Concepts
In the field of software development, testing is a crucial part that determines the efficiency of the software or application developed. Traditional (Waterfall) and Agile are two popular methodologies that developers adopt, each having its own unique approach to testing. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for candidates studying for the Certified Scrum Developers (CSD) exams. This article will dissect three key differences between traditional and agile testing.
i) Terminology: Process vs. Collaboration
In traditional testing, the testing process is often highly structured, based on comprehensive documentation, and follows a bottom-up approach. Testers generally operate in isolation and their key responsibility is to execute test cases and report any anomalies they find.
Conversely, Agile testing views testing not as a stand-alone task, but rather a key activity that goes hand-in-hand with coding. Everyone on the Agile team is involved in testing, from product owner to developers, resulting in more collaboration. Testers no longer operate exclusively in isolation but are integrated into the Agile development team.
ii) Timing: Sequential vs Continuous
One major difference between Agile and traditional testing lies in when testing occurs during the development cycle.
In the traditional model, testing is often a phase that follows development and precedes deployment. It implies a sequential process with testing tacked on the end of the development cycle.
| Traditional Testing | Agile Testing |
|---|---|
| After development phase | Parallel to development |
On the other hand, Agile testing is ongoing and is intended to be performed continuously throughout the project. This allows the Agile team to identify and fix issues early on in the process. Agile suggests a more iterative approach where development and testing activities are concurrent.
iii) Documentation vs. Discussion
The final key difference is the means of gathering requirements and transfer of knowledge.
In the traditional approach, there’s heavy reliance on accurate, extensive and detailed documentation. The ‘requirement document’ is considered almost sacred, and testers design their test cases based on it.
In Agile, however, communication and interaction is given priority. Rather than waiting for the perfect document, Agile teams prefer face-to-face interactions or quick chats around a whiteboard. Agile focuses more on customer collaboration and response to feedback, minimizing the need for heavy documentation.
To sum up, traditional testing operates under stringent, structured guidelines
To sum up, traditional testing operates under stringent, structured guidelines, with a phase-based approach and heavy reliance on documentation. Agile testing, however, promotes a more free-flowing, collaborative approach, with continuous testing and a direct communication-based procedure. These conceptual differences help construct contrasting frameworks for the execution of testing activities, making it essential for any CSD aspirant to understand them deeply.
Answer the Questions in Comment Section
True or False: Agile testing always operates at the end of the cycle while traditional testing is executed throughout the process.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. In fact, agile testing is conducted throughout the development process, while traditional testing typically occurs after the software has been fully developed.
True or False: In agile testing, testing and coding are done incrementally and iteratively unlike in traditional testing.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: In agile methodology, testing is performed incrementally and iteratively which helps in catching defects early and reducing the fix time. However, in the traditional process, testing typically begins after the coding phase is complete.
Multi select: Which of the following are characteristics of agile testing?
- a) It is typically documentation-driven
- b) Testing is performed throughout the development process
- c) Done by independent test team
- d) Code and test are developed concurrently
Answer: b, d
Explanation: Agile testing is performed throughout the development process and code and test are developed concurrently. In traditional testing technique, testing is done by independent test team and it is usually documentation-driven.
True or False: Traditional testing relies on business requirements while agile testing relies on the user stories.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Agile testing aligns with customer needs and focuses on user stories. Traditional testing on other hand relies on the business requirements documentation.
Multi select: Which of the following belong to traditional testing methodology?
- a) Large amount of documentation
- b) Test cases are designed after development
- c) Incremental and iterative approach
- d) Follows a sequential design process
Answer: a, b, d
Explanation: Traditional testing involves a large amount of documentation, test cases are designed after the software has been developed and it follows a rigid sequential design.
Single select: Which methodology accommodates changes to requirements even late in the development process?
- a) Agile
- b) Traditional
Answer: a
Explanation: Agile testing focuses on flexibility and interacts closely with the customers to understand their changing requirements, and adapt to them, even late in the development process.
True or False: Agile testing places a heavy emphasis on responses from real users over automated testing.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Agile testing stresses on capturing feedback from real users for delivering high-quality software as opposed to only automated testing.
Single select: Which testing approach has a “test last” approach?
- a) Agile
- b) Traditional
Answer: b
Explanation: The traditional waterfall model of software development follows a “test last” approach where testing happens only after the completion of development process.
Multi select: The agile testing approach is characterised by:
- a) Frequent communication with the customer
- b) User-focused tests
- c) Static teams and processes
- d) Immediate correction of defects
Answer: a, b, d
Explanation: Agile testing involves frequent communication with customers, delivering a product that aligns closely to the user needs and immediate correction of defects. Static teams and processes are a characteristic of traditional testing.
True or False: In traditional testing, the testers are a part of the development team during the entire software development life cycle.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: In traditional testing, the testing team works separately from the development team and testing begins after the software has been developed. In Agile methodology, the testers collaborate with the development team throughout the SDLC.
True or False: Agile testing requires more documentation than traditional testing.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Traditional testing requires more documentation than Agile testing as Agile methodology prioritizes working software over comprehensive documentation.
Single select: Which testing method works best for projects with stable requirements?
- a) Agile
- b) Traditional
Answer: b
Explanation: Traditional testing works best for projects with stable requirements, as it follows a strict progression from one phase to the next and does not cater to changes along the way as Agile does.
One key difference between traditional testing and agile testing is their approach to planning. Traditional testing often involves extensive upfront planning and documentation, while agile testing focuses on adapting to changes and continuous improvement.
Absolutely! Agile testing embraces change, which allows for more flexibility and faster response to requirements changes.
Yes, and this approach can really help teams deliver better quality software on a more regular basis.
In traditional testing, testing is usually a separate phase that happens after the development phase. In contrast, agile testing is integrated into the development process from the start.
True, this integration ensures that testing and development go hand-in-hand, leading to early detection of defects.
This also helps in maintaining continuous feedback, which is crucial for iterative improvements.
Traditional testing often relies heavily on detailed and comprehensive documentation. Agile testing, however, values working software over comprehensive documentation.
Precisely. This shift in focus ensures that more effort is put into delivering functional software rather than extensive paperwork.
It’s all about delivering value. Documentation is still there, but it’s more about the essentials.
Thanks for clarifying these differences. The post is very helpful!
I appreciate the detailed explanation. This will really help in preparing for my CSD exam.
Another distinction is the tools and techniques used. Traditional testing often uses manual testing techniques, whereas agile testing utilizes more test automation tools to speed up the process.
Exactly, and the use of test automation tools aligns well with the iterative nature of agile development.
Automated tests form a significant part of the regression suite, ensuring that new changes don’t break existing functionality.
In traditional testing, there is usually a separate team of testers. Agile testing involves the whole team, including developers, actively participating in the testing process.
That’s a great point! This collaborative nature often leads to better understanding and quicker resolution of issues.
Collaboration is key in agile methodologies. Everyone’s role is interdependent.
Personally, I find agile testing more efficient given its emphasis on customer collaboration over contract negotiation.
Customer collaboration is central to agile principles, ensuring the end product meets the user’s needs.