An Overview of Quality Shift-Left:
This guide offers a comprehensive exploration of the “quality shift-left” principle and distinguishes it from the concept of testing shift-left.
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“Shift-left in Testing” is a term we often come across. While a number of us comprehend the term, here’s a simplified explanation for those who might be unaware.
Contents of This Guide:
Testing Shift-Left
Shift-left is a tactic in software or system testing where testing is executed earlier in the development cycle. Agile teams are strongly advised to practice shift-left testing to identify defects as soon as possible and deliver the software promptly to the users.
Suggested Reading=> Approaching Shift-left Testing
Despite the adoption of shift-left testing by many organizations, we still come across numerous defects that manage to bypass our procedures. Why does this occur?
Quality Shift-Left is pivotal in this scenario.
Quality Shift-Left
In my view, most of us comprehend the basic disparity between Testing and Quality. Testing revolves around finding software functionality defects, whereas Quality is about ensuring the end-product fulfills user requirements, or is “fit for purpose.”
Consider the following example:
As shown above, a screwdriver can be used to hammer a nail, but isn’t there a reason why a hammer is still required? Could a small stone or a screwdriver be used to drive in a nail? But would that fulfill the user’s requirements? This is the point where quality matters.
According to a recent study, 56% of defects lie in requirements and 27% are related to design. Hence, 85% of defects are associated with requirements and design.
Despite having top-notch tools and test strategies in place, why do we still face many bugs?
I perceive “testing shift-left” as the deployment of tools, methodologies, and strategies to speed up and enhance processes. However, “quality shift-left” calls for the application of common sense, it seems overwhelming, but it’s true!
This concept may not be new; it has been around for a while as requirements examination. Yet, how many of us apply it in our current environment? And has quality been brushed to the side in today’s fast-paced world of agile and automation? I hold the opinion that it has.
So, how to define “Quality Shift-Left” in layman’s terms?
“Quality Shift-Left” emphasizes ensuring requirements are in line with the “fit for purpose” concept during their evaluation and definition stage.
Validation of Requirements
The following are a few examples sourced from the internet:
The classifications above signify the process of requirements verification, whose objective is to affirm the thoroughness and accuracy of the requirements.
Non-functional requirements relating to performance, security, and load are often overlooked.
For instance, a requirement that states a web page should appear when the user presses the register button may seem appropriate from a functionality perspective. However, shouldn’t there be a performance factor included as well? The requirement should precisely lay down the anticipated page loading time.
Now that we understand what makes a good requirement, let me pose another question: Why is it so hard to accurately state requirements?
How often have your organization members approved requirements simply because there was no adequate time to scrutinize them thoroughly?
ISO prescribes a standard for software quality requirements. However, testing requirements often get sidelined, leading to mistakes and a major drop in product quality. A change is required in this regard.
How often do we truly adhere to the “Definition of Ready” while laying down requirements?
I deliberately use the term “truly” here because sincerity is what we need. It marks the start of everything. Accurate requirements lead to time-saving in solution design and testing. Ultimately, this results in a significant decrease in both external and internal failure incidents.
Another issue I’ve noticed is that during the review of requirements, we tend to disregard dependencies on other modules or groups. This results in unwarranted redoing and wastage.
Process of Requirements Engineering
A requirements engineering process should be established when stories are being inputted in the backlog prior to refining or sprint planning stage.
Below are the stages included in the requirements engineering process:
Step #1 – Extracting Requirements
Engage with customers to gain an understanding of the domain related to the application and the solutions it should provide. Include stakeholders who are the end-users of the product, not just those who finance it.
Step #2 – Analyzing Requirements
Organize the requirements into functional and non-functional groups, establish clear priorities, and document them meticulously.
Step #3 – Validating Requirements
Systematically validate the requirements based on the aforementioned checklist. Obtain agreement regarding the requirements’ scope from all stakeholders.
Step #4 – Managing Requirements
This stage involves the administration of requirements to prevent scope creep. Evaluate how often requirements alter and why. Determine if the changes are too overwhelming for the team to adapt to.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Quality Shift-Left” is as critical as “Testing Shift-Left.”
It’s essential to understand that the time devoted to validating requirements substantially reduces the frequency of defects later. Integrating “Quality Shift-Left” with testing methodologies results in superior products and elevated customer satisfaction.
About the author: This article was authored by Aditya S., a Senior QA Manager at S&P, who has more than a decade’s experience in Testing and Management.
We hope this guide improved your knowledge about Quality Shift-Left. If you feel that we omitted any crucial information pertaining to Quality Shift-Left, kindly share your input in the comment section below!