In a world where software testing teams are pushing to shift their testing left, they are constantly looking to match quality test execution with often rapid deadlines. But sometimes the sheer number of tests that need to be run in a given development cycle can be daunting. Teams with a rudimentary grasp of software testing may not know where to start.
There is a multitude of ways for teams to make a large number of tests more digestible, and one of them is with batch testing. Batch testing is an economical way to test several pieces of your system at once, thereby putting each individual test into groups.
In this blog, we will discuss what batch testing is, the different types of batch testing, and batch testing compared to other testing methods.
What Is Batch Testing?
Batch testing is a method of software testing that executes test cases in groups — otherwise called batches. It is an effective approach for addressing a large number of tests that need to be run. It is often used to save time when manual testing is not always realistic to perform.
Batch testing is designed to alleviate the strain of test execution as teams are nearing the end of their development cycle. By conducting tests in more manageable group sizes, they can keep their CI/CD pipeline unhindered.
Testing an application is never unnecessary and should be considered non-negotiable. Manual testing is extremely time-consuming and cumbersome, and batch testing is a helpful way of ensuring your team still receives adequate test coverage. That is because it saves time and allows and enables the team to plan for a broader base of tests — catching more bugs more often in the process and ensuring a seamless, high-quality app in the end.
Types of Batch Testing
Batch testing can largely be described as a way to execute tests, but under the umbrella of batch testing are a few different types of testing that can be used:
Performance Testing
Performance testing — like the name says — determines the performance of an application. This type of testing analyzes metrics such as response times, network usage, processing speed, and other measurables that affect how your app operates.
Functional Testing
Functional testing is a fundamental approach to see how your app will function in the real world. This helps ensure user expectations are being met by your app. Functional testing is often specific to a particular feature and does not encompass the application as a whole.
Stress Testing
Particularly for retail and financial apps, stress testing is a vital testing component to ensure your app can handle dramatic spikes in traffic. This commonly occurs during events like Black Friday.
Load Testing
Similar to stress testing but in a much less dramatic fashion, load testing is used to determine how your app functions when a certain number of users are using it. This test is typically done near the end of the development cycle to confirm the app can handle heavy traffic as it nears completion.
Your test scripts should mimic a user’s behavior as accurately as possible. Ensure your test data is properly defined and placed where it is supposed to be. After all, your tests are only as good as what you put into them.
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Batch Testing Compared to Other Types of Testing
There is a wide range of testing approaches to achieving the same, ultimate goal — a high quality app. And while batch testing is a great method in its own right, it is important to consider other types of testing to see which fits best for your unique needs.
Batch Testing vs Smoke Testing
Smoke testing homes in on an application’s core functionality to ensure it is working as expected, whereas batch testing seeks to execute as many tests as possible. Smoke testing focuses on one function or feature at a time to ensure it is working properly before development can proceed.
Batch Testing vs Regression Testing
Regression testing is different than batch testing in that it is typically deployed after an update or bug fix has been deployed. You could certainly run regression tests within a batch testing approach, but batch testing is primarily done prior to release.
Bottom Line
The primary resource that affects testing and test coverage is time. Time is something every testing team is either seeking more of or more efficient ways of using it. As time slips away in the runup to a release, teams may feel like they have no choice but to sacrifice test coverage.
Batch testing can be an efficient way to help save your team time in the face of a pressing deadline. With it, you can deploy and execute multiple tests at once in groups determined by your team that makes the most sense.
Testing your app should be non-negotiable, so it is in your team’s — and your app’s — best interest to find a testing strategy that works best for you. No matter the type of testing you choose for your unique needs, BlazeMeter is an industry leader for a reason. We offer superior testing capabilities in addition to mock services, AI-driven test data, and API testing and monitoring.
The best part? You can start testing with BlazeMeter for FREE today!