Software Testing - Parallel Testing

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Software testing needs to be completed in the estimated time to ensure that the software can be delivered without any delays. The parallel testing is one of the techniques used to gain speed, and efficiency. It is mostly an automated form of testing where more than one tests are run at the same time in multiple devices, browsers, platforms etc. Thus it works on the principle of segregating the test execution using multiple infrastructures or resources.

What is Software Parallel Testing?

The parallel testing is a technique which includes executing more than one test at a time in various environments, devices, or operating systems. In the normal test execution, test cases are run one after the other which means each test waits for the preceding one to complete running. Thus the parallel testing executes more than one test simultaneously.

The main objective of the parallel testing is to minimize the complete execution time. It brings faster feedback on the software developed, and helps to detect defects quickly than what the sequential testing can do. It is extensively popular in agile frameworks and in projects which have strict timelines.

Let us take an example of a software which needs to be validated against various browsers, and platforms. With the help of the parallel testing, the testing team can run the same tests concurrently on every browser, and operating system combinations. In this way, the test team detects the browser related problems and confirms uniform performance, and functionalities of the software on various operating systems.

When to use Software Parallel Testing?

The parallel testing is used in scenarios where there exists a test suite consisting of a large number of test cases that need to be executed on a regular basis within a stipulated time frame. The parallel testing can be adopted for various types of testing listed below −

1. Regression Testing

This type of testing is mostly automated, and executed in a parallel mode to check whether the new code changes have not impacted the existing functionalities of the software.

For the applications which require the verification of various languages, and locales, the parallel regression testing is done extensively by executing multiple tests on various language parameters to confirm that every localized content is appropriate, and defect free.

2. Cross Browser Testing

This type of testing is mostly automated, and executed in a parallel mode to check whether the software works well in various browsers, platforms, or devices.

3. Load Testing

This type of testing is mostly automated, and executed in a parallel mode to evaluate the characteristics of the software when numerous users are using it concurrently.

4. Performance Testing

This type of testing is mostly automated, and executed in a parallel mode to evaluate the performance, quality, ability, and scalability of the software.

5. Mobile Application Testing

This type of testing is mostly automated, and executed in a parallel mode to execute tests on various devices to improve the test coverage, and reduce the test cycles.

Difference between Software Parallel and Sequential Testing

Advantages of Software Parallel Testing

The advantages of the software parallel testing are listed below −

• The parallel testing allows quicker completion of the test execution, and hence it saves a lot of time.
• The parallel testing detects defects faster than the sequential test run.
• The parallel testing allows the execution of test cases on various devices, browsers, platforms etc. simultaneously, thereby increasing the test coverage.
• The parallel testing enables optimal usage of resources, and infrastructures, and hence reduces the project cost.
• The parallel testing gives scalability to the tests by allowing execution in various machines or in clouds.

Disadvantages of Software Parallel Testing

The disadvantages of the software parallel testing are listed below −

• The parallel testing requires setting up of various environments which is not a very easy process.
• The parallel testing may have synchronization problems while the tests are executed on different platforms, devices, browsers etc.
• The parallel testing may have intermittent failures which are difficult to segregate and to find the root cause of those failures.

Best Practices Followed for Software Parallel Testing

The best practices to be followed for the software parallel testing are listed below −

• The test cases should not depend on each other to avoid conflicts. The parallel test cases should be integrated to the CI/CD pipeline to get its maximum benefits.
• The test environment should be isolated from each other to prevent intrusion between tests running concurrently.
• The test report and analysis should cover all the sporadic failures encountered at the time of parallel testing.

Conclusion

This concludes our comprehensive take on the tutorial on Software Parallel Testing. Weve started with describing what is software parallel testing, when to use the software parallel testing, what are the differences between the software parallel and sequential testing, what are the advantages of software parallel testing, what are the disadvantages of software parallel testing, and what are the best practices followed for the software parallel testing. This equips you with in-depth knowledge of Software Parallel Testing. It is wise to keep practicing what youve learned and exploring others relevant to Software Testing to deepen your understanding and expand your horizons.