Achieving Agile: Continuous Testing vs. Continuous Integration

As software developers and testing teams are well aware, both speed and quality are vital in the current digital marketplace. You cannot have one or the other and hope to be successful. That is what makes adopting an agile testing strategy so important. 

When we talk about agile testing practices and DevOps initiatives, two key aspects to consider are continuous testing and continuous integration. These concepts have become the impetus for enabling high-quality execution at velocity. 

In this blog, we will discuss what continuous testing is, what continuous integration is, compare the two agile practices, and help you determine which method is best for you. 

What Is Continuous Testing? 

Continuous testing is the process of executing automated tests within the software delivery lifecycle (SDLC) so risk identification and feedback can be delivered as quickly as possible. It helps mitigate business risk in increasingly complex and modern application delivery. 

What Is Continuous Integration?

Continuous integration is a method in DevOps app and software development in which teams continuously merge code updates and changes into one location. Once there, automated tests are run on the code. Continuous integration involves automation and implementing frequent code integrations. 

With continuous integration, tests for code changes are automatically built and executed in preparation for release to production. 

Continuous Testing vs. Continuous Integration: What Is the Difference?

Both continuous testing and continuous integration provide teams a path towards agile testing and shifting left. While they both offer distinct and impactful benefits, there is a difference between the two. 

Continuous integration is typically a tool-based approach. It is a portion of what needs to be done to achieve agile testing; the integration of code changes and placement into a single repository is great for ensuring accuracy. But it is dependent on being combined with automated tests. The two need to be run and passed before passing along to production. The primary benefit of continuous integration is so that one portion of work does not disrupt or break another. 

Continuous testing builds upon continuous integration in that it involves tools as well as individuals, teams, and services. While continuous integration of code changes is important, the automated testing identifies how those changes impact risk or UX disruption. The drawback of continuous testing is that it is more challenging. If the increased frequency is unable to identify those issues accurately, it can become more of a hinderance than a boost to testing velocity. 

To sum all that up — continuous integration and continuous testing are both helpful in achieving agile testing. Continuous integration will not get you as far, but it is a step in the right direction. Continuous testing will get you much further on your way to an agile testing strategy, but getting it right can be challenging. When debating between continuous testing vs. continuous integration, take stock of where your testing is currently and what makes most sense for you. 

Bottom Line

Today, teams are constantly looking for ways to increase the speed of delivery while maintaining a high level of quality in their work. Demand for high-quality apps is only increasing, so testing teams and developers alike must adapt. 

The quickest way to adapt is to adopt an agile testing strategy. Continuous integration and continuous testing are two popular and effective methods of doing that. While both are effective steps toward agile, they do come with their differences. To decide which one is right for you, determine the level of involvement you are able to apply. 

BlazeMeter is the most comprehensive continuous testing platform on the market and is trusted by countless satisfied customers. From small teams with limited resources to large Fortune 500 enterprises, BlazeMeter continues to shine as the preferred continuous testing platform. 

The best part? You can start testing with BlazeMeter for FREE today! 

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