“Alone we are Smart. Together we are Brilliant.” This holds picture-perfect for carrying out comprehensive and well-covered testing of any software application. And that is where comes in Pair Testing, which works with two professionals sitting right next to each other, all ready to test the software. The prime approach of Pair Testing is that the same thing should be tested at the same time and same place, with constantly exchanged information.

Today, with the growing complexities of the apps and the wide geographical spread, software testing companies are getting all the more conscious about the fact that testing is no longer a secondary job to be performed by testers alone just before user acceptance. It is now being treated as a parallel effort to be put in by developers, testers, and business analysts alike right from the conception of the project till its implementation. End users are also highly aware of the importance of software QA services and insist on a disciplined and state-of-the-art approach for it.

How does Pair Testing Work?

Pair Testing focuses on two people, both of which fall under the category of either a developer/analyst, tester or, of course, both being different categories. Followed diligently by software testing companies worldwide, this process involves 2 team members who follow their own set of responsibilities based on their category and approach testing plans with a well-defined set of guidelines and purview, to each their own. Assumed to be a probing testing style, it involves a lot of discussion, idea exchange between the duos, sometimes at peace sometimes causing friction, but whatsoever it may be, it surely yields a robust and quality-rich output. It is not for the execution of test cases and test plans and surely does not act as a substitute for other methods of testing, but is a sure-shot value addition to the entire development and testing process of the project.

In this style of testing, one person has to be from the testing team but the other could be a developer – who knows the coding style in and out or a business analyst – who understands the requirement precisely but the best would be a resource that has both, knowledge of the code as well as the need. Both these team members tend to compensate and complement each other.

Why is Pair Testing Highly Recommended by Software Testing Companies?

• Innovative Viewpoint

What usually happens when the testing team alone handles the show, is there are repetitive and monotonous sets of views that handle the entire testing process, because of which there are sure shot gray areas that remain unattended and act as a hurdle later. In this type of testing, because of the involvement of a non-tester and that too, someone who knows the system in and out, there is a novel perspective that shows up and gives the software a quality shot. It also gives a critical angle to the entire testing process, which otherwise, may be sidelined.

• Safe and Sound Validation

Because there are two resources involved and that too, from diverse sections, with the same goal of utmost customer satisfaction and a high-end acceptance by the user, there is an advanced level of validation which is experienced and that brings along increased sturdiness in the project. Even while the errors are being identified, compiled, and treated, there is dual monitoring, ensuring no loopholes within the process.

• Saves on Time and Perks up Communication

Since both the resources, the developer/analyst and the tester are well versed with the entire system, as soon as a bug is identified, together, they can easily relate to it and with harmony, come to the root cause of it, with no difficulty. Both team members work together facing each and every challenge that comes their way, as a team and this yields a lot of communication strength both to the resources as well as the project.

• Enhances Synchronization, Rears Optimistic Vigour

Since it’s the sheer teamwork that this model works on, there is increased harmony and togetherness between team members with increased understanding and stronger working culture, all set to face the intricacies of the project together. This breaths in fresh vibes of optimism and friendliness into the entire project, which is the fundamental base of the success of any project, be it software or non-software. A continual exchange of ideas, information transfer, and work harmonization is the desired output.

Challenges Posed for Pair Testing

As always, more innovativeness more challenges. That is what happens in this case too. However rosy and picture-perfect Pair Testing looks; there are a few tough patches teams may have to encounter.

• There has to be a basic sense of trust between the two members, failing which however perfect the setup is, there are least chances of a successful testing schedule.
• Management of time slots for each is equally challenging. With their own stringent schedules, they find it difficult to manage sitting together for pair testing.

For Pair Testing to work fine, the best way is to create a highly conducive environment that is suitable to both the stakeholders so that there are least chances of any troubles getting created. Software testing companies have already taken this as a part of their regular testing regime and it is gaining popularity worldwide.

SPEC QA offers independent QA and Testing Services across the complete software release lifecycle. We guarantee process driven approach in all our quality assurance practices and software testing services.

Our Software Testing Services make certain an accurate blend of Manual and Automated Testing and provide support through the Testing Life Cycle. We possess skilled resources in Automated Testing tools like Selendroid, Selenium, Appium, Robotium, Quick Time Pro, Load Runner, etc. which help in simulating scenarios and performing continuous routine mundane tests.

With a stringent focus on quality and processes, we have been implementing several testing projects in a multitude of technologies. Request for a Free POC to test-drive our services.

Author: SPEC QA