#12 Checklist-Based Testing: Zero Fancy Frills, Only Reliable Results

QA can get complicated fast, but checklist-based testing helps keep everything in order.?

It’s not the flashiest method, but it’s reliable and effective. A good checklist makes sure nothing slips through the cracks.

We asked our QA Team Lead, Igor Kovalenko, to share his take on how to make the most of checklist-based testing.?

He’s here to talk about how it works, why it’s worth your time, and some common misconceptions to leave behind.

As usual, let’s start with the basics.?

Key Components of Checklist-Based Testing

Checklists can be created to support various types of testing, including both functional and non-functional tests.?

To perform checklist-based testing, an experienced QA engineer can use the product itself, as well as the complete range of the available product documentation, including:

• Software product requirements (BRS, SRS);
• Acceptance criteria, which are described in functional stories;
• High-level checklists;
• ISO and IEEE standards.

Here’s what you need for effective checklist-based testing:

• Experience & knowledge. Base your checklist on an in-depth understanding of the product and its environment.
• Comprehensive documentation. Create your checklist using product requirements, acceptance criteria, and industry standards.
• Adaptability. Apply this technique to functional and non-functional tests, adjusting as you gather insights during testing.

Debunking Common Myths

There are a few misconceptions about checklist-based testing:

• Myth #1. It’s the same as exploratory testing.?

It’s not — checklists are documented, exploratory testing isn’t.

• Myth #2. It requires user stories for each functionality

False — checklists focus on test coverage, not detailed documentation.

• Myth #3. It needs to follow test case attributes.?

Not really — keep it simple and focused.

• Myth #4. Anyone can do it on any product.?

Experience with the specific product is key.

Real-World Example: Testing of a Company Website

Step 1: Identify Core Components (Modules and Submodules)

Begin by breaking down the website into its key functional areas. This step is crucial for ensuring that all business-critical and user-facing features are tested.

• Header: Navigation, branding, and user account access.
• Homepage: The main landing page, including key CTAs and introductory content.
• Company: Includes sections like Pricing, Career opportunities, and About Us.
• Services: Detailed pages for Design, Development, Testing & QA offerings.
• Team Extension: Covers Front-End, Back-End, and Mobile development services.
• Industries: Focuses on sectors like eCommerce, Healthcare, and Finance & Banking.
• Portfolio: Showcases past projects and case studies.
• Footer: Contact information, legal links, and additional navigation.

Step 2: Create a high-level checklist

Develop a high-level checklist that outlines the primary testing areas within each module. This checklist is the backbone of your testing process, ensuring no major section is missed.

• Header: Verify navigation links, branding visibility, and user login functionality.
• Homepage: Check the correct loading of all elements, responsiveness, and CTA functionality.
• Company: Ensure accurate content, functional links, and proper page layouts.
• Services: Validate content accuracy, service descriptions, and contact forms.
• Team Extension: Test navigation between sub-services, content relevance, and usability.
• Industries: Confirm that sector-specific content is accurate and relevant.
• Portfolio: Check project details, media loading, and case study links.
• Footer: Verify that all legal, contact, and navigational links are functional.

Step 3: Expand to a Low-Level Checklist

For each module, especially high-traffic or business-critical ones like the Homepage, expand the high-level checklist into a more detailed, low-level checklist. This approach ensures that even the smallest functional elements are thoroughly tested.

“Hire Now” Button Functionality

• Verify color change on hover: The button should turn black with red text.
• Test the “Tell us about your project” from launch upon clicking.

“We Help With” Block Structure

• Ensure the block contains three tabs: Services, Technologies, and Industries.
• Verify that a red line underlines the “Technologies” tab by default.

“Get in Touch” Button Behavior

• Check color change on hover: The button should turn red with white text.
• Validate the form launch upon clicking the button.

Step 4: Emphasize cross-environment testing

Don’t limit your checklist to a single environment. Ensure that each element is tested across various environments (e.g., different browsers, devices, and screen resolutions) to guarantee consistent performance.

Step 5: Integrate findings and iteratively improve

As you complete the testing process, document any issues and update the checklist to reflect new insights or areas requiring further attention. This iterative approach improves the checklist and enhances the overall quality of the testing process.

The Benefits of Checklist-Based Testing

Why invest time in checklist-based testing?

• End-to-end coverage: Comprehensive testing ensures no functionality is overlooked.
• Critical bug detection: Helps catch bugs that may slip through standard test suites.
• Onboarding new QA engineers: Checklists provide a clear starting point, speeding up the onboarding process for new team members.
• Improved test consistency: Ensures uniformity across multiple testing cycles, leading to reliable results.
• Documentation and traceability: Provides a tangible record of testing, invaluable for audits and issue investigations.
• Resource efficiency: Optimizes resource allocation by focusing on high-risk areas.
• Adaptability and reusability: Checklists can be reused and adapted across different testing phases or projects.
• Enhanced collaboration: Fosters better teamwork by providing a clear, shared understanding of testing objectives.
• Minimized oversights: Reduces the likelihood of missing critical areas, especially under tight deadlines.
• Easier communication with stakeholders: It simplifies explaining what has been tested and helps manage expectations.

The Challenges

While powerful, checklist-based testing has its caveats:

• Constant updates are required: As products evolve, so must your checklists.
• Variability in interpretation: Different engineers might approach the same checklist differently, affecting repeatability.
• Not a one-size-fits-all: Knowing when and where to apply this technique for maximum impact is crucial.

Prepare all relevant test criteria and integrate this method into your broader QA strategy.

!Remember! Checklist-based testing is a supplementary technique. Use it wisely to enhance your QA process, not replace existing methods.

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