and extensive experience.
Challenges You May Encounter
Like any other technique, checklist-based testing has its drawbacks and is not a one-size-fits-all approach for all projects. Here are the main challenges it may involve:
- Different interpretations of the same checklists by different QA engineers. Following a clear test case, testers are unlikely to get different results. However, using checklists, they may interpret them differently and not achieve the expected test results.
- Difficulties in conducting complex tests. Some test cases are too complex to be explained with checklists. Attempts to repeat them without a precise scenario can result in delaying the process and not achieving the goals.
- Limited use. Checklists cannot be applied to all areas or stages of testing. Some of them require a more in-depth description in the form of classic test cases and additional testing techniques.
You can use checklist-based testing in areas where it guarantees accurate and unbiased results. In other cases, you are better off turning to formal testing techniques.
Best Practices in Using Checklists
To make the approach more effective, you can use several proven tricks.
Even checklists that have been used several times need to be improved. Software is constantly changing and acquiring new features. To test them, testers need to contact developers and add new items to be tested.
Involve Other Techniques
Using checklists may not be as effective as a comprehensive approach. Use formal and informal testing methods together to ensure better outcomes.
Document Test Results
This is another tip for improving existing checklists. Depending on how the test runs, you can refine the lists you use for the software examination.
Checklist-based testing is a convenient and easy-to-use approach. You can use it if you have a relatively simple or specific project that requires previous experience. If your product does not have to meet numerous regulations and requirements, checklists can be a solution. Using them is an effective method for verifying many products with less time, resources, and budget.
