It has been observed that over the years there has been a remarkable increase in the number of software companies that are adopting the agile methodology, not just in development but in testing as well. The reasons for this include higher returns and an abridged time to market. So, what do you think are the benefits of Agile Testing that is drawing companies to opt for it?
First let’s brush our memory on what is Agile?
Agile as the name refers implies something to do very quickly. Hence Agile Testing refers to validate the client requirements as soon as possible and make it customer friendly. Agile development methodology is a conceptual framework for undertaking any software engineering projects. Development and testing go hand in hand and are carried out in repetitions with frequent checkpoints to ensure the product is in sync with the current customer expectations.
The following pointers will help you get close to know how organisations profit from Agile Testing?
High quality of products/apps: Since development and testing go hand in hand, testing is not compromised due to lack of time. Surveys say, “Agile testing finds a defect every 6 minutes compared to 10hrs of traditional testing. Businesses that went agile have reported a 63% increase in quality and a 70% lower defect rate.”
Pro identification of issues/bugs: Testing kicks off as soon as the code is in a befitting shape. Early testing leads to early detection of defects. Typically, about 47% of defects can be traced to requirements and another 28% to design and the cost of fixing these defects increases with time. Agile testing also has a process of instantaneous feedback that ensures no time is wasted in fixing the defect, reigning in Cost of Quality.
Easy to supervise: Generally Agile teams are small in size and hence are easy to control. Like we all know, a small team implies fewer resourcing challenges. All stakeholders know their definite roles and therefore have distinct and correct expectations from one another. Unlike other testing teams, agile’s small teams working on small iterations make it easy to align the work, set constructive deadlines, audit risks and measure ROI.
Modification is easy: Agile testing makes possible to respond at a fast pace to modify changes in requirements or in customer expectations driven by an altering business scenario. Since work is done in portions in a given time, it is open to any recommended changes, ensuring the functionality developed is apt and as per the customer’s need at the given time. Hence, this results in immense customer satisfaction.
Lower Risk Involved: Developing software at in a series of additions, releases a beta version of the product to get an idea of the response in the market, instead of a grand release. Customer feedback gives support in adding beneficial features in successive iterations resulting in a wholesome product. Also, at the beta stage, if the market does not seem to respond enthusiastically to the product, then the organisation may also opt for abandoning the project before too much time, money and effort is wasted to promote it further.
Listed below are a few advantages of Agile model:
- Customer satisfaction by rapid, continuous delivery of useful software.
- People and interactions are emphasized rather than process and tools. Customers, developers and testers constantly interact with each other.
- Working software is delivered frequently (weeks rather than months).
- Face-to-face conversation is the best form of communication.
- Close daily cooperation between business people and developers.
- Continuous attention to technical excellence and good design.
- Regular adaptation to changing circumstances.
- Even late changes in requirements are welcomed.
- Agile tends to be a better option for smaller projects where changes are likely to be made during the design process.
- Agile is an excellent way to deliver software faster and with higher quality if testing teams understand the unique challenges they are faced with.
Also read: Enhancing Agility of an Agile Testing Team
