Word of the Day: agile test automation pyramid

Word of the Day Daily updates on the latest technology terms |April 21, 2017

agile test automation pyramid The agile test automation pyramid is a graphical strategy guide for implementing automated software testing. The pyramid was introduced by Mike Cohn in his book, "Succeeding with Agile." The image below represents Cohn's version of the model. The model splits types of testing into three layers based on the return on investment (ROI) offered by automating that particular type. The components of each layer may vary from one organization to another, but the bottom layer (the largest part of the pyramid structure) typically features unit tests, which are small units of code that are individually and independently scrutinized for proper operation. Unit tests are quick to write and quick to run, and their automation will have a good return on investment.   The next-best return on investment is the middle layer of the triangle, at the application program interface (API) or service level. Acceptance tests move inputs to production code and then compare actual and expected results. They provide important feedback, but writing and maintaining them takes more time than unit tests, and they generally run more slowly. Graphical user interface (GUI) tests run more slowly than unit or API-level tests, and may require more frequent updating. In Cohn's model, automating graphical user interface (GUI) testing provides the least ROI. Quote of the Day "While some amount of evangelizing may be necessary to get started, scaling Agile depends more on ambassadorship and the ability to collaborate to ensure successful delivery of outcomes." - Mark Tonsetic   Trending Terms automated software testing agile software development unit testing quality assurance test-driven development   Learning Center Running Agile at scale: Three challenges CEB: Running Agile at scale will require CIOs to rethink how they cultivate product managers, seek funding and deliver business value. Use Agile software testing principles to plan your tests Two Agile software testing approaches -- testing quadrants and the test automation pyramid -- will put you on your way to creating a solid strategy to fully test your applications. What you need to know about software testing automation Software testing automation is in full swing. This guide covers testing best practices and the software testing tools needed to move toward automation. Devising a test automation strategy: Getting started CIOs, QA directors and project managers have heard about the benefits of test automation, yet often don't know where to begin. In this tip by Agile expert Lisa Crispin, you'll learn the important steps to move your organization forward with a well-planned automation strategy. Best practices for implementing a mobile test strategy Learn how a good mobile test strategy can enable faster iterations and time to market. A test automation framework can help implement business goals faster. Writing for Business According to Mike Cohn, Agile planning ___________ change by recognizing that it will occur. a. accommodates b. accomodates Answer       Stay In Touch For feedback about any of our definitions or to suggest a new definition, please contact me at: mrouse@techtarget.com   Visit the Word of the Day Archives and catch up on what you've missed!   FOLLOW US About This E-Newsletter This e-newsletter is published by the TechTarget network. To unsubscribe from Whatis.com, click here. Please note, this will not affect any other subscriptions you have signed up for. TechTarget, Whatis, 275 Grove Street, Newton, MA 02466. Contact: webmaster@techtarget.com Copyright 2016 TechTarget. All rights reserved.