Why QA is Crucial for Executing DevOps?

DevOps has been around in the Software Development industry for a long time now. DevOps has been described as an approach where the QA and Development team collaborate to ensure quality and speed in software development. In the traditional Waterfall SDLC, QA service would have been regarded as a separate activity performed by the development team. However, the DevOps methodology considers the QA and Development team as unanimous and work together to achieve a common goal.

With the increase in the competition to create new products quickly without compromising on the quality, there is also a need for enterprises to bring into consideration the diverse needs of customers. DevOps methodology brings a fresh approach into the SDLC as it takes the Agile SDLC model a step further and allows Development and Software Testing to take place simultaneously.

Importance of QA in the DevOps

In the DevOps SDLC, the QA team takes a collaborative approach and integrates itself into the testing and development process. In the traditional methodology, quality comes in the last stage of the development life cycle. But DevOps testing strategy advocates the induction of quality at every level. Quality has to be ensured throughout the testing and delivery cycle, for which both the QA and the Development team work together.

QA Bridges the gap between Development and Operations teams

Development and Operations teams work together to solve their business goals. This is where QA comes into the picture. QA team incorporates both Development and Operations and becomes a catalyst that accelerates the time to market in DevOps Approach.

QA works on detecting Bugs even before they occur

The traditional approach would allow the QA team to work on detecting bugs. DevOps approach has given more freedom to the QA team, focusing on preventing the bugs in the first place. This approach works best in set-ups, where the release of fresh versions is frequent, and manual testing of each version is difficult.

For example, in the current age, when an application is already installed by a user and needs an upgrade, DevOps Testing Solutions makes it possible to manage the quality without affecting the user. Thus, we see that QA is an integral part of the DevOps strategy.

QA Teams are a checkpoint for market-ready software

In a DevOps environment, the QA team is responsible for releasing fresh code into production. The DevOps teams provide the tools and the physical infrastructure to deploy the codes swiftly. This allows the smooth execution of the application/software.

The QA team has been the gatekeeper for releasing the updated or new software. Development and Operations are integrated by the QA, enabling the development and swift deployment of the applications.

QA Teams are responsible for delivering the objectives of the DevOps

QA helps DevOps methodology deliver its objectives, so it cannot be left out in the DevOps environment. As we move towards adopting a faster application building and testing approach, constant quality checks have assumed the utmost importance in ensuring flawless quality.

The Best Practices of QA in the DevOps Testing Strategy

The most important aspect of merging QA with DevOps is the ability of the QA teams to merge with the technical teams. We will look at the few best practices that enable QA to deliver the best results within the set timeframe.

• The QA and testing teams should be able to move beyond manual functional training. They have to integrate themselves into the technical teams and start focussing on the automation and testing strategies.
• User Experience should be one of the important factors that QA should work on. Rather than worrying about perfecting the software, they need to look into the quality of the software requirements.
• Software defects may occur in the SDLC. To counter this, metrics to measure the quality of the software should be set and implemented. This would indicate the presence of any defects in the software.
• The requirements of the client should be looked into. This would allow the QA teams to drive the development team in the right direction.
• The use of automation tools like Selenium helps the QA and Testing team to automate the testing process whenever possible. Also, software functionality can be tested using the automated regression testing process.
• Development, Operations, and QA teams should be encouraged to collaborate, communicate, and work together to achieve their goal.
• The testing process can be fully automated, which can help in delivering upgrades continuously and can minimize the risk, reduce the cost, and accelerate the time to market by the frequent release of updates.

Conclusion

DevOps methodology has changed the role of testers, as the need for testing has increased in each stage of the SDLC. Adopting DevOps Testing Solutions has been important as creating excellent-quality software is completely dependent on comprehensive quality testing. Thus, we see the need to keep our QA basics right.

The software development scenario is changing, like never before. With the need for quick development, and adapting to the ever-changing customer demands, it is the DevOps approach that has allowed the fast and efficient production of applications. Continuous development and quick delivery of software products is a big challenge. This seems impossible without a strong QA and Testing strategy.

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