How to manage software testing? – Agile and cascading methodologies

In the fast-paced world of software development, choosing the right test management methodology can determine the success or failure of the entire project. More and more organizations are facing a dilemma: is the structured, sequential approach characteristic of the cascading methodology or the flexible and adaptive agile methods better? In this comprehensive article, we analyze the specifics of both approaches, pointing out their strengths and limitations.

We present a comprehensive look at the organization of the test process, from planning to implementation to performance measurement. We pay special attention to the practical aspects of managing test teams and integrating testing with the manufacturing process. Whether you’re managing a large corporate project or running an agile startup, you’ll find concrete tips and proven solutions to help you optimize your organization’s testing process.

The fundamental difference between agile and cascade methodologies in the context of testing lies in the approach to the software development lifecycle itself. In the Cascade (Waterfall) methodology, testing is a separate, unified phase of the project that follows implementation. This resembles the traditional quality control process in industry – the product is first fully manufactured and then subjected to detailed inspection.

Agile methodologies introduce a radically different approach, treating testing as an integral part of each development iteration. We can compare it to the process of preparing a complex dish by an experienced chef, who tastes and adjusts the flavor at each stage of cooking, rather than waiting for the final result. Testers in an Agile environment work in parallel with developers, allowing them to detect and fix problems immediately.

This fundamental difference affects all aspects of the testing process – from planning to execution to reporting of results. In Waterfall, we deal with precisely planned, detailed test plans, while in Agile, the test process is more flexible and adaptive, adjusting to changing project requirements.

What are the key tenets of testing in the Agile methodology?

Testing in agile methodologies is based on the fundamental principle of “built-in quality,” where responsibility for product quality rests with the entire team, not just the testers. This approach can be compared to a symphony orchestra, where each musician is responsible not only for his or her part, but also for harmonizing with the rest of the ensemble.

The first key idea is the concept of “testing from day one.” This means that testing activities begin concurrently with development work, and even at the planning and requirements analysis stage. Testers participate in the process of defining user stories, helping to define acceptance criteria and identifying potential risks.

Another fundamental element is test automation. In agile methodologies, automation is not an optional extra, but an essential tool to enable rapid iterations and frequent deployments. Automated tests act as a safety net, allowing the team to make changes without worrying about unintended side effects.

In which projects does the cascade approach to testing work best?

The cascade methodology, despite its apparent rigidity, remains the optimal choice for certain types of projects. It works particularly well in environments where safety and reliability are an absolute priority and the manufacturing process is subject to strict regulatory or industry regulations.

An example is systems used in the medical field, where every software change must go through a rigorous validation process. In such cases, the detailed test documentation and formal verification processes inherent in the Waterfall approach are not a bureaucratic burden, but an essential part of ensuring patient safety.

Similarly, critical infrastructure projects, such as air traffic control systems or power grid management, may prefer a cascading methodology because of the need for detailed validation of each change before implementation. In these contexts, the cost of potential error is so high that in-depth testing in a dedicated project phase becomes a necessity.

How to organize a team of testers in an agile methodology?

Organizing a test team in an Agile environment requires a complete reevaluation of the traditional approach to roles and responsibilities. Instead of a separate quality assurance department, testers become an integral part of cross-functional scrum teams. This transition can be compared to the transformation of a traditional hierarchical organization into a flexible network structure.

A key element is the development of multidimensional competencies within the team. A modern tester in an Agile environment must combine technical skills, such as test automation or programming basics, with soft competencies – the ability to communicate effectively, think critically and adapt to change. This is especially important when the tester participates in the daily scrum ceremonies and must interact effectively with various stakeholders.

Another important aspect is the change in the way testers’ performance is evaluated. In agile methodology, traditional metrics such as the number of tests performed or defects found are giving way to metrics focused on business value and the quality of the delivered product. The test team is evaluated through the lens of its contribution to sprint goals and end-user satisfaction.

What does the test planning process look like in the Waterfall methodology?

Test planning in the cascade model is a precise and systematic process, akin to planning a complex military operation. It begins with the creation of a master test plan (Master Test Plan), which defines the overall testing strategy and provides a kind of roadmap for all subsequent testing activities.

The process is characterized by a high level of detail and formality. Each test case is described in detail, including not only the execution steps, but also precise acceptance criteria, test data requirements and expected results. This is similar to creating detailed technical documentation for a complex industrial device.

A particularly important element is the identification and analysis of test risks. The team must anticipate potential problems and prepare strategies for their mitigation even before the actual test work begins. A variety of analytical techniques, from fault tree analysis to risk maps, are used for this purpose, allowing for optimal distribution of available test resources.

Why is test documentation different between Agile and Waterfall?

The differences in the approach to test documentation between the Agile and Waterfall methodologies reflect fundamental differences in project management philosophy. In the Cascade methodology, documentation serves as the main vehicle for information and the basis for decision-making. It resembles a classic academic textbook, where every detail is carefully described and explained.

Agile methodologies introduce the concept of “documentation on demand,” where the amount and detail of documentation is tailored to the actual needs of the team and the project. Instead of extensive test specifications, Agile teams focus on creating “living documentation” in the form of automated tests and short but succinct descriptions of acceptance criteria.

This difference is particularly evident in the way test results are documented. In Waterfall, extensive test reports are produced, with detailed statistics and analysis. In Agile, by contrast, short but frequent status updates are preferred, often in visual form, such as burndown charts or Kanban boards.

How to manage test cases in agile methodology?

Managing test cases in Agile is akin to running a living organism that is constantly evolving and adapting to a changing environment. Unlike the static documents characteristic of the Waterfall methodology, test cases in an Agile environment are dynamic elements that evolve with the product.

A key aspect is the use of the Behavior Driven Development (BDD) approach, which allows tests to be described in a language that both the business and the technical team can understand. Instead of traditional technical test specifications, the team creates scenarios in Gherkin format, using Given-When-Then keywords. This is similar to story writing, where each scenario describes a specific behavior of the system from the user’s perspective.

Prioritization of test cases is also an important element. In agile methodology, we do not aim to test everything at all costs. Instead, we focus on the tests that deliver the most business value at any given time. This is similar to an investment strategy, where resources are directed to where they can deliver the best return on investment.

How to conduct exploratory testing in an Agile environment?

Exploratory testing in agile methodology can be compared to detective work, which combines intuition with a methodical approach to solving puzzles. This type of testing requires a special combination of creativity and systematicity, where the tester simultaneously discovers, designs and executes tests.

The effective conduct of exploratory testing is based on the concept of test sessions. Each session has a clearly defined goal and scope, but how to achieve it is left to the experience and intuition of the tester. This is similar to jazz, where a musician improvises within a specific harmonic structure. The tester must skillfully balance the freedom of exploration with the need for systematic coverage of the area being tested.

A key element is the proper documentation of the results of exploratory testing. Unlike the traditional approach, where each step is described in detail before the test is executed, in exploratory testing the documentation is created during the session. The tester records his observations, problems found and ideas for further testing, creating a valuable knowledge base for the team.

How to effectively integrate testing into the software development process?

Integrating testing into the software development process requires an approach similar to weaving threads into the fabric – each element must be precisely positioned and connected to the others. In modern software development, the line between development and testing is becoming increasingly fluid.

The foundation for successful integration is the implementation of Shift-Left Testing practices, where testing activities begin as early as possible in the development cycle. This means that testers are involved as early as the planning and design stages, bringing a qualitative perspective to technical decisions. This is similar to the building design process, where the architect consults with structural engineers from the beginning.

Another key element is test automation integrated into the CI/CD pipeline. Automated tests should be treated like production code, thus subject to quality standards and review processes. This requires close collaboration between developers and testers, who are jointly responsible for the maintenance and development of the automated test suite.

What tools support test management in different methodologies?

Selecting the right test management tools is akin to assembling a set of instruments for an orchestra – each tool has its own characteristics and works best under certain conditions. In the agile methodology, tools that support automation and continuous integration are crucial, while in the cascading approach the focus is on comprehensive management of the entire test cycle.

For the Agile methodology, tools that support test automation frameworks, such as Selenium WebDriver or Cypress for UI testing, and JUnit or TestNG for unit testing, are particularly important. These tools must be tightly integrated with CI/CD systems such as Jenkins or GitLab CI, creating a cohesive ecosystem that supports rapid iterations and frequent deployments.

In the context of the Waterfall methodology, powerful test lifecycle management systems (Test Management Tools) such as HP ALM or TestRail work well. These platforms offer comprehensive capabilities for planning tests, tracking their execution and generating detailed reports, which is crucial in a formal testing process.

How to measure the effectiveness of the testing process in an agile methodology?

Measuring the effectiveness of the testing process in an Agile environment is akin to running diagnostics on a modern car – it’s not enough to look at a single indicator, we need a holistic approach that takes into account multiple parameters simultaneously. Traditional metrics, such as the number of tests performed or defects detected, are losing importance in favor of business value-oriented indicators.

A key element is monitoring the so-called “lead time for defects” – that is, the time from the detection of a defect to its correction and the implementation of the fix into production. This indicator directly reflects the team’s ability to respond quickly to quality problems. It is worth analyzing it in the context of different types of defects, which allows you to identify areas that require special attention or process improvement.

Metrics related to test automation also play an important role. In addition to traditional code coverage with tests, teams should monitor the stability of automated tests and their execution time. Unstable tests or excessive execution time in the CI/CD pipeline can significantly impact the efficiency of the overall manufacturing process. It’s also worth tracking the ratio between time spent maintaining existing tests and creating new ones, which helps in assessing technological debt in the testing area.

How to ensure high quality testing in the cascade model?

Ensuring high quality testing in the Waterfall methodology requires an approach similar to building a precision watch mechanism – each component must be carefully planned and executed, and the whole thing must work like a well-oiled machine. The process begins with rigorous test planning and design, where detailed requirements analysis and identification of all possible test scenarios play a key role.

Of fundamental importance is the process of verification and validation of the tests themselves. Each test case should go through a multi-stage review process, involving a variety of specialists – from domain experts to system architects. This is similar to the peer review process in scientific publications, where every aspect is carefully analyzed and verified.

Managing test environments is also an important element. In the cascade methodology, special attention is paid to the stability and repeatability of test conditions. This requires a rigorous approach to environment configuration, test data management and version control. Every change to the test environment must be precisely documented and validated to ensure the reliability of test results.

How to manage changes in test plans during an Agile project?

Managing changes to test plans in an agile methodology can be likened to navigating a sailboat – you have to constantly adapt to changing conditions while staying on course for the set goal. The key element is to balance flexibility with maintaining an appropriate level of control over the test process.

In practice, change management is based on regular reviews and updates of the test strategy during the backlog refinement ceremony. The team must be prepared to quickly adapt test plans to new business priorities or technical changes. This is an ongoing process, requiring close collaboration between testers, developers and the Product Owner.

It is particularly important to maintain an appropriate balance between automated and manual tests. Changes in requirements often necessitate updating or even rebuilding the set of automated tests. The team must skillfully assess which tests are worth automating in the context of frequent changes, and which are better left in manual form.

What are the most common challenges in managing testing in the Waterfall methodology?

The cascading methodology, despite its structured nature, poses a number of specific challenges for test teams. One of the biggest is the “late testing” effect, where problems discovered during the testing phase can require significant changes to already completed code. This is similar to the situation where design flaws in a building are not discovered until after construction is complete.

Another major challenge is managing dependencies between system modules. In large cascading projects, where integration of components occurs relatively late in the development cycle, integration problems can lead to cascading delays and budget overruns. This requires particularly careful planning of integration and system tests.

Keeping test documentation up to date is also a significant challenge. Every change in requirements requires updating the entire pyramid of test documentation – from the master test plan to test case specifications to execution scenarios. This is a time-consuming and error-prone process, requiring rigorous version control and change management.

How to effectively report the progress of tests in different methodologies?

Effective reporting of test progress requires the ability to communicate complex technical information in a way that can be understood by different audiences. In agile methodologies, reporting is similar to conducting live coverage – information is provided frequently, in real time, with a focus on key events and trends. During daily team meetings, testers present not only the status of completed tests, but also identify potential risks and blockers that could affect the achievement of sprint goals.

Reporting is completely different in the cascade methodology, where the process can be compared to creating a detailed scientific report. The reports are extensive and detailed, including accurate test coverage statistics, analysis of detected defects and information on progress against the approved test plan. Any deviation from the plan must be thoroughly documented and justified.

Regardless of the methodology, it is crucial to tailor the form and content of reports to the needs of different audiences. Project management needs a high-level overview of risks and progress, while the technical team requires detailed information about defects found and technical problems. Effective reporting also requires the ability to visualize data – defect trend charts or test coverage maps can convey more information than pages of text.

How does test automation support different methodological approaches?

Test automation in modern software development plays a role similar to that of a flight control system in an airplane – it provides continuous monitoring and verification of key system parameters. In agile methodologies, automation is the foundation of quality assurance, enabling rapid iterations and frequent deployments. The team creates and maintains a set of automated tests that are executed every time a change is made to the code, providing immediate feedback on potential problems.

It is particularly important to build a proper automation strategy that determines which tests should be automated and which should remain manual. It is worth following the ROI (Return on Investment) principle – automation should focus on tests that are frequently performed, business-critical or difficult to perform manually. In practice, this usually means automating regression tests, smoke tests and key business paths.

In the cascade methodology, automation is often focused on supporting extensive regression and performance testing. Automated tests are typically created after the implementation is complete, but before the formal testing phase begins. Special attention is paid to the stability and repeatability of automated tests, which is crucial in the context of the formal testing process.

How to organize collaboration between the development team and testers?

Effective collaboration between developers and testers resembles a well-coordinated chamber orchestra, where each musician not only knows his or her part perfectly, but also listens and responds to the playing of the other members of the ensemble. In agile methodology, this collaboration is particularly close – testers and developers work side by side, often using practices such as pair programming or joint test design sessions.

The foundation of good collaboration is mutual understanding and respect for the competencies of each party. Programmers should understand the value that testers bring through their specific perspective and ability to identify potential problems. In turn, testers need to understand the technical limitations and challenges faced by programmers. This mutual awareness allows for more effective communication and joint problem solving.

In practice, collaboration should include regular review meetings, where developers and testers review code and test cases together. Especially valuable are sessions where the team jointly designs automated tests or analyzes complex test scenarios. Such meetings not only improve test quality, but also help build a common understanding of requirements and quality expectations.

What criteria to use when selecting a test management methodology?

Choosing the right test management methodology is similar to the process of selecting an investment strategy – we need to consider many factors and find the solution that best fits our needs and capabilities. The first and most important criterion is the nature of the project itself. Critical systems, where errors can lead to serious financial consequences or security risks, tend to fare better in the more rigorous environment of a cascading methodology.

The second key aspect is the maturity of the organization and team in terms of software development practices. The transition to Agile methodologies requires not only a change in processes, but often a complete transformation of the organizational culture. Teams accustomed to the traditional hierarchical work model may need time and support in adapting to the more flexible Agile approach. In such cases, it is worth considering a gradual transition, starting with a hybrid model that combines elements of both methodologies.

Stability of business requirements is the third important criterion. Projects where requirements are clearly defined at the outset and unlikely to change significantly during implementation can benefit from the structured structure of the cascade methodology. In contrast, in environments where requirements evolve with product development and feedback from users, an agile methodology will provide the necessary flexibility and adaptability.

How to move from a cascading model to agile test management?

The transformation from cascading to agile methodologies resembles the process of transforming a traditional factory into a modern, flexible production facility. It requires not only changes in processes and tools, but more importantly in mindset and quality thinking. A key first step is educating the team – all members, not just testers, need to understand the core principles and values of Agile and their practical implications for the testing process.

An important part of the transformation is the reorganization of the test team structure. Instead of a centralized QA department, testers should be integrated into scrum teams. This process requires special attention and support from management, as it may involve natural concerns and resistance from employees. It is worth starting with a pilot team that will serve as an example and a source of experience for the rest of the organization.

Another key aspect is changing the approach to test documentation. The transition from voluminous test plans to more concise and dynamic forms of documentation must be done gradually, with the necessary information to ensure compliance with regulatory and audit requirements. The team should develop new documentation templates and standards that balance the need for flexibility with formal requirements.

How to ensure continuous improvement in the testing process?

Continuous improvement of the testing process can be compared to the work of a gardener who is constantly concerned with the development and condition of his garden. This requires systematic observation, analysis and improvement. The foundation of this process is regular retrospectives, during which the team openly discusses successes and failures, identifying areas for improvement.

A key element is the collection and analysis of relevant metrics. However, numbers alone are not enough – it is important to understand the context and trends. For example, a decrease in the number of defects detected can mean both improved code quality and insufficient test coverage. Therefore, each metric should be analyzed in a broader context, taking into account other metrics and quality information.

Investing in the development of team competencies is another important aspect of continuous improvement. This includes not only technical training, but also the development of soft skills, such as communication or problem solving. It is worth creating opportunities for knowledge sharing within the organization through internal workshops, presentations or mentoring programs.