All you need to know about Test Run

The "test run" is essential—it's when you thoroughly test your software to ensure it operates and behaves as planned. It is the phase where a set of tests is executed to validate the functionality and performance of software. However, we are all aware that this stage can bring its own difficulties. One may encounter issues such as disorganized test case management, varying outcomes, or difficulty monitoring advancement.

These challenges may result in poor test coverage, missed bugs or errors, and potential delays in your release schedule. It is important that you should be well aware about the test run and its process. In this article, we will guide you through effective strategies of test run and top methods to assist you in addressing these problems directly.

What is a Test Run? 

A Test Run is essentially a single instance where you execute a specific set of test cases. To put it simply, it’s about figuring out which test cases are tested, by whom, and at what time.

A Test Run can vary—it might involve just one test case, a group of them, a whole set from a Test Suite, or even test cases from different areas bundled together in a Test Plan.

There are two main ways to start a Test Run:

1. Express Run - Directly from the Project Repository page.

2. Regular Run - From the Test Runs page.

Let’s say you’ve set up test cases for a new contact form, and it’s ready for your team to test. Now, you might be wondering: should you test it yourself, or should you involve someone else? When should you kick off the testing, and when do you need those results? Are you going to test everything, or just the “happy flow” scenarios? These are key questions to answer as you plan your test run.

Once you have created a test run, you have hit a significant milestone. Your test cases are now ready to be executed, organized by your test suites, and ready for your team to work with. 

Now let us learn what different types of tests runs you can execute in software testing. Continue reading below.

Types of Test Run

Based on the different software testing type, there are diverse type of test run which has their own purpose. Let us have a quick view on this:

1. Manual Test Runs

➡️What It Is: This is where we interact with the application manually, just like you or any other user would. We test features by using the app as intended.

➡️Benefit: This method is great for spotting usability issues and exploring new features. It lets us get a hands-on feel for the user experience.

2. Automated Test Runs

➡️What It Is: We use scripts and tools to run tests automatically. This helps us handle repetitive tasks and check the application quickly.

➡️Benefit: Automated testing saves you time, especially when running large-scale tests or regression tests. It ensures that your tests are consistent and reliable.

3. Regression Test Runs

➡️What It Is: These tests focus on making sure that recent changes haven’t disrupted existing functionalities.

➡️Benefit: It helps us ensure that the application remains stable and functional after updates or bug fixes, so you don’t encounter unexpected issues.

4. Performance Test Runs

➡️What It Is: We assess how well the application performs under different conditions, such as high user load.

➡️Benefit: This type of test can help to identify performance issues. In this way you can ensures that the app stays responsive, even when it's stressed.

5. Integration Test Runs

➡️What It Is: We test how different modules or services of the application interact with each other.

➡️Benefit: This ensures that all components work together seamlessly and helps you to easily detect any issues that arise from these interactions.

Now let us see how we actually execute the test run.

Test Run Execution 

Test runs involve different series of steps that requires carefully test planning, execution of test run, the management of test run and analzing the result of the test run. So let us learn about these one by one. 

Test Run Planning

Let’s simplify test run planning into a few clear steps to guide you:

Defining Objectives

First, set clear goals for the test run. Are you validating a new feature of software application, verifying bug fixes, or ensuring system stability? Clear objectives will focus your efforts and make it easier to track progress and spot issues.

Selecting Test Cases

Next, choose test cases that match your objectives. Pick cases that reflect the features and scenarios being tested to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. You have to avoid irrelevant cases to prevent wasted time and missed issues.

Setting Up the Test Environment

Finally, make sure the test environment is properly set up. Check that all necessary software, hardware, and configurations are in place. Remember that a well-prepared environment helps avoid surprises and accurately replicate real-world conditions.

Step by Step Execution of Test Run

You can follow the below mentioned steps to execute the test run: 

✅ Review Test Cases 

First, let’s review the test cases that you have prepared. Make sure each one is aligned with your objectives and ready to be executed. This step ensures that you have a clear view on what needs to be tested and how.

✅ Prepare Test Data

Next, it time to gather and prepare the necessary test data. This might include user accounts, sample files, or specific configurations required for the tests. Having the right data ready will help you run the test smoothly and provide accurate test results.

✅ Execute Test Cases

Now, you are ready to start executing the test cases. Follow the predefined steps for each test, carefully noting the results. Whether we’re manually testing or running automated scripts, make sure you follow the test plan.

✅ Document Results

As you will execute the tests, document the results very carefully. Record any issues, unexpected behavior, or discrepancies from the expected outcomes. This documentation will be very important for analyzing results and addressing any issues.

✅ Review and Analyze

Once the test cases are executed, now you can review the results. Here you can analyze any issues or bugs that were found and determine their impact. This step helps us understand how well the application performs and where improvements are needed.

✅ Report Findings

Finally, compile a report detailing the test results, including any issues encountered and their severity. Share this report with the developers to ensure that any necessary fixes are addressed and that we’re moving towards a stable release.

Now let us understand the test run execution with an example, it will give you much better understanding on test run. 

Objective: Verify that the “Dark Mode” feature works correctly across devices and doesn’t introduce bugs.

Test Cases:

• Toggle Dark Mode on iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy S21.

• Check readability of text and icons in Dark Mode.

• Verify Dark Mode settings persist after app restarts.

Setup:

• Devices: iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy S21.

• App: Latest version with “Dark Mode” feature.

• Configuration: Make sure that app is correctly configured for Dark Mode testing.

Test Run: 

Execute the selected test cases on the prepared devices, checking for any issues related to the “Dark Mode” feature. Document the results and compare them against the defined objectives to ensure everything works as expected.

You may think that after analyzing the result of the test run, the testing process is completed. Wait, this is not the end. Effective monitoring and managing the test run are very important and developers should not skip this process.

Monitoring and Managing Test Runs

Monitoring and managing test runs are crucial for ensuring success. Here’s a guide to help you with this process effectively:

Real-Time Monitoring

As a developer, you have to keep a close watch on test runs as they occur. Real-time monitoring allows for immediate detection and resolution of issues, helping to keep everything on track.

Tracking Progress and Status

Frequently monitor the advancement and condition of your test cases. With this you can remain updated on the progress of things. Be mindful of important metrics such as test execution time and pass and fail rates also known as key performance indicators. These key performance indicators will provide valuable information into the efficiency and effectiveness of software testing process.

Handling Issues and Failures

In case there is any issues or failures arise in during test run, you have to address them promptly. For this, you need to investigate the root cause, apply necessary fixes, and document the findings to improve future test runs.

Best Practices for Test Run 

To have accurate test run, you can include following best practices in your work:

• Ensure thorough coverage: You have to make sure that your test cases that includes all crucial areas, including new functionalities and potential boundary scenarios.

• Give priority to automation: You can Automate repetitive tests for timesaving and error reduction, allocating manual resources to complicated scenarios.

• Regularly review and update: Make sure to modify your test cases to match any changes in the application and ensure they stay current.

• Clearly communicate results: Share findings with your team in an effective manner to facilitate timely problem-solving and informed decision-making.

Conclusion 

Ensuring your test runs are effective is essential for making sure your software meets the highest quality standards.

By managing and executing them effectively, we can streamline your testing process, boost accuracy, and deliver a more reliable product.