Everyday QA: How Targeted Coverage & Smoke Tests Boost App Stability

At MuukTest, our expert QA team uses AI-powered tools to pinpoint crucial details in our customers' development journeys. This allows us to refine existing processes and introduce new efficiencies. In our "Everyday QA" series, we're sharing real-world examples of how the MuukTest team tackles and resolves bugs for our clients.

Maintaining Application Stability and Expanding Test Coverage

This particular customer required a QA partner that could not only identify and report defects but also proactively expand test coverage for new features and ensure the ongoing health of their app. The client was also looking for a solution that would optimize their testing process by integrating a "smoke test" suite into their CI/CD pipeline without compromising the thoroughness of their full regression testing.

Expanding Test Coverage for Critical Features

MuukTest’s Alma Romero and Antonio Lozano focused on expanding test coverage for key areas of the application, including advanced filters, columns, and visualizations. This targeted approach ensured that new functionalities were thoroughly tested as they were developed. Within a short period, MuukTest added 35 new tests, contributing to a total of 488 tests created in Jira. This proactive expansion of the test suite demonstrated a commitment to staying ahead of the development curve.

Maintaining a Healthy and Efficient Test Suite

A critical aspect of MuukTest's service is the continuous monitoring and maintenance of the existing test suite. This includes:

• Zero New Defects: MuukTest’s team highlighted the absence of new defects reported over several weeks, indicating the application's stable performance and the effectiveness of current testing efforts.
• Proactive Test Maintenance: MuukTest actively removed tests for features that were no longer in use, ensuring the test suite remained lean and relevant. This proactive maintenance minimizes unnecessary test executions and focuses resources on active functionalities.
• High Pass Rates: The consistently high pass rate of 100% across the scheduled tests (with 131 out of 132 tests passing) underscored the reliability of both the application and MuukTest's testing processes.
  
  

Optimizing Test Execution with a Dedicated Smoke Test Suite

A significant enhancement to the customer’s testing strategy was the implementation of a smoke test suite. Recognizing that a full regression suite of over 200 tests could be time-consuming for pipeline integration, the customer requested a smaller, more focused suite for quick validation. MuukTest accommodated this request in the following way:

• Customizable Smoke Tests: MuukTest confirmed their capability to create a separate schedule specifically for a smoke test selection. This flexibility enables customers to define the critical scenarios they want to include in their rapid pipeline checks.
• Collaborative Test Selection: This process was facilitated by creating a dedicated "smoke" tag within the MuukTest platform. This empowers the customer to directly identify and tag tests they deem essential for the smoke suite, streamlining the selection process and ensuring alignment with their priorities.
• Seamless Integration: MuukTest also focused on integrating the newly defined smoke test schedule with the client’s pipeline, further automating and accelerating their testing cycle.

Enhanced Stability, Agility, and Confidence

The previous initiatives yielded significant benefits, including:

• Improved Application Stability: Through consistent and comprehensive testing, we have achieved a stable application with minimal critical defects, as evidenced by the consistently low bug count.
• Faster Feedback Loops: The introduction of a dedicated smoke test suite allows for rapid feedback on critical functionalities within their CI/CD pipeline, accelerating their development cycle.
• Optimized Resource Allocation: By proactively maintaining the test suite and removing obsolete tests, MuukTest ensures that testing efforts are focused on relevant features, maximizing efficiency.

A Model for Effective QA Partnership

A dedicated and flexible QA partnership can significantly contribute to product quality and development efficiency. By providing comprehensive test coverage, proactive maintenance, and adaptable solutions like the custom smoke test suite, MuukTest has empowered the customer to deliver a robust and reliable application to its users.