Test Concept

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Test Concept

A test concept is an essential document in software quality assurance. It defines the strategy, scope, methods and responsibilities for carrying out software tests. A well thought-out test concept allows test processes to be controlled efficiently and software errors to be detected at an early stage. Let's look together at what a test concept is, what its components are and how to create it successfully. In addition, at the end of this page I provide a lightweight version that can be implemented immediately.

What is a Test Concept?

A test concept is written documentation that describes the planning, execution and evaluation of tests. It ensures that everyone involved is informed about the test strategy and serves as a guideline for quality assurance.

Aims of a Test Concept

Components of a Test Concept

In the following, I will briefly list a selection of possible components of a test concept. Not every one of them has to appear in every context! The test concept available under Downloads does not contain all of them either, because this is a starting point that is intended to make getting started with quality assurance as easy as possible.

1. Test Objectives and Scope

The first step is to define the objective to be pursued with the measures defined later. This usually involves ensuring the functional requirements, checking performance and security and validating user-friendliness. The correct integration of the system into its scope should also be checked.

2. Test Strategy

The test strategy determines which test methods and techniques are to be used. Should testing be manual and/or automated? What is already covered by unit, integration and system tests? Which test environments are to be used? How is the organization itself involved?

3. Test Objects and Test Basis

Here you will find the answer to what needs to be tested in the first place. Which components and modules are covered and which are not? What requirements are used as a basis? What type of data should be used for testing?

4. Test Cases and Test Execution

This section describes test cases and their prioritization or refers to the corresponding Test Case Management System (TCMS) in which they are stored. In addition, test tools and the configuration of the test environment must be documented so that each test is as reproducible as possible (especially when it comes to meeting regulatory requirements).

5. Test Environment

The required infrastructure (servers, networks, databases, ...) is described in this section as well as - if necessary - the process of how it can be procured, set up and prepared.

6. Test Organisation and Roles

Who is responsible for which tests? How is the team put together? How should communication be organized? What handover points and escalation channels are there?

7 Test Criteria and Termination Criteria

In addition to defining a passed test as part of the quality criteria, it is important to define when a test must be aborted, for example because too many critical errors occur. It also makes sense to set out a failure plan if the test has to be postponed - how does this affect the release and rollout, who needs to be informed and how is it ensured that all stakeholders are reached?

8. Error Handling and Reporting

The documentation guideline for errors, including information on which tool is used for bug tracking. Additionally, how communication with the development team is organized must be defined: It is important to avoid pitfalls such as the developer interrupt so as not to reduce productivity.

9. Test Time Frame

The test itself is planned, and this plan is in turn prepared in the wider context of the surrounding organization. Potential delays could affect other release cycles and can be taken into account here.

10. Risk Management

List the possible risks for the test project (e.g. planned or unplanned absences, downtime of an unstable application) and how they will be addressed. Each risk should, where possible, be given measures to minimize it (e.g. broader distribution of knowledge).

Best Practices for a useful Test Concept

Shift Left

Quality assurance measures should be started as early as possible, as the earlier they are implemented, the more cost-effective the troubleshooting will be.

As much as needed

The test concept should be so lightweight that it is easy to adhere to and that it only ever reflects the rules that are really necessary in the current team constellation.

Clear Definitions

The test strategy should be precisely tailored to the project and contain the most sensible test methods. With this document, it is all the more important to limit yourself precisely to what makes sense, but to pay particular attention to clarity.

Efficient use of Test Automation

Automated tests can save time and costs, but should be used in a targeted manner.

Manage test data carefully

Realistic and consistent test data is crucial for meaningful test results.

Continous Improvement

The test concept itself should specify that it is to be revised regularly. At the latest when a new team member joins, it should be checked for possible adjustments in order to avoid necessary rules only being defined implicitly.

Conclusion

A well thought-out test concept is essential for the successful quality assurance of software. It ensures structured test execution, minimizes risks and helps to identify errors at an early stage. Software projects can be implemented more successfully with a clear test strategy, efficient planning and regular adaptation of the test concept. Among the downloads, I have linked a slimmed-down version that can be rolled out immediately. This deliberately does not contain all the elements listed here because it is intended to represent a starting point and not the state that can ultimately be achieved. I am happy to answer any questions and help with implementation.

Downloads

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I am Max and since more than a decade I find Bugs that could cost a lot of money.

Get to know me easily