What is Agile Testing Know About Its Life Cycle, Types, and Metrics

Agile methodologies adoption has increased from 37% to 86% between 2020 and 2021. But what is the reason behind the widespread use of Agile development methodologies?

Compared to conventional software development methodologies, Agile testing is continually carried out along with the development. It doesn’t require the developers to finish the development stage and wait for the testers to test the software. 

With instant tests carried out during the development phase, it can also improve the efficiency of the development process. The breaking of the sequence in Agile testing methodology is the core reason behind its mass adoption. But apart from this, multiple factors make Agile testing suitable for testers. This guide helps you understand the basics of Agile testing.

What is Agile Testing?

Agile Testing follows the principles of agile development, involving the entire project team—testers, developers, and experts—throughout all phases of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), including requirements, design, coding, and test case generation.

Unlike traditional testing, it is integrated with development, allowing testers to contribute continuously.

Agile testing is iterative, with short cycles focused on delivering workable products quickly, improving design, and ensuring code aligns with customer requirements. The agile team works collaboratively toward the shared goal of quality, prioritizing customer satisfaction through dynamic, continuous testing at every stage.

Main Principles of Agile Testing

Agile testing integrates traditional testing with development for continuous feedback, faster fixes, and alignment with customer needs. It emphasizes collaboration, lightweight documentation, and clean code, while allowing for adaptable testing and evolving requirements.

1. Shortened Feedback Iteration: Agile testing provides continuous feedback on product quality during each iteration. This rapid feedback reduces response time and minimizes the cost of fixing issues early.
2. Concurrent Development and Testing: Testing is performed alongside development, ensuring that features implemented in each iteration are validated immediately. There’s no separate testing phase, making the process seamless and efficient.
3. Involvement of All Team Members: Agile testing includes all members of the development and testing teams, fostering collaboration between developers, testers, and experts throughout the process.
4. Lightweight Documentation: Instead of comprehensive documentation, agile testers use reusable checklists and lightweight tools to focus on the core aspects of tests, reducing unnecessary documentation overhead.
5. Clean Code: Detected defects are fixed within the same iteration, ensuring the code remains clean and maintainable at any stage of development.
6. Continuous Feedback Loop: Agile testing ensures ongoing feedback, allowing the product to continuously evolve and meet business needs.
7. Customer Involvement and Satisfaction: Customers are involved throughout the development process, allowing for adjustments to requirements and testing as the product evolves. This iterative feedback helps ensure that the final product aligns with customer expectations.
8. Test-Driven Approach: Testing is conducted alongside development, ensuring that the product is continually validated and reducing overall development time. This contrasts with traditional approaches, where testing is typically performed after the software is developed.

Why Is Agile Testing Important?

Agile testing is crucial for modern software development as it ensures quality and responsiveness throughout the project. Here are five key reasons why agile testing is important:

1. Early and Continuous Feedback: Provides immediate feedback on product quality, allowing for quick adjustments and reducing overall defect costs.
2. Integrated Testing: Tests are conducted alongside development, ensuring that features are validated in real-time and issues are addressed promptly.
3. Enhanced Collaboration: Fosters strong communication and cooperation among all team members, including developers, testers, and stakeholders.
4. Adaptability: Easily accommodates changing requirements and priorities, ensuring the product evolves to meet customer needs.
5. Customer Satisfaction: Involves customers throughout the development process, leading to a product that better aligns with their expectations and requirements.

Agile Testing Life Cycle

The Agile testing life cycle ensures effective testing through four key stages: Impact Assessment evaluates potential changes, Planning sets testing scope and priorities, Daily Stand-ups facilitate team communication, and Reviews reflect on progress and improvements. This structured approach helps maintain product quality and alignment with project goals.

Types of Testing in Agile Methodologies

Various methodologies have been developed for Agile testing processes.

Here are the four popular testing methods used in Agile testing for achieving the desired results:

• Behavior-Driven Development (BDD)

In Behavior-Driven Development (BDD), the developers, testers, and business analysts create “scenarios,” which help in example-focused communication.

These scenarios are framed in a specific format of the Gherkin Given/When/Then syntax: 

• Given the initial context
• When an event occurs
• Then ensure outcomes

Different tests and software functionality are built around these scenarios.

• Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD)

Acceptance Test-Driven Development involves the “Three Amigos” approach, where the business customer focuses on the problem, the developer drafts the solution, and the testers analyze what could go wrong.

ATDD helps to verify the product functions as users would expect. The tests are automated, and like the BDD, acceptance tests are drafted first, and then the software functionality is built around the tests.

• Exploratory Testing

In exploratory testing, the test design and execution phases go together. It plays a vital role in Agile projects because of the restricted time for test analysis and the restricted artifacts of user stories.

Exploratory testing focuses on finding out the hidden risks within a product. Bugs missed in the functional tests in TDD (Test-Driven Development) are handled in exploratory testing.

• Session-Based Testing

The session-based test management is used to manage exploratory testing. A session is continuous testing lasting from 60 to 120 minutes.

The test sessions include: 

• Survey session (to learn the functionality)
• Analysis session (evaluation of the functional flow)
• Deep coverage (corner cases, different scenarios covered)

These different testing types in Agile methodology aim to release the products within shorter timelines to meet user expectations.

But the users also want the software to be intact, perpetually high-functional, and bug-free that is where automation testing can help you achieve those results.

Main Testing Activities in Agile

In Agile development, testing activities are integral to each phase of the project, ensuring that quality is maintained throughout. These activities are designed to support continuous integration and delivery by providing timely feedback and addressing issues as they arise.

Here are the main testing activities in Agile:

Agile Testing Strategies

Agile testing unfolds through distinct phases, each critical for ensuring quality and adaptability throughout the development process.

1. Iteration 0

Iteration 0 marks the initial stage of Agile testing, where foundational setup tasks are performed. This phase involves setting up the testing environment, assembling the testing team, and preparing necessary resources.

During this stage, the business case, boundary conditions, and project scope are verified.

Key requirements and use cases are summarized, and initial project valuation and risk assessment are conducted. This preparation sets the stage for effective testing throughout the project.

2. Construction Iteration

1. Construction Iteration is the core phase of Agile testing, where the majority of testing activities occur. This phase is divided into two main types of testing:
   • Confirmatory Testing focuses on ensuring that the system meets stakeholder requirements and is further divided into:
   • Agile Acceptance Testing: Combines acceptance and functional testing, often performed by both the development team and stakeholders to ensure that features meet business needs.
     Developer Testing: Includes unit and integration testing to validate the application code and database schema.
2. Investigative Testing addresses potential problems missed during confirmatory testing. It encompasses integration, load, security, and stress testing to uncover deeper issues and ensure robustness.

3. Release End Game

Release End Game is the transition phase, where the focus shifts to full system testing and preparation for release. Testers rigorously test the product to ensure quality, address defect stories, and finalize system documentation.

This phase also includes training end-users, supporting operational teams, marketing the product release, and establishing backup and restoration procedures.

4. Production

Production is the final phase of Agile testing, where the product is completed and refined. After addressing all identified defects and issues, the product is finalized and prepared for deployment. This phase ensures that the product is fully operational and ready for use by end-users.

Each of these phases contributes to a comprehensive Agile testing strategy, promoting continuous improvement, collaboration, and alignment with project goals.

Agile Testing Quadrants

Agile testing is structured into four distinct quadrants, each focusing on different aspects of the testing process:

Quadrant 1 (Automated Testing)

This quadrant emphasizes the internal quality of the code through automated testing. It involves executing test cases and components that are driven by technology and automation tools.

Key activities in this quadrant include:

• Unit Testing: Testing individual components or functions of the code.
• Component Testing: Validating the functionality of larger code components or modules.

Quadrant 2 (Manual and Automated Testing)

The focus here is on verifying customer requirements and business functionality. This quadrant involves both manual and automated testing of business-driven scenarios.

Activities in this quadrant include:

• Pair Testing: Collaborating with another tester to find defects.
• Testing Scenarios and Workflows: Validating that the application behaves correctly according to business requirements.
• User Stories and Prototypes: Testing user stories and prototypes to ensure they meet user expectations.

Quadrant 3 (Manual Feedback)

This quadrant provides feedback to improve the code and features developed in the earlier quadrants. It involves manual testing to review and respond to the iterative development process.

Key activities include:

• Usability Testing: Evaluating the user-friendliness of the application.
• Collaborative Testing: Working closely with team members and stakeholders to identify issues.
• User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Ensuring the product meets end-user needs and expectations.
• Pair Testing with Customers: Testing alongside customers to gain insights into user experience.

Quadrant 4 (Non-Functional Testing)

This quadrant addresses non-functional requirements such as performance, security, and stability. It involves various types of testing to ensure the product meets non-functional criteria.

Key activities include:

• Non-Functional Testing: Performing stress testing, load testing, and performance testing to assess how the application handles various conditions.
• Security Testing: Identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring the application is secure.
• Scalability Testing: Evaluating the application’s ability to scale with increasing loads.
• Infrastructure Testing: Ensuring the underlying infrastructure supports the application’s needs.
• Data Migration Testing: Validating the integrity of data transferred between systems.

Each quadrant plays a crucial role in delivering a high-quality, well-rounded product, addressing both functional and non-functional aspects throughout the Agile development process.

Automation Testing in Agile

Agile automation testing is an approach to using test automation in Agile. Like most organizations, the goal is to release quality software on time. And test automation can help you achieve the goal. 

Test automation also helps in meeting the dynamic demands of the Agile development approach. Automation testing in Agileenables QAs to develop test cases that run automatically when a new code is pushed to the code repository. 

A few benefits of test automation include fast, efficient, accurate, and repeatable results. 

But automation testing can raise multiple complexities for the QA team, slowing releases and making bug identification difficult.

That’s where products like BrowserStack Automate and App Automate can help you test mobile and web apps at scale without any bottlenecks. BrowserStack allows you to perform automated tests using different frameworks and languages. You can run Selenium, Cypress, Playwright,  Puppeteer, Appium, Espresso, and XCUITest seamlessly on 3000+ devices and browsers.

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Also, Agile automation testing can be simplified through preparation and having a plan. Preparation is necessary because there will be challenges, like maintaining test scripts and failed tests. Test planning can be your bridge to achieve a successful project with automation in Agile.

Test Planning in Agile

In Agile development, test planning is a critical activity that sets the stage for effective testing throughout the project. It involves defining strategies, setting objectives, and aligning testing efforts with project goals.

Below is a table outlining the key aspects of test planning in Agile:

Maximize the effectiveness of your Agile test planning with BrowserStack Test Management by integrating it with your CI/CD pipeline. This allows you to centralize and organize test cases, track real-time test results, and maintain a comprehensive view of your testing progress.

By automating test execution and aligning it with your development workflow, you ensure that your test plans adapt swiftly to changes, facilitating better collaboration and quicker issue resolution.

Defect Management in Agile

Defect management ensures that defects are ‌either fixed or explicitly ignored. It is used to resolve quality issues found in the software. 

You can identify passages (gaps) to reach zero defects using defect management. If defects are not handled, they can lead to customer dissatisfaction and escalate to a higher level.

Apart from defect management, you can also use Agile testing metrics to improve software product quality.

Agile Testing Metrics 

It is crucial to understand which metrics are required to improve software testing in an Agile SDLC. Agile Testing metrics consider a specific observational or qualitative attribute of the product. It needs to be analyzed attentively. 

Therefore, the role of the QA lead is to minutely choose the Agile testing metrics that give the best result. 

Conventionally, all Agile test metrics can be classified into

Type 1: Traditional Agile metrics modified to be relevant to software testing.

Type 2: Specific test metrics applicable to the Agile development environment.

Once you choose the Agile testing metrics, you must know the best practices that can improve Agile testing implementation and results.

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Skills important for Agile Testers

Agile testers play a vital role in ensuring the quality of software in a fast-paced and iterative development environment. They need a diverse set of skills to navigate the complexities of Agile projects effectively.

Here’s a breakdown of the key skills important for Agile testers, categorized into technical and non-technical skills:

Technical Skills

1. Automation Testing: Proficiency in automation tools and scripting languages to create and manage automated test cases.
2. Understanding of Agile Frameworks: Knowledge of Agile methodologies such as Scrum, Kanban, and their testing practices.
3. Programming Knowledge: Familiarity with programming languages to understand the code and facilitate unit testing or debugging.
4. Test Case Design: Ability to design effective test cases and scenarios based on requirements and user stories.
5. Performance Testing: Skills in performance testing tools and techniques to assess the application’s scalability and stability.
6. Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD): Experience with CI/CD pipelines to integrate testing into the development workflow.
7. Version Control Systems: Proficiency with tools like Git for managing code changes and collaborating with the development team.

Non-Technical Skills

1. Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate with team members and stakeholders.
2. Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyze requirements and user stories to identify potential issues and test scenarios.
3. Problem-Solving: Creative problem-solving skills to address and troubleshoot issues that arise during testing.
4. Collaboration: Capability to work effectively within cross-functional teams and engage in pair testing and collaborative testing activities.
5. Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to changing requirements and priorities in an iterative development environment.
6. Customer Focus: Understanding of customer needs and expectations to ensure the product meets end-user requirements.
7. Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently to meet deadlines in a fast-paced Agile environment.

Having a blend of these technical and non-technical skills enables Agile testers to contribute effectively to the development process and deliver high-quality software.

Challenges in Agile Testing

Agile testing presents several challenges due to its iterative nature and dynamic environment.

Here are some common challenges along with brief examples:

1. Frequent Changes in Requirements

Example: A project may shift its priorities mid-sprint, leading to changes in test cases and testing scope. Testers need to adapt quickly to ensure new requirements are addressed.

2. Integration of Testing with Development

Example: Continuous integration can lead to frequent build deployments, requiring testers to quickly execute and validate tests as new code is integrated.

3. Managing Test Coverage

Example: With evolving user stories and requirements, ensuring comprehensive test coverage can be challenging. Testers might miss certain scenarios if they’re not updated promptly.

4. Limited Documentation

Example: Agile practices favor lightweight documentation, which can make it difficult to track test cases and results. Testers need to rely on effective communication and collaboration to stay aligned.

5. Coordination with Cross-Functional Teams

Example: Working with developers, product owners, and other stakeholders requires constant communication. Misalignment or lack of clarity can lead to misunderstandings about what needs to be tested.

6. Test Automation Challenges

Example: Implementing and maintaining automated tests can be complex. Automated test scripts may need frequent updates to accommodate changes in application functionality.

7. Short Iteration Cycles

Example: The rapid pace of sprints means that testers have limited time to execute tests, analyze results, and provide feedback, which can impact the thoroughness of testing.

8. Handling Legacy Systems

Example: Integrating new features with legacy systems can introduce unforeseen issues, requiring additional testing and adaptation to ensure compatibility.

9. Balancing Speed with Quality

Example: The pressure to deliver features quickly may lead to compromises in testing depth, potentially allowing defects to slip through.

10. User Acceptance Testing (UAT) Coordination

Example: Coordinating with end-users for UAT can be challenging, especially when their feedback is crucial for final adjustments before release.

Addressing these challenges requires effective strategies, communication, and flexibility to ensure successful Agile testing and high-quality software delivery.

Best Practices in Agile Testing

You can use the above-listed information to implement quality Agile testing. These are the best practices that can improve your results: 

1. Code severity must be preserved (code quality should not be degraded at any cost).
2. Repetitive tests are required (ensure that you cover all scenarios and new changes).
3. Frequent communication with developers (frequent communication helps understand the functionality and code flow).
4. Goal-oriented work approach (stay focused on the desired results).
5. Focus on one functionality at a time.
6. Use professional tools to avoid slow releases and catch bugs early.

Talking about tools, with over 3500+ desktop browsers and real mobile devices, you can use BrowserStack Automate and App Automate to ensure a seamless user experience with your software.

Why run Agile Tests on Real Devices?

Running Agile tests on real devices is crucial because it provides accurate and reliable results that reflect the actual user experience. Unlike emulators and simulators, real devices account for various factors such as hardware differences, operating system variations, and real-world network conditions, ensuring that your application performs well across diverse environments.

BrowserStack Automate offers a robust solution for testing on real devices. With BrowserStack Automate, you can execute your tests on a wide range of real devices and browsers, allowing you to catch issues that might not appear in virtual environments.

This ensures comprehensive coverage and a more accurate understanding of how your application will behave for users in real-world scenarios.

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