Uncover the synergy between Agile and QA! Discover how iterative development improves testing efficiency, promotes collaboration, and ensures timely feedback.
In Agile, software development is divided into short steps called sprints. Each sprint involves planning, articulating goals, and a consistent focus on quality assurance (QA). Since quality is a priority in Agile, quality control plays an important role. That's not to say it's not essential to all approaches to software development — it certainly is.
However, the role of the QA specialist and the process itself look a little different when it comes to Agile.
#1: The QA Process Happens Earlier Than Normal
Because quality control is present throughout the entire software development process, it becomes part of the project much earlier than usual. This allows everyone to detect defects, anticipate later problems, and ultimately see the bigger picture and how quality-related concerns will contribute to it. In fact, QA experts will be involved in each sprint so that every aspect of the project is thoroughly scrutinized.
QA experts will also be able to detect bugs early, preventing them from causing problems when it is too late to resolve them, without affecting the project timeline and end result.
#2 Requires anticipation
QA experts adhere to a white-box testing model, in which experts understand the internal structure and functioning of the product, as opposed to black-box testing, in which the tester knows nothing about the internal system. This mindset allows the tester to create test cases based on their knowledge and expectations of how the software will behave.
White box testing also allows QA experts to start the process earlier because they can anticipate what will happen.
#3 Involves everyone
Some people believe that QA experts are not necessary for Agile because quality is too ingrained in the overall software development life cycle (SDLC). While it's certainly true that quality control is everyone's responsibility, testers are actually even more essential to the process in Agile. Ultimately, they still have the responsibility to ensure maximum product quality, although they work closely with software developers and other team members to get there.
A big difference between Agile and other software delivery methodologies is that, in this mindset, teams are considered the same thing – everyone works towards the same goal: delivering high-quality software that meets user needs. QA specialists have requirements in mind and help developers meet them, while developers have quality in mind and work together with testers to create a solid product.
This involves teamwork and broad collaboration, a hallmark of the entire SDLC. Everyone has their own area of specialization, but at the end of the day there is a common goal – and everyone has a role in achieving it.
#4 It’s an ongoing process
The quality control process never ends in Agile. Testing is part of every sprint through the SDLC. QA specialists will perform a variety of tests covering functional and performance aspects throughout development. By starting the process early, it allows the software team to identify potential issues before they escalate and irreparably affect the product. This also allows QA testers and software developers to make the best use of their time.
Because each sprint includes the addition of new features, testing always evaluates how the added component affected the product. On the other hand, waiting until the end of testing can prevent testers from pinpointing exactly what caused the problem.
#5: Automation plays a bigger role
QA testing is a big part of the SDLC in Agile and can be very time consuming. Automation allows you to expand testing capacity beyond human experts, saving time and allowing QA testers to focus their attention on measuring aspects of the product that cannot be evaluated by a machine, such as user experience.
#6 Ultimately, it’s all about the user
Throughout the SDLC (and especially when it comes to QA), the user will be on the entire team's mind. Developers and testers will adjust the process to meet this goal. This will ensure they meet customer and consumer expectations – improving overall quality, saving time and ultimately creating a superior product.
The final letter
Agile and the quality control process involve collaboration and employing a user-centered approach. These are just some of the benefits of the methodology and mindset — that's why so many software development teams use it. Quality, of course, is at the center of everything. The quality control process is essential for any software development that adopts Agile.
