ISTQB FOUNDATION 4.0 | Tutorial 58 | Benefits and Risk of Test Tools | Test Tools | CTFL
Summary
TLDRThis tutorial delves into the ISTQB Foundation Level Certification, focusing on the benefits and risks of test automation tools. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the purpose and advantages of integrating tools into organizational processes, such as time savings, error prevention, and improved assessment capabilities. However, it also warns of potential pitfalls, including unrealistic expectations, overreliance on tools, and compatibility issues, urging a cautious approach to tool selection and implementation.
Takeaways
- π Understanding the benefits and risks of test automation tools is crucial for successful implementation.
- π οΈ Using tools is not always simple and can be complicated; proper understanding and preparation are necessary.
- β±οΈ One major benefit of automation tools is the time saved by reducing repetitive manual work, especially for tasks like regression testing.
- π Automation tools help prevent human errors by ensuring greater consistency and repeatability in testing processes.
- π Tools provide objective assessments and measurements that are too complex for manual calculations, such as coverage measurements and traceability matrices.
- π Test management tools offer easier access to information, supporting test management and reporting with systematic organization and comprehensive reports.
- π Reduced test execution time with automation tools allows for earlier defect detection, faster feedback, and quicker time to market.
- π§ Automation tools free up testers' time, enabling them to design more effective tests and consider additional scenarios.
- β Risks of test automation include unrealistic expectations, inaccurate time and cost estimations, and over-reliance on tools.
- π§ Potential issues include dependency on tool vendors, compatibility problems with development platforms, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Q & A
What is the main topic of the tutorial video?
-The main topic of the tutorial video is the benefits and risks of test automation tools, particularly at the ISTQB Foundation level certification.
Why might using a tool seem complicated despite the common belief that it should be simpler?
-Using a tool might seem complicated because people often expect tools to be immediately easy to use and adaptable, without realizing that they may require training, maintenance, and effort to achieve real benefits.
What is one of the key benefits of using test automation tools mentioned in the script?
-One of the key benefits of using test automation tools is the time saved by reducing repetitive manual work, such as in regression testing.
How can test tools help in preventing human errors?
-Test tools can help in preventing human errors by providing greater consistency and repeatability, as well as systematic arrangements and structured data inputs that reduce the likelihood of mistakes.
What is an example of a complex task that can be simplified with the help of test tools?
-An example of a complex task simplified with test tools is the evaluation of code coverage, such as statement coverage and decision coverage, which can be difficult for humans to manually calculate in large programs.
What is the importance of traceability in the context of test management tools?
-Traceability is important in the context of test management tools because it allows for systematic measurements and specific assessments, such as mapping numerous requirements to test cases, which would be time-consuming for humans to do manually.
How do test management tools contribute to easier access to information about testing?
-Test management tools contribute to easier access to information by compiling and managing all resources systematically, allowing for quick access to test coverages, executions, and reporting on various parameters like defects and risks.
What are some risks associated with using test automation tools?
-Some risks associated with using test automation tools include unrealistic expectations about the benefits, inaccurate estimations of time and cost required for tool implementation and maintenance, and over-reliance on the tool to perform tasks without human intervention.
Why is it important to evaluate the tool vendor before procuring a test tool?
-It is important to evaluate the tool vendor to ensure they provide adequate support, are financially stable, and will continue to maintain and update the tool, as poor vendor support or discontinuation of the tool can pose significant risks to the project.
What is the potential issue with using open-source software for testing?
-The potential issue with using open-source software for testing is that it may be abandoned, meaning no further updates are available, or it may require frequent updates, which can create an extra overhead for the organization to manage.
Why is compatibility an important consideration when choosing a test tool?
-Compatibility is important because a tool that is not compatible with the development platforms, technologies, or operating systems used in the project can lead to significant issues, such as the tool becoming unusable when there are updates or changes to the environment.
What are regulatory requirements or safety standards in the context of choosing a test tool?
-Regulatory requirements or safety standards refer to the legal and compliance aspects that a test tool must meet, ensuring that it adheres to industry-specific rules and guidelines, which is crucial in industries like software, hardware, and automotive.
Outlines
π€ Benefits and Risks of Test Automation Tools
This paragraph delves into the complexities of test automation, emphasizing the misconception that using tools is always simple. It outlines the benefits of test tools, such as saving time through reduced manual work, preventing human errors via consistency and repeatability, enabling more objective assessments, and facilitating easier access to information for test management and reporting. The paragraph also hints at the risks involved in tool adoption, such as the need for maintenance, training, and the potential for tools to introduce complications if not properly integrated into an organization's processes.
π Understanding the Risks and Mitigation Strategies for Test Tools
The second paragraph focuses on the potential risks associated with the use of test tools, including unrealistic expectations about their benefits, inaccurate estimations of the time and cost required for tool integration and maintenance, and the inappropriate use of tools when manual testing might be more suitable. It also touches on the dangers of over-reliance on tools, the dependency on tool vendors, and the challenges of using open-source software that may be abandoned or incompatible with development platforms. The importance of evaluating vendor support and tool stability is stressed, along with the need for compliance with regulatory requirements and safety standards.
π Addressing Risks and Embracing the Full Potential of Test Tools
In the final paragraph, the speaker advises on the importance of addressing the risks associated with test tools before their adoption. It stresses the need for a proof of concept to ensure tool compatibility with the technology stack and platforms in use. The paragraph also highlights the importance of having a plan for mitigation and a clear understanding of the tool's regulatory compliance. The speaker encourages continuous learning and exploration, inviting viewers to engage with the content and seek further clarification if needed.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘ISTQB Foundation Level Certification
π‘Test Automation
π‘Benefits
π‘Risks
π‘Regression Testing
π‘Consistency and Repeatability
π‘Test Management Tools
π‘Coverage Measurements
π‘Traceability Matrices
π‘Defect Detection
π‘Over Reliance
π‘Tool Vendor
π‘Open Source Software
π‘Compatibility
π‘Regulatory Requirements
Highlights
Introduction to the tutorial on ISTQB Foundation Level Certification, focusing on Chapter 6 about test tools.
Exploring the simplicity or difficulty of using test automation tools and their benefits and risks.
The misconception that using tools is always simpler and the complications that arise from blindly choosing a tool.
Benefits of using test tools, emphasizing that acquiring a tool does not guarantee success and requires effort for lasting benefits.
Time saved by reducing repetitive manual work as a key benefit of automation testing tools.
Prevention of simple human errors through greater consistency and repeatability offered by test tools.
The role of tools in providing more objective assessments and measures that are too complex for manual execution.
Ease of access to information about testing to support test management and reporting as a benefit of test management tools.
Faster feedback and time to market as advantages of reduced test execution time with automation tools.
The potential for testers to design deeper and more effective tests when manual execution time is reduced.
Risks associated with test tools, including unrealistic expectations about the benefits of tools.
The importance of accurate estimations of time, cost, and effort required to implement and maintain a tool.
Risks of using a test tool when manual testing is more appropriate, emphasizing the need over fashion.
Overreliance on tools and the understanding that they will only perform as instructed.
Dependency on tool vendors and the risks associated with their business decisions or support quality.
Concerns with open-source software, such as potential abandonment or frequent updates requiring additional overhead.
Compatibility issues between automation tools and development platforms or operating systems.
The importance of choosing stable tools that comply with regulatory requirements and safety standards.
Encouragement for continuous learning, exploration, and understanding in the context of test tools and automation.
Transcripts
Hello friends and greetings for the day
welcome back to another tutorial on
istqb Foundation level certification we
are in chapter 6 talking about test
tools and continuing ahead with our next
segment that is 6.2 benefits and risk of
test Automation and as a part of this
tutorial we'll be trying to understand
is it so simple or difficult to make use
of a tool
[Music]
looking at the trend most of the people
quite often think that using tools must
be simpler easier and adaptable at any
point of time and that's where it
becomes a very complicated thing to
blindly go for a tool and this
particular segment is going to help you
understand that what are the purposes
and benefits of having tool being used
into your organization and process and
at the same time we'll be also looking
at what are the complicated risk
involved which one one should look
forward to mitigate well ahead of time
before adopting a tool within the
process and project because it could
turn out to be a risk and could turn
into a disaster in your project so let's
not waste our time and quickly look at
some of the benefits quickly and then
we'll talk about the risk also involved
in using a tool so benefits are very
straightforward and uh we talk about the
benefits as simply acquiring a tool does
not guarantee success each new tool will
require effort to achieve real and
Lasting benefits for example for Tool
introduction maintenance and training
there are also certain risk which we'll
be looking into and someone should look
forward to mitigate that now potential
benefits of using test tools are very
well understood number one the time
saved by reducing repetitive manual work
and that's one of the very common
benefit of having an automation testing
tool or any tool so generally here we
are talking about the blend of using
tools and automation testing tool do
your benefits and risk will be from both
the sides so number one point is related
to repeative manual work is relating to
the automation test tool so of course we
understand that if there are tests which
we have to repeat again and again it
will certainly be very hectic to do
manually for example if you talk about
the regression testing is something
which is very good candidate of
reputation and thus consumes a lot of
time because over a period of time it is
expected to grow bigger in size thus
it's a very good candidate of automation
as well and that turns out to be one of
the key benefit of having automation
testing being in use also another
benefit we have here is prevention of
simple human errors through greater
consistency and repeatability now this
is more of like related to test
management tools or any other automation
tools as well for example if I'm talking
about automation testing tools we follow
certain Syntax for the languages which
prevents human error right because in
manual testing we say that different
users can perform it differently but
when there are scripts written it always
maintains a consistency thus it prevent
vents human errors while writing it in
terms of syntax and even when it comes
to systematic arrangement of data into a
test management tool it's more of like
the tool will only drive the things
according to the need of the tool that
is the fields to be filled up there's a
drop- down value to be picked up so
instead of people mentioning things in
Excel sheet thus tool gives you another
benefit by just having things being
managed systematically or being
consistent in their executions or
maintenance further to add here another
benefit is more objective assessment and
in providing measures uh that are too
complicated for human to drive now for
example if you remember in chapter 4 we
covered some of the coverage
measurements like statement coverage and
decision coverage when we had a simple
program we could do it easily with the
flowchart but when it is complex what if
it is a very big program then certainly
it's not something which is easy for a
human mind to do it manually in that
context we do have tools which are very
capable of doing such evaluations and
helping you get the required coverage
within no time and simply when we talk
about the linkage like Trace abilities
or tracability matrices you may not have
enough time to map 100 requirements with
respect to that of 400 test cases one by
one and that's where a test management
tool could have this capability of doing
systematic measurements or more uh
specific assessments which are sometime
very complicated without having the tool
plus to add here of course easier ACC
access to information about testing to
support test management and test
reporting of course uh having test
management tool will help you get
everything what you need at any point of
time being managing all your resources
in a very systematic Manner and at the
same time can compile things together to
build a wonderful report which can
reflect coverages and executions and
many other things related to different
uh parameters like defects risk Etc so
test management tools again adds this
benefit finally we also talking about
reduced test executions time to provide
earlier defect detection faster feedback
and faster time to Market having said
that being automation testing tool user
you do understand yourself that it is
very simple and faster if you have
automation Tools in practices because
most of your manual efforts can be
reduced and it turns into a big and fast
change into your project th releasing
tools well ahead of time also to add
here more time for testers to design new
deeper and more effective test and
compiling all the benefits together we
would say that if all together these
benefits are achieved by your tools then
certainly the testers have enough time
and more time given to them to think
about the various scenarios or adding
additional test cases rather than
wasting their time doing executions
manually so put together there are
several benefits of having tool being
used into the organization that turns
out to be a great benefit for any
organizations but they're not just
limited to benefits before or we
mitigate all the risk so let's talk
about the risk on the other hand if I
talk about the risk these are those risk
which one should understand identify
well ahead of getting or procuring a
tool for the organization or even for a
project in those terms all we are trying
to say that if these risk are identified
and mitigated well in advance your
experience of interacting with the tools
within the organization and the project
would be less risky or no risk at all
but sometime there are risk which you
understood in our chapter 5 that they
may not be mitigated but have to be
accepted so let's quickly check out what
other the risk we are talking about
related to the test tools which includes
test management tools and test
automation tools as well so number one
here the potential risk of using test
automation may include unrealistic
expectation about the benefits of tool
sometime you thought that is as simple
as downloading it from Google installing
it and getting started with it but as
you do talk about some of the
complicated tools they may not be easy
to use and thus they may need a proper
training proper time given for people to
learn about a programming language or
maybe sometime it could be hectically
involved in configuration on the servers
or setting it up together to in order to
start using it so it's not necessary
that uh every single tool is very user
friendly sometime you need to really
know in and out about the Technologies
before making use off a tool also to add
uh inaccurate estimations of time cost
effort required to in reduce a tool
maintain test scripts and change the
existing manual test process see all the
three aspects have been discussed when
we talk about the cost time and effort
required to roll out a new tool one
should really understand however let me
remind you these are the responsibility
of the test manager that is to select a
tool and roll out a tool into the
organization so the team will not be
involved but manager given that they
have wide experience of such tools they
would be already taking care of that but
the cost time and required should be
calculated because you cannot expect
your team to be well groomed with any
type of tool blindly so you must give
them enough time cost involved in buying
the tool or doing the training
mentorship Etc you cannot expect return
on investment right from the day one of
getting a tool right and effort the team
has to apply those effort they have to
get used to it they have to get you know
practicing with it and that's where they
start returning the benefit so never
underestimate the things related to cost
time and effort uh with respect to
rolling out a tool for the first time or
if you are already having manual test
cases and you want to migrate to
automation the efforts are different so
all these can be taken into a risk the
next one here is using a test tool when
manual testing is more appropriate is
it's not a fashion to use a test tool
it's just that it's a need so if you
think your organization is really
wasting a lot of time doing it manually
and there is a solution you have a
budget you have enough approvals for
that then you can certainly go for it
okay it's just more about the need it's
not that if your manual is doing better
than automation then you still adopt
automation tool unnecessarily spending a
cost so it's very important to take all
this point into account also to add here
uh relying on a tool too much that is
over Reliance so over Reliance simply
means that you bought a watching washing
machine automated washing machine and
you thought that when you leave for work
the machine will roam around your house
and pick up the dirty clothes and start
washing them not that doesn't happen
right so it's more of like letting you
know that a tool will only do what you
instructed to in fact there will be
still some manual efforts required
writing the scripts giving the data
defining the control flow and then even
clicking the play button which is to run
the script right so exactly the same
thing no over Reliance on the tool tools
will only do what you ask them to do and
they still need the
prerequisites okay the next one here is
the dependency on the tool vendor which
which may go out of business retire the
tool sell the tool to a different vendor
or provide poor support most of the time
it's not necessary that the tool only
creates the problem in your project
sometime the tool provider could also be
a problem sometime becoming a very big
brand and buying the tools from these
big Brands could be a challenge because
they do not take care of the feedbacks
the support tickets Etc uh when it comes
to the need of the organization so
sometime having poor response or
sometime you bought it from a new vendor
just because he was was giving you
promotions and a lot of offers and
tomorrow he shut down his office okay or
retire the T saying that oh we are no
longer maintaining it we not giving any
kind of updates on this so you are stuck
because your project is ongoing and half
of your script is already there in the
script uh in the tool so you must
evaluate the vendor strengths weaknesses
and their support on your tickets before
getting the tool the next one here is
using an open source software which may
be abandoned u meaning that no further
uh updates are available or as internal
cence may require quite frequent updates
as of further development so open source
tools as we all understand it's a freear
people don't really have to pay a cost
for it all you need is a GNU license and
you can go ahead and use it which is
public open license and uh the problem
with this these type of tools is that as
they're freeware they're not charging
you anything so they may suspend it any
time or they may not look L not not look
forward to give you any kind of updates
right or sometime to frequent updates
that means you have to take care of the
configuration parallely which could be
an extra overhead so that's where we
need to keep all these things into
account and then mitigate them or have
some plan of action for them before
blindly opting for it also to add here
the automation tool is not compatible
with development platforms sometime it
may happen that you buy a tool X and you
know that you are testing an application
based on Java and then X does not
support Java so you are almost done
there right so you must always do a PO
which is proof of concept to check that
the tool which you're looking forward to
adopt does it work with your technology
does it work with your platform or even
sometime the operating systems can be
taken into this account for example you
have a tool which you are working on
Windows 10 tomorrow Windows releases
Windows 11 and your windows says no no
this tool doesn't work on Windows 11 so
your company is going to migrate to 11
but some of your tools are not capable
or compatible with that so all these
part part basically comes into this
point itself the technology the language
what you use into your development uh
whether the tool is capable of testing
it and the base platform where you're
going to install it right and last but
not the least choosing an unstable tool
that did not comply with regulatory
requirements or safety standards so
again from the software and Hardware
industry point of view both the points
are mention here that even the
compliance is equally important the
regulatories what is recommended
recomended what is not recommended so
your legal team your security team will
be interfering now and then evaluating
and asking you what are the policies of
this tool can we protect it or will this
retain our data so those regulatories
and compliances are important and same
goes with the hardware industry or
Automotive Industries where we are very
very restricted to the use of tools what
we can make use of in our projects so
put together these are all those risk
which we should take into account prior
to getting a tool not after that and if
you can plan for mitigation and have
some mitigation action handy that's
where you go for a tool okay so put
together that's all from this particular
tutorial team and should you have
anything else feel free to comment below
I'm always there to address your queries
and answer them well till then keep
learning keep exploring keep
understanding the context thanks for
watching the video team and happy
learning
[Music]
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