What are the key configuration management tools and techniques that you use or recommend for testing?

1 Version Control

Version control is the process of managing and storing different versions of the system's source code, configuration files, documentation, and other artifacts. It allows you to track the changes made by different developers, testers, and stakeholders, and to revert to previous versions if needed. Version control also enables you to create branches and merge them, which facilitates parallel development and testing activities. Some of the popular version control tools are Git, Subversion, Mercurial, and CVS.

2 Test Automation

Test automation is the use of software tools and scripts to perform testing tasks that would otherwise be done manually. It can save time, effort, and resources, and improve the accuracy, coverage, and frequency of testing. Test automation can also support continuous integration and delivery, which are practices that aim to integrate and deploy code changes frequently and reliably. Some of the common test automation tools are Selenium, Cucumber, TestNG, JUnit, and PyTest.

3 Configuration Testing

Configuration testing is the type of testing that evaluates how the system performs under different configurations of hardware, software, network, and environment. It helps identify any compatibility or interoperability issues that might affect the system's functionality, usability, or security. Configuration testing can be done using various techniques, such as matrix testing, combinatorial testing, pairwise testing, and orthogonal array testing. These techniques help reduce the number of test cases needed to cover all possible combinations of configuration parameters.

4 Configuration Auditing

Configuration auditing is the process of verifying that the system's configuration matches the predefined standards and requirements. It involves checking the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of the system's documentation, code, data, and test results. Configuration auditing can also detect any unauthorized or unintended changes that might compromise the system's quality or integrity. Configuration auditing can be done using various tools, such as configuration management databases (CMDBs), configuration management systems (CMSs), or configuration management software (CMS).

5 Configuration Management Metrics

Configuration management metrics are the measures that help evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the CM processes and practices. They can provide insights into the quality, performance, and progress of the system and its components. They can also help identify any gaps, risks, or areas for improvement. Some of the examples of CM metrics are change volume, change frequency, change impact, defect density, defect resolution time, test coverage, test execution time, and test pass rate.

6 Configuration Management Best Practices

Configuration management best practices are the guidelines and principles that help ensure the successful implementation and execution of CM activities. These best practices can vary depending on the context, scope, and objectives of the project or organization, but some of the general ones include defining and documenting the CM plan, policies, and procedures; establishing and maintaining a clear and consistent CM structure and naming convention; using appropriate CM tools and techniques that suit the project's needs and goals; implementing version control, test automation, configuration testing, configuration auditing, and configuration management metrics; communicating and collaborating with all the stakeholders involved in the CM process; and reviewing and updating the CM plan and practices regularly to adapt to changes.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?