End-to-end Testing Made Simple

We all know what software testing is. It’s the process that tests whether the software works as expected and with quality. There are hundreds of software apps that we use every day and, they all go through various testing processes before reaching us. Nowadays, the widely used and more productive testing method used for user flow is end-to-end testing.

What is end-to-end testing?

In an overall testing process, testers do unit tests to test small components of an app, like an API endpoint or a single function. Then, integration testing follows to check whether multiple units work well when put together. Even then, they do not test the whole of the app, as insights on how it works for an end-user remain uncertain. The technique which covers it all is end-to-end testing, which simulates an actual user action while using an app. It helps in testing all possible user interactions of the app in testing.

When and where is end-to-end testing done?

In common practice, testers perform end-to-end testing after the completion of functional testing and system testing. System testing comes after the integration testing of an app. End-to-end testing mainly tests user experiences like the one given below.

1. Logging to a website page through an URL

2. Opening a user account with credentials

3. Accessing a service page to request a service

4. Generating a new service request

5. Making payments

6. Reviewing order and payment

7. Logging out of service pages

Similarly, accessing an email account, filing a form, or completing a bank transaction are examples of user experiences. End-to-end testing is a must in all these workflows. The end-to-end tests can be manual or automated.

Three main activities to do in any end-to-end testing

1. Create user functions

First, create user functions for the application. The below steps will help make the process seamless.

• List all software features you want in the application and their interconnected subsystems
• Record and track all actions performed in each software feature
• Keep a record of all input and output data
• Identify all relations between user functions
• Precisely identify functional interdependencies
• Categorize based on reusability of functions

2. Build conditions

Depending on user functions, create appropriate conditions. Follow these steps while doing so.

• Select condition sets for each user function
• Create a condition that includes timing, data, etc.
• Identify all other factors that affect a user function

3. Create test cases

• Always create multiple test cases for each functionality and user function
• For each condition, perform separate testing
• Run the tests and save all results

Two main types of end-to-end testing

The goal in both automated and manual testing methods remain the same. The difference is in the involvement of humans in performing a complete testing program. The main differences between the two testing methods are in the table below.

 

Comparison Factor	Manual Testing	Automated Testing
ROI	Though initial investments are low, it demands prolonged employee hours which reduces performance efficiency and speed	Though initial investments are comparatively high, it offers significant ROI as testing processes scale and matures
Accuracy	Produce numerous human errors which results in poor test quality	As tests run automatically, test accuracy is guaranteed how much time a test is repeated
Deployment	Requires least efforts to deploy and does not requires new infrastructures. It’s also comparatively easy to learn	Setting up is complex and requires frequent knowledge updating on latest technologies. The learning curve is also challenging
Test efficiency	Is time-consuming with comparatively less efficiency	Performs more testing in less time with greater efficiency
Test coverage	Though enables better simulations, it comparatively offers less test coverage	Ensures greater test coverage

Though automated testing is mostly ahead, manual testing is the preferred method for end-to-end testing as it tests external interfaces well. It is challenging with automation due to its innate nature of process complexity. With manual testing, it’s also easier to simulate a production environment.

The core benefits of end-to-end testing

1. Simulates real user scenarios to validate integration

2. Performs test from start to finish in real-world scenarios

3. Determines various app dependencies

4. Ensures accurate data exchange between components

5. Increase the test coverage including all subsystems of the app

6. Detects issues upfront to increase app productivity

Conclusion

The world is better today because of many impressive apps. They have significantly changed our lives, making everyday activities easier and convenient. End-to-end testing is at the forefront of making these apps functional, compliant, and efficient. It’s the best technology in testing an entire application by exactly imitating real-world users and bring out the best.