Agile test strategy in the context of system development

A agile test strategy in the context of system development aims to ensure effective and efficient test execution throughout the entire agile development process.

Here is a brief description of a typical test strategy:

  • Continuous integration of tests:
    Tests are integrated into the development process from the beginning. Test activities start in parallel with development and are conducted in each development sprint.
  • Test prioritization:
    Tests are prioritized based on their importance and urgency. Functionality with higher business value or critical system components receives higher test priority.
  • Automated tests:
    Automated tests are employed to accelerate test execution and achieve repeatable results. Automation tools such as unit tests, integration tests, and acceptance tests are used to detect errors early.
  • Exploratory testing:
    In addition to automated tests, exploratory testing is also performed. Testers leverage their experience and intuition to manually examine the system and uncover unexpected errors.
  • Continuous feedback:
    Regular feedback between developers and testers is crucial to enable rapid issue resolution. Errors are reported, analyzed, and resolved immediately to avoid disrupting the development flow.
  • Test coverage:
    The test strategy aims to ensure adequate test coverage. This includes examining both functional and non-functional requirements, as well as validating various usage scenarios and boundary conditions.
  • Regression testing:
    Whenever there is a code or requirement change, regression tests are conducted to ensure that existing functionality continues to work correctly.
  • Collaboration and transparency:
    Testers work closely with developers and the product owner to develop a shared understanding of requirements and expectations. Test results and progress are made transparent and discussed in regular meetings.
  • Continuous improvement:
    The test strategy is continuously reviewed and enhanced. Feedback from team members and retrospective meetings are utilized to optimize the testing process and effectiveness of the tests.

This test strategy in aims to detect errors early, ensure high product quality, and enable fast deliveries of functional software.