Software testing best practices checklist

Software Testing Best Practices Checklist

Blogs - Software Testing

The software testing process can feel like navigating a complex maze, with numerous interdependent elements that must be carefully coordinated. To help software teams stay on track, the referenced software testing best practices checklist provides a structured framework covering key areas like team collaboration, tool selection, documentation, and quality metrics. By leveraging this tested guidance, testers can approach the testing landscape with confidence, ensuring their projects progress smoothly towards successful delivery rather than getting lost in the labyrinth of testing complexities

Software Testing Best Practices Checklist

1. Understanding Requirements & Defining Clear Objectives

Effective software testing begins with a thorough understanding of the project’s requirements and clearly defined testing goals. This is a critical first step in the testing process. Testers must take the time to learn the product in-depth, gain insights into its intended functionality, and identify the target user base. Referencing the Software Requirement Specification (SRS) document is invaluable, as it provides a comprehensive guide to the software’s anticipated behavior. This document serves as a roadmap, ensuring the testing efforts are aligned with the project’s objectives.

With a solid understanding of the requirements, testers can then set specific objectives for the testing activities. It’s important to clearly define what aspects of the software need to be tested and establish the scope of the testing efforts. Identifying areas that will likely require more rigorous testing is also a key consideration. This upfront planning and strategy development helps ensure the testing process effectively assesses the software’s quality and functionality.

2. Software Testing Best Practices – Test Planning & Strategy

After defining clear testing goals, the next step is to develop a comprehensive test plan. This document outlines the testing scope, types of tests, and techniques to be used. The plan also catalogs necessary resources, including personnel and tools, and includes a precise schedule of activities. Importantly, the testing strategy must identify and address potential risks, prioritizing high-risk areas for more thorough assessment. Setting measurable goals is crucial to evaluating the testing process and outcomes. Thorough test planning and a well-crafted strategy are essential to ensure the testing aligns with requirements and can achieve the desired quality targets.

3. Test Case Designing

Developing comprehensive, well-designed test cases is a critical software testing best practices. Testers must ensure their test cases cover the full spectrum of possibilities, from straightforward, simple interactions with the system to more complex scenarios. Clearly defining the steps and expected results for each test case is essential for validating that the software behaves as required in real-world situations.

Crafting thorough, detailed test cases is crucial for achieving comprehensive testing coverage, leaving no potential scenarios unexplored. The more comprehensive and thoughtful the test cases, the higher the overall testing coverage will be. This, in turn, allows testers to have greater confidence in the quality of the software under evaluation. Investing the necessary time and effort upfront to develop a robust set of test cases is a proven software testing best practice that pays dividends throughout the testing process.

4. Early Testing & Modern Methodologies

The saying “the early bird catches the worm” certainly rings true when it comes to software testing. Initiating testing activities in the early stages of development can be extremely valuable in delivering higher-quality software to clients. This “shift left” approach enables the identification and elimination of defects earlier in the process, before they reach end-users and negatively impact the customer experience. Additionally, catching and fixing bugs early on is considerably less costly than addressing issues discovered at later stages.

Aligning testing efforts with modern software development methodologies, like Agile and DevOps, can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the overall testing process. Integrating testing as an integral part of the software’s journey from inception to delivery ensures it remains a central focus throughout the development lifecycle. This, in turn, paves the way for software of greater quality, flexibility, and better alignment with user expectations – with improved collaboration across departments. Embracing early testing as part of modern development practices is a proven software testing best practice.

5. Combining Testing Types and Levels

Comprehensive software testing requires verifying multiple layers and aspects of the system under development. As such, a best practice is to combine a diverse range of testing types and levels to ensure thorough coverage. Beginning with functional testing, the goal is to assess whether the software performs its intended functions as expected. This should involve utilizing a variety of functional testing types, such as unit testing, integration testing, and smoke testing, to verify the functionality from multiple angles.

Alongside these functional assessments, non-functional testing that evaluates performance, usability, reliability, and other quality attributes is also critical. Additionally, with the increasing prevalence of cybersecurity threats, executing comprehensive security testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities is a must. Finally, regression testing plays a vital role in verifying that new code changes have not disrupted existing functionalities.

By embracing this spectrum of testing types and levels, teams can fortify the software under development from all angles, ensuring it meets the highest standards of quality and reliability. Combining diverse testing approaches is an essential software testing best practice.

6. Reporting Bugs Effectively

Effective bug reporting is a fundamental aspect of the testing process, ensuring that identified issues are not only documented but also resolved in a timely manner. When a bug is discovered, it is crucial to raise the flag promptly and categorize it based on severity. Just as test cases are prioritized based on high-risk areas, bugs should be classified according to their impact on the software’s functionality and the end-user experience. This categorization helps in prioritizing the bugs that require immediate attention, ensuring that critical issues are swiftly addressed without wasting time on resolving less impactful defects.

Mastering the art of bug reporting hinges on effective communication. By conducting regular team meetings and fostering open lines of communication, testers can ensure that bugs do not slip through the cracks and that every issue is addressed, contributing to a smoother and more efficient testing process. Bug reports should include clear and concise details, such as steps to reproduce, expected results, and actual outcomes. Emphasizing the bug’s impact on the software’s functionality and implications for the end-user is a vital part of this best practice.

7. Involving Non-Testers in Testing Efforts

To deliver a top-quality product to customers, it’s essential to step into the shoes of the end-user and replicate real-life scenarios as closely as possible. One effective best practice is to involve team members beyond traditional testers, such as developers, product owners, business analysts, and others, in the testing process. This approach opens the door to a wealth of diverse insights and valuable skill sets that can only contribute to enhancing the product’s quality.

According to the 2023 State of Testing survey, 33% of respondents claimed that 10%-50% of their testing efforts are performed by non-dedicated testers. Developers, for instance, serve as the architects of the software and can provide a unique technical perspective, identifying issues from a code-level vantage point. Product owners, on the other hand, bring their rich knowledge of user requirements and expectations, ensuring the software aligns with the user’s vision.

Each of these non-testers offers a distinctive viewpoint, and their participation can significantly enrich the testing process. By breaking down silos and fostering collaboration among team members, organizations can identify and address issues from multiple angles, resulting in a more comprehensive and effective testing effort. Involving non-testers in testing activities is a proven software testing best practice.

8. Using Automation Testing Wisely

Automation is a powerful tool in the software testing arsenal, but like any powerful tool, it must be used intelligently. Regular and strategic usage of automation testing can be a game-changer, particularly when it comes to repetitive, complex, or time-consuming test cases. Automation is capable of significantly reducing testing times compared to manual testing, eliminating the risk of human error, and delivering reliable and consistent results.

However, it’s important to recognize that 100% test automation is not feasible or desirable. While automation excels in certain scenarios, there are many types of tests where the human eye, intellect, and expertise remain indispensable. For example, accessibility testing, which assesses how people with disabilities interact with the software, requires the sensitivity and judgment of a human tester. Similarly, exploratory testing, where testers freely explore the software to uncover uncharted issues, relies on the intuition and creativity of a human tester.

The key to effective software testing is to use automation where it shines, such as for regression testing, and complement it with manual testing where human judgment, experience, and unique perspectives are irreplaceable. Striking the right balance between automation and manual testing is a critical software testing best practice.

9. Using a Test Management Platform

In the modern software testing environment, where complexity is high and fast releases are essential, effective QA management is key. Using a dedicated test management platform is a proven best practice, as it serves as a centralized repository for all testing artifacts, including requirements, test cases, and bugs. This consolidation makes the overall testing process much more efficient and aligns well with agile development.

These platforms also offer robust integration capabilities, connecting to various tools used across the organization. This streamlines workflows and enables a more agile, data-driven testing approach. The enhanced visibility and traceability provided by test management platforms empower teams to make informed decisions and respond quickly to challenges. Leveraging a centralized test management platform is a critical software testing best practice.

Testing is a dynamic process that thrives on continuous improvement. This can only be achieved with consistent measurement and analysis. By using key metrics, teams empower themselves to identify weaker areas, collaborate more effectively, and steer the testing process in the right direction.

10. Measure All the Time

Measuring testing efforts is about more than just tallying numbers – it’s about learning and evolving. Rather than simply tracking bug counts, teams should calculate metrics like the Escaping Defects Index to truly understand testing quality. Continuous measurement and data-driven analysis are critical software testing best practices.

Embrace Adaptability and Innovation

In today’s rapidly evolving software landscape, the challenges of software testing have become increasingly complex. This necessitates a proactive approach where adaptability and innovation are the cornerstones. At AGEST, we prioritize staying at the forefront of emerging testing trends and methodologies, regularly updating our techniques, conducting workshops, and investing in team training to address the dynamic needs of software quality assurance. Embracing this adaptable and innovative testing approach is a key best practice for guaranteeing top-notch quality.

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SATOSHI FURUI - AGEST Vietnam - Chairman

Satoshi Furui – Chủ tịch của AGEST Việt Nam. Với hơn 30 năm kinh nghiệm sâu rộng trong ngành phần mềm máy tính, cùng với kỹ năng quản lý doanh nghiệp, phát triển kinh doanh, chiến lược tiếp cận thị trường, quan hệ đối tác chiến lược và xây dựng nhóm trong các lĩnh vực tự động hóa kiểm thử phần mềm, QA, phát triển phần mềm, CAE và tối ưu hóa. Ông đã từng là giám đốc điều hành tại Nhật Bản, Hoa Kỳ, Bỉ, Vương quốc Anh và Hàn Quốc và cũng là Tổng giám đốc điều hành của LogiGear Corporation kể từ tháng 8 năm 2023.

Vu Nguyen

Director of Information Technology

Vu Nguyen is a seasoned IT professional with a proven leadership and innovation track record in technology. Currently serving as the Director of Information Technology of AGEST Vietnam (AGV), Vu brings experience, drives IT strategy and ensures seamless technological operations for the company and its local and global affiliates.

Vu has always demonstrated a passion for leveraging technology to solve complex challenges and improve business processes throughout his career. Before joining AGEST VN (former name LogiGear VN) in 2008, he held key roles in various IT capacities.

Besides a bachelor in IT, Vu holds a bachelor in business administration from the University of the People (USA). This academic background, combined with his extensive experience in information technology, positions Vu as a well-rounded leader with a comprehensive understanding of business and technology.

Vũ Nguyễn

Giám đốc CNTT

Ông Vũ Nguyễn là một chuyên gia CNTT dày dạn kinh nghiệm với khả năng lãnh đạo và đổi mới công nghệ đã được chứng minh. Với chức vụ Giám đốc Công nghệ Thông tin của AGEST Việt Nam (AGV), ông Vũ Nguyễn mang đến kinh nghiệm, thúc đẩy chiến lược CNTT và đảm bảo hoạt động công nghệ liền mạch cho công ty cũng như các chi nhánh trong nước và toàn cầu.

Ông Vũ Nguyễn luôn thể hiện niềm đam mê tận dụng công nghệ để giải quyết những thách thức phức tạp và cải thiện quy trình kinh doanh trong suốt sự nghiệp của mình. Trước khi gia nhập AGEST Việt Nam (tên cũ là LogiGear VN) vào năm 2008, ông giữ các vai trò chủ chốt ở nhiều vị trí CNTT khác nhau.

Ngoài bằng cử nhân CNTT, ông Vũ còn có bằng cử nhân quản trị kinh doanh của UoP (Mỹ). Nền tảng học vấn này, kết hợp với kinh nghiệm sâu rộng về công nghệ thông tin, giúp ông Vũ trở thành một nhà lãnh đạo toàn diện với hiểu biết toàn diện về kinh doanh và công nghệ.

Tam Phan

Director of Japan Business Development

Tam Phan has over 16 years of experience in the tech industry and is a seasoned professional. Tam developed a passion for technology from a young age and was raised in Tokyo, Japan. He earned his degree in Computer Science from the University of HoChiMinh City, where his academic excellence laid the foundation for his future success. Throughout his career, he has a proven track record of meeting customer project needs.

Tam focuses on sourcing software development resources and solutions as well as software design, consulting, and other software-related activities. His early experiences gave him a comprehensive understanding of software development, system architecture, and project management. He has shown excellent leadership skills over the years, guiding teams through complex projects and fostering a collaborative work environment.

He quickly rose through the ranks due to his commitment to innovation and ability to foresee industry trends. As the Head of Engineering, he plays a crucial role in shaping the company’s technological landscape by overseeing the development of cutting-edge solutions that meet the ever-evolving needs of the digital world. Tam is known for his strategic vision and hands-on approach.

He has successfully led his team in implementing transformative technologies to deliver large-scale software projects in various domains, including education, eCommerce, and automobile. Tam held key managerial positions at leading Japanese companies in Japan and Vietnam before joining AGT.

Tam’s story is about his dedication, innovation, and leadership, which have made him a prominent figure in the IT landscape.

He received a certificate in Software Design from The Association for Overseas Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Partnerships, Japan (AOTS) in 2007.

Tâm Phan

Giám đốc kinh doanh - Thị trường Nhật Bản

Ông Tâm Phan là một chuyên gia giàu kinh nghiệm với hơn 16 năm cống hiến cho ngành công nghệ. Sinh ra và lớn lên tại Tokyo, Nhật Bản, ông Tâm đã nuôi dưỡng đam mê với công nghệ từ nhỏ. Ông Tâm tốt nghiệp chuyên ngành Khoa học Máy tính tại Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, nơi thành tích học tập ưu tú của ông đã đặt nền móng cho sự thành công trong tương lai. Trong quãng đời nghề nghiệp của mình, ông Tâm đã chứng minh được khả năng đáp ứng mọi yêu cầu của dự án từ phía khách hàng.

Ông Tâm đã tập trung mạnh mẽ vào việc đảm bảo nguồn cung ứng linh hoạt của tài nguyên và phương pháp phát triển phần mềm, cùng việc tham gia vào quá trình thiết kế, tư vấn phần mềm, và các hoạt động liên quan khác trong lĩnh vực phần mềm. Những kinh nghiệm ban đầu của ông đã mang lại cho ông sự hiểu biết toàn diện về phát triển phần mềm, kiến trúc hệ thống và quản lý dự án. Ông đã thể hiện kỹ năng lãnh đạo xuất sắc trong nhiều năm, hướng dẫn các nhóm thực hiện các dự án phức tạp và thúc đẩy môi trường làm việc hợp tác.

Ông Tâm nhanh chóng thăng tiến nhờ vào khả năng đoán trước các xu hướng của ngành. Với tư cách là Giám đốc Kỹ thuật, ông đóng vai trò quan trọng trong việc định hình bối cảnh công nghệ của công ty bằng cách giám sát việc phát triển các giải pháp tiên tiến đáp ứng nhu cầu ngày càng phát triển của thế giới kỹ thuật số.

Ông đã lãnh đạo thành công nhóm của mình trong việc triển khai các công nghệ biến đổi để cung cấp các dự án phần mềm quy mô lớn trong nhiều lĩnh vực khác nhau, bao gồm giáo dục, Thương mại điện tử và ô tô. Ông Tâm từng đảm nhiệm các vị trí quản lý chủ chốt tại các công ty hàng đầu Nhật Bản tại Nhật Bản và Việt Nam trước khi gia nhập AGT. Câu chuyện của ông Tâm kể về sự cống hiến, sự đổi mới và khả năng lãnh đạo của ông đã khiến ông trở thành một nhân vật nổi bật trong lĩnh vực CNTT. Ông nhận được chứng chỉ về Thiết kế phần mềm từ Hiệp hội Hợp tác Kỹ thuật Nước ngoài và Quan hệ Đối tác Bền vững, Nhật Bản (AOTS) vào năm 2007.
LONG VUONG - AGEST Vietnam - COO

Long Vuong is the COO of AGEST Vietnam (AGV). He has 30-year+ experience in the corporate world. Prior to joining AGV in 2010, he had been holding multiple leadership roles including General Manager cum Chief Accountant for a 500-staff Belgian diamond company for 15 years, and Director of Operations for a 100-staff publishing company for 2 years. Long has a great network in the IT community, associations, and academia in Vietnam.

Long occasionally participates in studies in management science at national and institution levels, teaches and speaks at universities and conferences on various topics of his expertise. He also makes writing and translating his hobby in free time. A few books he translated and published: Nudge (Richard Thaler’s 2017 Nobel Prize in Economics), Classic Drucker, The Future Leader (Top-10 leadership books 2023), Smart Trust, The Snowball, and 30+ other leadership/management books. Long was awarded an Excellence Prize (2016) in Tokyo by the Japan Foreign Trade Council for his writing on the role of Japanese companies in global trade. He is currently the President of the EMBA Alumni of UEH University.

Long holds an Executive MBA degree (valedictorian), a BA in finance & accounting, and a BA in English linguistics.

SATOSHI FURUI - AGEST Vietnam - Chairman

Satoshi Furui is the Chairman of AGEST Vietnam. With over 30 years of extensive experience in the computer software industry, he is skilled in company management, business development, go-to-market strategies, strategic partnerships, and team building in the areas of software test automation, QA, software development, CAE, and optimization. He has served as an executive director in Japan, USA, Belgium, UK and Korea and has also served as CEO of LogiGear Corporation since August 2023.

MIZUIDEI TAMAKI AGEST Vietnam - CEO
Mizuide Tamaki, CFA, received his Master of Engineering in Applied Physics from Tohoku University in March 1990.

He joined a major Japanese bank, and was engaged in development of financial engineering products, then became Chief Manager of Risk Management Department in Singapore and Compliance Department at HQs Tokyo.

After 28 years of banking life, he moved to a Japanese car seat manufacturer who wanted to set up a new factory in Asia, where he became the local General Director. After establishing a factory near Hanoi, he joined Digital Hearts Holdings for another opportunity and was transferred to Ho Chi Minh as ex-LogiGear Vietnam’s (now AGEST Vietnam) Japan Business Head.

In February 2023, he took LogiGear Vietnam GD role, now CEO and GD of AGEST Vietnam.

Khuong Ngo

General Manager/AGV-Saigon (Test)

Khuong Ngo is the General Manager of AGEST Vietnam (AGV)-HCM, in charge of Software Test Division and Test Center of Excellence.  His responsibility includes business development, resource capability development and testing service delivery management. Besides, he also leads the innovation and technology research activities for new software testing methodologies on a companywide scale.

Khuong joined AGV under its former name “LogiGear Vietnam” since 2005 as a Software Developer for TestArchitect™, the action-based automation software testing tool, in its very first version. Khuong is a well-proven Project Management Professional (PMP). Khuong spent some time in LogiGear Headquarters, CA, USA in 2015, where he got trained of management and leadership in software outsourcing business. Over 18 years functioning in various technical and management positions, Khuong is now a key member of the senior management team of AGV.

Khuong holds a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering by the Ho Chi Minh City University of Science.

Yen Nguyen

Financial Controller

Yen Nguyen is a core member of the senior management team of AGEST Viet Nam (AGV). She joined the company in 2010 when it was operating under the name of LogiGear Vietnam. Since then she has made her concrete career development with AGV through different roles and responsibilities: Accounting Clerk, Accountant, General Accountant, Chief Accountant, and Financial Controller at present. Besides, she oversees the corporate legal area of AGV in Vietnam.

In the role of a Financial Controller, Yen looks after all accounting/finance related activities, including cost accounting, managerial accounting, and budgeting. She assists the BOD and division heads with preparation and implementation of annual operating budgets, oversees the preparation of financial reports, monitors the internal and external compliance as well as conducting internal audits, due diligences, and spontaneous reports from time to time.

Yen holds a bachelor degree in accounting and a bachelor degree in Business English. She also earned a good number of professional certificates such as Certificate of Chief Accountant; Banking and Finance English; Marketing and Branding Management; and Public and Media Relations along her career journey.

Thanh Pham

General Manager/AGV-Hanoi

Thanh Pham is a General Manager of AGEST Vietnam (AGV), manages DX development center (Hanoi branch). He has 17 years of experience in the tech industry and is a seasoned professional.


Thanh Pham having worked for a Japanese company for two and a half years at the beginning of his professional career, he has been familiar with Japanese business culture and practices. Since then, he has gained experience, knowledge, skills, and climbed the ladder of his business career from BrSE to DM, and now GM.

Tam Pham

Director of Japan Business QA

Tam Pham is currently the Director of Japan Business QA of AGEST Vietnam (AGV). Tam joined AGV since 2011 when it was operated in Vietnam under the name of LogiGear Vietnam.

Tam has spent over 15 years in outsourcing software development, he plays multiple roles such as: Software Developer, Project Technical Leader, Test Leader, Project Manager, Delivery Manager, Engineering Manager, and Director. He worked a few years in Japan in 2007 and 2015. He also traveled to and got trained at LogiGear Headquarters, CA, USA for a while in 2016. This brought him a solid experience related to management and leadership in software outsourcing.

Tam enjoys great time as a R&D leader to research and develop automation testing product. For all of his career, Tam has been interested in software design, test automation and the state of the art of software craftsmanship. Tam has introduced his first line of code since 2001 and got engineer’s degree of Information Technology from Da Nang University of Science and Technology in 2006.

Thang Nguyen

General Manager, AGV Danang

Thang Nguyen is a seasoned professional with 17 years of dedicated service to AGEST Vietnam. Currently serving as the General Manager of AGEST Vietnam’s Danang branch, Thang’s expertise and leadership have played a pivotal role in the company’s success. With a background in Computer Science from the University of Madras in India, he has honed his skills and knowledge to excel in his career.

Thang’s journey within AGEST Vietnam has seen him take on diverse roles, culminating in his current position. Notably, he led the quality team for TestArchitect, a flagship product of AGEST Vietnam. His contributions to TestArchitect, a renowned automation tool acclaimed for its ability to automate a wide array of common AUT technologies, including Web, Desktop (.Net, Java, etc.), Web Services, Databases, and Images, have been instrumental in enhancing the product’s standing in the industry.

Thang Nguyen’s commitment, expertise, and leadership exemplify his invaluable contributions to AGEST Vietnam’s growth and success. As General Manager of AGV-Danang, his vision and dedication continue to drive the branch forward, setting new standards for excellence within the AGEST Vietnam.