Infrastructure testing

Infrastructure testing is the process of evaluating and validating the components of a software product's infrastructure, such as the hardware, software, and network. It's important to ensure that the infrastructure can support the software product and its operations. Infrastructure testing or infrastructure validation involves a series of checks and balances designed to confirm that every component within a network or system meets specific operational standards before full deployment. Effective test infrastructure management aims to ensure that any infrastructure tests performed will yield reliable and reproducible results.

Sometimes when given something to test, some key details may be forgotten- and that’s okay. That’s why, as testers, it’s on us to validate the test infrastructure before diving in. Fortunately, there are several ways to do so.

Why is Test infrastructure needed?

Test infrastructure is a set of tools and processes that help testers conduct tests efficiently. Without it, the testing process can be time-consuming and inefficient; without test infrastructure, it may not even be possible to complete all testing tasks.

Test infrastructure can be expensive; organizations need to know exactly what they want from their test environment so they don't waste money on unnecessary tools they'll never use.

At the same time, organizations need to ensure they have everything they need before testing begins so they don't run into any snags or delays. Doing so will ensure that testing starts on time and proceeds smoothly without hiccups or delays

Test infrastructure can help in the following ways:

• It provides a controlled environment that allows for precise and reproducible test case execution.
• It increases standardization, repeatability, and consistency of tests performed.
• It provides the platform for automation of tests to reduce human intervention during test execution.
• It offers flexibility in scheduling and executing tests at any time with no manual intervention required.

Benefits of Test infrastructure

The planned and thorough approach to test infrastructure has several upsides for both organizations and software products.

Here are a few advantages of having a Test infrastructure:

• Reduced failures in production.
• Accelerated test execution and early detection of bugs.
• Help in reducing annual operating and business costs.
• Verify that the software operates in an expected and organized manner.
• Improvement in service quality.
• Ensures the availability of stable environments.
• Reduction in risk-related costs.
• It provides an improved client experience.
• Improve the infrastructure quality while preventing any production defects.
• Decrease downtime.

When should you perform infrastructure testing?

You must carry out infrastructure testing immediately whenever an infrastructure-related update is introduced.

• The updated system with any new patches.
• Every new system upgrades with the introduction of new features.
• Any update in the operating system
• An update in the database structure and version.
• When servers have their RAM upgraded.
• Security upgrades
• Software upgrades.
• Setting up new tools.

Limitations of Test infrastructure

In this Test infrastructure tutorial, let us discuss some challenges organizations face when setting up test infrastructure

• Remote environment: The test teams must rely on local support organizations to handle issues with equipment, hardware, and software resources, networking, etc., related to testing environments or resources. Sometimes, it delays, especially when an organization has units in different time zones
• Lack of highly-skilled team: The lack of knowledge among the team is a major hurdle to setup Test infrastructure. A well-skilled team is needed to maintain information about all activities, such as schedules, plans, coverage, and status reports.
• Insufficient knowledge about infrastructure testing: Most individuals are still unaware of the processes and implementation of Test infrastructure. Due to improper knowledge and understanding, implementation issues arise. In addition, numerous new issues develop that might jeopardize the stability of the process.
• Identify test environment issues: Issues with the test environment frequently require investigation since it is difficult to fix them. You need to coordinate with the concerned teams to fix the issues
• Manual efforts: In a few areas of infrastructure testing, manual efforts are needed. It causes delays in the process and is prone to human error.