Why does testing take so long?

?Have you ever found yourself asking why testing takes so long, even with the best tools and frameworks at your disposal? It’s a question many developers and QA teams struggle with, and while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, understanding the underlying challenges can make a world of difference.?

In this week’s Coding Jag newsletter, we’ll take a closer look at why testing can feel like a time-draining task and offer actionable insights to streamline your testing process without compromising on quality. Whether you’re new to testing or a seasoned pro, these tips could change the way you approach your next project! Ready to dive in??

Let’s get started!

News

1. Why does testing take so long?

Ever wonder why testing can feel like it drags on forever? In his blog, Mike Harris CITP FBCS tackles this question by likening testing to a river obstructed by rocks—those "rocks" being the issues that hold up the flow. Inspired by Toyota’s Lean methodology, he suggests targeting the biggest obstacles first to make testing smoother and faster, focusing on what really slows things down.

2. Outsourcing Software Development: The Why, The How, and The Who

Addie Lawrence breaks down how outsourcing helps businesses bridge talent gaps, reduce costs, and gain industry-specific expertise. She highlights emerging outsourcing hotspots like Vietnam and Mexico, and shares insights from KMS Healthcare leaders on what to look for in a reliable partner for efficient, trust-based collaboration.

3. 5 QA Strategies to Turn Untested Projects into Stable Projects

Janani Ayeshika shares five tried-and-true QA strategies to transform untested projects into reliable, high-quality applications. From prioritizing critical tests to fostering developer collaboration, she provides actionable insights that can help any QA engineer turn chaos into stability—boosting customer satisfaction and project success along the way.

4. Tester vs Quality Engineer: Which One Are You?

Cassandra H. L. dives into the difference between being a "Tester" and a "Quality Engineer"—and why it matters. While testers uncover crucial information, quality engineers take it further by actively shaping the product's quality. It’s a thought-provoking piece about purpose, impact, and owning your role in software development.

5. How Data Cloud’s Data Graph Delivers Sub-Second Insights from 200 Million Records

In this “Engineering Energizers” Q&A, Neha Gupta gives insights how her team at Salesforce powers Data Cloud’s Data Graph to deliver lightning-fast insights from massive datasets. By fine-tuning data processing and enhancing scalability, they ensure businesses get real-time, actionable insights from billions of records with ease.

AI

6. Generative AI in Testing: Benefits, Use Cases and Tools

Zikra Mohammadi explores how generative AI is transforming software testing by automating test case creation, spotting patterns, and predicting issues before they impact quality. By embracing this technology, QA teams can boost software reliability and stay ahead in delivering top-notch user experiences.

7. Gemini API and Google AI Studio now offer Grounding with Google Search

Shrestha Basu Mallick and Logan Kilpatrick introduce Grounding with Google Search, a powerful feature now available in Google AI Studio and the Gemini API. This tool ensures more accurate, up-to-date responses by tapping into real-time Google Search data, adding supporting links for transparency, and improving AI trustworthiness.

Automation

8. How to Use Node.js Test Runner: A Detailed Guide

The Great Bonnie introduces the Node.js Test Runner, a game-changer for automating tests in JavaScript. Built into Node.js from version 18, it offers features like assertion libraries, test hooks, and asynchronous testing, making it easier to identify and fix bugs while speeding up the development process.

9. Creating a custom pytest plugin for better failure summary

shivahari p highlights how Qxf2 revamped their pytest failure summaries with a custom plugin that presents failed scenarios in a concise, organized table. This enhancement streamlines issue identification and boosts debugging efficiency, saving valuable time for developers.

10. Writing UI automation tests in TypeScript using the Page Object and Page Factory patterns

Nikita Filonov gives tips on writing UI automation tests in TypeScript using the Page Object and Page Factory patterns. He walks through the process of structuring tests in a more organized, reusable way, helping developers build robust and maintainable automation scripts for web applications.

11. Test smart: how to apply automation and stay sane?

Julia Kocbek discusses the growing presence of automation in QA and its impact on testing processes. She highlights the need for a balanced approach, where automation handles repetitive tasks while human testers focus on areas that require creativity, intuition, and critical thinking, ensuring high-quality user experiences.

Tools

12. 8 Useful pytest Plugins for Python Automation

Paulo Oliveira introduces key pytest plugins that can simplify and optimize Python automation tests. From running tests in parallel to improving error reporting, these plugins reduce manual effort, boost efficiency, and make the testing process more reliable.

13. 9 open-source AI coding tools that every developer should know ??

Sunil Kumar Dash rounds up 9 open-source AI tools that every developer should consider. From boosting productivity to writing test cases and identifying vulnerabilities, these tools are designed to help developers work smarter and faster, transforming how we approach coding.

Other

14. Video: Test Planning – Creating an API Test Plan: Webinar Recording

In his webinar, ?? Gil Zilberfeld TestinGil ?? delves into the nuances of API test planning, emphasizing the SFDIPOT heuristic to create a comprehensive test plan. He covers how API testing differs from traditional feature testing, the impact of REST API components, and practical steps for applying SFDIPOT to ensure thorough test coverage. Tune in now to learn valuable strategies for optimizing your API test planning process!

15. Podcast: Building High-Quality Teams: People, Process, and Proof for Effective QA Leadership

In this latest XP series podcast, Blake H. of QA & Agile Delivery, AccentCare, and Harshit Paul discuss strategies for building high-performing QA teams, focusing on people-first leadership, efficient processes, and using metrics to drive team success. Tune in now to learn how to elevate your QA leadership approach!

Events?

16.? Webinar: Achieving Continuous Quality Through People, Process, Tools and Culture

Join Stuart Day , Head of Quality Engineering at Capital One, and Sparsh Kesari , Sr. DevRel Engineer at LambdaTest, for a free live webinar on Thursday, November 14th, 2024 at 7:30 PM BST | 11:30 AM PST | 2:30 PM EST. They will discuss how to achieve continuous quality through people, processes, tools, and culture. Don’t miss out on learning how to build a strong quality culture and measure success! Register now to secure your spot.

Thanks for reading! Like what you see? ?? Hit "Subscribe" and Follow us on LinkedIn and never miss another update. Feel free to check out our previous editions !