What is a software testing environment? A software testing environment is a composed of software and also of hardware for the execution of test cases by the testing team. In other words, it supports test execution with hardware, software, and network configured.
In addition to this, the software testing environment is commonly used to refer to support for an application. Furthermore, it may include the operating system, the database system, specific development tools, or compiler.
Setting Up a Software Testing Environment
Setting up the right test environment is an assurance of software testing success. Therefore, any errors in this process may lead to additional cost and time to the client.
Process of Setting Up
Setting up the Test Server
The tests are not performed on a machine locally. Hence, a test server is needed for this activity. They are, therefore, supporting applications.
Network Set-Up
Network set up includes:
- Setup of the Internet
- The Setting up LAN WiFi
- Installation of a Private Network
Moreover, this process makes sure that despite congestion, other members will not be affected. In other words, this includes the developers, content writers, designers, etc.
Setting Up The Test PC
Different browsers are needed for different testers in web testing. However, for desktop applications, different types of OS for different testers PCs are required.
Reporting Bugs
Tools for reporting bugs are provided by the tester.
Creation of Test Data for the Test Environment
A lot of companies make use of a separate test environment for testing the software product. However, the conventional approach used is to copy production data to prove. Hence, this will help the tester in detecting similar issues as a live production server. Thus, without corrupting the production data.
The main issue in copy production data is privacy. Hence, to resolve privacy issues, you should look into obfuscated and anonymized test data.
Key Areas in Test Environment Set Up
- The System and Applications
- The test data
- Database server
- Environment for running Front-end
- OS for Client
- The Browser
- Hardware which may include OS for the server
- Documentation required, for instance, reference documents/configuration guides/installation guides/ user manuals
Factors to Consider in Designing Test Environments:
- Determine if the test environment needs archiving to take back ups.
- Verify the network configuration.
- Identify the required server operating system, databases and other components.
- Identify the number of license required by the test team.
Management Functions of Test Environment
- Central repository maintenance, with all the updated version of test environments.
- Test environment management as per the test team demands.
- As per the new requirements creating new environments
- Environment monitoring
- Updating/deleting outdated test-environments
- Investigation of issues on the environment
- Co-ordination till an issue resolution.
To Wrap Up
A Test Environment is made up of elements that support test execution. This includes software, hardware, and likewise, network configured. The test environment configuration must mimic the production environment. Hence, to uncover any environment or configuration related issues.
Testing against your dev box is the fastest way to work on your code. However, testing against representative and reproducible test environments is the most reliable way to re-use your automated tests. Finally, testing against production helps you prove that your customers can utilize your new features once they have been shipped.